I'm interested in what you're kind of leaning toward out of those, because despite me being new to all of this, you are kind of in the same boat as me looking for a new rig. Looking for something that can DD but also do some mild offroading as well as a lot of camping. I really like the idea of a 4Runner because there is no 'Tacoma Tax', and based on the answers I've got, reliability and capability between the 4Runners and Tacomas are similar. But I do like the bed space with the Tacomas, so I'm still unsure.
New to 4x4
- Thread starter JDOUCAW
- Start date
I'm interested in what you're kind of leaning toward out of those, because despite me being new to all of this, you are kind of in the same boat as me looking for a new rig. Looking for something that can DD but also do some mild offroading as well as a lot of camping. I really like the idea of a 4Runner because there is no 'Tacoma Tax', and based on the answers I've got, reliability and capability between the 4Runners and Tacomas are similar. But I do like the bed space with the Tacomas, so I'm still unsure.
Houndoc
Registered User
- Location
- Grantsville
My thoughts are muddled:
Looking on KSL today, have a few main thoughts (anyone else wants to chime in on these feel free!)
1) 4Runner 04-05s, running $12-14k for V8 (V6 requires premium I noticed) with typically 110-135K miles. Biggest negative I see is need to turn around and spend $2,000 give or take on lift and tires to do much beyond moderate dirt roads (departure angle looks like a killer).
2) Tacomas. Run $2-3k more than a 4Runner. For moderate off road would avoid need for lift I would think, but would be an issue for harder stuff. V6 premium issue. If you can get buy with extended cab instead of crew cab (I can't) opens more options.
3) GX470. Bit more expensive than 4Runner, needs lift even more.
4) H3. Seems most 'off road ready' out of the box, especially if find model with locker. I know not likely to have reliability of a Toyota but I have been very happy with my last three GM products (04 duramax, sold it with 350K, 08 Duramax with 190K that is my wife's DD and 02 1500 extended cab with 240K that is my DD). Most are 06s I am finding, with about 120-140K miles, ranging $12-14K.
5) Jeeps: 2006 LJ (2 door Unlimited): Couple around, $14-16K. One as low as 71k miles, others 110-140k miles. If lifted and Rubicon (factory lockers) very capable, main down side is 2 door, only seats four, most no roof-rack.
4-Door Unlimited 2007-08s, either Wrangler X or Sahara, 110K miles or so, $16-18K. More expensive and would want some lift and tire upgrades along lines of 4Runner.
6) Full Size pick-up. Not what I am after this time around (have 2 already) but love the room. The Chevy extended cab is surprising comfortable in back (my 6' son is fine) and pretty capable. Z71 models have limited slip. Add small lift if needed and good to go. MPG not much different from the others. My commute is mostly freeway (80 miles/day) and I average 16-17.
My thoughts are currently torn between H3 and LJ.
Looking on KSL today, have a few main thoughts (anyone else wants to chime in on these feel free!)
1) 4Runner 04-05s, running $12-14k for V8 (V6 requires premium I noticed) with typically 110-135K miles. Biggest negative I see is need to turn around and spend $2,000 give or take on lift and tires to do much beyond moderate dirt roads (departure angle looks like a killer).
2) Tacomas. Run $2-3k more than a 4Runner. For moderate off road would avoid need for lift I would think, but would be an issue for harder stuff. V6 premium issue. If you can get buy with extended cab instead of crew cab (I can't) opens more options.
3) GX470. Bit more expensive than 4Runner, needs lift even more.
4) H3. Seems most 'off road ready' out of the box, especially if find model with locker. I know not likely to have reliability of a Toyota but I have been very happy with my last three GM products (04 duramax, sold it with 350K, 08 Duramax with 190K that is my wife's DD and 02 1500 extended cab with 240K that is my DD). Most are 06s I am finding, with about 120-140K miles, ranging $12-14K.
5) Jeeps: 2006 LJ (2 door Unlimited): Couple around, $14-16K. One as low as 71k miles, others 110-140k miles. If lifted and Rubicon (factory lockers) very capable, main down side is 2 door, only seats four, most no roof-rack.
4-Door Unlimited 2007-08s, either Wrangler X or Sahara, 110K miles or so, $16-18K. More expensive and would want some lift and tire upgrades along lines of 4Runner.
6) Full Size pick-up. Not what I am after this time around (have 2 already) but love the room. The Chevy extended cab is surprising comfortable in back (my 6' son is fine) and pretty capable. Z71 models have limited slip. Add small lift if needed and good to go. MPG not much different from the others. My commute is mostly freeway (80 miles/day) and I average 16-17.
My thoughts are currently torn between H3 and LJ.
Tonkaman
Well-Known Member
- Location
- West Jordan
Don't forget other midsize pickup trucks. Jeeper on here bought a Chevy Colorado and it wheels pretty darn good for a stock rig. Not to mention 1/2 the price of your budget
THSDragoon
I have a new Trooper :D
- Location
- Orem Utah
I drive an Isuzu Trooper for all my wheeling and daily activities and love it. Sure the fuel economy sucks (especially now that my clutch is starting to slip), but it's a great car! With my first trooper I had a few years back, I ran forest lake with relatively few problems (I believe that one had an open diff as well, and the only problem was clearance at one point, but with some gas I got over much to my wife's (then girlfriend) chagrin). I've also run the rattle snakes trail out at 5 mile pass a few years back with no issues (I also had a great ground spotter). And the only thing that was done to it was a swap to manual locking hubs in the front (as the stock auto locking hubs broke while my dad was wheeling it at soap stone basin while I was on my mission). As for utility, when the seats are folded forward, you have TONS of space inside for whatever you need to do (though I've yet to fit an engine inside because my wife will have none of that talk). But I've got about 100 pizzas in the back of my first one when I was with papa johns. So while it may be a "niche" vehicle, it is a solid choice.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
glockman
I hate Jeep trucks
- Location
- Pleasant Grove
I was an anti Toyota guy my whole life. I just couldn't see how people paid so much for high mileage used vehicles. In the last few years I have had some family members buys Toyotas that I have repaired and modified for them. Then I go a great deal on a 97 4runner this spring. I am a fan boy now. I also have a pretty well built Lj. I love my 4runner. It does every thing better than my Lj until you get into some serious wheeling which let's be honest is less than 10 percent of what 90 percent of us do. That said, the Lj is way cooler in my opinion. It looks better, is more fun with the top and doors off and it is bad ass on a difficult trail. So if I were going for cool, the Jeep wins. If I'm being a practical adult, the 4runner is hands down the best. I'm lucky enough to have a wife with a short commute and who loves jeeps so the Lj is her DD and the runner is mine. Best of both worlds.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
LT.
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Los Alamos, New Mexico
I may have missed it but, I would highly recommend a square body chevy blazer or GMC Jimmy. They can be had around 5k or less, come with v8, full width axles, room for you and 4 others. Top comes off and there are plenty aftermarket companies for them. They are kinda like my beater.
LT.
LT.