Tacoma or 4Runner. Or??

[Houndoc]

I won't know until next week, but fear I may have to be in the market for another vehicle (suspect blown head gasket on the Montero Sport.) Pondering what to do.

Have a couple of thoughts at this point.

1) buy a cheap SUV for my high school-age kids to drive (they are the current users of Monty). 4Runner or Land Cruiser which could then double as my off-roader when time allows (far too seldom.) Price range roughly $3k or under.

2) Upgrade my daily-driver and hand down my 2002 Silverado to them. If go this route, price range will probably be $10-15k.

I like the idea of #2, mostly since my truck already has over 240,000 miles on it, so don't really know for how much longer it will be up to my 85 mile days.

But if so, can't decide what to pursue:

4Runner vs Tacoma Double Cab. With either would really want the real e-locker.

Advantage to the Taco is would be more versatile as a capable hunting rig, as well as other off-road use. Down sides are I am assuming slightly less capable off-road because of break-over and departure angles. I also already have two trucks (the above mentioned 1500 and a 2008 GMC 2500 Duramax). Do I really need a third?

4Runner plus is mostly having a non-truck in the line-up.

Part of me also screams "find an LJ".

Let's debate it!

Also would appreciate tips on what to look for/be aware of when shopping for any of the above.

 

[TRD270]

What gen 4runner/Taco are you looking at?

 

[Marsh99]

I have owned a 1999 extended cab tacoma, 2004 double cab tacoma, and 2003 V8 4runner limited.

I really think 2003-2009 V8 4runners are completely underrated in the toyota world. I think you should drive one if you haven't and feel the power. They are totally in your 10-15k budget too.

 

[Greg]

What's going to happen with the Montero Sport, if I can ask? I don't know if we talked about it when you were down here, but my wife had a white 2WD Montero Sport when we got married and the LOVED it. She still gives me crap for making her sell it!

 

[Gravy]

You should buy my in laws cheapo Bravada for the kids. Sell the truck buy an LJ for yourself. Win Win Win.

 

[Kevin B.]

I won't know until next week, but fear I may have to be in the market for another vehicle (suspect blown head gasket on the Montero Sport.) Pondering what to do.

Have a couple of thoughts at this point.

1) buy a cheap SUV for my high school-age kids to drive (they are the current users of Monty). 4Runner or Land Cruiser which could then double as my off-roader when time allows (far too seldom.) Price range roughly $3k or under.

2) Upgrade my daily-driver and hand down my 2002 Silverado to them. If go this route, price range will probably be $10-15k.

I like the idea of #2, mostly since my truck already has over 240,000 miles on it, so don't really know for how much longer it will be up to my 85 mile days.

But if so, can't decide what to pursue:

4Runner vs Tacoma Double Cab. With either would really want the real e-locker.

Advantage to the Taco is would be more versatile as a capable hunting rig, as well as other off-road use. Down sides are I am assuming slightly less capable off-road because of break-over and departure angles. I also already have two trucks (the above mentioned 1500 and a 2008 GMC 2500 Duramax). Do I really need a third?

4Runner plus is mostly having a non-truck in the line-up.

Part of me also screams "find an LJ".

Let's debate it!

Also would appreciate tips on what to look for/be aware of when shopping for any of the above.

I'm assuming we're talking 1st gen Tacoma/3rd gen 4Runner here, late '90s early '00s? A DC Taco is going to cost a lot more than the same year 4Runner, the Tacoma Tax. Either is going to cost more than other SUVs and light pickups of the same era, the Toyota Tax. Personally I think they're worth it, other's M may V. I don't think you can get Multimode (a lockable center diff) in the Tacoma, but it's an option in the 4Runner you may want to think about if kids are driving it in the winter?

Taking our mostly-stock rigs on Top Of The World a couple months ago was enlightening - we probably shouldn't have been on that trail with those trucks in the first place. We both struggled, but Josh in his DC Taco had to take a little more creative lines than I did in the 4Runner because of that aforementioned length and wheelbase (his little baby tires didn't help much). On the flip side, once we got to camp his advantage in cargo capacity was plain, just his bed is the same size as the rear of my 4Runner with the seats folded down. So yeah - 4Runner slightly less versatile, Tacoma ever-so-slightly less capable, either weakness could be addressed easily enough (lift and tires, or roof rack/hitch cage, depending). If you decide to look at Toyotas of that era, look for frame rust on either (the Tacoma got a frame rust recall, the 4Runner didn't), both have a lower ball joint recall, and if you're looking at automatics both are susceptible to the pink milkshake, seems like around 150-180k is when that starts to hit so if you see one with a fresh headgasket be sure to dig a little deeper.

If you decide to do the SUV instead of the pickup, Brandon has a good suggestion with the 4th gen and it's V8. That's a good motor, but you'd have to find a super-rare Trail Edition or add a rear locker yourself because it wasn't an option for most of the 4th gen lineup. With a budget of 10-15k, you could find a 4th gen in your range without looking too hard.

Stratton ain't wrong either - cheap SUV for the kids leaves more money for you and your new daily driver. A nice JKU or Landcruiser would look good in your driveway, no?

 

[Bart]

I like the LJ idea but you're not going to find one in that price range. Good luck.

 

[Marsh99]

If you decide to do the SUV instead of the pickup, Brandon has a good suggestion with the 4th gen and it's V8. That's a good motor, but you'd have to find a super-rare Trail Edition or add a rear locker yourself because it wasn't an option for most of the 4th gen lineup. With a budget of 10-15k, you could find a 4th gen in your range without looking too hard.

Stratton ain't wrong either - cheap SUV for the kids leaves more money for you and your new daily driver. A nice JKU or Landcruiser would look good in your driveway, no?

The trail edition with a locker is only in 2009 in the 4th gen 4runner, but in all the years of 2003-2009 you can get a killer atrac system, down hill assist, all wheel drive with a center lock tcase. If a locker is what you want it is still cheaper to buy a 4runner and then add ARB locker then buy a tacoma with a elocker.

 

[AddictedOffroad]

IMO, the 03-09 V8 4runner will eventually be the most sought after 4runner ever made. Even more so than the 85. Especially the elusive 3rd row seat one.

The 2UZ motor in those year will easily do 400K with just general maintenance. I own a 01' Sequoia with 225k, and a 98 LX470 with 280K and would drive either one anywhere in the country right now.

 

[TRD270]

I have a first gen Taco DC, I've had a second gen taco and a 3rd gen 4runner. I love my current truck, as Kevin mentioned it is a bit long and it has the turning radius of a cruise ship. But I was so impressed how well it did in stock form down in Moab. I didn't have my 2nd gen Taco for very long as I didn't care for it. It was loud, under powered and felt like the build quality wasn't the same. I loved my 3rd gen 4runner, I wish I hadn't sold a few years ago.... I've been trying to reacquire it for the last couple. That being said I would still take my Tacoma over it, with just the wife and the dog it was packed full with camping gear, and sometimes needed to strap stuff to the roof. I love the room in the Taco, and for what I'm using it for don't mind the extra wheel base. My sister recently purchased a 4th gen 4runner V8 and I have to say that is a sweet ride, with a great motor. I wouldn't personally spring for the 4.0 in the 4runner, its under powered with not much better mileage. I didn't like that motor in my Taco, I don't like in the wife's FJ and I wouldn't want it in the 4runner having the 4.7 available. Yeah the V8 is AWD but it has a true center diff lock so I can get over that. If I was looking for DD, mild off-roader my first choice would be a first gen DC Taco or a 4th gen 4runner V8

 

[Houndoc]

What's going to happen with the Montero Sport, if I can ask? I don't know if we talked about it when you were down here, but my wife had a white 2WD Montero Sport when we got married and the LOVED it. She still gives me crap for making her sell it!

Fear head gasket. Should know more Tuesday. Also t-case frozen so can only use AWD.

 

[Houndoc]

You should buy my in laws cheapo Bravada for the kids. Sell the truck buy an LJ for yourself. Win Win Win.

Problem is I need the truck for hauling hay, or would need to buy flat bed trailer which option as well but extra$$$.

I know finding LJ in price range unlikely. Too few around.

Found a couple 06-07 4Runners with lift on KSL. Top option at this point but think they are all V-6.
Tacomas for same price are indeed couple years older but still reasonable miles.

My son doesn't really want my truck but he will be on a mission by end of summer and my daughter who is 15 is perfectly matched for a pick-up.

 

[Greg]

Fear head gasket. Should know more Tuesday. Also t-case frozen so can only use AWD.

Ahhh, that sucks.... I'm still interested, the wife would love it. I don't mind a project.

 

[sixstringsteve]

In the 2003-2008 4runners, I'd hold out for the v8. X2 on what Marsh and addicted said. Aside from my van, I think my v8 4runner was my favorite offroad rig yet.

Don't rule out the sequoias either, or the 2005-2006 v8 tundras. I think you get a lot more bang for your buck with a 1st gen tundra than a tacoma.

A v8 zj also seems like a great rig for the price.

 

[Houndoc]

Ahhh, that sucks.... I'm still interested, the wife would love it. I don't mind a project.

Shall let you know

 

[Houndoc]

In the 2003-2008 4runners, I'd hold out for the v8. X2 on what Marsh and addicted said. Aside from my van, I think my v8 4runner was my favorite offroad rig yet.

Don't rule out the sequoias either, or the 2005-2006 v8 tundras. I think you get a lot more bang for your buck with a 1st gen tundra than a tacoma.

A v8 zj also seems like a great rig for the price.

I would be open to a van.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I love my van, but it has been the most expensive vehicle to convert to 4wd that I've ever owned. If you do go the van route, I'd be happy to offer suggestions, but they're typically not much more capable than a full size pickup.

You're welcome to come check out my van anytime. It's my daily driver right now, and it drives great (for a giant 15 pass van).

 

[DewYota]

One thing I think a lot of people don't know is that the 3.4 in each is the same but then in the next gens the 4.0L's are different. 4runners have dual variable valve timing while the tacoma does not. It's quite a few horses different. Just FYI if you have to settle on a v6 runner

 

[DewYota]

Also I think, not 100% sure on this but think the 4th gen trial edition 4Runner is only offered in a v6 configuration

 

[Houndoc]

Thanks. Good info.