Deciding between Tacoma, 4Runner or even FJ

[Martinjmpr]

It is strange that FJCs don't get respect on this forum - I've watched for a couple of years and the only mentions have been some idiot jumping in the sand dunes and the rather tame build of a potential sponsor.

FJCs get plenty of respect, it's just that a lot of the people here are looking for multi-purpose vehicles that can excel at multiple roles. The FJC is really more of a single-purpose vehicle and the very features that make it do so well for that one purpose (off roading for 1 or 2 people) make it less suitable for other purposes (like using with a family, or general utility or as a DD.) BTW I would put a single-cab or extended-cab (not double-cab) pickup in the same category as an FJC: Excellent for a single person or a couple with no kids, but if you plan on using it with more than 1 other person, you may be able to use it for that but there are better platforms out there.

 

[Flagster]

4runner IMO is built much better than a tacoma...I have a 2005 Tacoma and it is the ultimate do it all vehicle...
But after driving a 4th gen 4runner I think the build quality is much better...
I still find myself browsing cars.com for a nice low mileage 4.7L runner

 

[nat]

I have a wife, 13 year old son and two big dogs. Double cab 2nd gen tacoma for me. Dogs ride in the bed and the cab has lots of room for the family. I consider my tacoma to be the best family vehicle I have ever owned.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Sorry, terminology is a bit off, but I feel like the overall idea holds. I'm referring to an article I read here: http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f0d6fd4.eeca1cf/0

Yeah, that article looks a bit dated. Not sure if it's even correct as the center diff used in the 2001-2002 4runners is different from the one used in the 2003 - up (4th generation) 4runners. IIRC the 01-02 used an Aisin, while the 03+ use a Torsen.

I'm not an expert within this, but I was under the impression that the center diff was part of the transfer case.

Center diff is part of the T-case but only on the Land Cruiser, 4runner (all 4th gen and 5th gen limited only), FJC (manual transmission only), and Seqouia (all AFAIK.) Tacoma, Tundra, 5th gen SR5 & TE 4runner and FJC with auto transmission have a t-case without a center diff. However, I've never heard that the Toyotas with center differentials have any weaker T-cases than those without.

I suppose you could argue that the ones without a center diff have fewer things to break, but consider that the vehicles that have 2wd capability all have the ADD (auto disconnect differential) which is a vacuum operated system to disconnect the front wheels from the front axle when in 2wd mode. Given that it is vacuum operated, I have heard of more problems with the ADD system than with the transfer case itself. And any vehicle with full time 4wd does not have an ADD, so in terms of "weak links" I would think the ones with no 2wd capability are actually less prone to break because of that.

 

[vicali]

2nd Gen Tacoma doublecab here;
Comfy for my wife and I up front, room for the kids in the backseats, the wet dog in the canopy, and able to tow a trailer when we stay out camping.. and just as easy to throw a weekend worth of yardwork in the back and take it to the dump.

 

[deadbeat son]

Small amount?

Hmmm...OK. Well, I paid $19k for my 07 (and honestly I paid more than I wanted to, but I was seduced by the Salsa Red Pearl color!)

A new 4runner would be, what, $35/$40K? Even a new DC Taco would be north of $30k.

I don't know about you but sixteen grand is a lot of money to me. And my 4runner will be paid for next year which leaves more money for mods, trips, etc.

I bought my Tacoma new in May of 2009. It stickered for $33,304, but I paid $28,500. At the time, I could not find a used 2nd gen low mileage (under 50k) DCSB Tacoma with the TRD OR package for under $25k. Most were around $26-27k. Last month, NADA retail value on my truck was $26,600 and it now has 50k miles.

When I bought my truck, had I been able to find a used TRD OR 2nd Gen Tacoma DCSB for $12,500 (a savings of $16k), I would have jumped at the chance. Four years later, I still don't think you can find an '05 for that without serious damage or ridiculous miles.

All I'm saying is, in many instances buying new isn't for suckers. Instead, the converse may be true. Brash generalizations simply don't work.

 

[4runnerteq]

4 runner all the way. I work at a dealer and swap demos about every 4 to 6 months. Have had Tacos, FJs, and 1 4 runner. We own a 4th gen & 3rd gen 4runner. I love driving the FJs and part of me would love to own one. But I really like having the sunroof in the runners. The roll down rear hatch window and 4 full doors. Im driving a 13 taco TRD right now and again, I do like it very much but when the weekend comes and Im headed out with the mountain bike I take the 3rd gen runner. Its "mine" and i just keep all my riding stuff inside ready to go all the time. So for me for all around use its the 4 runner. The FJ and Taco have their own "specialties" so to speak but for me the 4 runner covers a broader range of use.

 

[FJ-ACE71]

I love my FJ but my next rig will most likely be a 4door taco with a locker. 4runners are nice but almost too nice. Not much head room either if you're tall. Fj has tons of head room however. All have a locker option, GET IT! and then hack the control module after so you can engage it even in 2hi, you'll thank me!