Time to Choose a New Vehicle, help us!

[oliverlove]

Howdy All, The wife and I are looking to sell our humble gen 1 Tacoma and move into something a bit larger. A family plan is looming on the horizon and our 50lbs mutt isn't a fan of riding in an open bed. So, I need some knowledge from the community. I had done some research and was pretty sure I was going to get a 4th generation 4-Runner, but recently a Land Cruiser showed up for sale on my morning drive.

I am looking at 4th and 5th Gen 4-Runners, and 80 and 100 Series Land Cruisers. This is going to be a long term vehicle, meaning 10 years of ownership and I intend to really invest in the vehicle to ensure longevity and usability.

Intended uses for the vehicle include occasional daily driving to work, but not typically. Summer road trips 3-9k, we are both teachers and take the summers to tour the US. We both love traveling back roads, and spending time off-road. We don't do any serious rock crawling, or high speed desert runs. We have been known to travel entire states on dirt roads (where possible) and I do love the sticky stuff when we can find it.

Modifications are unlimited but I never have any intention of getting bigger than 33 or 255 tires, external reservoir shocks are not needed, or long travel. My truck now has no locker and I wish it did. Not sure if I need both front and rear, but one is the back is a must. A RTT will be thrown up on top, or if the funds allow on a trailer. It needs to fit 2 child seats in the back seat, if possible a drawer system in the rear with a fridge.

Oh ya, not sure if it matters but I am 6'3 and the wife is 5'10, so we are both taller people. Neither one of us is fat, but the lady loves bolster support.(Aftermarket typically solves this) Oh and heated seats might be nice.

So, question time. What do you guys think I should be looking at? I have looked through the ih8mud forums and read through many of the FAQ threads, but none of them really talk about why they are such a great vehicle. So I turn to the experts.

 

[chmura]

I have a 2009 4th generation 4runner Trail Edition. This is a unique model since the TE came out as an option in 2009 only which came with the rear differential lock, more aggressive ATRAC, water proof seats, etc. I absolutely love it and its comfy when doing a mild lift. The only problem I see is that you are tall, I'm 6'1 180lbs and I barely fit due to the bad headroom in the 4th gen.

You said you want to keep the vehicle for 10+ years so I would try to get the newest vehicle as possible, that's just my personal preference.

If I were to buy a brand new vehicle today or a slightly used one I would heavily consider the 5th generation Toyota 4runner TE. I do not like all the chrome in the SR5 and Limited version.

Can't really go wrong with either of the vehicle you mentioned!

 

[Box Rocket]

100 Series Land Cruiser would be my first choice given what you've listed as uses and requirements. More size inside, more comfortable, more power, better build quality than the 4Runners. More than capable for any of the type of off-roading you plan to do.

With two child seats and a dog in the back, a 4Runner will start to feel tight quickly once you start loading gear. The cruiser will be much more comfortable in that regard.

 

[huntsonora]

100 Series Land Cruiser would be my first choice given what you've listed as uses and requirements. More size inside, more comfortable, more power, better build quality than the 4Runners. More than capable for any of the type of off-roading you plan to do.

With two child seats and a dog in the back, a 4Runner will start to feel tight quickly once you start loading gear. The cruiser will be much more comfortable in that regard.

I'm 6'4" and 245 lbs and I didnt fit in the 4th gen 4Runners that had a sunroof. I now have a 2011 4Runner Trail Edition and I am very comfortable in it