Tacoma / 4Runner Buyers Guide for Overlanders?

[nwoods]

Is there an online source info that serves as a buyers guide for Tacoma's and 4Runners specific to the typical needs of someone who WILL be using the vehicle off road quite a bit? I have done a casual bit of research, and haven't really found anything like this, but I am not very savvy in the Toyota world, so I thought I'd check here.

I am looking for info on specific years/generations of vehicles, when various desirable options became available, what to watch out for, what options to definitely look for, etc...

Thanks!

 

[Clutch]

I don't know of any site that is off-road specific, but if you just want specs/options available, Edmunds is a great source.

 

[TangoBlue]

I don't know of any site that is off-road specific, but if you just want specs/options available, Edmunds is a great source.

...and when you're done looking there peruse these pages for what members did to enhance their vehicles capability. http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/52528-Collection-of-Build-Threads

 

[Ryanmb21]

toyota120.com is a great resource.

Here is some stuff as well:
http://www.toyota120.com/html/4runner.html

 

[bullcrew]

Here's a guide and list of differences as well from t4r.org


http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html


And heres a pretty large multiplebuild thread link

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/85361-collection-3rd-gen-build-threads.html

 

[nwoods]

Thanks guys!

 

[Clutch]

...and when you're done looking there peruse these pages for what members did to enhance their vehicles capability. http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/52528-Collection-of-Build-Threads

The mod/build threads are great resource.

I was thinking he was asking for stock specs and options, tho'...:sombrero:

 

[TangoBlue]

The mod/build threads are great resource.

I was thinking he was asking for stock specs and options, tho'...:sombrero:

I believe he did, hence why I said, "when you're done looking there peruse these pages for what members did to enhance their vehicles capability." :sombrero::sombrero:

From the foundation you laid, might as well equip the OP with resources he could use up front, right?

 

[Martinjmpr]

I don't know of any site that is off-road specific, but if you just want specs/options available, Edmunds is a great source.

Well, Edmund's is a source but I'm not sure I'd say it's a great source. I've often found that the information they have is just flat out wrong (things like fuel tank size, options, etc.) I was quite amused, for example, to read that all 2004 4x4 Tacomas had traction control. I looked and looked for the traction control button on my 04 Taco but could never find it.

I think I'd trust a source like t4r.org that is run by enthusiasts over a site like Edmunds which, to be fair, has a lot of data to process and it's probably understandable that they don't get things 100% right.

 

[TangoBlue]

Well, Edmund's is a source but I'm not sure I'd say it's a great source. I've often found that the information they have is just flat out wrong (things like fuel tank size, options, etc.) I was quite amused, for example, to read that all 2004 4x4 Tacomas had traction control. I looked and looked for the traction control button on my 04 Taco but could never find it.

You mean it's not the skinny pedal on the floor?

 

[Ryanmb21]

I'll add a couple of highlights about my '06 sport v6 w/~73K miles:

Bought in '06 <knocking on wood> No issues, still have original front and rear brakes
with 32" tires (terra grapplers, Silent armors and now BFG ATs) I get 20 MPG+ on highway (91 gas)
Torsen diff gives me great snow driving and AWD when I want it
Interior still looks great
Like the JBL stereo very much
'06+ gets round wheel wells

 

[zolo]

Tango feelin spicy today....Nice...When you gonna come down and run the Cove with us?

The Tacoma is an easier search over the Runner for sure.
I hate to say it but Wiki gives a pretty decent break down of year model differences.

 

[TangoBlue]

Tango feelin spicy today....Nice...When you gonna come down and run the Cove with us?

The Tacoma is an easier search over the Runner for sure.
I hate to say it but Wiki gives a pretty decent break down of year model differences.

Finally slept in my own bed last night since 12 May. You mean the Cove in Gore, VA? I wanted to go to GSMTR, like I have the last 3 years, but they went and changed the date to May which conflicted with OX12.

 

[nwoods]

I hate to say it but Wiki gives a pretty decent break down of year model differences.

I agree, I actually went there first, but it's kinda vague on many things. For example, are all PreRunner's two wheel drive? I can't tell.....

I haven't had a chance to check out the links you guy have posted, but I will later tonight. And yes, I was looking at Stock configurations that I may want to build from in the future. I'd hate to buy the "wrong" configuration package or the "wrong" year, etc...

Here is the story:
- Last night my Volvo XC70's tranny gave up the ghost. $3,500 MINIMUM repair cost, as quoted by multiple sources.
- I do not have $3500 available
- The Volvo is only worth maybe $5k in perfect running order, so do I invest $3.5k into an older high mileage vehicle not known for its durability?
- I can't afford a new car payment right now. Seriously cannot. Dire things will happen (as in, foreclosure)
- Over the past two years the economy has forced me to sell our Land Rover and Jeep, leaving nothing left to go play with. Now my commuter car is dead....

So I'm in a bit of a pickle. I don't have a good solution, but I am thinking an older Taco or 4Runner might be good solution. EXCEPT I DON"T FIT! I'm 6'-7" tall, and find my buddy's 2004 4th generation 4Runner extremely uncomfortable, and it's bigger than the older models that preceded it. I seem to fit better in my other buddy's 2007 Tacoma double cab, but I'm not sure my family of 4 will enjoy riding it. They are all quite tall, and didn't fit in the Volvo either, with constant complaints emanating from the noisome occupants in the back seat.

So what I need is 1) reliability, 2) potential capability with upgrades and parts availability, 3) decent cabin size for TALL people with legs, and most importantly, 4) low entry cost. Toyota ticks the boxes for items 1 and 2, but doesn't combine 3 and 4 well. I can get #4, but sacrifice item 3. Not sure it makes sense to buy a car I cant fit in, just because I can almost afford it.

Suggestions welcome.

 

[TangoBlue]

I hate to say it but if you and the rest of your family need a truck and you're challenged by volume, you may havemight consider looking at an older Tundra or domestic truck offering in a quad cab or SUV body. You may find prices as good or even less than a Tacoma or 4Runner.