Pre 05 Tacoma vs GX470?

[Schattenjager]

I had an '05 Tacoma as some may remember. Nice truck but I was underwhelmed with its IFS, 'cork in a troubled sea' attitude offroad, and C channeled frame. There are many good points - power, economy (expo relative) design and upscale interior appointments. I just did not love it enough to want another.

The pre '05' Tacomas' - 2004 specifically, is tempting if a four door and TRD etc. They are not uncomfortable, a great size for towing, exploring or mall parking and there is a HUGE aftermarket for them.

On the far end of the scale is the Lexus GX 470, based on the Prado. This may be the same as the 4runner, I'll have to check. I know very little about the Prado but have recently, and briefly, driven a GX. I found it opulent, powerful, and well laid out. It would seem that there are many factory option packages for the GX - some with airbag suspensions and adjustable ride height. I plan to look through ARB's offerings for the Prado / GX to see what is available.

While these two are really different beasts, they are priced nearly the same. I will daily drive whatever I get and take Atlas, the mighty German Shepherd, on adventures of course. There is the possibility of towing a double axle uhaul trailer 4500 miles, but I have to think either one would be up to that challenge.

I would be interested to get your thought on these two options. There are the only two I am considering for now.

vs

 

[DanKunz]

That is my GX

 

[Schattenjager]

Indeed! What is KDSS and why would I want it? The GX is very nice and very presentable. The Tacoma is a proven workhorse. Leaning Tacoma but loving the GX

 

[Scott Brady]

They are both awesome. It really comes down to if you want a Wagon (everything inside) or a pickup (great utility).

KDSS is one of the best technologies Toyota has brought to market: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinetic_Dynamic_Suspension_System

 

[Schattenjager]

Thanks Scott. Never thought to look at wiki for that! Also just found this excellent video:

 

[TexGX]

I love my GX, but will say that sometimes I miss having a truck. The big thing with me was a V8 v's V6 for towing. I have a small travel trailer and wanted to have the V8. The main issue with the GX is modifying it. It can be done and you will have something only a few have, but the Tacoma will be much easier to build. The only thing that could pull me away from the GX would be a V8 Tacoma with a pop-up camper on the back.

I am a huge fan of KDSS. I got lucky and the local dealer had the exact GX I wanted with KDSS. They are hard to find. Most are sport models with dark interiors.

TexGX

 

[DanKunz]

I have kids. If you have kids the GX wins, regardless.

 

[BigOly]

I have kids. If you have kids the GX wins, regardless.

If the OP has pets and/or plans to haul smelly and/or large vertical objects, I would really look into purchasing a 1st gen double taco (DC) with a bed extender. I'm not sure what you mean by the GX wins for being "kid friendly" but I have full size child seats in the back of my DC taco and they all fit in there just fine. If OP wants kid friendly as first priotity he should really be shopping for a minivan.

 

[Clutch]

Look at Nissan Frontiers/Xterras, can be found for less money than what the Toyotas are going for.

Late models had an available V6 260hp/280tq.

Unlike Toyota SUV's besides the FJC, you can still get a manual trans in the Xterra.

 

[DanKunz]

If the OP has pets and/or plans to haul smelly and/or large vertical objects, I would really look into purchasing a 1st gen double taco (DC) with a bed extender. I'm not sure what you mean by the GX wins for being "kid friendly" but I have full size child seats in the back of my DC taco and they all fit in there just fine. If OP wants kid friendly as first priotity he should really be shopping for a minivan.

Problem is kids outgrow car seats. My 11, 9, and 9 year olds would never fit in any Tacoma. They all fit in the GX with enclosed storage to boot. That is all.

 

[DaveInDenver]

I had an '05 Tacoma as some may remember. Nice truck but I was underwhelmed with its IFS, 'cork in a troubled sea' attitude offroad, and C channeled frame. There are many good points - power, economy (expo relative) design and upscale interior appointments. I just did not love it enough to want another.

Yet both the Taco and GX are IFS, the GX has the same IFS as your 2005 did I think.

Not sure if you know, but the 1st gen frame is not boxed either and has rust & rippling issues, so you often need to reinforce and clean them up before putting them into service.

Our new-to-us '01 got a work day where it saw a bunch of new steel (thanks again Axle Ike!), flap wheeling and several cans of primer and paint this spring before I even had license plates on it.