2WD Taco

[datrupr]

Ok, as stated from my other post, I was thinking of buying a 98-04 Taco X-Tra cab for daily driver duties. I also want the 4 banger, what are everyone's thoughts?

 

[Ursidae69]

You have kids right Aaron? I hate getting into the extra cab in my Taco, I wish they had 3rd doors on those years. Point is, might be hard to get kids/gear/groceries etc. out of the extra cab. If it's just for a DD around town, maybe a used sedan with a 4-banger would be good, especially on gas. Best of luck.

 

[datrupr]

Just changed my mind again, what about a RAV-4? Or maybe even a CRV? I really like the SUV and do not think I can part with the interior room and utility. Thoughts anyone?

 

[Ursidae69]

I've driven a friend's RAV-4, pretty cool vehicle and good on gas.

 

[mountainpete]

I have a 2005 CR-V. It's the usual around town driver. Loads of room, comfy, the flat floor between the front seats is handy too. Downside is the gas mileage isn't as good as expected - although I do have a heavy foot around town in it. The 2004 and older are also poor performers as the 5 speed auto was only released in 05.

New RAV-4 as a nice V6, but the old ones were just too cramped inside for me.

Have you thought about a Subaru Forester? Those are very reliable...

 

[cshontz]

Have you thought about a Subaru Forester? Those are very reliable...

Well ... most of them are. I'm still somewhat flustered by the $1000 head gasket repair on our 2001 Forester. Now, when I look at the car, I glare at it, and shake my fist menacingly.

Have you considered an Element, Aaron? I don't have any experience with them, but they strike me as fun, utilitarian, and practical vehicles.

 

[datrupr]

I thought about the Forrester, but too big. I am not looking for performance, I want reliability and good gas mileage. I am also not looking to buy new, I am thinking around 98-04 and spending between $5-8K. Manual trans would be ideal, but will settle for auto. A/C is a must along with cloth seats. It also needs to be able to accept a car seat and have fairly easy access to said car seat, that is why I was thinking RAV-4 or CRV. It can be a gutless wonder as it will only be used to get me too and from work. Any family transport or trips on the open road or off road will be done by the Trooper.

 

[edgear]

Have you thought about Toyota's "little brother" -- the Scion xA or xB? They look really small, but once you sit in one, you realize that they are rather roomy for a tiny car. I was looking at getting one for my wife, once her hyundai dies. I think they would make a great around-town car. They've been out for 2 or 3 years, so you might be able to find a used one now.

 

[datrupr]

Good idea Jeremy, I kinda like the ultra boxy look of the xB. I might have to check one out.

 

[BajaTaco]

...I want reliability and good gas mileage. I am also not looking to buy new, I am thinking around 98-04 and spending between $5-8K. Manual trans would be ideal, but will settle for auto. A/C is a must along with cloth seats. It also needs to be able to accept a car seat and have fairly easy access to said car seat...

Not sure about used prices, but you should look at the Toyota Matrix. It's basically the "SUV" version of the Corolla. The rear seats fold flat and there is a lot of head room. Great rear hatch access. We sleep in the back of ours. Ultra reliable and ours gets 28-34 mpg. Also good for the environment, classified as an Ultra-Low emissions vehicle.

 

[Nullifier]

The Matrix is sweet. I have outfitted several of them for kayak and canoe racks. If I was looking for an economical D.D. car that would be my first pic. SImple interior, tons of interior space, and good mileage. What I like about it the most is the galls on the rear door opens by itself. makes reaching into the back to grab small items a snap since you do not have to fidget witht he rear hatch.

 

[Mlachica]

Just changed my mind again, what about a RAV-4? Or maybe even a CRV? I really like the SUV and do not think I can part with the interior room and utility. Thoughts anyone?

My brother used to drive an 02 f-250 superduty w/38" tires and sold it for something more practical because he drives anywhere from 50-100 miles a day(at least).

He ended up buying a new crv and he loves it as a daily driver. It gets great mileage, he still sits up high (not nearly as high as his superduty) and it's comfortable/and very maneuverable. He got the awd version and put a storage box on top and he has plenty of room to go camping with his family (wife/2 kids). It came with a pretty nice portable table that takes up no space too. You should consider one!

Now he wants a 100 series for a toy, thanks to muah!

 

[flyingwil]

Aaron what is criteria for your DD besides a 4 banger?

 

[robert]

My ex still drives her 98 CRV every day. It's a little underpowered but it gets around 26mpg and has a lot of room in it (we've carried two large dogs, a small dog and a weeks worth of junk with no real problems). She got kayak racks on top and a bike rack on the rear. Never had any real trouble with it- brakes replaced, water pump replaced and I think that's about it.

It seems to be a lot more roomy than the Rav4 when you get in it. It also has that cool little table in the back- we used it on more than one occasion. I seriously considered getting one before I bought another Tacoma- at $3/gal I'm begining towonder if I made the right choice.

 

[datrupr]

Aaron what is criteria for your DD besides a 4 banger?

Wil, I want the 4 banger for effeciency, but I also need room for my daughters car seat, needs A/C, I will add Sirius so stereo is not important, and it must be comfortable and somewhat roomy for my 200+lb frame. I do like the sit up high porition from all of the SUV's and trucks I have driven for the past 10+ years, so I need to take that inot consideration.

You have something in mind Wil?