Friggin_Fuego
New member
Hi guys,
I've been looking at choosing my next expedition vehicle. I've done a lot of research on quite a few vehicles in the last 9 months. I have a family of 4 and looking at doing a roof top tent set-up. Rock crawling would be minimal or non-existent. One area of importance is fuel range. I'm no stranger to Toyotas as I own a fairly modified 2007 FJ Cruiser and it's an awesome, fun vehicle. But there is one glaring issue that the FJ has: A 19-gallon fuel tank. The FJ is fun for weekend trips, but for full-fledge cross country travel, quite a bit of the time would be filling it up. The AUX tank's I've researched for it have thrown codes on other FJ's, so as for now I'm not looking at doing an AUX tank. I'm probably going save my FJ for my son when he get's to driving age.
I also own a 2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4 that is stock with the exception of the tires which are BFG AT's. I love the 23 gallon fuel tank. You may ask I don't modify this one. This vehicle spent most of its career up north and has more surface rust than I'm comfortable with. At 115,000 miles it's already had two stuck calipers and will need an AC evaporater replacement which will be a $1,800. To build up a rusty vehicle doesn't seem feasible at all. I'm not hating on 4th gens at all. I love what MBurzon has done with his 2004 V6. The harsh northern salted roads just took more of a beating on my 4th Gen to make an expedition vehicle out of it.
So this is where I'm at. I'm not looking to spend more than $40,000 on my next Toyota expedition vehicle. I've look at the pros and cons of each of these choices and could use your opinions on which one would be best for my needs.
2014 Toyota Tacoma
Pros:
1. Least expensive
2. My family and I are all under 5'6" so fitting in it shouldn't be a problem.
3. The mod support is amazing
4. It's a proven expedition rig
5. It's a light vehicle
6. Awesome cargo room
Cons:
1. The rear end is smaller than the rest of my choices on this list
2. I think the 21 gallon fuel tank is still small
3. Seems like premium fuel is needed to get the most power out of the engine.
4. With a family of 4, will us and our stuff put some strain on the V6?
2014 Toyota Runner Trail Premium
Pros:
1. CRAWL, KDSS, and Multi-Terrain
2. 23 gallon Fuel Tank
3. Good build quality
4. Good aftermarket support
5. Proven expedition rig (Thanks Paul May!)
Cons:
1. Will a family of 4 and all our crap be too much of a strain on the V6?
2010 Lexus GX460 (non air suspension model)
Pros:
1. 4.6L V8 with 6 speed automatic transmission to easily help move the weight around
2. Torsen 4WD system
3. KDSS is standard
4. 23 gallon fuel tank
5. Excellent build quality
6. Proven expedition rig under the Prado name
Cons:
1. That 4.6L V8 takes premium fuel
2. Cargo space minimal with 3rd row sit as a standard option (but can be removed)
3. Aftermarket support is non-existent in North America, but you can ship Prado parts from Australia. I've talked to a couple of U.S. dealers that can make this happen. Also a few parts are shared with the 4Runner
4. No rear locker or Multi-Terrain. CRAWL was available on special order packages from 2012-on which is way out of my price range.
2014 Toyota Tundra (Double Cab)
Pros:
1. 26 gallon fuel tank
2. Phenomenal cargo space
3. Parts are Land Cruiser-sized
Cons:
1. It's a behemoth
2. Not that much aftermarket support
3. Does this generation Tundra have any expedition credibility?
2008 Toyota Land Cruiser
Pros:
1. Prices on 2008's are around my price range
2. Probably the best well known expedition vehicle
3. Excellent aftermarket support
Cons:
1. With a 24 gallon tank and 5.7L V8, fuel range is poor. The 4Runner, GX460, and Tundra can travel farther on a tank.
2. No rear locker
I've looked at 100 series Land Cruisers and most are too pricey for the mileage or are in not in great shape. There you have it guys. I'm all ears though and will appreciate any input.
I've been looking at choosing my next expedition vehicle. I've done a lot of research on quite a few vehicles in the last 9 months. I have a family of 4 and looking at doing a roof top tent set-up. Rock crawling would be minimal or non-existent. One area of importance is fuel range. I'm no stranger to Toyotas as I own a fairly modified 2007 FJ Cruiser and it's an awesome, fun vehicle. But there is one glaring issue that the FJ has: A 19-gallon fuel tank. The FJ is fun for weekend trips, but for full-fledge cross country travel, quite a bit of the time would be filling it up. The AUX tank's I've researched for it have thrown codes on other FJ's, so as for now I'm not looking at doing an AUX tank. I'm probably going save my FJ for my son when he get's to driving age.
I also own a 2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4 that is stock with the exception of the tires which are BFG AT's. I love the 23 gallon fuel tank. You may ask I don't modify this one. This vehicle spent most of its career up north and has more surface rust than I'm comfortable with. At 115,000 miles it's already had two stuck calipers and will need an AC evaporater replacement which will be a $1,800. To build up a rusty vehicle doesn't seem feasible at all. I'm not hating on 4th gens at all. I love what MBurzon has done with his 2004 V6. The harsh northern salted roads just took more of a beating on my 4th Gen to make an expedition vehicle out of it.
So this is where I'm at. I'm not looking to spend more than $40,000 on my next Toyota expedition vehicle. I've look at the pros and cons of each of these choices and could use your opinions on which one would be best for my needs.
2014 Toyota Tacoma
Pros:
1. Least expensive
2. My family and I are all under 5'6" so fitting in it shouldn't be a problem.
3. The mod support is amazing
4. It's a proven expedition rig
5. It's a light vehicle
6. Awesome cargo room
Cons:
1. The rear end is smaller than the rest of my choices on this list
2. I think the 21 gallon fuel tank is still small
3. Seems like premium fuel is needed to get the most power out of the engine.
4. With a family of 4, will us and our stuff put some strain on the V6?
2014 Toyota Runner Trail Premium
Pros:
1. CRAWL, KDSS, and Multi-Terrain
2. 23 gallon Fuel Tank
3. Good build quality
4. Good aftermarket support
5. Proven expedition rig (Thanks Paul May!)
Cons:
1. Will a family of 4 and all our crap be too much of a strain on the V6?
2010 Lexus GX460 (non air suspension model)
Pros:
1. 4.6L V8 with 6 speed automatic transmission to easily help move the weight around
2. Torsen 4WD system
3. KDSS is standard
4. 23 gallon fuel tank
5. Excellent build quality
6. Proven expedition rig under the Prado name
Cons:
1. That 4.6L V8 takes premium fuel
2. Cargo space minimal with 3rd row sit as a standard option (but can be removed)
3. Aftermarket support is non-existent in North America, but you can ship Prado parts from Australia. I've talked to a couple of U.S. dealers that can make this happen. Also a few parts are shared with the 4Runner
4. No rear locker or Multi-Terrain. CRAWL was available on special order packages from 2012-on which is way out of my price range.
2014 Toyota Tundra (Double Cab)
Pros:
1. 26 gallon fuel tank
2. Phenomenal cargo space
3. Parts are Land Cruiser-sized
Cons:
1. It's a behemoth
2. Not that much aftermarket support
3. Does this generation Tundra have any expedition credibility?
2008 Toyota Land Cruiser
Pros:
1. Prices on 2008's are around my price range
2. Probably the best well known expedition vehicle
3. Excellent aftermarket support
Cons:
1. With a 24 gallon tank and 5.7L V8, fuel range is poor. The 4Runner, GX460, and Tundra can travel farther on a tank.
2. No rear locker
I've looked at 100 series Land Cruisers and most are too pricey for the mileage or are in not in great shape. There you have it guys. I'm all ears though and will appreciate any input.