Cackalak Han
Explorer
This always gets brought up. It's a valid point, though. But I will say that I had more quirks with the 4Runner(s) than I did with the Tacoma. YMMV.
New Member, and Questions (LONG POST)
- Thread starter Astrotraveler
- Start date
This always gets brought up. It's a valid point, though. But I will say that I had more quirks with the 4Runner(s) than I did with the Tacoma. YMMV.
deadbeat son
Explorer
Good to hear; I absolutely love my Tacoma so far. Hands down, it's the best vehicle purchase I've ever made.
heeltoe989
Explorer
X1000000000000000000000000000000:victory:
SAR_Squid79
Explorer
You haven't really said (or I read past it) - are you looking to get a NEW vehicle (2009 / 2010) or are you open to older models (like a 98 - 04 Tacoma).
As much as I hate to say it, since I bleed Toyota, if I were going to buy a new vehicle and take it straight from the showroom to the trail, it would be a Rubicon unlimited. If you want something that you're going to keep for a long time, and plan on modifying it, in my opinion you can not beat a 2001 - 2003 Tacoma ExtraCab or DoubleCab. These Tacomas can be configured in about 150,000 different ways to suit your specific needs. They are amazingly capable in stock form. You can not beat the reliability of the engine & drivetrain.
Also - if you're not opposed to something a little older - you might want to look around for a 60 or 80 Series Land Cruiser... or a 100 series Land Cruiser, if you've got the money.
As much as I hate to say it, since I bleed Toyota, if I were going to buy a new vehicle and take it straight from the showroom to the trail, it would be a Rubicon unlimited. If you want something that you're going to keep for a long time, and plan on modifying it, in my opinion you can not beat a 2001 - 2003 Tacoma ExtraCab or DoubleCab. These Tacomas can be configured in about 150,000 different ways to suit your specific needs. They are amazingly capable in stock form. You can not beat the reliability of the engine & drivetrain.
Also - if you're not opposed to something a little older - you might want to look around for a 60 or 80 Series Land Cruiser... or a 100 series Land Cruiser, if you've got the money.
TEJASYOTA
Adventurer
First Welcome to ExPO!
Great to have you here.
When I was searching for my current truck...I looked at all the makers of the current 4 door truck brands. Toyota, Nissan, Chevy & Ford.
The reason I wanted a pick up is that I knew I would be hauling stuff in the back and not worry about scratch my pretty new truck
I looked at engineering, capabilities, aftermarket support and durability.
Well in the end, I picked the 2001 Tacoma 4-door pickup....bought it new.
I guess if you plan to haul dirt, rock, lumber, crap...I would get the Taco
If you plan to haul just your equipment, luggage....I would get the 4R.
I think the 4R also comes in a V8.
Good luck and welcome again!
Great to have you here.
When I was searching for my current truck...I looked at all the makers of the current 4 door truck brands. Toyota, Nissan, Chevy & Ford.
The reason I wanted a pick up is that I knew I would be hauling stuff in the back and not worry about scratch my pretty new truck
I looked at engineering, capabilities, aftermarket support and durability.
Well in the end, I picked the 2001 Tacoma 4-door pickup....bought it new.
I guess if you plan to haul dirt, rock, lumber, crap...I would get the Taco
If you plan to haul just your equipment, luggage....I would get the 4R.
I think the 4R also comes in a V8.
Good luck and welcome again!
Astrotraveler
New member
Thanks for the feedback. I have lots to think about. Two points in particular resonate. The first is that if I am constantly loading and unloading the cargo bay, and hauling heavy equipment, the enclosed, softer, more finished cargo bay of the 4Runner will likely get dinged up. That has certainly been the case with my current Subaru. The wagon's cargo area is a mess of scratched plastic. On the other hand, given the nature of the gear (dust, vibration and moisture adverse), carrying it inside has benefits. The plusher ride of the stock SR5 4x4 versus Taco also plays into the nature of the gear being hauled. I suppose I really need to borrow a double cab Taco and see if the "must be kept dry and safe" gear will fit in the rear seat area. I'm not keen on adding a shell.
The second comment that made me think is the comment to the effect that either the SR5 4Runner or the Tacoma TRD OR will be more capable than my current set of wheels for off-pavement stuff. Right now I'm living with 8" of ground clearance and and no low range, and as my taste for rougher trails has grown, my going has been slower and slower. Either the 4Runner or Tacoma will offer huge advantages over the Forester including more ground clearance and a low range transfer case. From that perspective, either will put me in a better place than I am in now.
Were I to reconsider the Trail Edition 4Runner, I assume it would be pretty easy to remove the TomTom/Eclipse Nav/Stereo unit and replace it with a stock SR5 head unit (or perhaps JBL upgrade) from someone who has upgraded their stereo system. Also I assume it would be pretty easy to install the factory driving lights and switch. Perhaps my aversion to modding while under warranty is out of place. The nature of the beast may be to use it and improve it when you encounter obstacles that hold you back.
Thanks,
Jim
The second comment that made me think is the comment to the effect that either the SR5 4Runner or the Tacoma TRD OR will be more capable than my current set of wheels for off-pavement stuff. Right now I'm living with 8" of ground clearance and and no low range, and as my taste for rougher trails has grown, my going has been slower and slower. Either the 4Runner or Tacoma will offer huge advantages over the Forester including more ground clearance and a low range transfer case. From that perspective, either will put me in a better place than I am in now.
Were I to reconsider the Trail Edition 4Runner, I assume it would be pretty easy to remove the TomTom/Eclipse Nav/Stereo unit and replace it with a stock SR5 head unit (or perhaps JBL upgrade) from someone who has upgraded their stereo system. Also I assume it would be pretty easy to install the factory driving lights and switch. Perhaps my aversion to modding while under warranty is out of place. The nature of the beast may be to use it and improve it when you encounter obstacles that hold you back.
Thanks,
Jim
Superu
Explorer
Welcome Jim!
First I'll make the obligatory mention of easily gaining ground clearance with the Forester.
Here's a nice Aussie lifted fozzie. Add skid plates for the front and rear diff and you're in pretty good shape. Still won't help with the low gear issue though.
Given the nature of what you're carrying I can easily see the value in an enclosed space such as the 4Runner affords.
I carry my scope and camping gear in the back of my lifted Outback and would be hesitant to put much of it on a roof top box or in my cargo trailer.
Good luck with your choice and let us know how it works out for you. One last thought. Given your intended use, you may wish to consider a used late model with an extended warranty rather than taking the hit right off the lot on brand new.
First I'll make the obligatory mention of easily gaining ground clearance with the Forester.
Here's a nice Aussie lifted fozzie. Add skid plates for the front and rear diff and you're in pretty good shape. Still won't help with the low gear issue though.
Given the nature of what you're carrying I can easily see the value in an enclosed space such as the 4Runner affords.
I carry my scope and camping gear in the back of my lifted Outback and would be hesitant to put much of it on a roof top box or in my cargo trailer.
Good luck with your choice and let us know how it works out for you. One last thought. Given your intended use, you may wish to consider a used late model with an extended warranty rather than taking the hit right off the lot on brand new.
Cackalak Han
Explorer
^^ Wow, those are some sweet Subies. I wouldn't mind driving one.
Astrotraveler
New member
Nice Outback!
Well, I went test driving today. I didn't really like the ride or handling of the Tacoma TRD Offroad on twisty, hilly roads. They didn't have either and SR5 or Trail Edition 4Runner for me to try, but I did drive a V6 4x4 Sport. Driving the two trucks about 30 miles each, back to back, through varied road conditions, I found that I preferred the handling characteristics of the 4Runner.
They had two Urban Runners and they couldn't get my iPod to work through the Eclipse/TomTom audio system AUX port, though the flash movies of the Eclipse/TomTom Stereo-Nav unit on Toyota's website clearly states that an MP3 Player will work through the AUX port. So here's the deal I struck - I bought a 4Runner Trail Edition in Natural White that will arrive at the dealership on Monday. We've agreed on the price and have all of the paperwork printed out, but my writing the check is contingent on the dealership getting the Eclipse/TomTom system to work as advertised on the Toyota Website BEFORE I pay.
I'm optimistic, and am now seriously planning a Mojave Road maiden voyage. When I get the truck and finish hand-detailing it, I'll start a new thread with pictures.
Thanks for all of the feedback. I'm looking forward to my first Toyota.
Regards,
Jim
Well, I went test driving today. I didn't really like the ride or handling of the Tacoma TRD Offroad on twisty, hilly roads. They didn't have either and SR5 or Trail Edition 4Runner for me to try, but I did drive a V6 4x4 Sport. Driving the two trucks about 30 miles each, back to back, through varied road conditions, I found that I preferred the handling characteristics of the 4Runner.
They had two Urban Runners and they couldn't get my iPod to work through the Eclipse/TomTom audio system AUX port, though the flash movies of the Eclipse/TomTom Stereo-Nav unit on Toyota's website clearly states that an MP3 Player will work through the AUX port. So here's the deal I struck - I bought a 4Runner Trail Edition in Natural White that will arrive at the dealership on Monday. We've agreed on the price and have all of the paperwork printed out, but my writing the check is contingent on the dealership getting the Eclipse/TomTom system to work as advertised on the Toyota Website BEFORE I pay.
I'm optimistic, and am now seriously planning a Mojave Road maiden voyage. When I get the truck and finish hand-detailing it, I'll start a new thread with pictures.
Thanks for all of the feedback. I'm looking forward to my first Toyota.
Regards,
Jim
Cackalak Han
Explorer
Good choice on the Trail Edition.
Just curious how much they are going for?
Just curious how much they are going for?
deadbeat son
Explorer
Congratulations! It's great you were able to drive both and decide which would better suit you. I'm sure you'll love the 4Runner for years to come.
Just out of curiosity, what are you going to do if they can't get your iPod to work with it?
Just out of curiosity, what are you going to do if they can't get your iPod to work with it?
Astrotraveler
New member
"Just curious how much they are going for?"
The MSRP was around $35,000 with a couple of questionable options (including Toyota's front skid plate). I offered the carsdirect.com price which was about $31,800, and the offer was accepted. That number is before tax, license and document fees but includes the destination charge.
There might have been a little more room I surmise, but they were really good sports and had their parts guy trying to get the Eclipse/TomTom stereos in the two Urban Runners to play the iPod, as well as allowing me to do extended test drives even though the dealership was pretty busy. In fact, the specific Tacoma I wanted to drive was located five miles away at a storage/prep lot and still had the plastic on the roof, hood and seats. It was empty and the salesman put a couple gallons in it out of his own pocket.
I'm pretty happy with the price, and in the meantime I think I've found the solution to the audio not working. Fujitsu has a 1-page instruction sheet for the radio and there's a hack that activates the radio's AUX-in option. It was nowhere to be found in the literature in the vehicle, however.
"Just out of curiosity, what are you going to do if they can't get your iPod to work with it?"
I think the hack will work (turn the unit off; hold down both the TUNE and TEXT buttons simultaneously; power on the unit; listen for the beep; when you hear it, AUX is enabled.). If not I may ask the dealership about the prospects of allowing me to order a Scion/Pioneer iPod ready head unit via their parts department and have that installed in place of the Eclipse/TomTom system. I already have both a TomTom and a handheld Garmin GPS, so I really don't need the factory Nav capability, and my son has the Scion/Pioneer head unit in his car and likes it. Who knows, maybe I'll even be able to guilt them into ordering and installing the SR5 fog/driving lights and switch.
Odd, but I can hardly wait for Monday to roll around.
- Jim
The MSRP was around $35,000 with a couple of questionable options (including Toyota's front skid plate). I offered the carsdirect.com price which was about $31,800, and the offer was accepted. That number is before tax, license and document fees but includes the destination charge.
There might have been a little more room I surmise, but they were really good sports and had their parts guy trying to get the Eclipse/TomTom stereos in the two Urban Runners to play the iPod, as well as allowing me to do extended test drives even though the dealership was pretty busy. In fact, the specific Tacoma I wanted to drive was located five miles away at a storage/prep lot and still had the plastic on the roof, hood and seats. It was empty and the salesman put a couple gallons in it out of his own pocket.
I'm pretty happy with the price, and in the meantime I think I've found the solution to the audio not working. Fujitsu has a 1-page instruction sheet for the radio and there's a hack that activates the radio's AUX-in option. It was nowhere to be found in the literature in the vehicle, however.
"Just out of curiosity, what are you going to do if they can't get your iPod to work with it?"
I think the hack will work (turn the unit off; hold down both the TUNE and TEXT buttons simultaneously; power on the unit; listen for the beep; when you hear it, AUX is enabled.). If not I may ask the dealership about the prospects of allowing me to order a Scion/Pioneer iPod ready head unit via their parts department and have that installed in place of the Eclipse/TomTom system. I already have both a TomTom and a handheld Garmin GPS, so I really don't need the factory Nav capability, and my son has the Scion/Pioneer head unit in his car and likes it. Who knows, maybe I'll even be able to guilt them into ordering and installing the SR5 fog/driving lights and switch.
Odd, but I can hardly wait for Monday to roll around.
- Jim
Cackalak Han
Explorer
You should also see about changing out the factory tires for some better ones. Not sure what kind comes on the TE, but Tacoma TRD Off-Roads usually come with BFG Long Trails and they are not the best. And once past 1/2 tread, becomes downright dangerous.
Toyota dealerships usually have a connection with a local tire place, so you should be able to get a good deal. Or you could always try to negotiate it into the price since you haven't paid for it yet.
Toyota dealerships usually have a connection with a local tire place, so you should be able to get a good deal. Or you could always try to negotiate it into the price since you haven't paid for it yet.
bigreen505
Expedition Leader
Congratulations and welcome to ExPo!. Make sure the problem is with the stereo system and not your iPod. Apple switched port setup/arrangement on the current generation iPods starting with the iPhone 3G and skinny Nano, so manufacturers like Eclipse can either make a product that is compatible with old iPods or new iPods, but not both. I love Apple, but stuff like this is beyond reproach as there is no reason for the change beyond forcing people to buy new accessories. Something like this may help, but I think you have to point the finger (give the finger?) to Apple on this one.
Astrotraveler
New member
Thanks for the tip on the factory rubber. I'm not sure what tires come stock on the T4R TE, but once I receive the truck I'll do some forum surfing for user experiences with the tires. I would also like to buy one additional alloy in the TE style for a second spare. I like having two spares and really like the TE alloys. They remind me of the alloys used on the 80 series Cruiser.
Regards,
Jim
Regards,
Jim