New Vehicle, Tacoma or 4Runner?

[yalex]

Hey everybody, So im going to be selling my 04 Jeep LJ soon in search of a more expedition capable rig. Ive basically narrowed it down to either Toyota Tacoma (05-09ish) Access Cab, Or the Toyota 4Runner 4th gen (03-09).

First the Tacoma : I really dig the looks of the Tacoma, and the 6ft bed (i would add an ARE topper). I also like the available lockers, and the bulletproof V6. Im not crazy about the jump seats, the interior, or the price.

Now the 4Runner : I love that the 4Runner has a nice amount of protected interior space for cargo (albeit less that a truck bed), The V8 is a great option for me, and the 5 available seats make carrying more people simple. Im not as crazy about the looks of the 4Runner, or the offroad performance from the factory.

So im at a loss and need some recommendations from both sides of the field! Thanks!

 

[Clutch]

Buy both!

 

[SilverJK12]

But the diesel jeep coming out in 2015 ....hopefully lol

 

[yalex]

Buy both!

I wish!

But the diesel jeep coming out in 2015 ....hopefully lol

Well im looking for every day drivability/comfort, and storage space..And ive learned that Jeeps have neither! :safari-rig:

 

[GGimbert]

If it is just you then I say the truck, if there is a missus or even a family then the 4runner is a better choice all things being equal.

I love my 4th gen t4r. Had plenty of trucks prior to that. Missing the bed is nothing a M416 or an enclosed trailer will not solve v/s how do you add cab versatile, climate controlled, additional seating space to a truck? My single days, moving around, dirt riding, beach, and other dirty stuff was more suited to the truck.

 

[Martinjmpr]

:iagree:

Same reason I went from a Taco to a 4runner.

Cargo issues are solved with a small utility trailer. Has more room than my truck bed did and is easier to load since it's lower to the ground.

 

[p nut]

Sounds like you're looking for a Double Cab Tacoma. Surprisingly, there isn't THAT much price difference between a AC and DC when shopping used. Also, it seems majority of 2nd Gen Tacomas were DC's, so you can find more of them. I've had 4Runners and Tacomas. I just use the truck bed way to much to give it up. My own opinion here, but no trailer will substitute a truck bed.

 

[deadbeat son]

I had a tough time deciding between the T4R and a DC Tacoma when making a purchase in 2009. Ultimately, I went with the Tacoma because I could put the dog in the bed and not worry about getting her hair all over the cab. It's also nice to be able to throw dirty, sweaty, stinky moto gear in the bed and not stink up the cab.

In retrospect, I think either option would have worked out equally well for me with pros and cons canceling each other out; for me it simply came down to picking one and going with it.

 

[Flagster]

This topic has been so beat...

Tacoma if you want a wash down cargo area and you haul wood, wet dogs, greasy car parts, leaking garbage bags, etc

4 runner is a much nicer driver...less cargo room...

 

[Mc Taco]

I love my 2004 DC Tacoma. Having the extra space in, and access to, the rear passenger area for a bunch of stuff is great. Oh, and an actual passenger sometimes too. What I do miss is the 6 foot bed with a shell on it. Great instant sleeping quarters. Wind proof and torrential down pour resistant as well. Life is all about compromises. Probably would buy the same platform again if I go with a non full-size option.

 

[Clutch]

This topic has been so beat...

Tacoma if you want a wash down cargo area and you haul wood, wet dogs, greasy car parts, leaking garbage bags, etc

4 runner is a much nicer driver...less cargo room...

Why we have both a truck and a SUV.

Haul dirty, grab the truck, haul people, grab the SUV, want to haul ******** grab one of the motos...

... but no trailer will substitute a truck bed.

Sure it will. I have a nice 1 ton 5X8 trailer beats the heck out of my 6' Taco bed. Awfully nice to fetch a load firewood, sheets of plywood/drywall, making dump runs, moving furniture, hauling motos....what have you. So it is like having a fullsize truck bed, without the hassle of owning a fullsize truck.

 

[p nut]

...Sure it will. I have a nice 1 ton 5X8 trailer beats the heck out of my 6' Taco bed. Awfully nice to fetch a load firewood, sheets of plywood/drywall, making dump runs, moving furniture, hauling motos....what have you. So it is like having a fullsize truck bed, without the hassle of owning a fullsize truck.

Like I said, my opinion. I've had my share of trailers. Trailers are nice, and you can definitely load up a trailer much like a truck bed. However: 1) It's not convenient dragging a trailer around, especially in traffic or off-road (ie, I usually go over bumps and washboards with no second thought, but with a trailer, it's turtle mode). 2) Extra maintenance. 3) Gas mileage drop. 4) Storage--my driveway is small. It'd be a tight squeeze with the trailer and would get in the way more than being useful. I also notice I drive a lot differently when I have the trailer in the back--slower, neurotic, frustrated, as I can't manuver the truck as well. (I can never be a big rig driver!)

But I am fortunate to have both an SUV and truck, so don't really have to decide.

 

[Clutch]

Like I said, my opinion. I've had my share of trailers. Trailers are nice, and you can definitely load up a trailer much like a truck bed. However: 1) It's not convenient dragging a trailer around, especially in traffic or off-road (ie, I usually go over bumps and washboards with no second thought, but with a trailer, it's turtle mode). 2) Extra maintenance. 3) Gas mileage drop. 4) Storage--my driveway is small. It'd be a tight squeeze with the trailer and would get in the way more than being useful. I also notice I drive a lot differently when I have the trailer in the back--slower, neurotic, frustrated, as I can't manuver the truck as well. (I can never be a big rig driver!)

But I am fortunate to have both an SUV and truck, so don't really have to decide.

Yeah, all personal needs and wants. Thank goodness I have RV parking on my lot. :ylsmoke: Have an amazing amount of outdoor space for being in the middle of town.

I grew up in the construction business...so pulling a trailer is a no brainer. Actually feel a little lost without one. My little 5X8 feels like nothing compared to towing a 21,000 lbs. crawler loader, with a Tri-Axle dump.


I would like to mount a set of trailing arms and ditch the leaf springs so it will be smoother down wash boards.

 

[p nut]

Are you one of those people that can back up a trailer into the driveway without pulling forward at least 3 times? If so, I hate you.

:sombrero:

 

[Clutch]

Are you one of those people that can back up a trailer into the driveway without pulling forward at least 3 times? If so, I hate you.

:sombrero:

yes, and around corners.


We had a dogleg curve at our old shop that I got plenty of practice on.

I will say this...smaller the trailer the more squirrelly it is backing up.