Quick Tacoma(-related) question...

[otis24]

Another thing with the crossovers and the Forester in particular is that while it may have 9" of clearance this only one factor to consider. The approach, departure and break over angles are not nearly as good. Their bumpers tend to be super long making it very difficult to go over terrain they would otherwise be able to clear had they been designed with a shorter bumper. A Tacoma or 4Runner mid section has to be at least 14 or more inches off the ground.

 

[SNOWDOZER]

My 03' DC Tacoma just rolled 250K and is running GREAT. I have always been a true believer in Toyota reliability, wife 97' Rav has almost 400K and is running but not strong. Good MPG's, ton of aftermarket options and won't break the bank to repair. I see you have a 25K to drop on a new truck or car but if you can find a well maintained 2nd gen tacoma wouldn't be a bad choice. Not a fan with the new models (05's on) with the plastic beds and switch for the transfer case. Call me old fashioned but I like having an actual stick and linkage for the T case. Hope this helps. Subys are cool to but apples and oranges.