Sold My Taco......What Have I Done?????

[Applejack]

I put my Taco up for sale, $24,500. The reason was, to be financially wise in these uncertain economic times, getting rid of a $400+/mo payment would be nice, but having something actually paid for was really what I was after. I did no think it would sell, but it did, yesterday. It was hard to part with it, but I know it was a good move. Now I'm on the hunt. I'm looking at a 2000 4Runner limited and e-locked with 80k on it and a '99 LC with the rear diff lock and 121k on it.
Both are very clean, nearly perfect and both can be had for $12,000. I'm leaning towards the 4Runner.
Your thoughts?

 

[corax]

"to be financially wise in these uncertain economic times" I would go with the 4runner as I'm sure it gets better MPGs than the LC and is just as capable, unless you really need the extra room

 

[redthies]

Whereas I would go for the LC as resale is WAY better than on a 4Runner. And if you are paying cash, a small difference in fuel economy doesn't add up to much each month. I sold my Tacoma, got rid of a $400 payment (my wife still misses the truck), and bought an F350 for cash. Crap fuel economy, but no payment!!:sombrero:

 

[daverami]

Wow, I think the Runner would be a good choice.

I would really miss my truck, although I have thought many times of selling it for a LC.

I was very fortunate to sell my 2000 Taco for 15K and then put up the cash to get my 2006. No payments from the day I bought it is pretty nice.

Good luck with your new addition, whatever it turns out to be.

 

[E30RUNNER]

I would think the 4runner could be had for less...$12K seems a bit high atleast around my area. I bought my 99 with 80K miles perfect condition for $9.5K two years ago.

I would choose the 4runner as well if your trying to watch your cash flow. Depending on how much driving you do the gas savings you see will add up...my 2cents

 

[Christian P.]

go for the 4runner. Better mpg but also parts are cheaper - that is unless you need the space. I bought mine (a pristine 2001 4x4 with 60K) 2 years ago for 13K so the resale value is really not that bad. I think the resale value is the same as the LC, not worst.

 

[Vermejo]

What will be the main purpose of the rig? Trails, Overland, DD? Overall, I'd say go with the 4Runner. The 4Runner will be more capable with fewer modifications than the LC. Also, consider that the aftermarket support for the 3rd Gen is a bit more extensive and less expensive than the LC. For many of us 3rd Gen owners, the LC is still tempting for the power, space and looks.

Either way, those are excellent choices. Good luck!

 

[Martinjmpr]

I agree that $12k is high for the 4runner, although a '99 - 2000 Limited is kind of the "brass ring" of 4runners because it gets you the locker and the multi-mode 4wd. Most of the rest of us have to choose one or the other (I chose the locker.)

The only other consideration I'd think about is range. 3rd gen 4Runners can get decent MPG but they have tiny fuel tanks (18.5 gallons.) The LC might get worse MPG but IIRC they have a much larger tank so 400+ miles is possible on an LC but unless you are going downhill with a tailwind and doing a lot of coasting, it's going to be tough getting that kind of range from the LC.

 

[RusM]

Good choice! To me the 4Runner is way over priced, if you can wait to buy one their are some really nice rigs that come up for sale on all of the Toyota forums.

 

[sami]

Martyn has a great point with the smallish fuel tank on the 4runner. That is one thing that bugged me on my '99 Highlander Ed 4runner. Also, there are a few batches of 4runners out there that have a lengthened fuel neck, thus cutting down fuel capacity even more.. So that's one thing to watch out for. I had an 18.5gal tank, but could never get more than 17gals in there.. I think there's discussions about this on Yotatech, or TTORA..

I see 4runners around here (Utah) for well under $12k. I would not pay that much for a 4runner, even fully loaded and 80k miles. IIRC, I bought my 1999 4runner for $7k with about 148k miles with the high mileage work already done.. At the time, that $7ish thousand was $2k under KBB..

 

[rynosurf]

My cousin has a '97 LC with 200k miles and loves it but there were few things that had to be fixed or replaced that were very expensive. I would go with the runner unless you have a large family and needs the extra room.

 

[Mr. Leary]

What will be the main purpose of the rig? Trails, Overland, DD? Overall, I’d say go with the 4Runner. The 4Runner will be more capable with fewer modifications than the LC. Also, consider that the aftermarket support for the 3rd Gen is a bit more extensive and less expensive than the LC. For many of us 3rd Gen owners, the LC is still tempting for the power, space and looks.

Either way, those are excellent choices. Good luck!

:iagree:

As far as the range problem... a swing out tire carrier gives you plenty of room for an aux tank or gas can basket. The two are very similar in trail capabilities. You will be more comfortable in the LC, but may have more issues with size. Not sure how tight the trails get in Oregon, but I get "custom" pinstriping with my 3rd gen here in TX. A full size rig just wouldn't fit down some trails. So... Runner = small and nimble, much cheaper to spruce up; LC = big, comfy and expensive. They both will last a long time if well looked after. I was comparing my 80 series to the 4Runner just before I sold the 80... they are really very similar platforms. The 100 series seems even more similar, albeit even larger than the 80.

Driving style... as Vermejo pointed out, the 4Runner is not overpowered. It will do the job, but it takes a little sweet talk. The LC is powerful enough to please those with a heavier foot. Towing will be a much more pleasent experience with an LC, but the 4Runner should leave you with more money left over for upgrades, like a brake controller, or even an SC.

Pick the one that suits you best. If you want a fully modified rig and it not to be a ten year project, get the Runner. If you wish to keep it closer to stock and need extra space or tow frequently, get the LC.

I'm rambling. Here's your sign! :safari-rig:

 

[Cackalak Han]

Why not a 1st Gen Tacoma? 01-04 DC, or if you don't need the extra cabin space, ext. cabs are plentiful.

 

[sami]

I forgot to mention that I absolutely loved my 4runner!

 

[tacollie]

They are both good vehicles. Go drive them and decide. I think the LC is probably a better vehicle, but I personally like driving the 4runner better. Parts ara a little more for the LC.

I have havn't looked back since selling my 05 and getting the 4runner. Mmmmmm.....rear coils.