Tacoma / 4Runner Buyers Guide for Overlanders?

Martinjmpr

Martinjmpr

Wiffleball Batter
Don't laugh but have you considered an Explorer? They're dirt cheap, parts are easy to find and AFAIK they're as reliable as anything else out there. I just spent a week in the Utah desert with a bunch of Ford guys, two of them in built up 1st gen (90-94) Explorers and they did great.
 
O

offthebeatenpath

Adventurer
My thoughts would be a later 3rd gen 4Runner. Even among Toyota enthusiasts they're renowned for their reliability. You should be able to find something in your area in good condition (i.e.- no rust), but perhaps cosmetically challenged, for under $5k. Don't be shy of a 4Runner with 200k miles on it- I'd take that over a Volvo any day of the week :D Also, look for one that is not the "Limited" package with leather and all the bits. You can still find them with a rear diff lock too- a real bonus. The 3.4 V6 isn't a super-powerful engine, the later 4.0 is definitely better, but the 3.4 gets the job done without complaining. It might be a bit cozy on the interior, but the back seat in ours was roomier than the Cherokee we had and definitely roomier than our '03 DC Tacoma. Can't speak on the driver's leg room- there was plenty for me, but I'm right at 6'.

From the sounds of your current job/financial situation, I'd encourage you to not think big. An older 4Runner will serve you well (better than a Rover, Volvo or a Jeep) without asking for monthly repairs. It'll get you from A to B and back all day long. Parts are easy to find and the trucks are trustworthy. That's my two cents. Good luck!
 
Martinjmpr

Martinjmpr

Wiffleball Batter
The bottom line is that you will pay a significant price premium for that T logo when you compare it with a similarly equipped vehicle from another manufacturer, anywhere from 25 - 50% more. I call it the "Toyota Tax."

Is it worth it? Only you can decide that.
 
98roamer

98roamer

Explorer
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/69744-tutorial-documentation-reference.html
http://forum.ih8mud.com/95-gen-toyota-trucks/341631-3rd-gen-4runner-faqs.html
[good break down of history]

My 98 limited with Sunroof is tight for me since I keep my seat as vertical as possible due to a neck injury and I'm only 6'1". Look for (at least a 3rd gen) 4Runner without a sunroof.
I love the 4Runner but they are holding their value. Maybe look at the older Tundra or Sequoia.

Check out the Xterra, Our 1 gen. felt like it had more room for at least the front two seats, you'll likely continue to hear from those in the back seat. But it will fit the pricing model.

Huge resource:
http://www.yotatech.com/
 
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Clutch

Clutch

<---Pass
nwoods said:
So I'm in a bit of a pickle. I don't have a good solution, but I am thinking an older Taco or 4Runner might be good solution. EXCEPT I DON"T FIT! I'm 6'-7" tall, and find my buddy's 2004 4th generation 4Runner extremely uncomfortable, and it's bigger than the older models that preceded it. I seem to fit better in my other buddy's 2007 Tacoma double cab, but I'm not sure my family of 4 will enjoy riding it. They are all quite tall, and didn't fit in the Volvo either, with constant complaints emanating from the noisome occupants in the back seat.

So what I need is 1) reliability, 2) potential capability with upgrades and parts availability, 3) decent cabin size for TALL people with legs, and most importantly, 4) low entry cost. Toyota ticks the boxes for items 1 and 2, but doesn't combine 3 and 4 well. I can get #4, but sacrifice item 3. Not sure it makes sense to buy a car I cant fit in, just because I can almost afford it.

Suggestions welcome.
Click to expand...

Good gawd...I wouldn't even look at Toyota's if I was that tall, unless it is the current Tundra Crew Max.

As others said...a domestic fullsize, like a Suburban, Expedition or a crew cab truck. Perhaps a 4WD Van...
 
phsycle

phsycle

Adventurer
nwoods said:
...I don't have a good solution, but I am thinking an older Taco or 4Runner might be good solution. EXCEPT I DON"T FIT! I'm 6'-7" tall, and find my buddy's 2004 4th generation 4Runner extremely uncomfortable, and it's bigger than the older models that preceded it. I seem to fit better in my other buddy's 2007 Tacoma double cab, but I'm not sure my family of 4 will enjoy riding it. They are all quite tall, and didn't fit in the Volvo either, with constant complaints emanating from the noisome occupants in the back seat.

So what I need is 1) reliability, 2) potential capability with upgrades and parts availability, 3) decent cabin size for TALL people with legs, and most importantly, 4) low entry cost. Toyota ticks the boxes for items 1 and 2, but doesn't combine 3 and 4 well. I can get #4, but sacrifice item 3. Not sure it makes sense to buy a car I cant fit in, just because I can almost afford it.

Suggestions welcome.
Click to expand...

From what your needs are, two words pop into my head: Land Cruiser. I'd say look at an 80 or 100. Not sure what your price range is, but you can get either for a pretty "cheap" price.
 
nwoods

nwoods

Expedition Leader
phsycle said:
From what your needs are, two words pop into my head: Land Cruiser. I'd say look at an 80 or 100. Not sure what your price range is, but you can get either for a pretty "cheap" price.
Click to expand...


I do like the 100 series. The 80's are too small for my family, but the 100 is decent if I move the drivers seat (a standard mod I do to all my vehicles). However, I'm a little leary of the gas mileage in a Cruiser. I'm more inclined towards something lighter. I'm currently thinking about an Izusu Trooper, from 1998-2003 model years. I don't know much about them, but they are roomier than my old 1990's Montero, and got SB's thumbs up, and are available pretty cheap. The design is a little fugly, but the interior is actually kinda nice.

DSCF2779_JPG.jpg
 
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bullcrew

bullcrew

Observer
Yeah a at 6'3" I fit a 3rd Gen at 6'7&#8220; head would rub.....I'd look for a suv thats more upright sitting, Toyota's tend to lean back when inside bit its because of low center of gravity and high clearance of body's (gas tank excluded, come on Toyota really!)
 
Clutch

Clutch

<---Pass
nwoods said:
I do like the 100 series. The 80's are too small for my family, but the 100 is decent if I move the drivers seat (a standard mod I do to all my vehicles). However, I'm a little leary of the gas mileage in a Cruiser. I'm more inclined towards something lighter. I'm currently thinking about an Izusu Trooper, from 1998-2003 model years. I don't know much about them, but they are roomier than my old 1990's Montero, and got SB's thumbs up, and are available pretty cheap. The design is a little fugly, but the interior is actually kinda nice.

DSCF2779_JPG.jpg
Click to expand...

We have a Trooper, at first I didn't care for it, but it has grown on me...you "should" fit just fine. It averages 18 mpg mixed driving, and has achieved 23-24 on the HWY.
Ours has the 230HP motor, seems plenty powerful for my taste, much better than my 190HP Tacoma. Not sure what the TQ is off hand...

Bought ours for next to nothing from an old lady, that purchased it new, changed the oil every 3000 miles...and had every service record. If you look hard enough should
be able to find one under $7000, we paid even less...

Plus it is totally stealth....if you close one eye, and squint the other it "almost" looks like a LC70. :ylsmoke:

397883_10150594686809630_766319629_8902442_819463804_n.jpg

4_1.jpg
 
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4xdog

4xdog

Explorer
Toyotareference.com has copies of all the original Toyota brochures scanned in, all the engines, all the colors, plus all sorts of other details of every model ever brought to the US. Darren has done a great job with his site.

Don
 
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