1st Gen Tacoma vs 3rd Gen 4Runner

[4'running'26]

Hey, all.

I have started searching for the replacement to my current 3rd gen. It is a 2000 that I have had for over 5 years. I bought it with 190,000 miles on it and now have almost 295,000 miles. As a school teacher I usually take about a month every summer to travel out west and typically put in anywhere between 7000-10,000 miles.

My current 4runner is an automatic and I really want a 5spd, not necessarily because I think it is somehow better from a performance point of view, but just because I enjoy driving them so much more.

I am having such a hard time finding a 5spd. There are a few around but I am going to have to be willing to travel close to 1000 miles to get one that is not in the rust belt (where I live). It seems there are more 5spd 1st gen Tacomas out there and I am tempted to go that route. My question is, for those who have actually experienced both for any length of time, what are the main differences?

I do some occasional off-road driving, though I wouldn't consider it "off-roading" but rather driving off-road to get to cool destinations and to lose the crowds. Having said that, most of my driving is on the highway in order to get out west from Ohio in the first place. Am I going to suffer a large decrease in ride quality? I expect some just because of the nature of truck vs SUV, weight distribution, and rear suspension differences, but how much is it truly?

Thanks for your input!

JT

 

[jgue467]

I've only had experience with 2nd gen tacomas, 4dr auto w/4L engine, Sweet!

So I can't appropriately comment on 1st gen Tacomas but I'd say find a 2nd gen 6 speed w/ 4L engine, now that'll be A Lot of fun to drive everyday! Luck. :cowboy:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Tacoma

 

[KojiKP]

I have a '00 4Runner and an '01 Tacoma.
Both 3.4L 4x4, 4runner is auto and the truck is 5spd.

To me the 4Runner is way more comfortable to drive. When I'm not hauling anything, the 4Runner gets driven every time.
Empty, my truck gets 2-3mpg better over the 4Runner.

Originally when I was looking to purchase a 4Runner, I told myself I'd sell the Tacoma and get a utility trailer, almost a year later I still have both of them. If I sold the Tacoma I think I would miss it

 

[T100toyota13]

I have both as well, a 2000 4runner and a 2004 Tacoma extra cab. Both are 5 speed 4x4s. I echo the opinion that the 4runner rides way better with the rear coils.
Another food for thought is that 1st gen Tacoma double cabs did not come with manual transmissions.

 

[T100toyota13]

I have a '00 4Runner and an '01 Tacoma.
Both 3.4L 4x4, 4runner is auto and the truck is 5spd.

To me the 4Runner is way more comfortable to drive. When I'm not hauling anything, the 4Runner gets driven every time.
Empty, my truck gets 2-3mpg better over the 4Runner.

Originally when I was looking to purchase a 4Runner, I told myself I'd sell the Tacoma and get a utility trailer, almost a year later I still have both of them. If I sold the Tacoma I think I would miss it

Don't sell it!!!!
I waited a long time to get my 3rd gen companion for my 1st gen Tacoma.
Now we are a happy family.

 

[UnderFire]

The Tacomas generally have lesser build quality, especially on the interior, and the rear leafs dont ride nearly as well as the 4 link on the 4runners. Other than that they're basically identical.

Sent from my Z958 using Tapatalk

 

[JayRolla]

The Tacomas generally have lesser build quality, especially on the interior, and the rear leafs dont ride nearly as well as the 4 link on the 4runners. Other than that they're basically identical.

Sent from my Z958 using Tapatalk

Lesser build quality? They are built almost identical. Tacomas hold more value when resold.

 

[kolelt]

Lesser build quality? They are built almost identical. Tacomas hold more value when resold.

minus the bad frames.

 

[trailbikerider]

minus the bad frames.

4Runners really aren't any better, we just didn't get a frame recall like Tacoma owners.

 

[JayRolla]

minus the bad frames.

Have you seen the horror stories on here about our frames?

 

[UnderFire]

Lesser build quality? They are built almost identical. Tacomas hold more value when resold.

I'll agree they are built in the same way, but overall the material quality and to a lesser extent some of the difference in design make the Tacoma worse.

Sent from my Z958 using Tapatalk

 

[kolelt]

Have you seen the horror stories on here about our frames?

Yes just no where near what I saw about tacomas. Including newer ones to. My friends ex has a 05. With little over 100k. Had her frame replaced.

Personally I'd be more scared buying a 1st gen Tacoma then a 3rd gen 4runner.

 

[nissanh]

The Tacoma has less body roll as it has rear leaf springs so you can make turns at higher speeds without slowing down. Also in the front seats, you have a better view around. I think the seat is tall or something. The storage area is quite big compared to the runner.

 

[Scramble]

Tacoma frames are much worse. Done in Mexico as the T4R frames are done in Japan.

 

[T100toyota13]

So much negativity toward the 1st gen Tacomas frame rust issue. There are plenty out there with no frame issues.
Case and point: My 2004 Taco. 89,000 original miles, all CA, AZ and TX life...no rust whatsoever.
Here in AZ Beautiful 1st gen Tacos with no rust come up for sale all the time and have better resale value than the rust free 3rd gen 4runners of similar mileage.
I love both platforms, and have recently completed my high school wet dream by finally owning both...in 5speeds.
Find that rust free beauty and frame prep it.

 

[JayRolla]

Yes just no where near what I saw about tacomas. Including newer ones to. My friends ex has a 05. With little over 100k. Had her frame replaced.

Personally I'd be more scared buying a 1st gen Tacoma then a 3rd gen 4runner.

If your scared to buy a Toyota than you should not drive. Wonder how you feel buying a domestic. Lol.

 

[kolelt]

If your scared to buy a Toyota than you should not drive. Wonder how you feel buying a domestic. Lol.

I didn't say I was "scared buying a toyota." I said I'd be "scared to buy a Tacoma". And less scared to buy a 4runner. Heard, and seen to many horror stories about tacomas frame. My friend had a 97 Tacoma. Let's just say toyota bought it from him. His ex has a 05. Frame replaced. I love tacomas. I think they look really badass. But knowing that they had/have frame recall including newer gens. Raises a eye brow for me.

 

[SupaSupra]

Sometimes I wish I had a Tacoma for the bed, but I know if I got rid of my 4Runner I'd miss the SUV shell. I wouldn't mind having both but a 4 door 4WD 03-04 Tacoma is outrageous in price.

 

[JayRolla]

I didn't say I was "scared buying a toyota." I said I'd be "scared to buy a Tacoma". And less scared to buy a 4runner. Heard, and seen to many horror stories about tacomas frame. My friend had a 97 Tacoma. Let's just say toyota bought it from him. His ex has a 05. Frame replaced. I love tacomas. I think they look really badass. But knowing that they had/have frame recall including newer gens. Raises a eye brow for me.

I know people that replaced frames on 3rd gen 4runners also. 2005 is not a 1st Gen and completely different platform so not comparable. All I'm saying is our frames are just as crappy. Toyota really dropped the ball on frame rust prevention on all platforms period.

 

[T4R2014]

Lol, the Tacoma is surviving off of brand loyal created by the older trucks. Otherwise, these are cheaply made and plagued by little quality control issues. Way too overpriced as well. A first gen Tundra is a better value. This so called 3rd gen Tacoma is a total joke so far too.