1st Gen Tacoma vs 3rd Gen 4Runner

[kolelt]

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.

I never called a 2005 a first gen. I was saying a Tacoma that is a 2005 had the frame replaced. You'd think the issue would of been very thoroughly addressed. We can argue all day back and forth. My personal opinion is, if I'm looking for a Tacoma. I'm taking a hammer and hitting the whole frame. Yes , I'd be checking the 4runner to. But knowing and seeing what i saw. I'd be more worried about a Tacoma. That's all. Tacoma forums has a lot more topics about the rust issue vs here on 4runner.

 

[Scramble]

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.

haha, you just named 3 states where it doesn't rain, snow or salt the roads. LOL

 

[Scramble]

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.

Late model 1st gen 8cyl Tundra for the win!

 

[tystaco]

Late model 1st gen 8cyl Tundra for the win!

I think I would echo this....but I have zero experience other than riding in the Tundra. IF I ever get rid of my 04 Tacoma, I'd hunt a limited 8cyl Tundra.

To the OP... I have had my 04 Taco since December of 2010 and have loved it. Granted, the frame rotted out but was replaced 15 months ago and looks great living here on the west coast.

In the last year I have picked up the 4runners because I wanted the reliability of my Tacoma with interior space for wife, dog, and wife's loads of travel crap. I had a topper on the Tacoma...hated crawling in and out of that thing.

The 4runners feel more solid than a slight tinny feeling of the Taco. Gas mileage in the taco is matched by my 2000 T4R at about 21-22 when doing 60mph...both get about 18 combined...14 in the winter (Northern MI).

I do feel the difference between the 4.1 gear ratio of the truck and the 4.3's of the 4runners. The limited package build of the 4runners is nice, feels much more refined inside.

I love my rigs, but I love my 4runners more. I like having a truck for the bed, but any road trip will get the 4runners from now on, not that I haven't crossed the country a couple times in the Tacoma. People love their quad cab Tacomas, but I wouldn't like the less than 6' bed not allowing a bike to be racked back there without tire removal.

All good rigs, but ext. cab Tacos get sold because people have kids.

 

[4'running'26]

Thanks for all the insight everyone.

I think I am hearing what I kind of expected, but it is glad to have it confirmed. If I am going to continue to use it as a cross country trekking machine, the 4runner is the way to go. I would love to have a truck bed, but I guess there is always a give and take...at least until I can afford to have both!

The closest 4runner that seems to be in good condition, is a 5spd and is without a lot of rust is 800 miles away...maybe I'll be heading south soon.

 

[AntleredRuin]

Late model 1st gen 8cyl Tundra for the win!

Why not a 1st Gen v6 Tundra, or the T100? They both had the same 3.4 our 4Runners have.
Obviously, the ability to have a V8 stock is great, but if he's trying to compare directly to the Tacoma, that's more like it.
The 1st Gen Tundra isn't a very large truck, the 3.4 can move it fine.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Scramble]

Why not a 1st Gen v6 Tundra, or the T100? They both had the same 3.4 our 4Runners have.
Obviously, the ability to have a V8 stock is great, but if he's trying to compare directly to the Tacoma, that's more like it.
The 1st Gen Tundra isn't a very large truck, the 3.4 can move it fine.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Because they're under powered with the v6 or the I4, just like our trucks. Then I'd need to supercharge it! Cheaper to just get the V8. And yes, it's not a big behemoth like the new ones so with the V8 it actually accelerates quickly & can tow. I cant tow my 4runner up mountains with a v6 Tundra or T100.
There's a beautiful T100 for sale by my house. I have no interest if it doesn't have a v8.

 

[socalkid]

ive owned both - currently have a 98' 4Runner 2WD and used to own a 98' Tacoma 4WD, both 5spd 4cyl - and they are pretty similar in their driving characteristics, though if i was pressed (and this is going from memory of my 10 years with my Tacoma, and recent rides in 1st gens) the 4Runnner is generally more of a comfortable ride, but splitting hairs really. i think it just depends on whats more important to you. the utility of the truck is great having the bed, but having the larger interior volume of the 4Runner is also a plus.

 

[Hepar]

I came from an '01 extended cab Tacoma. It was a 5spd. The 4Runner is definitely a more comfortable drive as well as the shorter wheelbase is nice. That being said, I miss it all the time. No substitute for a truck bed.

The closest 4runner that seems to be in good condition, is a 5spd and is without a lot of rust is 800 miles away...maybe I'll be heading south soon.

Don't be scared to travel to find one. Worth it in the long run.