3rd gen runner vs 1st gen taco

SnowRambler said:
If you live in the "salt belt", check the Taco frame for rot. The 1st Gen Taco frames where not factory dipped in rust proofing and are prone to rot. Toyota is stepping-up and replacing the frames for free, but who knows how long this program will last.
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I'm pretty sure the 01-04 frames didn't have this problem. For this reason alone, I'd recommend a 01+ if at this point you're still considering a Taco. You're looking at the same monetary ballpark for 01-04 Taco vs a 99-2000 Highlander.

As pretty much stated, if you don't have crap that you're constantly hauling, you already know that the 4Runner is the better choice. You can always throw on a rack or cargo hitch/ small trailer if need be. I loved my 01 DC Taco, but having the 4Runner is more convenient when you factor in the seating (believe me, the rear seating is way more comfy than the 4 door taco) and "secured" storage benefits.
 
SCRunner12 said:
If only. I have thought about giving my 4runner to my girlfriend, selling her jeep and buying a Tacoma. She wouldn't be into it though as she loves her jeep. :bash:
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when she go to sleep put a pair of headphones on her and play her all the commercial toyota made from 1970s to present:guitar3:
 
t4r4life said:
when she go to sleep put a pair of headphones on her and play her all the commercial toyota made from 1970s to present:guitar3:
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Haha, yeah that would be awesome. I just looked up the KBB and it is 7k private party for an 04 with 90K. Yikes, these Jeeps lose their value fast.
 
if you wouldnt mind i would love to see the thread you posted on the taco site. think it would be interesting to see if they share our views
 
Dezert4Runner said:
I'm pretty sure the 01-04 frames didn't have this problem. For this reason alone, I'd recommend a 01+ if at this point you're still considering a Taco. You're looking at the same monetary ballpark for 01-04 Taco vs a 99-2000 Highlander.

As pretty much stated, if you don't have crap that you're constantly hauling, you already know that the 4Runner is the better choice. You can always throw on a rack or cargo hitch/ small trailer if need be. I loved my 01 DC Taco, but having the 4Runner is more convenient when you factor in the seating (believe me, the rear seating is way more comfy than the 4 door taco) and "secured" storage benefits.
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The frame rust deal is this, the 95.5-00 trucks with frame rott are being bought back at 1.5 times blue book value because they don't have replacement frames on hand, the 01-04 trucks with frame rott are getting NEW, brand spanking new, frames at no cost to the vehicle owner and they get a free loaner while the work is being done. I stripped my Tacoma down to bare bones and got $8700 for it.

I loved my Tacoma, it was 97 extra cab 4x4 2.7 5 speed. This was just all around badass, I had it on 33's and never found a trail (within reason) that it couldn't handle. I personally think the power from the 3RZ is more than addequate in a Tacoma. On 33's I was getting 22mpg steadily and I always ran the pants off that truck. Mine had 255k on it when it was bought back and it ran like a champ. If you want to run more serious trails I would definitely get the 4Runner, the rear suspension is amazing off road but the Tacoma will run some pretty tough trails as well. The only reason I bought my 4Runner instead of another Tacoma was because I was lucky enough to find a 5 speed Runner and it only cost me $2k, I would've loved to have gotten back into another Tacoma though.
 
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I currently have an 01 4runner, purchased a year ago. Previously had a 96 Taco 4x4, 3.4L, 5-speed V6. I really loved my Taco, ran her to 282k with no problems at all. She did well off-roading on muddy trails. Hated to sell her, but needed something with an enclosed cab for my dog.

Thats when the 4runner was purchased. As others have stated, having a Taco limits your ability to store stuff without having a camper. And only one additional passenger.

You can't go wrong with either but if you have access to a truck, then get the 4runner.
 
One of my buddies has a 99 tacoma with the TRD package. The thing's pretty bad ass. I like the bed and on the trail it feels more nimble (probably because it weighs less). However, the big problem for me is the passenger room issue, like others have said. Whenever more than 2 people need to go somewhere (happens a lot), I'm driving. And whenever that happens I always point out to my buddy that the 4runner is superior. However if you really want to save gas, you should get the tacoma. You'll end up driving it a lot less because no one wants to ride it that sad extend cab 'seat'.
 
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The passenger issue effects me too. 2 other friends (one with xtra cab taco 1st gen, other with some old POS single cab nissan). We meet up at someones house and go get wings or something atleast once a week. I am ALWAYS the driver.

I was even still the driver when I had my double cab tacoma, but they prefer the 4runner as do I.
 
I like being the driver because the "train" leaves when I say it does. Some of my friends aren't very good drivers either so I won't ride with them. Others try to kidnap me sometimes and make me hang out too long at places I don't really want to be at. So I've learned it's always nice to have the wheels.
 
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