4Runner or Extended Cab Truck?

[brighamr]

Hello All,

My first post here, but I've been lurking for a while. I'm trying to decide wether to buy a 3rd gen 4Runner or an extended cab pickup? Here's my criteria, let me know what you think:

1) 4X4 is a must
2) Seating for at least 4, preferably with 4 doors
3) option for covered cargo area (I would like to have a regular bed to haul large items like couch, motorycycle, etc. But at the same time, I'd like to be able to cover the area for transportation of my dogs.)
4) towing capability for my boat

The only things I don't like about 3rd gen 4Runners is the lack of V8 and lack of interchangeable cargo area (removable shell) were there any models of the 3rd gen where the seats folded down completely or were removed easily?

I wont get a 1st\2nd gen because of financing issues and mechanical problems. So, should I get a third gen or would I need a pickup for hauling large cargo?

TIA - glenn

 

[spud72]

Sounds like you may want to consider an Avalanche. If you can get past the terrible fuel economy (I get about 12MPG in mine) it's actually a pretty versatile truck.

The resale is also awful, so you could likely pick up a 2-3 year old one for a bargain.

 

[pat161]

Well unless you are looking at a Tundra you won't get a V8 in a Toyota pickup, and if you want 4 doors in a Tacoma you need to get a double cab, I do believe the brand new Tacoma's have the little fold out doors on the xtra cabs, but not the last generation. The rear seats on the 3rd gen runners do fold flat, so you end up with an area from the back of the front seats to the hatch, which is good size, plenty for a few bigs dogs or loads of gear. You won't get a motorcycle into a 4Runner, but a smal utility trailer is always an option. Seating 4 in a 3rd gen is fine, 5 adults can be a little cramped, but fine for a short trip. Towing capacity is 5,000 max, but if you are close to that an added tranny cooler and trailer brakes are always a good idea. How the 3.4 does with 5,000 behind it I can't say as I don't tow.

 

[Colemanfu]

I feel ya - I went from a Ranger 4x4 xcab with a topper to my 4th gen runner. I like how I can get all the way to the back from the cab. I run it with the seat down all the time like a flat bed - don't need to carry 4 peeps. I fit a ton of stuff in the back like a couch, bicycle, 4x8 ply - I have a hitch to support the back 2 feet. Now for the bike I use a versa hauler - hard to fit in a PU anyway if you have a topper. For me it works and is the best of both worlds. Comfort and lux of a Yota and 4x4 and hauling stuff is secure.

 

[brighamr]

thanks for the replies

I admit, I hadn't thought of using a trailer as a truck bed when needed. Given that idea, I'm leaning toward a 4Runner with a 3/4 bed trailer.

Can anyone give me advice on what to look for in a 3rd gen? (example: common parts that go bad, recalls, etc). Also, would I be ok buying an SR5 4X4 or is there a specific reason why the limited is so much better? (I've heard the limited comes with an electronic locker?)

thanks,
glenn

 

[pat161]

3rd gens have very few common issues, rear axle seals can go at around 100k, if not fixed promptly they can cover the rear drums and ruin the brakes as well. The V6 is equipped w/ a timing belt with a recomended change interval of 90k, most do the water pump and drive belts while they are at it. Some people have trouble with their MAF getting dirty and throwing codes, do some research there is a procedure to clean it that will extend the life. Other than that they are pretty much rock solid.

The E-Locker does not come as standard equipment on any 3rd gen, it is an option or part of a package. Limited will not all have a locker, in central MA where I live every 4wd Limited I have seen had it, but many SR5's do as well. The locker was discontinued in 00 as was the 5 speed, for 01 and 02 every 4wd Runner comes with the center diff and therefore the ability to use 4wd as a full time system, dry pavement is fine. They all also have VSC and TRAC, VSC is skid control while TRAC works like a limited slip by applying the brake to a spinning tire and forcing the other tire to spin, it's not as good as the locker but does work on both axles unlike the locker. Limited will really only get you power leather seats and climate control, pretty much every other option limiteds have is readily available on SR5's, and some SR5's will have leather, just no power seats. So if you really like the digital climate control get a limited, they also have the plastic body cladding and many are 2 tone, and probably something else I've forgotten.

There was arecall on the lower ball joints IIRC, not sure what years it affected, also older runners had a recall on the rear springs and bumpstops.