4runners vs tacoma??

[<==Needs a 4R]

Hey guys just want to say Id really appreciate your comments on this one. I'm very confused.
Ok so here's my problem, I have a 91 ford explorer that's going downhill fast... I really want to get a 03+ 4runner but I can't find any reasonable runners out my way. So instead now im looking @ a 03 Tacoma 2wheel drive v6 (I'm 18, insurance would kill me on a 4x4..) Do you guys know anything about this truck? It's a 4 door so it has almost as must space, but am I just making a big compromise? I believe all Toyotas are great vehicles but I
don't want to just settle for what's there if it's not comparable to a 4runner...?
Thanks ladies and gents!

 

[Thai]

I would get a 3rd gen 4runner before i would get a Tacoma. I would get '01-'02 3rd gen if possible because it came with stability control, brake assist, and 4-channel ABS...all the necessary things for an 18 year old!

Other than that, a Tacoma is pretty good and very reliable. The frame is not nearly as strong as a 4runner. The ride is not as nice. Handling is worst. But it has more utility.

 

[toto]

Of course, there's a big difference in body styles. The Taco is a pickup truck, and the 4Runner is an SUV. If you're looking to haul big things or dirty things sometimes that wouldn't fit in an SUV, then a pickup is a great thing to have.

I've got a 2000 Taco as a second vehicle. It's great for trips to the home improvement store!

I agree with Thai about the safety features. The Taco seems a little behind the curve with respect to ABS, traction control, DRL's, and brake assist. My Taco has none of those, and it handles quite poorly in the snow, even with 4WD and the TRD off-road package. It'll go forward, but not always straight. The Taco also doesn't have as many "luxury" items as the 4Runner, either. My Taco didn't even come with a clock from the factory; that's a feature of the Limited only. Even power windows and locks were mid-grade options that I had to make sure I got.

The Taco is a foot longer than the 4Runner, but visibility is excellent. (Naturally, because there's less body to look through.) Taco's are super-reliable and hold their value well, so they're decent as a used car investment.

I think you've first got to decide between a pickup and an SUV. Toyota is great for both, but the answer will tell which model to look at.

 

[Falls]

It really depends on your needs/wants and what you can afford comfortably.

I like the 4R a lot and it built like a brick IMO. Very tough vehicle.

I like the Taco a lot to especially the new style. As far as the frame goes I wouldn't worry about that at all , yes it is different than the 4R but as far as weaker , I really don't thing I would call it that , just a different type of set up. I highly doubt Toyota work make a truck with a weak frame. There is a landscape company here and they have about 5 Taco's with pretty big plow's on them and they seem to hold up just fine. There main focus is doing driveways for customers. They load the crap out of them in summer and get beat to hell.

As far as snow goes , I thing the 4R would be much better with its weight distribution ( being an SUV ) and electronic do dads that keep it in control .

Pick up trucks of any kind never do real well in snow because of the light weight in the rear.

I think both have pro's & con's and you wont be disappointed with either.

 

[<==Needs a 4R]

Thanks guys!

Well I was really confused about the whole thing but was able to find a 03 4dr taco that was affordable. And I really don't ever see snow so that shouldn't be a prob 4 now. I really appreciate your comments guys! I feel a lot better about my new investment. Even tho I may end up buying a 4r down the road when i can really afford one I have a lot of hope for my new taco. One more question: Can i still post on a "4runner" forum? haha thanks guys! i'll keep you posted.

 

[toto]

Congrats! Sure you can post here. Tacos and 4Runners actually share some parts, including V6 engines.

Here are a few other interesting sites related to Tacos:

http://www.customtacos.com
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/f22
http://www.yotatech.com

 

[<==Needs a 4R]

Thanks Toto! I'll check them out.

 

[Fly]

i think i'll chime in on this one.

my previous car was a 2004 Tacoma trd double cab. i'm a semi-new owner of a 4runner sport.

I'd be lying if i said i didn't miss my tacoma. It was rock solid. not a single problem at all and ran like a champ. you definitely can't go wrong by picking up a Taco. they hold their value VERY well.

the only thing with that generation Tacoma is that the interior feels pretty outdated compared to a 4th gen T4R.

in the end, it all comes down to personal preference. however, if you decide to get the Tacoma, i suggest getting the 4 door, it's much more practical than an extra cab.

lastly, although I miss my Tacoma, I don't at all regret replacing it with my T4R SE

edit: my avy is a pic of my Taco.

 

[<==Needs a 4R]

Great to hear stuff like this! Thank you Fly! I'm deff going with the 4dr.