Decision, buy or not to buy?

NBBAZ

NBBAZ

New member
Hi there T4R Peeps!

So, I've been thinking about this for a while. I currently own a 2006 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Short Bed 4X4 with 142,000 miles on it, which I love by the way. It's great off road and the power to weight ratio is awesome. But, I owe quite a bit on it, approx $14,000. I'm tired of having a truck payment. So...

I've always loved the 4Runner, so I have been thinking about trading my Tacoma for a 3rd GEN 4Runner (my favorite of the T4R,s) for a while, but not sure if it would be a good move or not. I could pay it off WAY faster! It would be my daily driver plus weekend warrior.

Things I would like to have that the Tacoma doesn't have found on the T4R:

-Sun or moon roof.
-E locker.
-heated side mirrors (not sure about this one???)
-Shorter wheel base for off roading. (I think???)
-lift kits seem to be a little less cost. I assume because of the rear coils?
-Rear window defroster. I have to deal with some cold snowy nights.
-A few more creature comforts/luxury?
_Etc...???

I have located a 2000 SR5 and a 2001 Limited (both have just over 200,000 miles) and before I pull the trigger I have some questions I would like some comments on please:

1. Compared to the Tacoma is the 4Runner as capable off road?
2. How's the ride both on and off road?
3. How worried should I be about them being over 200k miles?
4. Any problem things to look for when buying a T4R?
5. How's the power of the T4R V6? Is it a dog?
6. Has anyone on here done this, and if so, any regrets?
7. I don't use the bed on my Tacoma much, will I miss it?

Thanks in advance for any help!:hatsoff:
 
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1. Compared to the Tacoma is the 4Runner as capable off road?
- Maybe someone else can chime in, but I don't see any reason why it would be any less capable.

2. How's the ride both on and off road?
- About like the Taco, maybe a little better. I think the Tacos have leaf springs in the back, so the coils should ride a little nicer. If you lift, the ride becomes a little more rigid depending on what lift you go with.

3. How worried should I be about them being over 200k miles?
- You know Toyotas, shouldn't be a problem with proper maintenance.

4. Any problem things to look for when buying a T4R?
- Check this thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html

5. How's the power of the T4R V6? Is it a dog?
- It's a little under-powered yes, especially if you run bigger tires. But you can look into supercharger, ISR mod, deckplate mod, exhaust upgrades to help with that.

6. Has anyone on here done this, and if so, any regrets?
- can't say I've never had a Taco.

7. I don't use the bed on my Tacoma much, will I miss it?
- Well if you don't use it then no. Folding down the rear seats gives a ton of cargo room, but you wouldn't really want get it as dirty as the back of the truck probably. (carpeted)
 
Cool. Thanks! Sounds good so far. Anybody else? I'm going to try to check them out tomorrow.
 
I've only ridden in a stock 2nd gen tacoma, imo ride was good, probably the same as the 3rd gen 4runner. However, even with a lift with the right components (no huge coil spacers) the stock ride quality of the 4runner can be maintained a lot easier than any torsion bar-based rig, such as your pickup. So if your pickup is modified suspension wise to a moderate-heavy degree, I think? you will notice a improved ride.

The V6 engine in the 4runner (5vz-fe) will be noticeably less powerful/speedy but more reliable if properly maintained. You will possibly have more storage space in the 4Runner than in your short bed, too.

For the 14k you owe I would just buy the 2 separate runners and make one a trail tank and the other a pimped out daily driver. Then sell both in 40 years at a 5000% markup, retire, move to the Hamptons and start a 3rd gen 4runner factory, which then becomes the national currency of the U.S. You'll have the most, of course, and logically are the wealthiest man in America. Talk about get-rich-quick schemes... :tongue1:
 
I did exactly what you are thinking of. In 2012 I sold my 09 taco that I owned outright to start a business with the cash. Do I regret it? Not at all. The taco was a great truck, but if you want my honest opinion, the 3rd gen t4r is a better built truck. I also really enjoy the fact that I don't care if it gets bumps and scratches and I'm not anal about my 99 runner like I was the brand new taco. I would say the 4Runner is better off-road. The 46 is way nicer than the 3.4.
 
Besides the info you find on this forum, I would recommend paying for carfax to see maintenance and accident record. And only buy from a dealer. These 4runners are built tough and last a long time when cared for. Mine has 220K. No major problems, ever. They are easy to work on too, especially with all the write ups and advice from members on here.
 
AZTOY said:
Besides the info you find on this forum, I would recommend paying for carfax to see maintenance and accident record. And only buy from a dealer. These 4runners are built tough and last a long time when cared for. Mine has 220K. No major problems, ever. They are easy to work on too, especially with all the write ups and advice from members on here.
Click to expand...


Why would you only buy from a dealer?
 
My non locked 4 runner goes everywhere my buddy's e-locked tacoma goes, and sometimes places he can't make it. Where he lifts a tire, I keep them planted. The extra weight and suspension design of the 4runner makes them a better choice off road in my opinion.
 
Just one thing...don't underestimate the high mileage. 200K+ miles is a lot of miles no matter how you look at it. Yes, these vehicles can run a long time and they're reliable, but with used vehicles you really can't be sure of the maintenance history. If you can find someone with all/most records great. Even with all maintenance history though, you will most likely have to deal with the after effects of all that wear and tear (leaks, replacing gaskets/bushings, obscure parts needing replacement).

Hope I don't get flamed for saying this. Just playing devil's advocate here...as well as speaking from my experiences. Through it all, I LOVE my 3rd gen. Good luck deciding.
 
^I've had bad luck with the private sector, too. This 4Runner was almost an example of that. Although I've never bought a single vehicle from a dealer....:noidea:
 
Thanks Everyone for all the info so far. I wasn't able to look at the two I've located so far, but will try to soon. I'm about 95% sure that I'm going to do it. The 5% is the "if I can find the right one for a good price" part. I'm going to start looking seriously now.

Only other thing I'm a little worried about is a possible lack of power with the 3rd GEN T4R's V6.

We'll see...
 
NBBAZ said:
Thanks Everyone for all the info so far. I wasn't able to look at the two I've located so far, but will try to soon. I'm about 95% sure that I'm going to do it. The 5% is the "if I can find the right one for a good price" part. I'm going to start looking seriously now.

Only other thing I'm a little worried about is a possible lack of power with the 3rd GEN T4R's V6.

We'll see...
Click to expand...

You won't regret it haha and if you're really that concerned about power then wait till you pay off the runner then save up for a supercharger and do the isr mod and deck plate mod. If that's still not enough then you could always do a v8 swap haha but that's pretty difficult, Dirtyfingers is converting his currently so he could help. Good luck! Haha
 
They both ride good if the suspension is in good shape and you aren't riding around on blown components. The 3rd Gen is going to be a lot smaller inside then your Tacoma is. Less leg space in the front seats, less width, smaller console, but you do have more room in the back seats then you do in a DC Tacoma. The difference in size can be seen to when driving. The 3rd Gen will turn a lot better, feel a lot smaller, and is easier to maneuver in parking lots and such then your Tacoma.

The 4.0 in your Tacoma definitely makes more power and is a "faster" engine, but at the same time neither are exactly race cars... They aren't made for pure speed. The 3.4 in the 3rd Gen is a good motor with plenty of power. It's not scary trying to merge onto a bust road, or accelerate onto the interstate or anything. You will probably see slightly better gas mileage with the 4Runner too.

The 4Runner will most likely have more creature comforts on the inside too. Especially if you get an SR5 or Limited. One super nice thing is heated mirrors, and auto up and down front windows.

I think the space in the 4Runner is more useful than the bed honestly because you can pack it to the roof and not worry about it getting wet or falling out, but that only applies if you are carrying non dirty things like suitcases. If you don't use the bed much in your Tacoma then you should be fine in the 4Runner, if you need to haul something dirty, just throw a tarp down.

I don't think you will regret it, just make sure you get one in good shape that will treat you well. I'm sure you will really enjoy not having a car payment as well.
 
Thanks Unner! This is all good info. The motor power part is helpful. I'm not looking for a race car like some people, it's basically a truck with a fully covered and integrated bed. So, fast isn't a real concern. It is more a concern of enough power to get up to highway speeds, like you refered to, and enough power to 4 wheel properly. Nothing worse when your wheeling that your vehicle almost stalling trying to make it over small obstacles.
 
No problem! It definitely has enough power to get up to highway speeds and such. I just got back from a 400 mile round trip last night and the only time the transmission kicked out of overdrive was going up one larger hill with the cruise set at ~73 mph. Over the summer I drove it loaded down with 5 people and all their luggage which probably totaled around 1300 lbs and I had no trouble at all driving 70-75 mph (I usually don't drive any faster than this because I don't like speeding tickets haha) all the way and still getting close to 20 mpg.
 
I personally like the 4runner much better than the TACO. I cant believe the prices of the Tacos also. You could have a very nice T4R with the money left over from selling your taco. Ive driven lots of stock 4 runners and tacos. Worked at a GM/Toyota dealer for 7 years. I think the T4R has a better ride stock. Reliability wise I think the T4R hold up better. Not that the taco is unreliable. Power wise, i'm used to 400rwhp in my G8. So getting in the T4R I feel its a dog. But it does just fine for the driving its intended for. As others stated, wait it out and find the right one. I didn't find the right one but did get a hell of a deal! The right one is out there for me just gotta get a plane ticket and enjoy the trip home. Good luck on finding yours. Keep your options open.
 
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