Decisions: Tundra vs. 4Runner...anyone else had to choose???

[kickinasphalt]

Well I've been toying with the idea of getting a new vehicle for the past few months now. I bought an 03 Accord at the beginning of this year as my old car was showing its age. At the time I did want a 4x4 but couldn't justify it because I was gonna be commuting a 100 miles a day for work and gas mileage was important. I have a new job now as of Sept that only requires about 2 miles a day to commute. Mainly because of this I'm thinking of getting something different. I first started thinking about a 4Runner (03 up) earlier this summer when I good friend of mine wanted one (he has always been in Toyota's and has owned a couple 4runners). I really never looked at any SUV's before and was more set on a pickup (been kind of a Chevy guy but starting to branch out). Now I have test drove a 4runner and I really like them but I keep thinking I could possibly get a little better (or easier) use out of a pickup (hunting,fishing, hauling crap around, etc.) I have looked at the 05up Tacoma (test drove one even) and the double cab (04 up) Tundras. I like the Tacoma but for the price its seems I could get a Tundra and gain space I would use. I have been researching Tundra's lately and found that 06 have some good incentives. It also seems that Tundra's are just a bit less expensive that a comparebly equiped 4runner (maybe I'm just me comparing wrong but it does kind of seem that way). I guess I'm still up in the air about this one and really wasn't on planning on buying new at all but who knows. Just curious if anyone else has been in this boat too. Oh and what is a good Tundra specific board. Thanks all!

 

[Uneek]

I've got an '05 Tacoma DC with the short bed. It's a great truck, though not as refined as the 4R. I live in a large city, so parking the Taco can be a pain since it's about 20" longer than the 4R. The 4R will fit in any spot that a Camry will fit into. Keep in mind it will be easier to secure your stuff in a SUV than a truck. For me, like snowboarding I can keep my gear in the 4R without much worries when stopping for a bite or bathroom break, can't in a truck unless you have a tonneau cover or shell. But if you see carrying large items, without a doubt a truck is the best. The '06 Tundra will be a great buy/value because the new larger '07 is due in Feb. '07. I think a fully loaded Tundra DC 4x4 with nav and the likes is about 40k sticker. TundraSolutions.com is a good Tundra forum and ToyotaNation.com has a good forum for '05+ Tacomas.

 

[Thai]

I testdrove an '06 Tundra (not the new one) and i found it to be very refined...to my surprise! It was quiet on the highway and the ride was very good for a truck. Interior space was good. My only minor critic is the lack of rear disc brakes and lack of boxed frame in the rear. Also, i am not fond of the Sequoia dash with the steering column mounted shifter, but i can't critic this too much because all trucks are the same way.

As stated above, I do think that this is the BEST time to get the Tundra before the new one comes out. It is a better deal than the Tacoma for sure.

 

[boston_kevin]

I'd go for the Tundra if you really need a truck. The Taco is aimed more for the sports truck crowd, where the Tundra is targetted for the audience who will actually use the truck for what it is designed for. Tundra will be wider and a bit noisier inside than a 4Runner, but you have the option of hauling bigger things around. The 4runner has secure inside storage of smaller items, but you can add comparable security by adding a cap or toneau to the bed of the Tundra. I think the seats are a little higher off the floor in the Tundra vs the 4Runner as well. Overall, the height of the 4Runner is less than the Tundra, so some parking garages may present an issue for the Tundra.

 

[wiseguy]

I recently traded in my 03 Tundra Access Cab for my 06 4runner limited. The only advantage the Tundra had was space, mainly in the back end as I had a shell on it. However, I went with the runner because it is way more comfortable on a daily basis. I wanted an interior with lot of ammenities, while the Tundra was basic, but nice. Only way to get the nice interior on a Tundra is to buy a limited, but they are hard to find. The 4runner is smooth, easy to park, better visibility, awesome stereo, etc. I love the 4runner and have not looked back. Good luck in your decision.

 

[HeavyD]

I have the best of both worlds, a T4R and an '85 F150

My kids call the Ford "Grumpy Green". It was my Grandfather's truck before it spent 10 yrs rotting in my Dad's barn. He was going to junk it but I talked him into giving it to me. I spent about $800 getting it drivable again and now if anyone in the neighborhood needs a pickup they come over and borrow it.

Bottom line is when you need a pickup, you need a pickup, but unless you're a rancher or tradesman you probably don't need a pickup on a daily basis.

 

[zig]

I'd go with the truck if you hunt or fish much. I've got the 4Runner mostly for the family aspects, paired with the long distance trips, but when it comes to hunting I'm kind of screwed. If I go upland hunting, I'll take a trailer outfitted with a dog box for my two dogs, which is fine but eats up the gas. I'll throw a single box in the back for waterfowl, and then try to stuff all of my dekes in around that. I can just barely fit my finisher blind, and a dozen FB goose dekes in there, with no room to share. Duck isn't as bad, but if you get muddy, which you will, then it's going onto the seats. I'm hoping to get a yakima roof top for this stuff, but that will eat up the gas as well. A back basket will be nice, but still wont give me the room that I need, but the only thing that you could do for deer or other big game. I need a truck even though I really love the 4Runner.

Of course, I travel a lot for family and always want to hunt everything when I get there, so I need to bring dogs, dekes, guns and gear in addition to the family items. Lets just say that it gets packed!:bash:

 

[BuckyBadger]

Get ready to have a lot of new friends if you get a pickup truck. You will be surprised how many people call you to borrow the truck for something! And more than once you will be called into help move someone, because you "have a truck"......


I had a pickup before and had this all the time, whether it was helping someone move or picking up a TV at Bestbuy for someone.

I solved it by getting the 4R and then a $600, 8' trailer for the times I needed the "truck". i.e. weekend trips to HD or hauling the 4wheeler hunting.

just my two cents...

 

[HeavyD]

Get ready to have a lot of new friends if you get a pickup truck. You will be surprised how many people call you to borrow the truck for something! And more than once you will be called into help move someone, because you "have a truck"......


I had a pickup before and had this all the time, whether it was helping someone move or picking up a TV at Bestbuy for someone.

I solved it by getting the 4R and then a $600, 8' trailer for the times I needed the "truck". i.e. weekend trips to HD or hauling the 4wheeler hunting.

just my two cents...

...or get a truck that's so rough they can't hurt it. Whenever I drive Grumpy Green to the mall I noticed people would keep circling rather than park next to me :biggrin2:

 

[jacal]

The 4x4 type factored into my decision.

I can leave my T4R in awd all winter long and never think about traction. With a part time 4x4 (which I used to own) I was always switching in and out.

Also for safety as I wanted a full complement of air bags (both row and ceiling) as well as skid control for ease-of-use by my wife on some very difficult logging and gravel roads we must travel. The T4R is likely going to be much more composed over poor or unmaintained roads then a pickup with an empty bed.



J

 

[Falls]

I have a 6x10 alum. trailer so the 4R works for me at this point.

In 2 yrs when the lease is up , I will go with what my needs are. 4R , Tacoma DC , TUNDRA DC. 4x4