Did you consider a Tacoma?

Before buying my '12 4Runner I had a '11 Tacoma TRD Sport 4WD double cab short bed. I liked that truck alot. My second kid came along alot quicker than we thought so we needed something roomier. For the price. I felt like the Tacoma at the time should've come with more features. From the factory, the 4WD knob wouldn't light up nor all the window switches. No cargo lamp. No power seat option. However, even though it had no navigation, it still had JBL My biggest beef w/ the Tacoma was the whole drum brakes in the rear issue.
 
After my 3rd gen totaled out. I came super close to getting a Taco when I was at the dealership two months ago. It's a tuff choice no doubt.
But it ended up coming down to how often I would really use the bed. Occasional Home Depot run. But the rear window row down for the longer stuff to stick out.
Ever time I ever had a truck, most of the time the bed get used was to help other people move.
I'm glad I got the Runner. It's a lot nicer to be able to lock things up in the cargo area.
And the ride is a LOT more comfortable then the Taco.
 
I think the Runner makes a better road tripper do to the seating and the fact it's not riding on rear buggy springs. It's definitely a step up from the Taco's and that's what Toyota built it for. That being said they both have their places.
 
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Considering I was specifically looking at used Runners when I was shopping I was tempted. Due to a larger inventory of Tacomas and Tundras to choose from. To me it comes down to how often you'd be using that bed. Also consider that with the back seats folded down in tye Runner you have almost the same amount of length as you would in a doube cab short bed tacoma. For me I'd rather have the lockable climate controled cargo area. And if I need to haul the dirty stuff I can pull a trailer. Also the Runner will ride better empty than a Tacoma or any truck for that matter. Due to stiff springs in the back to compensate for being loaded.
 
This has been discussed before. There is a considerable difference between the two, seemingly small but significant. I got into the new Tacoma after having previously owned a 5th gen and sold it within months to get back into another 5th gen. If I needed a pickup bed it'd be different, but I don't and the 4Runner is superior in every regard to me. Take extended test drives and make up your own mind.
 
Went into the dealership about 2 weeks ago to buy a Tacoma and walked out dreaming of a 4runner. joined this forum and picked up my new T4R last night!
 
Recently was looking seriously at a Tacoma TRD Off Road and Sport. Wanted six speed manual and test drove one of each. It was nice, but it was not a T4R. Steering was heavy and slow. Engine lacked power even above 4K vs my T4R. It was louder and not as comfortable. Last and final clincher was the many little problems posted on the TACO forum on quality, etc. My last two 4R's have had zero problems so
decided to stay put.
 
I bought a 2016 dual cab short bed 4x4 Sport and drove it for a year. Originally I was roped in under the guise of being able to tow more. Ultimately never towed a thing. It was a nice truck with nice features but I hated the engine and tranny combo. It was small inside, and I hated the brake setup on it.

I always knew the 4Runner was what I should have bought. Glad I finally made the switch, as I like everything better on my 4R.
 
Our 4Runner is the compromise of an 8 year battle with my wife over a Tacoma. Year after year we battled over purchasing a more "family friendly" vehicle than a truck.
We test drove Audi's, X5's the Volvo SUV, a Highlander. Eventually we test drive a 4runner and shelved the discussion/idea for a while. I came across this forum and we ended up purchasing a Trail a month or two later.
Very happy with the 4R thus far with no foreseeable disappointment. Just recently installed an ARB compressor and have a few other mods in mind including a Gobi Stealth. Can't wait for the GS... anyway, I still admire nearly every Tacoma I see but am not regretting the purchase at all. The only disadvantage I see at this point is having the bed for hauling things around in. Lumber is no problem with the runner but if there needs to be a dump run made...



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Hadelson said:
Recently was looking seriously at a Tacoma TRD Off Road and Sport. Wanted six speed manual and test drove one of each. It was nice, but it was not a T4R. Steering was heavy and slow. Engine lacked power even above 4K vs my T4R. It was louder and not as comfortable. Last and final clincher was the many little problems posted on the TACO forum on quality, etc. My last two 4R's have had zero problems so
decided to stay put.
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My 6 speed would stick in gear after extended periods on the highway. Not a little but like two-handed thrusts to get it out of 6th, never experienced this and I've been driving manuals since I was 14. There's a whole thread dedicated to it over on the taco boards, not to mention unlubed drive shafts and underfilled cases on lots of trucks fresh out of the factory. Until Toyota fixes these issues I wouldn't touch one.
 
I came from a '07 DCLB with a snugtop... Pilfreybilt aluminum front, sliders, 3" lift, FR rack, ARB locked rear... only thing that thing didn't have was 4wheel drive.... always wanted a 4R, and boss gave me the thumbs up after a couple times needing to be pulled up a muddy hill when camping.

I do miss the full covered bed, but I love my 4R
 
I had a '16 TRD OR DCSB and put 8k miles on it. The engine/trans combo was horrible. Add in the howling diffs, underfilled fluids, crank sensor issue, slip yoke bump, etc and you have a 3rd gen fail. Traded it in and couldn't be happier.
 
ToyoDriver said:
I graduated from college.

So no.
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ToyoDriver said:
I tried to troll, but no one took it :(
...
Getting into the T4R made me feel like a civilized person again - until the wheels wouldn't balance.
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I wanted to take the bait so badly because I was actually less mature when I was into the Tacomas.

I still love the Tacomas. I loved tinkering with both of mine. I loved talking about them, and everything else. I used to be a Moderator for TacomaWorld.com. Over the course of 5 years I was in a bad marriage, in a bad job, in Houston, and spent 90% of my time on there. I loved it because it was my outlet. Now I have a fantastic wife, a 5 year old, moved to San Antonio, and got an awesome career. So, I don't have time to be a Moderator anymore.

...of course, I talk about not having time while I am typing this on yet another forum while at work.

...maybe I am still a little immature. :lookout:
 
pheelmeh said:
Came from a 2nd gen tacoma.

I disagree with "getting more for your money" with a taco. I definetely got WAY more for my money with a 4R. Theres def pros and cons of owning a pickup vs SUV but i think the pros outweigh the cons (atleast in my situation):
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Totally agree. I had a 2015 4cyl 5spd 4x4 Tacoma access cab. Compromised a bit when we bought it since I needed a new DD and wanted something simple and durable to keep forever, but was in the middle of grad school.

If we hadn't moved to the DC-area, I would have kept it. Fun to drive, simple, and plenty capable. However the length (18" longer than the 4Runner), the four cylinder, and manual transmission pushed us into buying the 4R. Absolutely no regrets, the 4R is far more pleasant to drive and more comfortable, with fewer compromises. I can't wait to try it in the snow :)

I cross-shopped with new tacoma TRD off-roads, test drove both, and I knew within a few miles that the 4Runner was the clear winner. The only thing this had that the Tacoma does is the automatic climate control.
 
if things go well, once my 4r is paid off i'll pick up a tundra.
Tacos are fun, but feel like a step down to me
 
I really wanted a Tacoma mostly because of the manual transmission. Went to the dealer and sat in one. Got out and never looked back. I'm only 6'2 and 240. I'm not overweight, but fairly broad in the shoulders. Been lifting for some time. I felt very cramped in the Taco. I was about to walk out of the dealer figuring the 4Runner was going to be the same size but there was the Mag Gray TEP looking all purdy. I got in and felt really good. Besides, I have two kiddos so I guess I was praying the Taco was big enough.

Too bad though, I do like Tacos. :banana:
 
I was pretty set on a Tacoma for a while... I wanted a smaller more agile truck for the city use instead of my crew cab 1500 Chevy.

After checking out the new trucks I didn't like them that much.

The interior wasn't anywhere as comfortable as the 4Runner (not that I was looking to replace my 4th Gen). The steering column at its highest position was still too low for me on the Taco.

Overall I wasn't disappointed with the Tacoma, but it didn't really sweep me off my feet either. Not for the prices they are asking for these things at least.
 
I test drove a Tacoma off-road with the idea of buying a Tacoma TRD Pro, but hated the 3.5L engine.

Bought a 4Runner TRD Pro instead and love it.

Toyota claims the 3.5L is as good or better than the 4.0L, but based on my butt-dyno, the 4.0L in my 4Runner is far superior to the 3.5L Tacoma I drove.

YMMV.
 
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