Keep Tundra or go back to 4Runner??

[rngesci]

Hi All: I was a 4runner owner and upgraded to a Tundra. I love my truck but my wife thinks we should go back to a 4runner. I am not opposed to this but here is my thoughts and wondering what you all think about this.

My Tundra gets 12 miles/gallon running around town. 14.5-15.5 on the highway. I don't know these newer 4runners like I knew my older one, so what would I expect on a 2014-15 runner for mileage? Much better? not much better?

My wife suggested the Sequoia but I really don't gain anything. Same motor as the Tundra so mileage will be the same and I lose room.

What do I use my truck for? Pulling the boat (2500 lbs) and my decoy trailer. I also have a small plow on my Tundra which I think a 4runner would handle no problem (just a smaller sportplow-no hydraulics).

I am not much of an off-roader however I do pull my trailer out into some fields that could be muddy or snow.

I am willing to go back to a 4runner. I miss my old one, but I have to gain some things since I will be losing a ton of room. ride quality, road quietness, mileage, etc.. are key things that will make my decision for me.

Thanks everyone for taking the time to help.

 

[JeffMerr]

According to fuely it looks like you may gain a couple mpg on both city/hwy. Will it offset the tax/fees/etc to purchase a new vehicle? Doubit it.

 

[rngesci]

That is pretty much what I figured Jeff.

My Tundra is paid off and I only have 41,000 miles on it. It is 5 years old.

 

[Jernik]

Couple of things... curious why the wifey apparently wants a SUV instead of a truck? Maybe install a bedrug and put a camper shell (cap, whatever they're called) on the truck bed and tell her it's now a big SUV? :laugh:

All I know is, the way truck pricing is going you'll regret it if you ever try to go back to a full size truck! You could almost get a 6,000 lb chunk of gold cheaper than a full size truck these days... maybe slight exaggeration, but not much.

As much as I love our 4Runner, not sure I'd trade your truck with that few miles and PAID OFF to get one. Any way to get the 4R as a 2nd (or even 3rd) vehicle?

 

[gm350reratliff]

I would keep the Tundra, especially if it's paid off. A truck is just so useful. Even if the 4runner was to get substantially better mpg, it would still take a long time just to break even (if ever) on what you would lose on trade.

 

[Sisente]

Considering this is a 4Runner forum, the logical answer is to go with a 4Runner.... LOL

 

[bamma]

I upgraded from a 07 Tacoma to a 13 Tundra. Kept it two years and sold it to get an 03 4runner. The tundra was great, but feels less solid to me than the 4runners do (I also have a 2012 limited 4runner and it is a great vehicle).

 

[rngesci]

Well I am pretty sure I share the same brain as some of you posting. lol. I was thinking the same thing.

I have a 3rd vehicle now. It is an old car with 295,000 miles on it. It is the reason why my truck has so few miles. That is my daily driver so I am not putting miles on the truck unless I need to.

I used to be a big SUV guy and that was what my wife was used to so in her mind if I go to an SUV then I could get rid of the truck and the old (ugly) car.

And I concur, the pick-up prices are off the hook. I am almost sure I could sell my truck outright for what I bought it for in 2010. This is what happens when you find your truck on Dec. 30th during a recession. End of the month, end of the year.

I am trying to get to her bite in on letting me upgrade the 3rd vehicle and get a first generation 4runner and then I can take the top off in the summer and maybe add some tube doors. That would be way too much fun.

As always, you are all extremely helpful. I like stopping in and lurking from time to time. I will admit a bit of jealously when I see some of the runners you guys are playing in.

Thank you.