Should I keep the ’04 4Runer or buy the ’10 Taco

[wvuviv30]

Alright… just the other day I was about ready to pull the plug and sell the 4Runner because I was having way many troubles and it was frustrating.

My 4Runner: 2005, V6, Limited, 159,000 miles and most factory options installed. I have thrown on a couple mods; 2” Daystar lift, BFG Rugged Terrian with 30k miles (these would stay). Last weekend rebuilt the front suspension (new CV Axles & seals, Whiteline Lower Control Arm Bushings and new Caster/Camber bolts). I still owe $8,000 or ~2 yrs left on the loan.


The contender:
Certified Used 2010 Tacoma Extended/Access Cab, V6 with 6sp manual with 49k miles with what looks like the SR5 #2 package. Stock/no mods.


Price wise and am starting a new loan and the out the door price which includes trade in, tax, tags, gap and other fees is $21,000. This works out to be just under $400 per month for 60 months (same payment as before, just 3 years longer).

 

[Plumber]

own the 4runner and enjoy it. I had the pleasure of owning my last vehicle outright and mods weren't a question of when can I do this rather one of when do I want to.

 

[Burnzy]

Two years left on the loan and only 159k on the truck, I say keep it. You have another 100+ k left to go EASILY. After you pay that off you'll have $400.00 every month to bank for whatever you want (mods)

 

[toyo]

You will regret it i'm sure. I bought a 2013 Tacoma DCSB 4x4 with every option available. Drove it 27K miles and finally sold it. Too rough and un-refined for me. I am curiously waiting to see what Toyota has in store for the updated model.

 

[ebg18t]

If the Taco was a double cab it would be harder to say no to a newer taco. But the access cab loses so much interior space and flexibility it makes it tough to jump on.

 

[gm350reratliff]

I would be cautious about buying a 6-speed taco after all of the issues people have with them. The 6-speed and clutch system used in the taco is definitely not up to usual toyota standards. Either way, at some point, you will be putting money into either vehicle to keep it running, that's just the way it goes. I would probably pass on that particular taco though.

 

[ASUMTNEER]

Car payments suck! Pay off the 4runner, there is a lot of life left in it.

 

[Minn3sota]

Be fiscally responsible and pay off your current debt before you incur more or new debt.

In fact pay it off before the two years so you can actually enjoy the money you earn instead of giving it away to a bank that doesn't give a crap about you OR how bad arse your Runner may be.

Option 2

Take the 12K additional you would have spent on the new vehicle and pump it into your runner.

 

[wvuviv30]

If the Taco was a double cab it would be harder to say no to a newer taco. But the access cab loses so much interior space and flexibility it makes it tough to jump on.

Double vs Access Cab for me... isn't a concern with me. My dog will stick her head out any open window.

 

[Atlanta_man]

Keep the 4R
For whatever reason, the used Taco's are too pricey for what you get.

 

[Sungod]

I would keep the 4 runner and buy a trailer if you need bed space.

 

[coconutpete]

Call me financially "boring" but - At 9 model years old and 160K with an 8K loan still on it, my primary concern would be paying it off before I considered buying something new.

 

[Dylan]

Like Helios said, get a trailer for when you need the bed space. You can even get one that's bigger than what the tacoma bed would offer.

 

[wvuviv30]

I would keep the 4 runner and buy a trailer if you need bed space.

I don't haul anything heavy with the 4Runner... If i do I'm driving my '06 Chevy Express not-so-stock Duramax cargo van.

I was looking at the Tacoma because, have you seen the prices on the used 5th Gen 4Runners?!?!? $27k+ before taxes, tags & titling and other fees. I've had a couple Tacoma and enjoyed them every time...

 

[Sungod]

I don't haul anything heavy with the 4Runner... If i do I'm driving my '06 Chevy Express not-so-stock Duramax cargo van.

I was looking at the Tacoma because, have you seen the prices on the used 5th Gen 4Runners?!?!? $27k+ before taxes, tags & titling and other fees. I've had a couple Tacoma and enjoyed them every time...

I would be shocked to find a used Tacoma that is much of a deal. I recently spent several months looking. Tundra's seem to be a better value. I found them to be priced at or lower than comparable Tacomas. Well that is as much as you can compare the two, but you actually get more with the tundra considering you can get a 5.7l v8 that gets as good of gas mileage as the 4l v6.

 

[LTDSC]

If the Taco was a double cab it would be harder to say no to a newer taco. But the access cab loses so much interior space and flexibility it makes it tough to jump on.

even double cab, the space is smaller than in the 4runner. My friend has a DC and i cant fit in the back where i can sit behind myself in my 4Runner.

 

[ebg18t]

even double cab, the space is smaller than in the 4runner. My friend has a DC and i cant fit in the back where i can sit behind myself in my 4Runner.

True. But still much better than the access cab.

 

[coconutpete]

i can sit behind myself in my 4Runner.

Now there's a neat trick!

 

[wvuviv30]

Well, I traded the 4Runner in... And purchased a brand new 2014 Tacoma 4X4 Access Cab in Sky Silver Metalic with the 2.7L I4 and 5speed manual trans; it came with the Convenience and SR packages. Also, I did purchase the 5yr/100k Toyota Extended Service Plan.

I couldn't me more happier!!!! Yes, I did spend a few grand more than originally planned, but I now don't need to worry about anything for a good while.