Still trying to decide...

[Joseph]

I have been going back and forth about purchasing a new Tundra SR5 4WD Access Cab or new 4Runner SR5 4WD . I currently have a

 

[alpha]

I have been going back and forth about purchasing a new Tundra SR5 4WD Access Cab or new 4Runner SR5 4WD . I currently have a ‘98 Tacoma with 185K miles and no problem. I am curious if the details below would help you guys with suggestions as to the use of my next vehicle purchase. My goal is to keep the Taco and get the Tundra or 4Runner but my quandary is...

I use the Tacoma’s 4WD pretty often on hunting/camping/fishing trips and although I would not consider myself a “hardcore” off roader, I have been some rough situations. As an example of where I may go is sandy beaches at the Outer banks or at my hunt club where mud gets slick and I have had to run over logs as large 12-14 inches in diameter. I have bottomed out and had to back up steep hill in 4WD and find different way out.

I like the flexibility of truck and being to throw stuff in back and not worry about getting interior dirty and on the other hand I like the security an SUV offers from elements and thieves. I don’t want a camper shell on a truck- been there done that and didn’t like it -and I am not crazy about the hitch haul on an SUV.

I have read that the 4Runner is the more reliable of the two as it is still built in Japan and the Tundra is not. See Quote below from Carconnection.com

Worldwide, Toyota's Tahara, Japan assembly plant was the highest quality factory.

I wish Toyota made a vehicle comparable to the Nisan Xterra or Jeeps (in function only)
as I don’t need the nicer interior or gadgets like those in the 4Runner. I am looking for feedback and suggestions to help with my decision. Thank you,

Joe

Would you find that your stuff would fit fine in a 4Runner? Would the 4Runner/Taco combination or the Tundra/Taco combination fit your needs better?

I know these questions aren't all that helpful, but what I'm getting at is if you find that you would want more space than the 4Runner will offer, it would probably be better to go with the Tundra.

As for reliability, its a Toyota. IMO, Toyota still keeps great quality control with the vehicles that they have assembled here. I do have a slight bias with Japanese vehicles primarily assembled in Japan than elsewhere as I tend to think they have better quality being assembled there. I do have to say that I do like that the 4Runner is still about 95% Japanese. But given Toyota's other vehicles that are assembled here having great quality, it wouldn't inhibit my purchase on a Toyota built here in the states..

But moving on from that segue, what gadgets in the 4Runner that the Xterra or Jeep don't have do you not like/need?

 

[Joseph]

alpha,

Thanks for your feedback. When I wrote about the unnecessary gadgets, I should have said I would like to see a Toyota SUV more utilitarian such as the Jeep CJ used to be where you could hose off interior and water would drain the drain plugs in floor. I have always liked the Jeep concept and looks but I will not buy a Jeep until they are as reliable as a Toyota (which will probably neverhappen). I was often confused as to why Toyota didn

 

[Bluto]

Sounds like you may want to wait for the FJ Crusier