Switch from Tacoma to 4Runner??

hawaiian05

hawaiian05

New member
Hi All, I'm a member on Tacomaworld, but have been searching this forum for some time now. I have an '04 Tacoma double cab, but have always loved the style of the 3rd gen 4runner and have been debating a switch over and have some questions/concerns.

Has anyone else here made the same switch that I am contemplating, going from a Tacoma to a 4runner? How was the transition from a truck, having a bed and all, to an suv? Do you ever regret it or wish you had a bed, or at least space where you can just throw dirty crap? I've read that a lot of guys just end up using a small trailer when it comes time to move big/heavy stuff, and I'm finding lately that the bed is "wasted" space for me.

Any input or experience is greatly appreciated!
 
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hawaiian05 said:
Hi All, I'm a member on Tacomaworld, but have been searching this forum for some time now. I have an '04 Tacoma double cab, but have always loved the style of the 3rd gen 4runner and have been debating a switch over and have some questions/concerns.

Has anyone else here made the same switch that I am contemplating, going from a Tacoma to a 4runner? How was the transition from a truck, having a bed and all, to an suv? Do you ever regret it or wish you had a bed, or at least space where you can just throw dirty crap? I've read that a lot of guys just end up using a small trailer when it comes time to move big/heavy stuff, and I'm finding lately that the bed is "wasted" space for me.

Any input or experience is greatly appreciated!
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While i have never owned a tacoma i have multiple friends that have them. I was contimplating buying either a tacoma or a 4runner but i found the 4runner i have now and fell in love. I do at times wish i had a bed area for tools and work boots but i think that could easily be solved with a weathertech cargo liner. I am not sure if this is true but the back seat on my 4runner feels much bigger than a tacoma and the ability to put down the rear seats makes for a large area to haul things. I only wish i had a tacoma when it came to haling my dirtbike but a carrier will always fix that.To be honest just weigh out your options and take a few 3rd gens for a test drive and see how you like them. As long as you stick with the 3.4 your a smart man :) PLus the tacomas in my area sell for stupid money so if your area is similar you could sell your truck and buy a 4runner and still have enough left over for general matinience and a lift and tires. But all in all if you do switch i think you will be happy.
 
I went from a 98 ford ranger side step to a 97 4runner manual. I put a tarp down if I need to put anything dirty. with seats down it holds more than my ranger did. I went from a 2 seater (4 if you're crazy enough to try and fit people in the back) to being the DD because I've got the best rig. But with a double cab you're not doing this for the fitment. I don't regret going from bed to no bed. I still haul stuff just as much and i'm able to keep it dry.
 
I had an 02 tacoma and sold it and bought my 02 4runner. I wanted more room inside. If I had a four-door tacoma like yours I probably would've never sold it. If I could've found a four door tacoma that was affordable I would've bought it over a 4runner. I miss being able to throw stuff in the back like my quad, but it's nice being able to sleep inside the 4runner when camping or hunting.
 
Climber said:
As long as you stick with the 3.4 your a smart man :) PLus the tacomas in my area sell for stupid money so if your area is similar you could sell your truck and buy a 4runner and still have enough left over for general matinience and a lift and tires.
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This is what I was thinking as well, given I could swap my front lift and wheels/tires that I've already invested, but still have the 3.4 (which I'm a fan of). And ya, the tacomas sell like crazy here, which is just another plus to doing so.

I do highly like the idea of being able to fold the seats down and sleeping in the rig, though I'm not sure the exact length of the cargo space (back seats folded down)?... Anyone know?
 
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hawaiian05 said:
Trust me, I've already tried to swing it by the wife and it was a no-go. Plus I got a newborn on the way so I don't needa be spending anymore than necessary... Nice engine swap tho!
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Thanks bud.

I use both my vehicles equally.

Here are some facts.

You have 4 doors.

Your truck is going to be at minimal 2 years newer but possible 8 years then any 3rd gen 4runner.

You have a bed.

You have money invested in your lift that will only 50% transfer over, so you'll have to invest more money in a lift.

You live in Hawaii, so why do you need to camp inside a rig.

Long term (really long term), the Taco (in similar condition) will be worth much more then any 3rd gen 4runner.

I love my 4runner but I can't make myself sell the Taco.
 
It is up to your needs really. I went from an 07 tacoma ex cab to my 01 4r when my wife got pregnant. I dont regret it in the slightest. I have grown to really love the suv platform for hauling things inside and the security aspects. Like u said I just use a trailer for hauling large items. And u will probly make money on the deal to mod with.
 
I am with Singtoe on this one in principal....though, I have to admit, I did sell my 2007 Taco quad/cab 6ft bed last December, and bought a 3rd gen 4Runner. It was more of a necessity issue for me financially...the Taco was paid for, and I needed that good value when I sold it to help out financially due to being unemployed for a while.

Having said that - I have to say, I do prefer the 4Runner's ride to the ride on my Tacoma, I like the ability to actually be able to park in a parking space without feeling like I am trying to line up for a docking mission in outer space...and I did not use that bed as much as I thought I would, though it was nice to have. I love the 4Runner body style, and it is a tough little rig for its age. I really have no regrets about making the switch.

But, Singtoe is right about the vehicle value....Taco's are in high demand, and a used one in some cases can get almost as much as a new one. So, like myself, you need to decide based on your personal situation and what you can afford to do.....Good Luck!


Singtoe said:
Thanks bud.

I use both my vehicles equally.

Here are some facts.

You have 4 doors.

Your truck is going to be at minimal 2 years newer but possible 8 years then any 3rd gen 4runner.

You have a bed.

You have money invested in your lift that will only 50% transfer over, so you'll have to invest more money in a lift.

You live in Hawaii, so why do you need to camp inside a rig.

Long term (really long term), the Taco (in similar condition) will be worth much more then any 3rd gen 4runner.

I love my 4runner but I can't make myself sell the Taco.
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I did this swap in October. I sold my 1998 trd extended cab and bought an '01 t4r. I did it because I'm a full time dad and had to drive my wife's car in order to use the car seat safely. While I miss my truck terribly from an emotional standpoint, I haven't missed it once from a practical standpoint.

The cargo area has plenty of space, and with the rear seats folded down it has almost as much room as the Tacoma bed. Since you have the 4 door, you really won't miss the bed.

The t4r is also 13" shorter than my taco was, which makes a HUGE difference in the garage.

My only regret is that when i was shopping back in 2002 that i didn't get a 4runner instead of the taco. I could have saved myself the heartbreak of having to sell my "young man's truck".
 
I'll add that my wife would have been on board with keeping the taco and buying a new dd, but it would have been a pita to deal with 3 vehicles at our house.
 
[MENTION=98090]hawaiian05[/MENTION] With out a doubt it is a tough decision but it'll be well worth. Before getting my t4R I had a 2007 trd sport double can and a 92 toy pick up that I love both and hard much fun with. I had always had a truck and been used to having a bed and just tossing anything back there. Would get tired of locking stuff up tho. I made the switch cuz of my son. Wanted something that was capable off road and something that I could safely transport him in I stead of using my wife's car which I hate. As far as ur situation the front lift will transfer right over as well as the tires. The rear obviously won't but the lift the rear is prexy cheap on both the taco of the runner. Realistically it'll be more than 50%. The taco will always be more expensive wether u sell now or later. It can be work more later but no one really know the future. It would be nice to sell it transfer I've what u can and with some if the extra money put ur touch on the T4R.

Just my .02
 
Basically it all comes down to, do you need a bed? If not, go with a 4runner for a family and newborn. The extra space in the back for a stroller and all the stuff that you need for a baby/kid is really helpful. Otherwise you'd have to get a camper shell or some kind of cover to keep it safe from the elements and people. I really wanted a truck, but when my daughter was going to be born, it didn't make any sense to be cramped with a kid since I wouldn't use the bed all that much.
 
I really appreciate all the helpful feedback that everyone has provided. This is definitely not an easy decision and it's good to get other opinions. As many have stated, it all comes down to specific needs. I technically don't need the bed, though it's a very handy thing to have on rare occasions.

And yes, it would be very hard to give up my truck (which is paid off), so if I did go through with it I'd have to be picky with the 4runner I get. The 2 different 3rd gens that I care for are either the '99-'02 sport models or an earlier year with the 5 speeded trans and diff lock.

Does anyone know the length of the rear cargo space when the back seats are folded down? I know you can sleep in it but not sure how comfortable it is. I'm 5'8" so I'm not tall or anything. Thanks!
 
New guy here...I just bought a 2002 4Runner for my wife. I currently own an '03 Tacoma Double Cab Prerunner, but I'm in love with her new vehicle. I wanted to stick with the 3.4 V6 due to reliability. Bought it from a private seller, and it's been in the same family since it was new.

I can see where having the bed is a huge plus, but there's really not much hauling room in the DC.

The only downside is she didn't want black to match my Taco. :ballchain:
 
i say it call comes down to what you use your truck/suv for.. coming for a 2013 4dr trd off road edition to a 2000 limited it wasn't that big of a change to be honest.. open 5ft bed vs enclosed cargo space.. but i have moonroof now =) and back window rows down is a plus vs small sliding window.. space wise i actually think the 4runner can haul more with the seats down.. i enjoyed both vehicles but for my needs the 4runner suites my lifestyle better.. most importantly it does everything my tacoma can do

for me the + sides are
-security of cargo
-moonroof
-rolldown rear window
-"feels easier to manuver" shorter overall length?
 
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