9ine

I'm torn between buying either a 1996-2004 4runner or tacoma... What were your guys' ways to choose between the two? Obviously it is what for I will be using it for, just want to know what criteria you guys used to chose yours

Interior space?
Bed?
Offroad potential?
Looks?
Price?
Availability?
Etc..

Thanks!

MaK92-4RnR

None of that really matters unless you're going to be utilizing the bed from the Tacoma.

Interior space - 4Runner all day everyday
bed - already explained this
offroad potential - the 4Runner has a smaller wheel base, but they're both very capable.
looks - Both look great, but I have a 4Runner and it looks pretty damn good
Price - 4Runner is definitely cheaper. expect to pay more for the Tacoma
availability - I'd say 4Runners are more regularly available.. people who have tacoma's dont tend to get rid of them due to the nature of their reliability and a truck bed.

but What is your plan in general?

The 4Runner's rear seats also fold down and form a 6 foot bed. Its really up to you on what you want to do with it. so as long as you're not hauling lumber, pipe, moving to a new house, the 4Runner can handle it. Plus, Uhaul trailers aren't that expensive anyway.

highonpottery

iTrader: (1)

4dr Tacoma with a shell would be my choice if I were to buy another truck. They are quite pricey though.

I asked myself the same question a couple years ago when looking for another vehicle. Was pretty set on a cherry 02 4runner with elocker and 5spd, but then I sat in a used 100-series Cruiser that was in the same lot and got steered in that direction. Whaddya know...it was cheaper so I bought it.

It really comes down to your needs and $

Torpedo

I've owned 4 4runners and I'm presently shopping for a Tacoma but i will keep my 87 4runner. Given my experience, i'd say Mak92 nailed it. Id give an off-road edge a little more heavily to the Tacoma than Mak but thats only due to weight of the 4runner and the utilitarian nature of the Tacoma. I would say that edge is small, though.

The biggest deciding factor in my opinion could come down to one question... are you going to be hauling material cargo or living cargo? For loading up the family and heading to the mountains, nothing beats my 4runner. But if i want to load up a nasty truck part or trash to haul away or something of that sort the last thing i want to do is throw it in the back of my 4runner. Thats not to say you cant do it, i just dont like to.

You cant go wrong either way and if you decide later that the other choice would suit you better, you wont have trouble selling.

MaK92-4RnR

buy both I've always wanted a toyota truck/SUV.... I think tundra would definitely be my choice.

9ine

Thanks for the responses,

I forgot to mention i'm looking at 96-2004 4runners and tacomas

I'm going to be having a family soon so i'm pretty set on either the 4runner or the 4 door tacoma. I'm afraid that the box on the tacoma will be too small to make good use of it. I plan on doing mild off-roading, such as getting to hiking, camping, shooting spots that require 4x4. I'm also into buying and selling stuff and going to auctions so from time to time i do have some dirty stuff that i need to haul. I also plan on doing yard work, which i would need the box to carry dirts, rocks, branches, etc... in the future.
I do camp so i think the 4runner would be better to store stuff in the back to keep it dry, but a guess a canopy can fix this
I also bike, kayak, and windsurf which i would assume is easier to throw in the back of a truck than have a hitch or roof mounted rack.... might need a rack anyways for the kayaks and windsurfers just typing my thoughts now
4runners around here (vancouver, canada) 6-10k while a 4door tacoma can go from 8-15k.

I understand i could use a trailer on a 4runner but would like to avoid if possible.
Getting a 4runner I would definately want to get roof racks and a trailer, which could add up to 1500+ depending on the quality I want.

Basically I want a vehicle that can do the most without having to change alot.

KryptoRoxx

I have owned both in your year range and I will have to say that I like my 4runner a little more than the tacoma. The tacoma is a great truck but finding a 4door is pricy and the 4runner can be just as useful (with trailer or top racks) and it's better for families imo.

fork

I'm biased, but I say 4runner. The added covered/lockable storage is great and even though taking nasty things in it sucks it can still be done. I think the best question is how often you plan on using the bed and if the bed is worth it

stockwell45

iTrader: (1)

Not sure if it matters to you, but they did not offer a pre 05 4 door tacoma with a manual tranny. As far as my kayak, I've always thrown it on the stock roof rack, hauled a canoe once up there too. Most 4runners you find will have the stock roof rack. If you can tie it down, it can go on the roof. Sounds like you would benefit from a tacoma more though.

dropzone

iTrader: (6)

4 door taco and buy a small trailer...which you would need anyway with a 4runner based on your intended use.

I say the taco because even with the short bed (had an '05 taco dc sb) it was very versatile for a family truck..