Tacoma or 4Runner?

January 23, 2024, 08:36 PM

SigM4

Tacoma or 4Runner?

I have both, 07 Taco and a 22 4Runner. It’s tough to say between the two, but given your year ranges I think I’d go for the 4Runner. Now if you were looking at the later Gen 2 Tacomas (2011-2015, Gen 2.5) that’d be my pick.

January 23, 2024, 08:44 PM

Valpo Fz

Unless you specifically need a truck, 4Runner all the way. I have had 2 5th gen 4runners and a slew of small trucks. The 4Runner is just more practical 99% of the time, especially for my life style and interests.

January 23, 2024, 09:20 PM

12131

4-RUNNER. No brainer. More versatile.

January 24, 2024, 07:03 AM

P250UA5

The more I've looked, in the $10-15k range, the Tacomas are ragged or have 300k miles on them.
Have seen a few decent 4Rs, but most are higher mileage.

Which brings the debate. Keep paying for the 37k miles Explorer that works great, or drop some debt & pick up an older & higher mileage option?

January 24, 2024, 11:27 AM

vthoky

Price and mileage aside, your new question is similar to one I've been asking myself (didn't want to derail your thread) -- Explorer vs 4Runner?

At first pass, it's a no-brainer to me: 4Runner.
But as I look at Carmax and the used vehicle market in general, I can usually find a 4Runner and and Explorer similarly used, priced, and equipped. That seems to make it worth asking the question.

I haven't driven an Explorer in a very long time, well before the current body style, so I don't really have a good reference point for perceived quality. I know people with 2020 or newer models who are very happy with them, though.

Carmax a county away has one of each. Maybe I'll go look at both this weekend.

Based on perception, though, I still think 4Runner is the better option.

Back to your question, P250UA5: I don't think I'd be quick to increase my debt load for a more-used vehicle right now. Then again, Dad's voice comes to mind: "You've spent more on less at some point, now haven't you?"

January 24, 2024, 11:36 AM

SigM4

quote:
Originally posted by P250UA5:
The more I've looked, in the $10-15k range, the Tacomas are ragged or have 300k miles on them.

Trying looking on Facebook Marketplace (about the only useful tool on FB anymore). Last July I was able to pick up my '07 outside of DFW for $9k with 247k on it. It was in great shape and has been an awesome daily driver since.

January 24, 2024, 01:06 PM

P250UA5

quote:
Originally posted by vthoky:
Price and mileage aside, your new question is similar to one I've been asking myself (didn't want to derail your thread) -- Explorer vs 4Runner?

At first pass, it's a no-brainer to me: 4Runner.
But as I look at Carmax and the used vehicle market in general, I can usually find a 4Runner and and Explorer similarly used, priced, and equipped. That seems to make it worth asking the question.

I haven't driven an Explorer in a very long time, well before the current body style, so I don't really have a good reference point for perceived quality. I know people with 2020 or newer models who are very happy with them, though.

Carmax a county away has one of each. Maybe I'll go look at both this weekend.

Based on perception, though, I still think 4Runner is the better option.

Back to your question, P250UA5: I don't think I'd be quick to increase my debt load for a more-used vehicle right now. Then again, Dad's voice comes to mind: "You've spent more on less at some point, now haven't you?"

After some warranty work, my Explorer has been great, it is a bit redundant having 2 3-row SUVs.
The only upside to swapping the Exp for the T4R would be to offload the debt on the Exp completely. I should have enough equity in it [last time I checked] that I could probably buy a late 4G/early 5G T4R cash.

So, I'd take a hit on the pretty awesome MPG the Exp gets ,but drop the car note & likely lower my ins premium too. And, end up with something a bit simpler to work on with a lot less tech to go wrong in it.

January 24, 2024, 09:31 PM

vthoky

quote:
Originally posted by P250UA5:
So, I'd take a hit on the pretty awesome MPG the Exp gets ,but drop the car note & likely lower my ins premium too. And, end up with something a bit simpler to work on with a lot less tech to go wrong in it.

Sounds like a good plan to me, my friend. I'd probably do it, too, were I in your shoes.