4 Runner vs Tacoma

Hi Guys,

Son wants a Tacoma.

I'm wondering if a 4 Runner might not be a better choice.

Basically I'm just thinking that as a surfer, her might be better off with a 4 Runner he can lock his boards in when he stops and walks away from truck for whatever reason. Sure he can get a shell on the truck, but he still stuck with length of truck bed vs full interior length of 4 Runner.

Either way he'll need 4x4.

Feedback appreciated. How does the 4 Runner compare with Tacoma?

 

Sounds like a 4runner is the better choice. Assuming his boards are longer than six feet? But what do i know, i live in Minnesota

 

I have a 4th gen 4Runner and 2nd gen Tacoma. I'm no surfer but either one will be fine for a surfer. I've never heard of anyone worry about a surfboard being stolen but in any case. The taco with a camper would be a better choice.

 

Perfect! I didn't know about a fold-down rear window. Problem solved.

I grew up in an era when leaving boards in the bed or on the roof was a non-issue, but I would expect it to disappear these days.

Good to know I can put the 4 Runner idea to rest.

 

lol, that's a no-brainer, but I was trying to remove cool from the equation.

 

The cost of custom boards these days is over the top. Where I spent 300 for a board by known quality shapers, these days the boards are 1500+. When you're not a pro surfer with boards handed to you, ...

Thanks for the comparison reassurance.

 

Aren't custom boards easier to find if they are stolen? Especially with one of a kind graphics.

 

Easier to identify if recovered. Easier to find if belonging to a big name in surfing circuit. Average Joe's custom board is more about shape than graphics, so won't really stand out. And even one of a kind graphics have to recognized by someone who knows that they are looking at a stolen board.

 

Only once I had to deal with a stolen surfboard at work. It's uncommon for it to get stolen.

 

I just traded my built 3rd gen 4runner, I'm into white water kayaking which is simular...for my playboat (5 foot ) boat to fit it still hung out the back window, wet clothes on my carpet kinda stunk, muddy boots, wet boat with water dripping onto carpet.. this wasn't working for me and it was even harder to throw them up on the roof rack.. on a everyday note ..taking trash to dump, hauling anything other than grocerys was just doing more damage to the 4runner than it was worth so I traded for my 99 tacoma and never looked back. You just can't beat it my vote coming from a 24 year old that owned a heavily modified 4runner for 2 years and a fresh Tacoma owner would be the Tacoma

 

I actually didn't think of the 4 Runner as an SUV (no I didn't think it was a station wagon). The older models are what I picture when I think about a 4 Runner. I saw a late model 4 Runner yesterday and see how it has clearly transformed into SUV status.

 

Obviously that is a board that is easy to recognize, not subtle at all. Nice!

 

I like the beefy look of the fifth gen 4Runner. I got the fourth gen but sometimes I wish I got the third gen.