4runner is coming to mind

I am trying to decide on what to buy, 4Runner or Tacoma DC.

I know I know, SUVs are for soccer moms, but I kind of need it. I do a lot of traveling and outdoor stuff. I need a place for kayaks, bikes and camping gear. Not necessarily all at the same time however.

The tacoma would be great to just throw this stuff in the back, but I also haul some things that need to be kept dry.

Also, when driving people long distances, I would like for the to be comfortable and have access to anything from the back.

I've driven both. Loved em both. It all just comes down to whether I want a bed or not.

I should be writing a check this week, but I don't know on what. Either a 2006 4Runner Sport 4x4 or a Tacoma 4x4 DC not sure if I can afford the TRD.

I know that this is going to be a biased place, but help me in any way! I can't make up my mind even after pickin' these things apart!

 

Tacoma with a fiberglass topper?

 

4runner for your needs...

 

I've owned three 4Runners '94, '98, '04. Loved all of them and would drive any one of them again today. This is my second Tacoma '97, '08. The Tacoma gets much better MPG than the 4Runner and the best advantage is you have a TRUCK. Whatever you decide (trust me) you'll be happy

 

not "all" 4runners are grocery getters, lol

http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/Ric4rnr/?action=view&current=New_2006-10-21RicQuarry.flv

 

^ Good stuff. If you don't need a bed, the new 4runners look sweet. I was checking out thier web site earlier for my girl. She's looking at buying one.

 

well lets see....

beds are good for throwing gear in

if u wanna keep em dry then put them in the cab?

you wanna get into the bed while driving....well thats what the back window is for!

but really don't stress the TRD part, i feel like as long as you get a 4x4 v6 and a locker, thats all you really need.....a functionless hood scoop and color matched mirrors isn't that important IMO

 

Thanks for all the replies. I think that a bed may be useless since I won't use it that much. I have a trailer, so anything real big could just go in there.

 

thats a good point, but it would be a hassle if every time you wanted to haul gear you had to hook up the trailer

unless you don't haul gear that often?

 

the new 4runner is hideous. try to find a left over 09' and save a few bucks as well.

 

sometimes it take a while to get used to new looks, but look at all the new features they put in it.

 

Hey man I was in the exact same boat when I bought my tacoma. I do a lot of out doors stuff and need a vehicle that could:

1. Get me anywhere I needed to be
2. Have enough room to all a lot of crap (eliminated the suburus)
3. Safe and good reputation.

I had it narrowed down to tacoma, 4runner, and frontier. I am sure I would have been incredibly happy with either of the three. But in the end I wanted something where I could just carefree throw into the back my muddy rugby gear, a dead deer, etc.

 

Tough choice. I was kicking around the same decision and for me it came down to the fact that it would have REALLY bugged me not having a bed for the various things it gets used for. The first time I would've had to borrow a truck to get some 2x4's, make a dump run with garbabe IN my vehicle, throw muddy wading boots and wet waders in the back storage area, etc., it would have driven me nuts. I suppose you could always get a small utility trailer for some of that stuff if you went with the 4 Runner, but trucks are just so practical that for me it made sense to go that route.

I would consider an SUV if I had no need for the truck bed and I still needed a vehicle that could do all of the outdoors type stuff.

Good luck!

 

Not to mention obese. The figures I saw were damn near 4800 lbs!

Anyway, back to the OP's issue, you probably can't go wrong either way. As for me, I have the best of both worlds. I'll be getting the Tacoma since the gf already has a 4runner.

 

How heavy is your trailer? Remember standard towing capacity is 3500lbs UNLESS you get a Taoma with a factory Towing package. Then it is 6200lbs! I have a boat and thats why I bought a Tacoma!

 

Get a TACOMA! I've been down this exact same road! Owned an 01 ext cab Taco and found a great deal on an 02 4Runner. Thought it would be nicer and all. WRONG! I did like the 4Runner but just like you I hunt, fish, camp, and kayak (do a lot of things outdoors). I found soon that I missed having the bed from my truck to throw all my crap in the back. I also had (have) a camper top which I love. Everything stays dry. If you get a DC with a camper top you will basically have a 4Runner but not have to worry about getting the carpet dirty or wet. I had my 4Runner for 6mos and got rid of it for my 05 access cab Taco. This is seriously the best truck that I have ever owned!

 

Thanks for all the replies. what about back row leg room? Who's got more?

 

buying tomorrow!

 

The new 4runner has a manual shift transfer case. Im sold based on that.

 

www.toyota.com

I'm almost 6'1" and I fit in the back of a double cab Tacoma absolutely fine. Granted, I was sitting behind someone who didn't need the front seat ALL the way back, but even then, I think it has plenty of leg room.