Tacoma to 4runner

Well, I'm thinking about selling my 03 DC Pre Runner and moving into a 3rd gen 4runner. My question is do any of you that have gone from a Tacoma regret it? I don't have to sell the truck, I'm just making payments and really would rather not be. The other big thing is I really want 4x4 to wheel with, if I get a runner I will be able to spend some cash on mods pretty quickly. I just don't want to sell and then regret it later.

 

You will like the 4 runner!. Get rid of your pre runner. You wont regret

 

What year 4runner?

 

I own both. 03 Tacoma, 98 4 runner.
I prefer the 4 runner over my Tacoma actually. I just need a truck so thats why I had the Tacoma, but now I'm looking to sell my Tacoma for a full size diesel and keeping the 4 runner as a Wheeler/grocery getter/camping/exploration rig. Best of both worlds

 

It's really hard if you use your truck as a truck. My advise would be to keep your truck for a few months and not allow yourself to use the bed and see how that works.

 

Like the person above me said, if you really like the bed of the truck and use it a lot, you will miss it! If not, then I like the 4Runner's handling and comfort a lot better. Even though it is the same platform, it is a lot smoother and quieter going down the road. Off road, the coil suspension performs amazingly well and suspension travel in the rear can be pretty phenomenal with some LC springs and FJ80 shocks.

 

Never had a truck, but that is definitely a major point for consideration. There are many times I wish I had a truck instead of my runner, particularly on the longer trips with more people/shit to carry and a lack of storage space. That said, I love the runner! Why are you thinking 3rd gen instead of 4th or 5th, price?

 

Went from a 2011 Taco to a 2012 4runner trail, and love it. I missed the bed, but quickly realized that using a utility trailer was even better than the bed when needed. I liked the taco a lot, but the runner made more sense for me.

 

I agree with jive. I had a 2nd gen v6 5speed (95) that I sold 8 years and have missed it since then. Nothing fulfilled my needs until my current Tacoma, and the only reason I didn't get another 4runner is because they are no longer available with a manual transmission. The only thing that the 4runner didn't do well was haul big and/or dirty things.

I say go for it.

 

I appreciate all the replies guys, definitely encouraging to see how many of you enjoy the 4runners or even prefer them. I am looking at the 3rd gen because of the price, also because of the rear locker. I really love the look of the 4th and 5th gens as well but if I get the 3rd gen I'll be able to be debt free and be able to get some mods relatively quickly. As far as the bed goes on my tacoma, I literally never use it. The only time I've used it is moving stuff for other people, and that gets old quickly haha. I'm sure yall know how that goes. Also I have a small trailer if I were to ever have to have it. I'm hoping to be able to sell my truck within a couple of months and start finding a decent runner to play with, I just can't wait to have 4wd.

 

Being debt free is huge!

Before you pull the trigger, do some research over at there is a ton of knowledge of all 4runner generations.

 

If you are looking for more off road oriented knowledge, I suggest toyota120.com over T4R.

 

I have something similar to what to want...I have my 2000 4Runner (paid for) and then I have an 06 Chevy 2500HD Duramax!

I love my 4Runner. I originally bought it for my wife, but I had so much fun in it, I bought her a new car and took the Runner. So now I cruise around town/trail ride in my 4Runner...and when it's time to haul/work I use my diesel.

Here's a link from T4R.org...it's a complete buyers guild on the 3rd generation Runner. This way, while shopping for your new ride...you know what years came with what options...what colors for each year...and on and on! Tons of information! Good luck and enjoy your new Toy...

 

I'm new to the forum and do not currently own either of these vehicles, but I am looking to purchase one of them. I was wondering if anybody could tell me if they drive similar. My mother currently has a 2010 4Runner SR5 and I don't particularly care for the way it drives. However, I have test drove a new Tacoma TRD Sport and love the way it drives. I prefer a much stiffer suspension and tighter steering. Any advice is much appreciated!

 

Thank you for that

 

If I were you, I'd test drive a 5th gen trail edition runner with KDSS and also a TRD Off Road Taco. Both are great vehicles. Own the TE Runner now, and owned a TRD off road prior.

 

X2 on the kdss that is a really cool system, and helps a lot with roll and tightness.

 

Most of the 3rd gens I see around me aren't worth the money, too many miles. If I were you, I would go for an 05 with 4x4 and V8. Decent prices and way more power. Test drove one when I sold my 2nd gen Taco, and would have bought it if not for the rust!

 

NOTE: there is one huge issue with 3rd gens

factory radiator transmission coolers are known to simply fail
and mix water into tranny...so you have to really check this and
know what you are buying for a 3rd gen 4runner

3rd gens rock, but this is important:

a) If automatic transmission

b) and if original radiator

c) and if no one installed tranny cooler bypass (external cooler)

then

d) get the 3rd gen and immediately replace radiator with koyo 1998

-----

Now, if a, and there is a non-stock radiator, immediately
question why and there is a chance it has 'strawberry milkshaked'
and tranny is highly suspect unless you see a receipt for tranny rebuild
or know the history of why that radiator was replaced


otherwise, no other issues on 3rd gens besides rear axle seals are
almost impossible to replace and not leak unless it is done with OEM
seals only and OEM SST's so the inner seal is extremely perfect when
installed.


the 3rd gen 4runner is essentially nukeproof if it has not been abused
-check ball joints for any play up front before purchase
-check radiator/tranny
-pop rear wheels and drums, look for leaks or wetness

 

I have a 13 taco DC OR and a 02 4runner sr5, I also had previously owned a 95 4runner... the 4runner is getting sold to my little sister next week, I do not regret moving to a truck and when I get a nice tonneau cover I will benefit from both worlds i.e. having storage protected from the elements and a truck bed when I need to haul stuff. However I am going to miss being able to have 2 12" subs in the back of my runner. All in all I wish I had gone the truck route earlier in life.