Regular Cab -> Double Cab, or FJ, or 4Runner

Well before you go buy a 4runner consider a DC taco I have one and I rarely use the bed but it is nice to have it plus I love the extra room the rear seat provides

 

I'm considering a 4Runner myself. You can buy or rent a trailer to haul the large stuff. Even the "long" bed Tacoma has very little cargo space compared to a cheap trailer.

Mike

 

I was in the same boat. I LOVE the FJ and almost bought one 3 times.

Here is why

First time, out of budget, bought the wife a car instead.

Second time, I had a toddler, got a screaming deal on a access cab base 4x4.

Third time I got a double cab. I hate those stupid suicide doors in the rear of the access cabs. Getting kids out of the back is a nightmare with my bad back in a parking it is even worse. Close this door first to open that one, close the main door a little because of tight space, try and shuffle yourself in and out is such a pain. The rear doors on the FJ are much bigger, which allows good access when you have the room though.

There is so much going for the FJ, the interior is really nice, especially with dogs and kids. It is a SUV, so you have good storage in the rear. They look awesome, and having young boys, they love the FJ.

So, in my case a double cab was the best option. As much as I wanted a FJ, and one day may get one when the boys are bigger, it just doesn't work for me. @ car seats in a double cab work great, the TRD off road has a great look, ride and performance. I plan to keep this for a while and will build it up as I need

 

i went thru the same issue years ago with an access cab and kids. once they get big enough, those jump seats are worthless. we went with a double cab and havent looked back. granted we had a 4runner back then and never used the access cab with car seats.

double cab you will have less fustration in the long run.

pulling a full uhaul 5x8 550 miles, had no issue. just keep it in 4th and you wont burn up the trans. gas will suck though, low was 9.2 mpg high was 14.6 mpg pulling the uhaul.

around town the warden gets around 14-16 mpg, on the highway i am getting 17-19 mpg and its has 10,663 miles on it as of 13-Oct-2013.

waiting on a special order 2014 LE 4Runner bare bones (hate the sliding tray, 3rd row seats packages since they take up preciouos room for my fishing gear during the summer). the tacoma is the warden's vehicle, im getting back into a 4runner.

i have seen 2013 SR5 going for the low 30's. if your into modding, those are probably the best since, the TE has KDSS and the LE has X-REAS which will hamper doing certain lifts or mods.

also forgot to add, FJ is a dead model after 2014.

 

We have had 4 4Runners in the house and love them all but this time I went with a DCLB, I can throw ALMOST anything on it and drive away......