100% getting a Tacoma. 100% not sure what kind.

Agreed, not sure what 4runner model you own. The interior of the newer models are at least 1/3 to 2/3 smaller (like the first gens). Car seats and all the baby/ wife gear, plus all the Camping or glampimg gear all adds up

 

This is exactly why I’ve always preferred shortbeds (and make fun of my buddy with a long bed Taco when his dad and our other friend have short beds.)

Thank you so much for your help! It’s very appreciated. Also, funny thing, I have one more package option on my list than you; mine is also $30 more.

 

Very true. I have a 99, currently. Definitely can be a tight fit, but it can be done! And as someone else mentioned, we’ll have more vehicles and the Tacoma won’t be the main family wagon.

 

As I have said... do you want everyone to be comfortable or we'll just make it fit

 

Yeah, my ZIP would go to a different distributor than yours. I think Missouri would fall under Gulf States, so the options and such can vary a bit.

What's your timeline on this purchase, and how far are you willing to travel? I went all the way to Texas to get my truck at MSRP and with no accessory bloat. I was able to choose exactly what I wanted, but I had to be patient. Admittedly, I struggled with that part. lol

 

We’ll make it fit

 

Hopefully this year. And I’d travel anywhere in the continent for the right one!

 

Then go to Mexico and get a new hilux. You'll need to buy a condo somewhere in Baja California to get it registered

 

Haha. I wish. I’d do some awful, dirty things for one of the turbo diesel yotas that other countries get.

 

You did say "anywhere on the continent "... so, we have Canada, Mexico, and technically we have all of South America and Central America. Since we are all connected

 

That's kinda how I felt. @Squatting Pigeon you wanna bestow the knowledge of the place to buy on our friend here? I was referred by him and another member over on Tundras.com, and you're much closer than I am to the place.

 

I would totally do that! I may just try to expand my searches a little.

 

What is this mystical place? Lol

 

Holden knows the guy personally and will know if he's taking referrals. If he is, make sure you have an exact build of what you'd like and provide it, and he can tell you if he can get it in. After that it's just waiting for the truck to be built and shipped. 100% worth the trip for me.

 

Do you preform your own work?

You could just get whatever 2nd or 3rd gen you want an put a locker, leather seats or seat covers, etc. Definitely don't get a 2wd and try to make it a 4x4, that is a big project. But swapping seats or axles isn't really a big deal.

Trd or off-road suspension from Toyota is a joke, for a lot less money, you could get better suspension and install it yourself.

Just find a base model 3.5L if you want to speed and get better gas mileage. Or grab a 4.0 if you tow or climb often and prefer more usable low end torque.

Screw it, get a dead second gen and put a Chevy v8

Anyway,my point is that there is a MASSIVE aftermarket for these truck, endless options for parts. You can build it into whatever you want. Toyota's factory options are marked up too much in comparison to what else is out there

 

This sounds wonderful. I also just did the build on toyota.com and downloaded the spec sheet.

 

If you're willing to buy used with higher miles, then you can absolutely save money this way. If you want gently used or lower mileage, tacos are still commanding a premium, and in some cases they are going for more than MSRP new models. It's crazy, but even dealerships that won't sell over MSRP on new are running prices up on the used inventory.

I have had miserable luck with every used vehicle I've ever bought over the course of 22 years, so I've sworn off them. If OP has better luck with used, then buying used is a good way to go if you want the satisfaction of building your rig. However, if his luck is like mine, or there is no time or space for the modding, then getting the peace of mind of doing the break in and knowing the maintenance history on a stock rig does have value. I did the mod thing on my Tundra, and it kinda sucked because I don't have the space to do my own work and had to rely on a shop. I went with a super highly rated off road shop and still had problems, so it wasn't a great experience. Opted for the prebuilt Pro option, and yes I know I could build it better and all that, but this is all I need. I'm looking forward to not modding this time around.

 

Solid suggestions for sure! Great stuff to think about. I do like to do my own work, but unfortunately am somewhat limited now due to the military messing me up.

I also just really want something brand spankin’ new that can be in the family for several decades. I also have wrenched and modded the shit out of my 4Runner, so it would be nice to have something that doesn’t need a ton of work.

 

Hop on cargurus and plug in your options you want (double cab, shortbed, automatic, color preferences). Many in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana are being sold below MSRP even for loaded up trucks. You’re not too far to drive up to Chicago and save $1,000-3,000.