I need NON biased opinions (Tacoma OR Jeep)

Jeep???????? We don't want no stinkin Jeep

 

If you want a capable SUV look into the 4Runner Trail edition. It is more comparable to the jeep.

 

This is a better idea. I love the 4Runner.

 

The 3.6L Pentastar came in 2012 if I remember correctly. The exhaust headers are cast into the engine block; they shouldn't leak. The previous 3.8L minivan V6 is crap, though.

Wiring problems can be expected, esp considering all the exposed wiring going to the doors to feed power windows, locks and mirrors.

I own a Tacoma, but I rent Wranglers whenever I travel anywhere with off-roading opportunity. Two things make the Wrangler a worse daily driver for me:

The solid front axle necessitates a recirculating-ball steering box (as opposed to the Taco's rack-and-pinion). By design this results in 2" of free play in the steering wheel.

The Wrangler's seating position and pedal arrangement is less car-like than the Taco. I have to overextend my leg to reach the gas pedal. This hurts my knee.

Ride quality in the JK Wrangler is good. Compared to the previous TJ, the JK's suspension can be considered long-travel. And it has coil springs in the rear instead of leafs.

Be sure to get a Moab edition (rear locker) or Rubicon (two lockers, 4:1 crawl box). The lower trim levels with open diffs get stuck in sand fairly easily.

 

Straight off the lot, dollar for dollar, jeep is a more capable off road vehicle, period. Not to say tacomas dont excel off-road, but a jeep (not a Grand Cherokee, a real jeep) has better stock ground clearance, approach and departure angles. In a reliability contest, Toyota is in a class far above Jeep. Toyota has had issues of its own (rusted frames, etc), but for past several decades Mopar products are plagued with issues which have earned them a reputation that drove there sales figures so low that they need to be saved from bankruptcy by a gov't bailout.

Unless you are planning to wheel hard a stock vehicle, get a taco.

 

Thanks everyone for all of your input! I spent the day checking out Jeeps and decided to go see the TRD pros.. however, my dealership told me they aren't making any TRD pros anymore.. is this at all true?

And for the hell of it, I checked out the Ford f150 lariat FX4 (can't compare to tacoma) but I'm in love with that rig!

 

my brother in law had a 99 Cherokee 100k miles, transmission went out, ac went out, and the engine developed a knock

my sister has an 07 commander with 100k miles on it, around 60k the exhaust manifold bolts broke off, need a new alternator, new rear shocks, and has already had to replace the front tire rod ends and lower/upper control arm bushings and also had to replace some kinda box that was in the transmission

my girl had a 08 Cherokee and i had to put transmission fluid in it every couple weeks, it burned oil bad and also leaked at the oil pan, it also developed a knock, 2 calipers seized and had to be replaced, radiator devolved a leak

one of my employees has a newer Cherokee, prob a 2013...when she cranks it it sounds like the engine is going to come out haha

so i try to stay away from jeeps

 

I think this is excellent advice. Jeeps hold their value pretty well but just aren't as dependable long term (or even short term I guess) but I definitely see their draw. If you are the guy that buys a new rig every few years buy a jeep and enjoy it while it's under warranty.

 

For the rigs you're looking at go drive some 3 yr old lease returns to see how they hold up and handle 3 yrs later. I think you may fall out of love with that Ford.

 

Yep. Ford is good stuff. I would drive one.

 

I wouldn't kick one out of the sack. I'm interested in how the aluminum body holds up in crashes. It's probably just as tough as todays wannabe steel. Insurance companies are on hold as to changing rates for lack of data. Allegedly the costs are close in production from steel to aluminum, but it's costlier to repair, and not all shops can repair it.

 

Jeeps are money pits.

I follow a local group on FB and it might as well be a Jeep club because they all just assume everyone on there has a Jeep. Point is they all agree though that they are money pits. I can't say this from personal experience though.

I liked and kinda considered a Wrangler when I got my Tacoma but I need a truck as a homeowner plus if you're not wanting it for hardcore off-roading and as you said lots of hwy driving I'd be inclined to stay away. Just seems to me that Jeeps are more for the fun factore and/or serious off-roading.

$.02

 

I used to have a jeep yj, but sold it years ago. I rented a newer jeep last year in Hawaii and it was not what jeeps have always been. It was junk. To me the Tacoma is a much better option now unless you want a mini van with a removable top.

 

Suspect it will be just fine. Crumple zones have been the basis of safety (as opposed to pure strength) since the 80's.

I can understand. Kinda. But they never wanna lose a nickel either, so I don't take this as a significant sign one way or the other..........

If it's bolt on stuff, it really shouldn't be an issue, if, as you suggest, parts are around the same. However, if it's massaging the metal, labor 'may' be higher. Or not. Depends on if the techs a shop has are skilled in that, or if they have to sub it out. It does take more of an artisan to work with it, but once they learn how, it's not really too much more time consuming.

Right. See above. The skill level will have to rise in the metal repair end.

 

I've owned about 3 jeeps. Two trail rigs (92 & 94) wrangler and 99 grand Cherokee. I can't compare the 'newer' jeeps to the older ones that I had....

I loved the Wranglers -as trail rigs-had a lot of fun off-roading in them. To be completely honest... I never had a lick of problems with the tranny (aX5) or 4.0L inline 6. We got rid of the Dana 30 & 35. They were great NON daily driver fun toys.

The 99 Grand Cherokee...as a daily driver?.... Do you have some time? lol
First off... The resale value plummets in half in less than 3 years. We bought it in 01 (as a buyer, you can't complain). The grand Cherokees had brake issues constantly -the rotors would warp prematurely. We bought the TSB brake calipers and they still warped ( just took slightly longer). Throttle position sensor went bad. The a/c never worked right and it had blend door (climate control) issues. Sold it to my mother in law.... ( it was 7 years old). When she had it... Replaced leaking radiator, 3 failed door lock mechanisms, 4 window motors, blown shocks, had blend door issue fixed, a/C repaired.... and then we got rid of it.

So.... I'd personally never buy a jeep as a daily driver!

 

Keep the truck man. I'm not being biased either, I've had Jeeps and for daily driving, especially a lot of highway driving they are terrible for. They handle poorly, choppy ride, loud inside from outside wind, etc. They shine on the trail and back country roads and that's about it. They can't come close to a Tacoma in the reliability department either. I daily drove a 1980 CJ5 for nearly 10 years and I'd never do it again.

You should seriously consider an FJ Cruiser or 4Runner if you are looking for a reliable, street friendly, yet capable 4wd SUV.