Might Cross-over

Grandsons are bugging me to go fishing all the time. Been driving my 99 regular cab 4x4 since 2003 but it doesn't have enough seats. I've been shopping 3rd gen 4Runners. I can't justify the crazy price 4dr Tacoma owners are asking. Colorado smoke must be blowing all over the country. Especially knowing what I paid for mine and the history of it. I've been finding low mileage(110,000 - 140,000) mint 4Runners for half of the Tacoma prices. Other than the rear springs(coils) and the lack of open bed, what's the big difference?

 

They might have a shorter wheel-base than the double-cab Tacomas (a good thing), but not sure. I had a 1984 model for about 15 years. Great vehicles.

 

In addition to my ext cab 04 taco i have 2 3rd gen 4runners, a lifted 2000 and a stock 2002. I love my 4runners for hauling my dogs and camping gear. The 4runners have more creature comforts, sunroof, power rear window, sunglass holder and of course a rear seat. Comforts that my 1st gen ext cab tacoma doesn't have. The shorter wheelbase that tan4x4 mentioned is nice when playing in the trails.

 

According to Wikipedia, 3rd-gen 4runners have a wheelbase of 105.3" compared to the Tacoma extra-cab's 122"

 

I actually just did the opposite, sold a 1999 Limited 4runner and bought a 2003 Xtra cab Tacoma. Nearly everything is the same - front end, engine, most of the interior - but like others mentioned, a much shorter wheel base and coils in the back. I'm still not used to the longer wheel base of the Tacoma (keep tagging curbs while turning ), and actually miss the shorter wheel base of my old 4Runner. And with my old 4Runner I was able to add some air bags to the rear coils with great ease to help level her off with/without loads. And don't forget, you can always fold down the rear seats of the 4Runner and have approximately the same floor space as the truck bed, but much less vertical space . I'm 6 feet tall and slept in the back of my old 4Runner many times, just had to sleep a little diagonally though. You won't be disappointed switching to a 4Runner, just my .02

 

Since you are a local I'd be glad to let you see/drive my '13 AC cab, assuming that would help you any.

Not because an AC would help haul the boys any distance if they are very big, but IIRC the AC is the same frame as the DC, but with the long bed instead of the short. So the drive feel is about the same. It will feel a bit awkward compared to what you drive now.

Let me know.

 

3rd Gen 4rnr and 1st Gen taco are essentially the same, except like mentioned with the creature comforts. 4rnr is geared more soccer momish where the taco is more utilitarian if that makes any sense. Although I've never been in a dcab so can't comment on there amenities. Running gear is essentially the same except the non elocker rear axle on the taco is the slightly beefed up "8.4" found in the early tundras and non locked 4rnr is still the same old 8" Toyota has used for years. Both elockers rears are the same except for the obvious difference of leaf vs coil susp. Both have a pretty good aftermarket following so either one can be made more capable.