Thinking about switching to an SUV, who regrets it?

As a guy who has changed vehicles more than some politicians change their opinion, I've come to conclude that an SUV with a utility trailer is the way to go. Provided you have enough room to park a utility trailer....

I've come full circle in the past 15 years....Ranger > Taurus > Wrangler > Cherokee > Focus > Patriot > Civic > Tacoma. The Tacoma is what works for me right now and I always wait until they're paid off before changing it up, so I have three more years to change my opinion again........

 

Interesting sequence...with the exception of the Wranger > Cherokee transition it seems like you went from Car to Truck to Car to Truck to Car to Truck....

What was the reasoning behind that? Did your needs change that often? Or just a repeating pattern?

 

I never really thought about it, but it is an interesting pattern. With the exception of the last two, the rest were all bought used with higher milage. I'm prone to getting rid of things when they start causing headaches of any sort, so hopefully the Tacoma sticks around a little longer. I'm sure my wife would prefer that......

 

So we are talking about keeping the Tacoma, but selling the Prius for something a bit larger like an Outback.

Especially now since we just rescued a third dog, putting us at 2 Goldens and an Aussie. Outback seems practical, decent mpg (not my 50mpg I get in the Prius though lol)

 

Outbacks are pretty cool.

 

For some reason there is a close correlation between Tacomas and Outbacks/Foresters/WRXs on this forum. I think statistically you will be alright if you go to an Outback.

 

Figured Id bump my old thread.

After much discussion, I will be listing my Tacoma for sale in the next month. Im just about to hit 40k miles in it, perfect shape with no issues. Tires still have plenty of tread left on them too.

We will be picking up a 4Runner sometime this year. Not sure if I'll go used or new (VA dealer offeres lifetime engine warranty which is kind of appealing.) Likely get a used Trail Premium or a new TRD Offroad - dont need leather but would rather put seat covers on, used 4R fabric seats show some major wear.

 

What made the final decision? I'm still struggling with deciding which one to get after owning a Tacoma and selling it.

 

-Talking to a lot of the guys on the 4R forum that made the swap and dont regret it.
-We have 3 Golden Retrievers, and take them everywhere with us.
-Wife wants to have kids very soon (next year)
-My father has a full size Tundra I can borrow whenever, and has trailers for it.
-Coworker 1 has a Tacoma I can borrow, Coworker 2 has a Colorado I can borrow.
-I bought it in 5/13 and have 39,800 miles on it.
-Most of what I carry could easily go in the 4Runner. If I need a load of mulch or dirt it gets delivered.

Dont get me wrong, if I could afford both, and it was practical, Id get a 4R and keep the Taco - but that would leave us with Prius (my DD), '17 GTI (her DD), Tacoma, Subaru STI (track car) + 4Runner.

Also being said, Im very interested in the Subaru Ascent.

 

I will be doing the same next year but will give the Tacoma to my son. Plan on purchasing a gently used 4Runner TRD Pro.

 

I switched from a 2016 Tacoma to a 2006 4Runner and wished I could've done it sooner... No regrets at all. Sad to say this 12 year old vehicle drives better than one I purchased brand new.

 

No, no you can't.
1. 1/2 yard of gravel or mulch from the rock shop
2. 4x8 sheets of drywall or plywood
3. 6-8 foot lumber
4. Dump runs to get rid of remodeling debris
5. Couches and large furniture

I don't get the dog issue. Put a cap on it and dogs go in the back. Throw some dog carriers in the back with a tarp over them works as well. Where exactly do the dogs fit in your Prius with luggage as well?

 

Keeping the Tacoma and adding a 5th gen 4Runner Off Road Premium with KDSS this year

 

I don't know how/if you plan to do much to the runner but do read the fine print in this offer. I got the same deal (really a big reason I chose them) from a local ks dealer only to find out that fine print reads: all services must be performed by them, no 3rd party places or a well documented self service history with receipts. On a higher note I look forward to hearing your thoughts once you switch over as my wife and I have really considered dumping the taco and going runner as well.

 

An SUV drives better than a pickup... mind blown!

 

Sorry I offended you... Was just trying to provide my experience in answering what the thread title asked. Have a nice day

 

This one is easy, but for me.

1. Mulch yard is 3 minutes from my house and they deliver soil, mulch, and gravel with no delivery charge.
2. Yup that wouldn't fit, so Id have to borrow a truck or get our trailer.
3. Same as above.
4. Our dump charges by weight and its very costly. Most cases my father will bring his single axle trailer over to my house and then dump it at their local dump that's free.
5. All furniture stores around us deliver for free, or I haggle the free delivery. I can just grab out single axle trailer if needed.

Believe it or not, the 3 dogs fit in the back of the Prius with our luggage with the 40/ side of the rear seat folded down. They all three fit in the hatch as well if there are people in the back. But thats where I would be taking the 4runner. The truck doesnt work for our 3 dogs (even if they were in the back) and baby seats in the back.

-Looking at my fuel logs for the truck, I on average get 1 tank of gas a month in it.
In the past year Ive bought things that would require a truck, or a trailer.
-Transmission which came on a pallet.
-A new love seat.
-A 9' tree from the Nursery

 

The major factor in this decision is kids. We've been fine for the past 6 years with our setup... but not having the ability to comfortably transport the dogs, our gear, and the kids is the deal breaker.

 

I've had pickups, SUV's, and wagons, and I don't think I'll ever not own a pickup again. It's just more conducive to my lifestyle. I spend 100% of my free time chasing birds or fish, so there is all kinds of wet gear and a wet dog in the back every weekend. I loved my Outback but tossing wet/muddy waders and a dog in the back of that thing just created a disgusting mess, same with my Jeep. The smell from a pair of labs that have been retrieving ducks all weekend is not something you want to relive every morning on your way to work that week. A pickup with a canopy creates a good space for this that doesn't make the interior of the truck a disgusting cesspool. I'll probably buy another car someday to use as a commuter, but I'll never buy another SUV/wagon to use for recreation. The pickup just makes too much sense for the way I use it.

 

3 big dogs, kids and gear in a 5th gen is going to be super tight!!! If I were going to haul all of that I would just buy a Sequoia or LC 200 or add a camper to the Baja and be done with it. Some what of a size comparison below....

uploadphotos