Which is best:Tacoma or 4-runner for single mom drives lots!

I am currently trying to sell my '01 Sequoia Limited 2wd. I love it to death but it is a major gas hog for me, 12/16 mpg. Next fall I will be commuting 86 miles a day for a school program and one weekend a month I have to drive 300 miles for my son's visitation, there are occasional months where I have to drive 600 miles for 2 visitations (that costs me about $300 in gas for my sequoia).

I have also been an SUV kinda gal, although I don't off-road. I am not opposed to it, I just don't do it myself. I had a '97 4-runner that was totaled 9 years ago which put me into the sequoia. I loved my 4-runner! I just would like some opinions on what would be best for me. I was really wanting a 1999-2000 Tacoma but now I see that '98 4-runners get about the same mpg as the tacomas I am interested in. I don't necessarily need 4x4 but sure would be nice for the occasional camping trips or snow trips we do. I also have only 1 child so although a

$151 4-door QAA is Compatible with 2016-2020 Toyota Tacoma 6 Piece Stainless Body Molding Insert Trim Kit, 1.5" Width MI16172

4-door Tacoma would be nice, I can do without for now.

Any opinions for models and cylinders?

 

I haven't drove a manual in years! lol I am so scared I won't know how nor enjoy it.

 

A pickup will always come in handy

 

The manual like anything has its ups and downs, but it can be fun as hell. Just have to remember that it's a truck and not a sports car so if you focus on slow smooth shifts it can be very enjoyable

I think an access cab would be a good choice if you choose to go the truck route

 

Carolla?....

 

How about a Tacoma with a cap? Essentally a convertable 4Runner.

 

Access Cab or Double Cab Tacoma. As previously mentioned, a truck can ALWAYS come in handy moving stuff when a SUV could not (ask me how I know) -- my old vehicle was a Ford Explorer. I'd take my 1999 Access Cab Tacoma over that any day of the week.

As far as a manual goes, DON'T get it if your commute involves sitting in stop and go traffic everyday, again.. ask me how I know. Luckily that job didn't last too long and now I'm going to work for Uncle Sam down in San Diego --- if you're commute is highway cruisin' then get a manual, I learned on this truck and it took me all of a week or two to get it down solid.

Get a 4x4, I know it doesn't really "matter" but the fact is that it WOULD be nice to have. Simple as that, it only costs $1,000-2,000 more and you'll get so much more enjoyment out of it. These vehicles last a long time (if maintained correctly), so no telling where you'll be years down the line where you might really appreciate 4 wheel drive.


Those are my 2 cents. Above all, pick something that you love since you will be driving it CONSTANTLY. Good luck with choosing a vehicle

That's a very good point to fit your 4 runner/SUV needs

 

Look for a 4 door vehicle. You might only have one child, but what about if you want to bring a friend along?

Good luck on your search and welcome.

 

x2. 1st Gen, Double Cab, Tacoma

 

My 06 V6 Highlander gets 25+ mpg on the highway. The newer Sports are very nice and get great gas mileage.

 

Uni body is illegal in the US of A.

 

If fuel mileage is a concern, I wouldn't get either one.

 

That is a good idea. My mom's concern with a truck is that I can't have things packed in the back like I do now, i.e. folding chairs for sports watching, a sleeping bag (you never know when you need one, right?) and my disc golfing accessories.

I will be doing all freeway driving for my commute. The only thing is minimal running around once in that town where my school is.

I am considering a 4x4 too just because of the few times we have taken my Sequoia to the snow, it was so weak at handling even the slightest bit of patches of snow on dirt.

Also is re-sell value good on manuals? Do people actually want them? I ask only because I will probably only have this next vehicle for 2-3 more years until I finish school and want something a bit nicer and newer again.

Thanks for the welcome and yes this was my concern too. I sometimes lug around my neices and my son is 11 so he is at the age where it's likely I would haul his friends here and there occasionally.

Yea, I understand that. Fuel mileage is a concern but what is killing me right now is the 12 miles in town with my sequoia. At least from what I have seen tacomas get 17 in the city. With an 18 gallon tank in my sequioa that is about 90 more miles I would get which for me right now is 1 day of going to school locally and then my errands: gym and dropping off and picking up my son from school.

I just am not a little sedan type of person. Especially after being in the accident that totaled my 4-runner, I trust Toyota and just feel safer higher up.

Ok another question. I thought that double cabs only came out with the 2001+ Tacomas? I am probably looking at getting a 1997-2000 Tacoma only because after I sell my car, I will probably only have about $8k to drop on a new car. I really don't want to pay anything more since I am a full time student right now and I do not work, so no loans for me.

 

If its just you and your child, an extended cab first gen tacoma would probably be fine. There really isn't much room in the back if you though if you plan on carrying passengers.

I get about 15 mpg in town if I'm lucky, but I do have lift, tires, and added weight.

 

With what you asked us it truly comes down to budget....the Sequia is a TANK and either of your choices will get you better mpg's BUT as mentioned, could you get more use out of a Highlander; they can be found AWD/4x4, will get better mpg's and still give you that comfortable ride on those LONG commute weekends..

My '02 Tacoma extra cab is getting small for the grandkids; ages 5 & 8 and long rides are NOT in my future ..... Are we there yet starts at 5-10 minutes after leaving.....

Plain and simple; make a WISH list and be ready to buy once you find the ONE....Older 4Runners in good shape are rare but can be found and 1st Gen tacos keep that same value..

Good luck !!!

 

Go with a 4 door Taco and you will not regret it. There are times where I regret getting my Access cab.

 

1.) You could have your folding chairs, sleeping bag & disc golfing stuff in the back with a canopy on.. if you're very concerned you could get a $100 alarm and have it wired with the canopy on a magnetic switch.

2.) Manual sounds right up your alley if you want. If you're thinking of reselling it I would go with a manual since they generally re-sell easier. Get a 4x4 if you are considering it and use it at all for pleasures (hunting/camping/driving forest roads/wintery conditions) because I can almost guarantee at some point you will regret getting 2wd if that's the route you choose. Four wheel drive Tacomas also re-sell easier/quicker.

3.) Access cab will get you just about the same person space as a double cab would.. you're not missing out on much. It's just more of a pain in the ass to get people in/out of the back with an access cab, but not a huge deal.

4.) Now that you mention it, you are correct. Double cabs are for the 2001-2004 models. I think you could get a fairly nice 1997-1999 access cab Toyota Tacoma TRD SR5 for $8,000. I got mine for $9,500 in Portland, Oregon last summer. There were others that were both cheaper & more expensive. I don't know how much time you have to look for a new vehicle but I would check everywhere in your state. Tacomas are pretty sought after & they go quick, especially good ones/good deals...

 

I also regret getting 2wd.

 

Seeeeeee


Oh and don't get a 2nd gen, you'll regret that too whenever you see how good a 1st gen looks driving around, right Brian?

 

Ok, you got me! Thanks so much for your help. I am still in the process of selling my sequoia. I just listed it yesterday on CL and so far only one call and the woman was trying to offer me $3k less! I am not in a hurry but I keep looking on CL for Tacomas and there aren't that many 1st gens for sale in my neck of the woods. A lot of 2004+ but at least I can be more specific about what I am looking for, since I honestly didn't know. I just was about 90% set on a Tacoma but I actually was thinking of a prerunner before I posted this thread.