4Runner/Tacoma alternatives?

Go test drive whatever. There is no this is better or lasts longer etc. You'll see F-150's with the 5.4 that have 300k, and you'll see Taco's with 300k on them..same with the Tundra, or Frontier, or Ranger, or Landcruiser etc. I've had both a mid-2000's Tacoma and a F-150. I liked the F-150 better because A. it got the same gas mileage B. It had more room in the interior by far, and the bed was bigger. C. It had more comfy features + factory BOSE system which was tits. D. Comparing same years it was a good $3-5k cheaper than the Tacoma's because it isn't as cool here in Colorado. But, it was bigger therefore harder to work on, and harder to park. YMMV

Then I sold both, and bought a Subaru Forester which I fucking love.

Man that rack turned out super sweet.

You need a trailer.

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Originally Posted by Tryingtostaywarm

Go test drive whatever. There is no this is better or lasts longer etc. You'll see F-150's with the 5.4 that have 300k, and you'll see Taco's with 300k on them..same with the Tundra, or Frontier, or Ranger, or Landcruiser etc. I've had both a mid-2000's Tacoma and a F-150. I liked the F-150 better because A. it got the same gas mileage B. It had more room in the interior by far, and the bed was bigger. C. It had more comfy features + factory BOSE system which was tits. D. Comparing same years it was a good $3-5k cheaper than the Tacoma's because it isn't as cool here in Colorado. But, it was bigger therefore harder to work on, and harder to park. YMMV

Then I sold both, and bought a Subaru Forester which I fucking love.

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Curious what you sold the f150 and taco for? I don't see many fords make it past 200000k/120000miles with out a lot of parts getting replaced. Only thing worse is the ram. I see a lot of next to new ones with serious problems. For American gmc is the only one I'd consider. Good power train. That little six banger is a great little engine. Only problems we have with those is the odd plastic bit. Other contractor company had fords and suspension, trani, and diffs were a crap shoot and the diesels never started in the cold. Cummins and gm's diesel no probs. chevys also hold their value. I prefer the piece of mind of the yota

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Originally Posted by LightRanger

Man that rack turned out super sweet.

You need a trailer.

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The rack's great. Not getting a trailer anytime soon other than our little utility trailer - we have the rack. :)

Next thing for family mobility is some sort of elevated bike carrier that fits the hitch.

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Originally Posted by bodywhomper

The rack's great. Not getting a trailer anytime soon other than our little utility trailer - we have the rack. :)

Next thing for family mobility is some sort of elevated bike carrier that fits the hitch.

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I have opinions. Feel free to email discuss.

The "opinions are like assholes" saying goes double for trucks. There's some great experience to pull from, but there's a lot of brand and other bias to weed through. Every single "what truck" thread ever posted in the world has somebody saying that, if you're gonna buy mid-size, you might as well go full-size.

All I can say is, go drive them. Drive everything that interests you. Hell, I test drive cars when I have no intention of buying cause it's fun. It's a huge financial commitment, and to me, too important to rest on opinions and a quick look-over of a vehicle or two.

I test drove about everything that could be considered a truck, including some SUVs, fully intending to get an F150. I ended up with a CCLB Tacoma. For me, the "might as well go full-size" didn't pan out. The Tacoma feels appreciably smaller than full-size counterparts, I prefer the way it drives, and ultimately, it just excels at different things. For my needs, the bed is plenty big, it tows more than enough, and has more than enough power. And, there's plenty of room in the back for my kids. Obviously, YMMV.

As far as SUV vs Truck, for me, it was an easy decision. Despite liking the 4Runner the most out of the stuff I drove, it just didn't fit. I hate shit piled on the roof of my car and I don't want to rely on a trailer for hauling and I need to be able to tow a raft and/or a camper. With a topper, I have secure(ish) enclosed storage that I don't care about trashing. I have a place to keep bikes and skis, haul stuff, sleep, and to escape the prying eyes of my in-laws and their neighbors while I'm visiting them and want to burn one.

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Originally Posted by bodywhomper

why do rental companies do that? I had coworkers get stranded two falls ago with a rental 4x4 truck in eastern nevada with a blown tire (shitty tires). many years ago, we trashed a bunch of ford escapes doing a full winter of field work in the sac delta mud. we rented them enough we essential paid for the SUVs. We strongly encouraged them to change from the HT tire to AT tires, but to no avail. we only got stuck a few times.

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Most companies' rental contracts explicitly forbid off-road driving, so it's not something you're supposed to be doing anyways. It's kind of ridiculous, but I suppose it's understandable considering how some people flog rentals.

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Originally Posted by bagtagley

The "opinions are like assholes" saying goes double for trucks. There's some great experience to pull from, but there's a lot of brand and other bias to weed through. Every single "what truck" thread ever posted in the world has somebody saying that, if you're gonna buy mid-size, you might as well go full-size.

All I can say is, go drive them. Drive everything that interests you. Hell, I test drive cars when I have no intention of buying cause it's fun. It's a huge financial commitment, and to me, too important to rest on opinions and a quick look-over of a vehicle or two.

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This is the best advice in this thread. "Might as well go full size" is the primary reason why we, as 'Mericans only have the Tacoma, really, as a mid size truck, and it's now pretty bloated at that.

I'll add one thing to the test driving (which is excellent advice, BTW), test drive everything back to back, the same day.

Except for the 60K miles part, a first gen Tundra (2000 - 2006) might be an option. I just bought one, and think it's a great truck. Basically bigger than a taco, and smaller than the new Tundra, and comes with a 4.7L V8.

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Originally Posted by Bosco

Except for the 60K miles part, a first gen Tundra (2000 - 2006) might be an option. I just bought one, and think it's a great truck. Basically bigger than a taco, and smaller than the new Tundra, and comes with a 4.7L V8.

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Indeed. Terrific trucks. That drivetrain will go forever. Mileage really shouldn't be an issue. A buyer should be more concerned about ancillary stuff, which, if the buyer is worth his or her salt, it should be fine.

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Originally Posted by Bobcat Sig

Indeed. Terrific trucks. That drivetrain will go forever. Mileage really shouldn't be an issue. A buyer should be more concerned about ancillary stuff, which, if the buyer is worth his or her salt, it should be fine.

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Shooting from the hip here but the new Taco has to be pretty comparably sized to the old Tundra. I have coworkers with both and they look like the same sized truck.

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Originally Posted by The Reverend Floater

Shooting from the hip here but the new Taco has to be pretty comparably sized to the old Tundra. I have coworkers with both and they look like the same sized truck.

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You're likely correct. It's not like we're in an age where trucks are getting smaller.

http://13252-presscdn-0-94.pagely.ne...on_Front_1.jpg

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Originally Posted by iceman

http://13252-presscdn-0-94.pagely.ne...on_Front_1.jpg

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:yourock: Needs a winch.

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Originally Posted by shredgnar

A fucking Wrangler? Gimme a break.

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QFT. Had a 2007 2dr Wrangler that was riddled with electrical issues. Traded it in for an 2013 F150 crew cab with the "ecoboost". I get better milage in my truck, and even spent 5 months road tripping in it with Mrs. Spank (got a topper and built a sleeping platform). I'm at 90k now and haven't had any issues yet. Couldn't say the same with my Jeep which apparently the dealer ended up replacing the entire electrical system in order to sell it.

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Originally Posted by Bosco

Except for the 60K miles part, a first gen Tundra (2000 - 2006) might be an option. I just bought one, and think it's a great truck. Basically bigger than a taco, and smaller than the new Tundra, and comes with a 4.7L V8.

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Had a 2001 Tundra that was awesome. Outside dimensions are similar to the new Tacos, but I think they are bigger inside. Those 4.7s are bomber, but there are a few maintenance things you want to make sure were done. Timing belts, etc. IMine got a small crack in the header that would make a ticking noise when the engine was cold, which is apparently a pretty common problem.

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Originally Posted by iceman

http://13252-presscdn-0-94.pagely.ne...on_Front_1.jpg

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That thing is great, but whats up with those rear windows? Are they wire mesh for keeping chickens or insane asylum patients inside?

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Originally Posted by Phildo_Baggins

Had a 2001 Tundra that was awesome. Outside dimensions are similar to the new Tacos, but I think they are bigger inside. Those 4.7s are bomber, but there are a few maintenance things you want to make sure were done. Timing belts, etc. IMine got a small crack in the header that would make a ticking noise when the engine was cold, which is apparently a pretty common problem.

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My Land Cruiser had the same. It had no affect on the performance or anything, for that matter. I just let it go.

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Originally Posted by BmillsSkier

That thing is great, but whats up with those rear windows? Are they wire mesh for keeping chickens or insane asylum patients inside?

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It's where you put the dead hookers.

I bet they stack nicely in there.

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Originally Posted by BmillsSkier

That thing is great, but whats up with those rear windows? Are they wire mesh for keeping chickens or insane asylum patients inside?

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Here's more on it: http://bringatrailer.com/2008/09/03/...agon-projects/

I kinda like the other one more. I wonder what became of them.

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Originally Posted by iceman

Here's more on it: http://bringatrailer.com/2008/09/03/...agon-projects/

I kinda like the other one more. I wonder what became of them.

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Pretty cool! I see it mentions jailhouse truck as a possibility for the dark green one, so my looney bin transporter guess wasn't too far off after all. (maybe :rolleyes2 )

Either way, much more character than a Tacoma.

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Originally Posted by BmillsSkier

looney bin transporter.

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If it still has the padding belongs in the sleeping in cars thread?

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Originally Posted by The Reverend Floater

Shooting from the hip here but the new Taco has to be pretty comparably sized to the old Tundra. I have coworkers with both and they look like the same sized truck.

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I don't disagree, but as stated earlier, I think the inside is slightly roomier. Also, mine has a split bench seat, which I really like. Lastly, not going to get a new taco for less than 25K.

I was looking at the thread titles and thinking my buddy pointed out that BC skiers all drive toyotas and the parking lot is spotless after a season while the sledders drive large american trucks and the p-lot is always full of garbage

TGR is always about the same shit, toyota tacoma/highlander/ tundra , IPA, red wine yada yada

So somewhere there must be a forum where they are talking about which big diesel, where to get flats of Budweiser cheap, the best garbage to thro around the p-lot

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Originally Posted by PNWbrit

If it still has the padding belongs in the sleeping in cars thread?

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It might be worth a cross post.

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Originally Posted by XXX-er

I was looking at the thread titles and thinking my buddy pointed out that BC skiers all drive toyotas and the parking lot is spotless after a season while the sledders drive large american trucks and the p-lot is always full of garbage

TGR is always about the same shit, toyota tacoma/highlander/ tundra , IPA, red wine yada yada

So somewhere there must be a forum where they are talking about which big diesel, where to get flats of Budweiser cheap, the best garbage to thro around the p-lot

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I think you mean it's all about EuroSpecAudiRS6Avant6MTwithaBoxes and fine bourbons around here. If you're looking for the big diesel and garbage discussions I'd either PM Blurred or Greg from AZ.