My mom wants to get me a new (2 or 3 years old, newest car i've ever had) truck in a little while when I go off to college up north. I drove the 4runner up to NC with her and we both agreed that the 3.0 in the mountains is unbarable. I love the tacos, but I read that they are made in cali (I like genuine jap cars ), and that their frames are not as strong as the previous taco. I'm pretty sure I will not get the 4runner(4th gen), just because I don't really like the stance it has. So FJ would probably be one of my top choices. I will still wheel wherever I go to school up north. I am definatley interested though in what all the tacos got wrong with them. Has the rear end problem been fixed with them? I read off another thread that the frames are kinda flimsy up front around the motor mounts. let me know what you think. thanks

 

lucky guy, wish my mom would have bought me a car, i would have been happy with anything, let alone something only a few years old... she told me, you want a car ? get a job......
sorry, seems to me, that younger guys want trucks, people with families get the 4runner or FJ. mines a 99, and have no problems.
do you haul your friends around alot ? if not, then maybe the taco, if ya do, maybe the 4runner or FJ.

 

I would have to agree with Ric.

I am only 19, not a family guy, but I am the designated driver when it comes to me and my friends, so I needed a hauler.

Sometimes I wish I had gotten a truck, but then i also like the closed off cargo area for extra storage, and when the seat are folded down a place to sleep.

If my mom was payin for a newer rig, I would go with the FJ, Something different, cool lookin, and already a great after market.

Plus it would be something different from what everyone else in the neighborhood is driving (i.e. Lexus, Volvo, BMW, etc...)

just my .02.

 

thats awesome, the Des. Driver thing that is. your a good man YotaFun..
sorry

 

I would like to think so, but man gas is a killer plus the mileage, maintenance intervals come fast and hard, in another 15k I am due for my second time chain replacement, and it was done just last year!

If you don't want to be doing all your regular interval maintenance so quickly and don't want to spend so much gas, get a pick up, you wont be haulin people and you will be less likely to take longer trips IMHO.

 

Good for your mom getting you a ride, if I had a choice I would narrow it down based on my hobbies. I bought an '05 SR5 v6 4x4 4runner two months ago based on my lifestyle and hobbies. My commute to work is short so gas mileage ain't a problem. And I like to camp and fish in the backcountry (BWCAW and surrounding areas) so an SUV with some off road capability was needed. Oh, and I'm 25 single and no kids. And since those places are a few hours away, I wanted something with good roadability, which comprimises off roading somewhat. So if you love off roading, get the FJ or taco. If you want to camp and fish and need to drive long distances to do so, get a 4Runner. In any case, you can't go wrong, unless mom makes you pay for insurance!

 

Drive all three and see what you like. I'd pick the 4Runner and FJ over the Tacoma for the true Prado frame, but that's just me.

 

Well since it has to be 2 or 3 years old then the FJ is out. You will be very lucky to find a used one since they just came out. Since you are concerned about the frames of the newer Tacos, then get yourself an 04 Doublecab 4X4, you can find those everywhere with low miles too. And as far as where they are made, the 1st gen Tacos are as bullet proof as the 4Runners are.

 

I don't like the visibility in the FJ, You can't see well past the end of the hood.

I'm not sure when the Taco's stopped using boxed frames, or if they did at all.

I wouldn't want any of the post 02 toyota cars or trucks.

 

Buy an 00-04 taco, I have driven plenty of SUV's and the one big downsides is if you need to carry anything messy or carry large loads they fail. If I was to buy another truck I would do a taco.

 

that's why you need both.

 

Not really, a double cab with a shell works just as good and is way more versatile.

I got a truck cause I dont want people with me (although I can seat 5, the back 2 are uncomfy tho) and I can haul a nice load of stuff in the bed..

 

This from a guy who drives a Ford Ranger.

 

yeah, my mom decided to wait a few more months, so hopefully they will have some more used fj's by them to compare. my buddy just got a brand new 07 taco crew cab 6 speed. it's a nice truck, and bigger, but no offense to newer taco owners, but they do look much flimsier than the previous taco. looking at the dash, im not even sure if you could put a aftermarket radio in there. the tailgate was kinda plasticy. If I wasn't gonna wheel it, i would definatley go for it. I am still real intersted in finding out about all those rear end problems they had in 05 with the trd package.

 

If your college life is anything like my own was, then the fj would be pretty cool since you can hose out the interior to quickly clean up any puke or other random bodily fluids...

 

No offense - but you are taking very isolated incidents, and making generalizations about Tacomas based on them. The rear end issues have not been widespread, and were limited to a specific group of 05's. The frame "problems" are hardly widespread.
The tailgates are a weak point for sure, so if you are hauling alot of heavy stuff, then you might consider reinforcing it, but a light tailgate would have no impact on your wheelin.
There are other 05 TSB's out there for squeaky springs, and a few other non-critical issues, but honestly, I think you're putting too much stock in the limited reporting of issues on TTORA (in my estimation it's a few issues being circulated and re-circulated). There are tons of people out there wheelin their 05's, 06's and 07's, and having no problems whatsoever. If you are really considering the Tacoma, but are considered about quality, then try to avoid the early production 05's that have had a few 1st generation "bugs." Otherwise, it's a solid Toyota.

Just pick the one you like the best, and the one that suits your needs the best. I doubt you'll be unhappy with any of those 3 options.

 

i was in the market for a new car for a long time and i was considering the FJ but ended up with a 2003 4r limited 4wd for a killa price. haven't looked back since. i love it as a daily driver, to haul friends around, to haul my fishing gear, and to wheel. FJs are too new to be 2-3 years old at this point.