Getting rid of my wife's 5.9L Durango for something more efficient. Minivans were getting looked at, but if we are going to spend low 20's on a minivan, then why not get the 4 door Tacoma? This would be great, because then I get a replacement for my 4Runner I just sold. They get the same gas mileage (minivan vs. Tacoma) and the cost would be a bit lower on the Tacoma. The resale will probably be better down the line as well. Not to mention, we get ground clearance and a funner vehicle to drive.

What do you guys think?

Also, what should I pay for a an '05 or '06 Base Tacoma 4 door?

 

I have never owned a minivan,but I just traded my 03 dcab Tacoma for an 06 D-cab Tacoma and the amount of space gained is night and day difference
I think there is plenty of room for a family of 4 plus all of the gear that comes with kids. My motto is as long as they keep making 4 door trucks I will never own a minivan. Jacque

 

what about a family of 5? 2, 8, 14 @ 190+ lbs., then me and me wiffey... would we fit ok for a 3 hour trip? We would have all our stuff in the back of course.

 

How well do the kids get along The truck is made to fit 5, the rear seat space will be cramp, I think especially with a car seat for the 2 year old. Not impossible to do.I would say load up the family and go test drive one.

 

Depends on how the kids get along. Gameboys and DVD systems make close quarters more tolerable. We take annual driving vacations (8 hrs+) in our 2000 JGC and it is a good bit smaller than a new 4 door Taco. I also regularly go to DC from Pgh - a 4 hour trip. BTW, I have 3 boys - 7 1/2, 6, and 4 1/2.

 

if you got kids ... you got a minivan ... there is no way around it.

 

<sticking fingers in ears>
LALALALALALALALALALAL!!!!

 

I'd go with '05 Taco. Looks nice, plenty of room. I don't think it's going to be uncomfortable for them on the back. 2 weeks ago I came back from 8hr trip and I had 3 kids on the back of my 4Runner (17, 16 and 13). They all fit, plus me and my girlfriend and snowboard equipment for five and 2 suitcases of clothes.

 

Have you ever thought about a DC Tundra?

 

NEVER!!! You and the Wabbit can have your pick of the vans.

 

AMEN!

 

The Tacoma would do you well.. Buy mine so I can get an FJ!