I'm not getting rid of the truck either way. A little bit of money and too much time are invested into it, plus I know it like the back of my hand and have plenty of confidence in it. I couldn't replace that and don't want to give it up for that reason.

You get 22-23 mpg consistenly? I had originally been thinking that, should I go with the 4Runner, I would look for a 4cyl, 5 speed. I want power windows & locks, so that would make the search harder. And I know I would have to retrofit an e-locker if I went 4cyl, 5 speed. But I could do it. I like the sound of that mileage.

 

definitely go for the 3rd gen 4runner. i got a 98 sr5 4x4 with the 3.4 and 5 speed that had 126000 miles for $7100, so they are definitely out there within your price range. and on highway trips i can average 22 mpg. hope this helps and good luck with your decision.

 

If I had kids I wouldn't hesitate in getting a Previa.

 

This question has been resolved. My parents went out and bought a new Sienna minivan the other day. My dad's been talking about how he wants a truck for years now, but instead of going and buying a nice Tacoma, he goes and buys my mom a new van and is going to drive her old one. Anyway, he's giving my his Honda. It's a 96 Accord LX with roughly 150k miles. I wish it were a 5-speed, but I can't argue with the price. This also makes it easier to justify keeping my truck, though it stays with or without justification. This will work out pretty well because I start a new job in two weeks, which will be four times the distance that my current commute is. And I won't be able to ride my bike at all to my new office, so we're getting this car at just the right time to start saving on gas.