Hey, I am looking into buying a new truck and I am torn between two options so I need your opinions.

The first is a Black 99 4Runner 4WD with Highlander Package. $10,900 It has 124k, 1 owner, manual. Only thing that seems sketchy is the lack of the scooped hood...why isn't it there? Accident? It has a clear carfax so I don't know.



The second is a 01 Tacoma SR5 Xtra-Cab 4WD with TRD Package. 12,800 OBO. It has 69k, Power Everything, Manual.



What would you guys pick? Which is the better deal?

not sure why there isnt a scoop but ive always been a 4runner guy so thats my .02$

i'd probably get the tacoma if you could get the graffic stuff off the side.

Not all the 4runners came with the hood scoop, so it could be ok.

That one should have had the scooped hood is what he means since that's a Highlander model and the only version that had color keyd bumpers in '99.

Maybe the owner took an offer from another Runner owner that had scoop envy;remember not everybody loves the scoop.
Price is a bit high for a 124k mile Runner compared to what they are selling around the country,maybe try to knock it down about a grand.

I'm partial to the Runner vs the Tacoma since I like having useable interior space vs a bed.

yeah it should have the scoop, it sucks cause the car is at a dealer and he won't know if the owner replaced it for cosmetic reason or not.

Check for matching VIN's on the hood,fenders,ect.Look for parts stickers,overspray........Carfax is not the most reliable,seen lots of vehicals with clean carfax and they were wrecked and put back together.

YUP, thats completely true, it depends on where the vehicle is fixed, and if the shop/individual reported it or not. My Runner had been stolen, the whole steering column had to be replaced, as well as the windshield... no marks on Carfax tho...

Both are good bets. The 4Runner seems a bit high on price.... possibly more than the grand that was suggested. They both look real good though. Even though I love tacomas, I would have to say, as was mentioned earlier, that I find the 4Runner to be all around more practical day to day.


And as for the graphic... its not that bad. It screams 1989, but in a good way.

Haha yeah it does scream that...I actually kinda like it but I don't know why.

I agree the price on the 4Runner is a bit steep, but I would probably try to get them down, at this point I am kinda leaning towards the tacoma but still not quite sure.

just a quick question, what are you using the vehicle for? if you need storage i would campershell that taco and have the best of both worlds, but if your haulin people, yep, 4runner it is

What he ^^ said. I loved my 4Runners, but wanted a truck bed for hauling misc. stuff, putting wet ski gear, muddy hunting/fishinng stuff in the bed and not having to smell it on the way home. I still wanted to be able to haul friends and family around, which is why I got the double cab.

Does the runner have a LOCKER? SX package comes with the rear locker. If it does, buy and run LOL.

5 speed and a locker is kinda rare on the original Sport models.

I prefer the Taco, lower miles and newer, only problem is people want you to help them move when you have a truck...

Plus an open bed invites douchbags to throw trash into it.

well looks like my luck ran out, both were gone this morning when I checked online :-/ I was really starting to lean for the tacoma too...

that sucks hard.... trucks have been selling a little slower as of late with the gas prices... I'm surprised they are gone. Oh well, you will find another

That is very true. I live at an apartment complex in a college town and will find trash in the back all the time when the freaking dumpster is 50ft away from my truck. But the truck bed is so convenient for throwing dirty/big stuff in the back that I couldn't function without it. I just wish I could catch somebody redhanded. Also had somebody break into my truckbox and steal everything inside by jamming something in the keyhole and also prying the hell out of the lid.