I finance a 2004 4runner SR5 V8, but have constantly thought about an older tacoma trade-in, especially since I have learned more. I believe it is tough to say the quality of a new runner, because it hasn't been around as long as older generation models and trucks. Still I want the ability to drive around some friends and my two dogs, the ability to throw wood and stuff around without scratching the fabric and sidewalls, and the ability to "hit on it" a little in the woods, and then sleep in it that night. So a new runner, or an older runner or truck? If the older, than why and what year, and if newer, why? Any opinions? Thanks everyone, and sorry for the long post.

 

...sounds like u need a quad cab tacoma - u get both worlds: take friends / dogs / throw wood and stuff w/ scratching the fabric or the quad cab Tundra...

 

I deleted your other thread. No need to post the same thing twice in two different sections. You would be better off asking this in the General area.

 

this is jsut my opinion, but if i were you, i would trade it in on bout an 95.5-02 model tacoma. 3.4 5spd of course. and dont find one thats been babied because then youll be afraid to scratch it haha

 

I think you are going to have a hard time trying to trade that 04 for something older. I would trade it in for a newer model quad cab tacoma.

 

meh its hard to wheel a newer truck without feeling guilty, well hard for me anyways, sounds like you might need a 2nd gen 4runner with some mods( BJ spacers and OME coils 4:88's a locker, and some 33's ) and just take the carpet outta the back and rhino line it, or somethin equivalent and you should be good to go, can sleep in it, haul people, and dirty e in the back without worrying about the carpet.

 

If you can keep the new 4 runner for a daily driver and buy an older runner just to wheel.

 

Why is that? The thing is, newer tacomas are expensive, same issue with the runner. Id like the same toughness at a cheaper price, but I made the mistake in the first place, i guess, spending cash like that. Either way, you think the runner has some kick to it? the 4th generation? I drive it, its solid, but...

I like the idea about a lift and some rhino line, but its just more investment.

If older runner, what year? Sounds like a good idea.. And I too feel guilty scratching a new car. Real guilty. lowers the value eh?

 

Newer tacoma as solid as older tacoma?

 

Do what I did and buy a 2nd gen runner as a recreational vehicle. I watched CL forever and finally found one that was $400 and the guy thought it had a blown head gasket. The body wasn't pretty by any means, but the interior was clean. Looked at it and realized the HG wasn't blown, it just needed a new radiator and water pump. So $160 for a new radiator and $56 for a water pump and the thing runs great. Unfortunately it has an auto, but for the price I wasn't going to complain. There were other ones with a clean body and manual trans that had blown HG's that were around $700. So if you know how to wrench than look around and find a second gen with a blown head gasket, and you will have a running rig for under a grand. Then pick up some ball joint spacers, Land Cruiser coils for the rear, and a set of 33x10.50's and go play with it. You won't care about getting it dirty or scratching it off road because you'll have a wheeler for under 2k. It's not a bad way to go and if you do break it on the weekend you can still get to work on Monday. You can also pick up 3rds all day long used and switch gears and even put a locker in the rear for about $500 or even less.

Here's what my runner is getting:
TG front and rear bumper as well as sliders
33x10.50 BFG M/T's
BJ spacers in the front and LC coils in the rear
possibly 5.29 lockers front and rear, but that will be later

Not bad considering I can do all of that for under 3k and go wheel and have fun on the weekends without breaking the bank.

If you trade your runner in, you'll probably wind up going even further into negative equity and the amount you go into negative would pay for you to keep the current runner and just save up the cash for an good find on a second gen. Just my thoughts, but good luck with your decision.

 

i'm with Ramtime... find yourself a cheap project rig.. keep your nice new 4runner as the daily driver / tow rig. the v8 will tow a old 4runner just fine. if you watch CL long enough you can find running rigs for less than 2k without having to do a HG on it. they're not going to be pretty but you'll be able to smash it thru the trees and not worry about it.. it only needs to get you back to the trailer

 

X3 for what Ramtime and Tofer said.

Also depending on what you really want to do with your rig, check this site to see what your 4th gen is really capable of doing/becoming.
http://www.toyota120.com/forum/index.php