I got this pretty nice Taco about a year ago, and have found a new love for offroading. The only problem is my Tacoma is only 2wd and it has ended stuck too much for my liking... I am first wondering what would you value a stock 04 tacoma extracab 4cyl at. second would you think that a 99 or 00 4runner would be a good choice (I plan on doing a few basic mods bigger tires, custom bumpers, sliders, and getting a 2' or 3' lift) I'm going to mainly use this for muddin, and hittin the dunes, but we do have some nice rocks to crawl around where i am and would like to do that a bit. I would get a 2nd gen if it wasn't for the crash rating.

 

crash rating? you do know that 4Runners have had the same crash rating for years now? the only difference between a 2nd and 3rd gen is that one has air bags, and the other doesn't. Personally, if you're gonna wheel it. no air bags is the way to go. but the 3rd gens have the better motor and suspension. so its up to you.

 

First time I was looking at the crash rating it said the second gen had a 1 star crash rating for the driver side door. Another one of my problems with the second gen is the power, it has about the same horsepower as my 4 cyl Taco I would like a bit more. I don't have a lot of money to pour into a build either so the newer the better for me.

 

All 4Runners have a bad side crash rating. not just the 2nd gen. Hell, I was T-boned in an integra at 40 mph and walked away from it with scratches I've never based a vehicle on safety rating. 9/10 its just supersticious nazi freak accident believers that think all bad things happen to them

You'll be safe in any 4Runner you get.

Get a newer one then. the 3.4 has lots of power.

 

The V6(5vz 3.4L)has more power than your 4 cyl(2RZ 2.4L).

Heck my 3RZ(2.7L) from a 4wd Taco has more power than the 2.4L. You're comparing apples to oranges here... Get a 96-2000 4Runner with the 3.4L V6. The 2nd gen Runners with the V6 (3VZ--3.0L) are good trucks, except for that 3.slo... Same power as my 3RZ 4cyl...

 

I take it this is going to do double duty as your off road toy and daily driver.

If not buy what you want and add the things you need as the budget allows.

Crash rating what the heck is that?? Your off roading and worried about this.

are these rated as to crashes with people or bicycles maybe Trains??

 

This will definitely be double dutyin. I will most likely end up getting the lift, bigger tires, bumpers, than some other little things if I see necessary. is there any big problems that you have had or heard of with the third gen? I know the 2nd gen was known for the head gasket being blown, anything like that on the third gen?