1st gen Tacoma vs 3rd gen 4runner

I know this is maybe an old question, but I would like advice for my situation. I am 17 years old, and am looking for a do it all vehicle, I will be attending college 4 hours away from home, and plan on doing a moderate amount of offroading, the final goal of the build being an overlanding rig. I hear the 3.4 v6 is great, and that’s what I’d be looking for. Either a double cab 1st gen with the v6, or a 3rd gen 4runner with the same engine. I know I would use the pickup box if I had one, but could get by without. Mpg is similar from what I understand, Slightly in favor of 4runners. I’m asking for opinions on which to get. Light modding (small lift/suspension upgrades -and light armor) would be my first mods. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks

 

I just comes down to if you are okay with basically anything you take with you being exposed to the elements (unless you get a campershell). My doublecab has basically zero storage room unless you count the back seats or the bed. With my kids, the dog was relegated to the bed, which I didn't really like.

I also have a telescope that would have to go in the bed, which again, didn't like because it was exposed to the elements. I now have a '17 4Runner and it solves those issues. I still have my Doublecab, as that is a dedicated trail truck now.

I don't believe the 4Runners have the same issues with frame rust as the Tacomas do, so that may make finding one easier. They are also not as "collectible" as the 1st gen Tacos, so you may get one for a better price too.

I LOVE my Tacoma though, and will never get rid of it. I also have a motorcycle and haul dirt and rocks on occasion, so a pickup is definitely more utilitarian. If you get a 4Runner, you'd just need a utility trailer to haul that kind of stuff. Those are cheap and easy to get. Just need to store it...

Other thing about a pickup for an "overlander" is that you can set the roof top tent (if you go that route) lower on the rear with a lower profile rack. This keeps your center of gravity lower and is better for off-roading. But in a 4Runner you can fold the seats down and sleep in the back. So.... 6 of one, half a dozen of the other...

 

Welcome to TW!!
I have a 1st gen Tacoma & 3rd gen 4Runner... I really don't have any advice but either vehicle project will lighten your wallet big time!!

 

I appreciate the info, at this point I’m just looking for whichever one I find that has a good deal, both seem to be equally good for my situation

 

Oh, one other bit of info I forgot to mention, in 6’4”, will either be super cramped?

 

I'm also 6'4", 2002 3.4L Tacoma ExtCab owner (w camper shell). For sleeping I fit in the back with the tailgate open, otherwise I have to lay diagonal to fit. And that's with a normal 6.2 foot bed. With the double cab you will not fit in the bed for sleeping. With the 4runner you will not sleep comfortably inside either. I always bring a tent. Sometimes it's the better option, and you can look up at the stars (if warm enough to forego the rainfly).

Your head will be very close to the headliner while driving. It's fine, but at some traffic lights if I'm first in line, I don't see the light unless I slouch down a bit lol

I love my ExtCab but it's a 2-seater. The "backseat" is really just for groceries/gear, and/or a small or medium sized dog.

The gas mileage is not great, so keep that in mind if you plan on driving 4 hour commute often. My 3.4L V6 gets about 15mpg around town. 19mpg on the hwy.

 

I was on the same boat and I went Tacoma because I value having a bed.

Not having kids, and valuing the bed more than cargo space also made me choose an ext. cab over a reg. or dbl.

 

They're both great, only question is if you want a bed or not. And then could always get a camper shell or tonneau cover for more enclosed space with the truck.

 

I don't find any of them to be deal breakers though

 

Nice truck wonder how many miles

 

I have a 1st Gen Tacoma ExtraCab, and my daughter has a 3rd Gen 4Runner. I am looking to get a 3rd Gen 4Runner soon. Love the truck. Bought it new in December 2000. Can't imagine not having it. But since I've driven the 4Runner many times since she bought it over a year ago, I wish I had one.

 

I’m also considering an FJ cruiser, they’re pretty neat, but tacoma and 4runner are more in my price range, and I think the FJs look pretty chubby no matter what you do to them, awesome machines tho

 

Basically the same vehicle other than the obvious body configuration differences, and leaf spring rear end vs 4 link coil sprung rear end on the runner which will probably ride better. Biggest difference is the runner can be had for probably half the money of a double cab taco.

 

not a 4 link tho. Or even a 3 link...

As far as parts interchangeability, sure. But they have more in common with each other than 1st and 2nd gen Tacomas do. The overall fit and finish, size, interior feel, etc...

 

You could get into a nice 'Runner a lot cheaper than a comparable 1st gen, and the DC commands the HIGHEST resale of all 1st gens since they were only made 4 years. I assume since you're 17 that you're not made of money so that would be the route I'd go! It has more room so cruising around with your pals is much easier. Although make sure to check the radiator and transmission fluid closely if it's automatic, the Runners had a notorious problems with the cooler lines busting in the radiator and mixing together and toasting transmissions. I'd replace the radiator first thing if it still has the stock one, they make aftermarket ones with external trans coolers that fixes the issue. It's called the "Pink Milkshake of Death" so if the transmission fluid looks like strawberry milk, RUN!

 

Neither. 1st gen 4Runner or land cruiser

 

OP has a smaller budget than that

 

Oh, my bad. lol. Speed reading is dangerous

 

OP, I’ve slowed down and read through the thread, I think for your height a 4Runner is best if you want/need to be concealed or plan on doing any stealth camping. As great as a Tacoma would be, sleeping cramped or getting eaten by mosquitos all night may make you regret your purchase. Unless of course you go the RTT route.

no matter your decision, you’ll be glad you have a capable PAID off rig!

 

1st gen double cab is gonna demand a much higher price, especially if you want one with fewer than 200k on the clock. As far as the T4R's, I would look for a 2001 or 2002, those were the most refined, just from comparing them to the earlier ones Ive pulled parts from. But it too will be hard to find a good one with 4wd and fewer than 200k on it for a good price, at least in my area it would be.