Tacoma vs. 4 runner mileage
- Thread starter JoeF2661
- Start date
Chron_Rabbit
Member
Tacomas run forever (250,000 miles easy) and they depreciate much less than other midsized trucks. Highly recommend the taco.
I don't know much about 4 runners but I'm guessing they have a similar life span ?
I don't know much about 4 runners but I'm guessing they have a similar life span ?
Twinjibber77
Active member
I just got a new 4Runner *Life Goal Achieved*, so I'm not one to talk on those mileage specifics from an owners perspective, but I did a shit ton of research about this before my purchase and this is what I found:
-Both are fantastic vehicles and I would be confident in purchasing either with high miles IF there are not significant rust issues. I'm sure there are other specifics you can find in forums and facebook groups, but frame rust seems to be the biggest kick in the nuts as the engine and drivetrain can last significantly longer.
-Definitely find someone that knows what there doing to check out ANY vehicle before you purchase it. Luckily for you, there are a lot of older (elderly) honest sellers that have high miles, but great condition vehicles out there. I even checked out a few before pulling the trigger on something newer.
-I was 100% head first into a Tacoma before I actually drove one on multiple occasions (test drives and friends) when I decided that the interior is just TOO small for me both literally (I'm over 6') and figuratively(?) with a family of 3. Not sure if size is a consideration, but I just could not justify getting a small interior truck with only a 5' bed (I know you can get a 6', but I couldn't find any).
-From what I see on the forums and FB groups, buying the older high mile models with a V8 isn't a great idea when it comes to mechanical issues and gas mileage (assuming you're trying to save money). I'm not a mechanic, but I gotta throw that out there from what I've read.
-I'm glad I got the 4Runner, because I wasn't considering how helpful interior space is when transporting people and stuff associated with a family. Additionally, a quality/sturdy/locking bed cover is fairly expensive, so that would have sucked. I've used a Thule box for skiing and traveling on every vehicle I've owned and the box is more at home on the 4Runner than any vehicle I've had before (also supports more weight). When traveling with four adults and the box, I have MORE than enough room for everyone including gear. Boxes are also cheap AF on facebook marketplace right now, at least around me, and some are BARELY used.
I can't think of anything else off the top of my head, but there are tons of threads about this on different forums with facebook groups being a huge shit show, but also kinda helpful.
Again, cannot recommend enough to get a mechanic to check everything over before making a purchase. I helped a buddy buy a full size truck online and was shocked at the rust buckets with significant frame rust people are trying to pass off at high prices because of the interior or exterior appearance. He eventually found a ballin' GMC Yukon with less than 60k and almost no rust IN THE NORTH EAST for less than $10k.
-Both are fantastic vehicles and I would be confident in purchasing either with high miles IF there are not significant rust issues. I'm sure there are other specifics you can find in forums and facebook groups, but frame rust seems to be the biggest kick in the nuts as the engine and drivetrain can last significantly longer.
-Definitely find someone that knows what there doing to check out ANY vehicle before you purchase it. Luckily for you, there are a lot of older (elderly) honest sellers that have high miles, but great condition vehicles out there. I even checked out a few before pulling the trigger on something newer.
-I was 100% head first into a Tacoma before I actually drove one on multiple occasions (test drives and friends) when I decided that the interior is just TOO small for me both literally (I'm over 6') and figuratively(?) with a family of 3. Not sure if size is a consideration, but I just could not justify getting a small interior truck with only a 5' bed (I know you can get a 6', but I couldn't find any).
-From what I see on the forums and FB groups, buying the older high mile models with a V8 isn't a great idea when it comes to mechanical issues and gas mileage (assuming you're trying to save money). I'm not a mechanic, but I gotta throw that out there from what I've read.
-I'm glad I got the 4Runner, because I wasn't considering how helpful interior space is when transporting people and stuff associated with a family. Additionally, a quality/sturdy/locking bed cover is fairly expensive, so that would have sucked. I've used a Thule box for skiing and traveling on every vehicle I've owned and the box is more at home on the 4Runner than any vehicle I've had before (also supports more weight). When traveling with four adults and the box, I have MORE than enough room for everyone including gear. Boxes are also cheap AF on facebook marketplace right now, at least around me, and some are BARELY used.
I can't think of anything else off the top of my head, but there are tons of threads about this on different forums with facebook groups being a huge shit show, but also kinda helpful.
Again, cannot recommend enough to get a mechanic to check everything over before making a purchase. I helped a buddy buy a full size truck online and was shocked at the rust buckets with significant frame rust people are trying to pass off at high prices because of the interior or exterior appearance. He eventually found a ballin' GMC Yukon with less than 60k and almost no rust IN THE NORTH EAST for less than $10k.
first_rodeo
Active member
TACO with v6
oldmanski
Active member
I got a 2010 Tacoma, 4 door, sport package and I am averaging 16mpg almost everywhere I drive it. In town, interstate, drive it slow, hot rod it, 16 mph with the 4.0 V6 in it. I have heard the 4 runners are pretty much the same. I bought the Tacoma so I can haul my dirt bikes, I have a canopy I put on it for the winter to be able to lock my gear in the back when I ski.
Non_State_Actor
Active member
I have three tacos currently, a 2010 regular cab 4-cyl with 120k, a 2016 access-cab 4-cyl with 60k, and a 2017 double-cab Off road 6-speed with 45k. None of these are higher mileage obviously, the first two are work trucks entirely the last is my daily/work truck. I also had a 2012 for a few years. Other than mediocre fuel mileage and limited payload(compared to full size) I've never had any issues. The resale value is a bonus.
xxACIDTRIPxx
Active member
4 runners are the GOAT. If you can save a bit more and get one with lower miles
JoeF2661
Active member
Thanks guys for all this info. I'm going to try to take on a few side jobs in the coming weeks and save up more. The last thing I want to do is take out a loan of have a monthly car payment. I'm just trying to find something in my budget I can buy outright. Really thinking 4 runner because I can car camp pretty nice with it in my opinion.
ASSholebomber22
Active member
Big fan of both. Had both a 5vz taco and now a 5vz 4runner. Great times and you just cannot kill them. Maintenance is key. 150k miles isn't bad but you shouldn't get something without all maintenance records at that mialage. Don't know much about the newer ones, but frame rot is a big deal and one of the only drawbacks of getting a yota, so good inspection is key before buying.
Non_State_Actor
Active member
If the 4-Runner was still offered in manual transmission form I'd probably own one now. With the optional 3rd row seat it would be ideal but I tried driving a slush box a couple years ago and I just can't deal. I think I'll go straight from manual to electric.
JoeF2661
Active member
https://siskiyou.craigslist.org/cto/d/weed-2008-toyota-tacoma-4x4-trd-sport/7049475526.html
Going to go look at this beast on Saturday. Thought I'd post the link here and see what you guys and gals have to say.
Going to go look at this beast on Saturday. Thought I'd post the link here and see what you guys and gals have to say.
Non_State_Actor
Active member
14103223:JoeF2661 said:
I was going to say..."that's a $12K truck tops" but then I looked around the interwebz.
Apparently I'm sitting on a goldmine as the current owner of three tacos.
I'd avoid sport trims and slushboxes but it's not easy. I don't like the options and suspension setup on the sport and I despise non-functional hood skewps
JoeF2661
Active member
14103291:mystery3 said:
Yea the scoop doesn't really tickley fancy but the guy is the original and has all maintenance and oil changes logged so I can see. Also he's an old timer who seems like he has kept very good care of the truck. The only other taco I've found like this had more miles and was owned by a kid who spoke like he had never been under a hood in his life. I hope this is the gem I've been looking for and if I do but get the guy down a bit on price.
oldmanski
Active member
14103223:JoeF2661 said:
14103291:mystery3 said:
This is actually a decent deal. All the the service records and one owner, I think it is priced right. I have been watching the market a bit here in the Portland area and one like that would go for around 15k. If you got him talked down a bit, I think you have found the one!
Casey
Active member
14095732:oldmanski said:
I have the same truck, just put bigger tires on it though so my mpg is probably shit now. The 4runner from that era comes with the same engine but the suspension is way softer, the Sport is a pretty stiff ride but I’ve hauled all kinds of rock loads and heavy stuff with it, bomb proof
Chron_Rabbit
Member
14103382:Casey said:
I was thinking about doing a regear on my taco for the bigger tires. Your mpgs take a sizable hit from that shit
Casey
Active member
14103291:mystery3 said:
Everyone says this but I actually think the fake hood scoop looks good. I like the painted bumpers more than chrome too but I’ve pretty much never met anyone that shares this opinion lol.
The reason I went with a TRD sport was not for trim, yeah it kind of sucks that there is no locking differential, although I’ve barely ever even put the truck in 4LO, let along gotten it that stuck. The main thing is there is no double cab long bed option in anything but the Sport, and I HATE the 5 foot bed with all my heart.
Non_State_Actor
Active member
14103689:Casey said:
I have the OR and had to settle for the 5' bed because you can't have manual and long bed in this country in any configuration. I tried a long bed automatic Colorado, diesel no less, and couldn't cope with the garbage auto transmission.
oldmanski
Active member
14103689:Casey said:
I am with you, I dig the scoop on mine but it is pointless so I drilled some holes through the plate to allow some air flow along with some LED lights. The 5 ft bed is horrible, but I’m happy at the same time because I When I get asked to help someone move I just say I can’t haul anything,lol.
Vitiligo
Member
Had a 96' 4Runner as my first car. Just got rid of it for $2,000 with 360k miles after ~6 years of ownership. Now I have an 08 Taco and love it. The runner was nice but the Taco with the 6 foot bed is undefeated once you get a shell or something over the bed. Just more room to throw shit and don't have to put down the seats and shit. I think they will last about the same amount of miles but the important thing is to know history of the vehicle and get it inspected before you purchase. If the person selling doesnt want you doing that then don't trust it.
Non_State_Actor
Active member
14103983:Casey said:
I live in the bay area, traffic is real, also traffic with hills, but I get bored driving an automatic.
I'll ride out manual transmissions until I go to zero transmission in a full electric rig. Hopefully Rivian or somebody puts out a decent BEV truck.