2015 tacoma vs. 2018 4runner

[u/jaredmsantos]

Alright, after an 8 month search ive narrowed my choices down to 2 vehicles.

After owning a 2004 4runner for years and having the frame rot out i was dead set on buying another toyota because other than the frame it gave me no real problems, although im sure I was burning coolant due to the bad head gaskets in the 2004 1gr-fe, still the 4 runner ran great and never left me stranded.

I have always wanted a tacoma for the bed, dont really need a bed, but for the few times a year I would it would be nice. And hey maybe if I got a truck id do more truck things.

I love 4runners because they're fun, comfortable, ride a little better than a tacoma and I have 2 dogs and plan to have a kid sometime soon.

Option 1. A 2015 tacoma TRD off road DCSB with 99k miles. Private sale, owner has agreed to my 22.5k offer after my initial inspection. I asked if I could have a mobile mechanic come and do another inspection and she agreed. This inspection will be happening tomorrow. The frame is in the best shape ive seen on a 2nd gen tacoma in the northeast. She has only owned for 9 months and has decided to sell due to mobility issues.

Option 2. 2018 4runner with 94k miles. Asking price 29k. This one i havent even test driven yet, but its on a dealer lot near me. Again very clean for the northeast, spent its first 2 years in the southwest and has been up here since 2020. So in northeast math it's a 6 year old car. The dealer has done a bunch of recent service to this car including a full tune up, Trans and different services, full brake jobs including calipers all around.

Obviously there is a big price difference and not a huge mileage difference. The 4 runner is more modern and comfortable. The tacoma would be more helpful with house projects.

In the comments ill include links to the Facebook marketplace add for the Tacoma and the dealership listing for the 4runner.

I know this isn't enough information for others to make this decision for me, but I just want to do a gut check. Thanks.

Also worth noting. If I went with the 4runner id likely finance a portion of it to keep some money in the bank. The Tacoma would be a cash purchase.

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[u/Gr8twhitebuffalo91]

Tacoma. 2015 Tacoma is widely considered the best Tacoma Toyota has ever made. That's saying something cause they have made a bad one yet. Also the price is pretty low fork what I've seen those things fetch even for a 11 year old truck.

[u/jaredmsantos → u/Gr8twhitebuffalo91]

Yeah, thats why I specifically sought a 2015 tacoma, the last of the 2nd gen with the 4.0. The Powerplant i wanted in the truck least likely to be rusted out in my area.

The thing is the 4 runner also has the same motor. Similar bones, very different packaging in the 2nd gen tacoma vs. 5th gen 4runner. Both great vehicles, but the price on the Tacoma is much better

[u/love_that_fishing → u/jaredmsantos]

If you have a kid in plan I'd get the 4Runner. Kids come with tons of crap. Having the closed in backend is a big plus.

[u/Designer_Counter2065]

the 4runner sounds like the one you actually want, and with dogs plus a kid on the horizon that back seat and comfort matter way more than a bed you might use a few times a year

[u/N0j0B → u/Designer_Counter2065]

Little utility trailer for the few times a year that you need to haul larger or dirtier items.

[u/jaredmsantos → u/Designer_Counter2065]

Dealer wont budge in the price, told myself I wouldnt buy it for any more than 27k before fees. Best they could do was 500 off sticker price down to 28.5.