Specific 4Runner vs Tacoma Case

Hi everyone,

I recently purchased a 2011 Toyota 4Runner SR5 (2wd) trim with 170k miles for $16,100 at the beginning of the year. Bought it in immaculate condition with leather seats, raptor lights, CarPlay, Alpharexx lights both rear and front.
All that to say, this is one of the best cars I’ve ever owned. Thing feels super solid and is akin to a tank (have taken it on a couple road trips, drove on some back country dirt roads, towed with it, etc.)

However, I was bored on OfferUp and found a 2013 Tacoma (2wd) listed for $17,900 and only has 77k miles. Has a couple of mods (suspension upgrades, Alpharexx lights, etc.) and is fully wrapped in a sick grey.

My question is, what would you guys do in my shoes? Would you sell the 4Runner and buy the Tacoma? Does the 100k mile difference warrant the switch? Will (God forbid) any upcoming repairs be worth the $1,800 price increase? Honestly I love the 4Runner but am just slightly concerned about it having so many miles (even though I obviously knew this at point of purchase).

I know the responses may be a little biased because this is a 4Runner forum lol but that’s okay.
Thanks in advance!

 

EASY! Don't sell the 4Runner and buy the Tacoma.

#notmymoney

 

Wish I could lol but being fresh out of college probably not the best idea.

 

Ha! Yea, I get that. After college, I drove a 96 Taurus and a 98 Suburban for 10 years, both cost less than $1,000 total. I learned a lot owning that Taurus. I do miss the suburban though, pretty much every day. Never should have sold it, but that was part of the deal when my wife allowed me to buy a newer dually....

 

This might sound silly to some, but a 4Runner and Tacoma are different vehicles. I've owned a Ranger and now a 4Runner and they perform similarly on the road and dirt, however, the ability to have everything locked up is nice. If you intend to use the truck bed for "truck" things, then get the Tacoma, but if you don't need a truck bed, I find them to be a waste of space.

*I go to Baja a lot and keeping valuables locked is a necessity down there.


Edit: I MUCH preferred my 2002 5 speed ranger in the dirt. I could get that rear end to slide anytime I wanted. Sooo much more fun in the dirt. Miss that truck too, that one was my fault....

 

Do you think you will get all your money back for the 4Runner? Just out of college, I’d suggest you don’t add more transaction fees or hassles to your life. Will the taco make you money or improve the quality of your life currently? I’d keep the runner.

 

Me personally never look at anything 2WD.

 

Keep the 4Runner, you already own it. And as already mentioned, you will lose money buying and selling.

Start making monthly car payments to your savings account, that will help with any repairs or new cars down the road.

You should look for a new ride when this one starts costing you too much, or your needs drastically change.

Not sure if this will help, but whenever I clean my cars (especially inside), I get a sense of appreciation that lasts a while. Kind of like it's a new car again.

 

Please dont buy trucks because you're bored. Do you actually need a truck bed? If not, take the above advice. The tax hit alone makes the Taco a worse deal

 

If you don't need/want the bed, I'd keep the 4Runner. The back seats are much better, and you cargo is more secure.

But, if you really want the Taco, and can afford the loss, do it.

All I can say otherwise is choose the one you like driving better.

 

There will always be used Tacomas. If you were coming to us asking about a super specific configuration for a flaming deal maybe, but just run what you got here and maintain it well.

YMMV though, I find the 4Runner's seating position and headroom superior to the Tacoma.

 

The 2nd gen Tacoma will feel more gutless. If it's automatic, it'll have the weird puzzle-shaped shift gate. You're more like to have repairs on the Tacoma - the single-VVTi 1GR is more prone to head gasket leaks and timing cover leaks. Of course I think 2WD 4Runners are an oxymoron (might as well call them 2Runners), so take that for what it's worse.

 

What’s under the wrap?

Also, 2WD? I’d stick to the 4Runner.

 

To add to my original post. I live in So Cal where ALL Tacoma prices are overly inflated. Not sure what trim the Tacoma is as the posting did not make it clear.
However thanks to all these posts I think I’ll stick to the Runner!

 

Thank you for this insight on the reliability question. I appreciate it

 

Was skeptical about that too honestly. The wrap is kind of random.

Thanks to all these replies, I think I’ll stick to the Runner