What Toyota truck should I go for?

[FourthGenHatch]

For my next car I want some kind of SUV or something at least with 4WD. Now I originally wanted a Jeep but their crap reliability is sort of making me think to stay away from them. I am training to be a Toyota Technician but I haven't started at the dealership yet so I haven't much knowledge of anything non-mechanical related about them. I want something with 4WD, some cargo room (doesn't have to be that much), and ability to seat 4 people if I need to. I was thinking 4Runner. I looked on the Toyota website and it seems Tacomas are all 2WD? I guess thats true for all of them so count them out. The other would be Tundra which came with some 4WDs. I want a used one since new are all too much money.

So for the under $10k price range what could I get. Also do all the 4WD ones have selectable transfer cases so it can be 2WD sometimes?

[Juggalo]

First of all, most Tacoma's are 4x4, and the Tacoma would be a really good choice for your price range. You can find a 4 cyl xtra cab 4x4 Tacoma for that price.

I would however look at getting a 1989-1995 Pickup xtra cab, V6, 4x4, 5 speed. I just bought mine for $4,000 and I love it. So for about $7,000 you can find one with decent mileage and in great condition.

Try www.autotrader.com that's where I found mine, among many other's.

Good luck searching

Juggalo

[FourthGenHatch]

Yeah I don't know why I never saw the 4x4 thing on the site. But the 4x4 new are still expensive. Unless Toyota gives me a discount on one when I start working its not really something I would go for.

I'm thinking used 4Runner now.

Also what is a Pre-Runner?

[Darren]

A Pre-runner is a 2WD Tacoma (in this instance, probably) with a rear locker. 2WD=Bad. Locker=Good. 4WD with locker=Mmmm good!

If you're looking for a 4Runner in that price range, you're probably going to get a 2nd Generation model, or 1990-1995.

A Tacoma would be good as well as Juggalo mentioned, though I'm not sure how their prices compare, except for the fact they are less than 4Runners. So, I'm not sure which years would be applicable. They started in mid-'95, and yes, they've always been available with 4WD.

[robinhood150]

One more thing about pre-runners. They are 2wd tacomas with the height and look of a 4wd. If you get the TRD offroad package with it, then the rear locker is included.

The only thing you have to look out for with the 2nd gen 4runners is the head gasket problem in the V6. Other than that they are very reliable engines. Be aware that 2nd gens are notoriously slow and underpowered, but they run forever. You might want to look into the first gen 4runners since they have the removable top and are slightly faster since they're lighter. The 1st-3rd gens are excellent vehicles to build up for off roading.