Id say that if you need the added passenger room, go with the 4Runner (by the way, its "4Runner" not "Forerunner") but if you value cargo hauling and dont need passenger room as much, stick with the Tacoma.
The 4Runner will ride a little bit better (4-link rear suspension with coil springs) but it wont corner or brake as well as the Tacoma (because its heavier) and it wont get quite as good fuel economy.
Im not 100% sure, but I think the '96 4Runner still had the 3.0L V6 (please correct me if Im wrong). You will only be getting 14-16 mpg highway at best if thats the case whereas the Tacoma should be able to pull AT LEAST 18 mpg highway.
4Runners are awsome. Ive owned an '85 SR5 and a '91 SR5 V6 and I loved both of them. The only reason I dont still own a 4Runner is because I heat my house with a wood-burning stove in the winter and its nice to have a truck for hauling firewood. I could have had a utility trailer for hauling firewood but a truck is much more convenient.
Cap'n
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vmax2007
Toyota is not any more "special" than every other company the media has targeted in the past.
'07 Toyota Camry LE
Toyota: Like other cars, only better.
The 96 4Runner has the 3.4L V6. I agree with what the captain says though. I also believe that the 96 V6's have a headgasket TSB like the 2nd gens. did. May want to check it out.
I didnt think the 3.4Ls had any head gasket issues. I thought just the 3.0Ls did.
If you can afford to trade-up to a 4Runner with 60,000 fewer miles and a nicer interior (it sounds like it is a Limited due to the leather seats) I think you would be a fool to pass it up.
If you dont haul stuff all that often, the 4Runner is the better truck. Smoother ride, better in the snow/mud and great resale value. When I sold my '91 4Runner they gave me $3000 more than it was actually worth and it sat on their lot for about a week before it was sold. Well care for 4Runners are in VERY high demand here in Wisconsin.
Cap'n
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vmax2007
Toyota is not any more "special" than every other company the media has targeted in the past.
'07 Toyota Camry LE
Toyota: Like other cars, only better.
The first,second & third generation of the Toyota V6 engines used in the pickups & 4-Runners were recalled due to headgasket failures,read the bottom links for the newer engine recalls:
Toyota auto trannies are reliable if the fluid is changed regularly *but* the auto equipped 4-Runners and trucks were underpowered and worse in gas consumption in comparison to the 5 speed manual models which were powerfull and fuel efficient.
Sidney® ™
Repairs tv's,vcr's,home/car audio out of my home
E-mail:sidneybek@yahoo.com
Dartmouth,Nova Scotia
Canada
1985 Toyota 4-Runner,solid front straight axle,factory cruise control,sunroof,22R-E,W56,RN60LV-MSEK,rusted rear step/towing chrome bumper with 244 000 KM
Toyota auto trannies are reliable if the fluid is changed regularly *but* the auto equipped 4-Runners and trucks were underpowered and worse in gas consumption in comparison to the 5 speed manual models which were powerfull and fuel efficient.
Not sure I would call ANY Toyota of that era "powerfull and fuel-efficient". 150 hp is 150 hp no matter if you shift the gears yourself or let it do the shifting for you. The only difference is that you have more control over the revs with a manual tranny.
Cap'n
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vmax2007
Toyota is not any more "special" than every other company the media has targeted in the past.
'07 Toyota Camry LE
Toyota: Like other cars, only better.
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