Tacoma / 4Runner Buyers Guide for Overlanders?

[Kermit]

You mean it's not the skinny pedal on the floor?

LOL

[Kermit]

So I'm in a bit of a pickle. I don't have a good solution, but I am thinking an older Taco or 4Runner might be good solution. EXCEPT I DON"T FIT! I'm 6'-7" tall, and find my buddy's 2004 4th generation 4Runner extremely uncomfortable, and it's bigger than the older models that preceded it. I seem to fit better in my other buddy's 2007 Tacoma double cab, but I'm not sure my family of 4 will enjoy riding it. They are all quite tall, and didn't fit in the Volvo either, with constant complaints emanating from the noisome occupants in the back seat.

So what I need is 1) reliability, 2) potential capability with upgrades and parts availability, 3) decent cabin size for TALL people with legs, and most importantly, 4) low entry cost. Toyota ticks the boxes for items 1 and 2, but doesn't combine 3 and 4 well. I can get #4, but sacrifice item 3. Not sure it makes sense to buy a car I cant fit in, just because I can almost afford it.

Suggestions welcome.

Good gawd...I wouldn't even look at Toyota's if I was that tall, unless it is the current Tundra Crew Max.

As others said...a domestic fullsize, like a Suburban, Expedition or a crew cab truck. Perhaps a 4WD Van...

[phsycle]

...I don't have a good solution, but I am thinking an older Taco or 4Runner might be good solution. EXCEPT I DON"T FIT! I'm 6'-7" tall, and find my buddy's 2004 4th generation 4Runner extremely uncomfortable, and it's bigger than the older models that preceded it. I seem to fit better in my other buddy's 2007 Tacoma double cab, but I'm not sure my family of 4 will enjoy riding it. They are all quite tall, and didn't fit in the Volvo either, with constant complaints emanating from the noisome occupants in the back seat.

So what I need is 1) reliability, 2) potential capability with upgrades and parts availability, 3) decent cabin size for TALL people with legs, and most importantly, 4) low entry cost. Toyota ticks the boxes for items 1 and 2, but doesn't combine 3 and 4 well. I can get #4, but sacrifice item 3. Not sure it makes sense to buy a car I cant fit in, just because I can almost afford it.

Suggestions welcome.

From what your needs are, two words pop into my head: Land Cruiser. I'd say look at an 80 or 100. Not sure what your price range is, but you can get either for a pretty "cheap" price.

[nwoods]

From what your needs are, two words pop into my head: Land Cruiser. I'd say look at an 80 or 100. Not sure what your price range is, but you can get either for a pretty "cheap" price.

I do like the 100 series. The 80's are too small for my family, but the 100 is decent if I move the drivers seat (a standard mod I do to all my vehicles). However, I'm a little leary of the gas mileage in a Cruiser. I'm more inclined towards something lighter. I'm currently thinking about an Izusu Trooper, from 1998-2003 model years. I don't know much about them, but they are roomier than my old 1990's Montero, and got SB's thumbs up, and are available pretty cheap. The design is a little fugly, but the interior is actually kinda nice.

[bullcrew]

Yeah a at 6'3" I fit a 3rd Gen at 6'7“ head would rub.....I'd look for a suv thats more upright sitting, Toyota's tend to lean back when inside bit its because of low center of gravity and high clearance of body's (gas tank excluded, come on Toyota really!)

[Kermit]

I do like the 100 series. The 80's are too small for my family, but the 100 is decent if I move the drivers seat (a standard mod I do to all my vehicles). However, I'm a little leary of the gas mileage in a Cruiser. I'm more inclined towards something lighter. I'm currently thinking about an Izusu Trooper, from 1998-2003 model years. I don't know much about them, but they are roomier than my old 1990's Montero, and got SB's thumbs up, and are available pretty cheap. The design is a little fugly, but the interior is actually kinda nice.

We have a Trooper, at first I didn't care for it, but it has grown on me...you "should" fit just fine. It averages 18 mpg mixed driving, and has achieved 23-24 on the HWY.
Ours has the 230HP motor, seems plenty powerful for my taste, much better than my 190HP Tacoma. Not sure what the TQ is off hand...

Bought ours for next to nothing from an old lady, that purchased it new, changed the oil every 3000 miles...and had every service record. If you look hard enough should
be able to find one under $7000, we paid even less...

Plus it is totally stealth....if you close one eye, and squint the other it "almost" looks like a LC70.

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[daPitbull]

...Plus it is totally stealth....if you close one eye, and squint the other it "almost" looks like a LC70.

397883_10150594686809630_766319629_8902442_819463804_n.jpg

4_1.jpg

Lol, I just tried that, and you're right!

[Kermit]

Lol, I just tried that, and you're right!

LOL...now imagine if I painted the grill and bumper black on our Trooper...

[4xdog]

Toyotareference.com has copies of all the original Toyota brochures scanned in, all the engines, all the colors, plus all sorts of other details of every model ever brought to the US. Darren has done a great job with his site.

Don

[TangoBlue]

Toyotareference.com has copies of all the original Toyota brochures scanned in, all the engines, all the colors, plus all sorts of other details of every model ever brought to the US. Darren has done a great job with his site.

Don

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