Originally Posted by kamo_gari
I know there are several Taco fans/aficionados here. I'd appreciate any advice on model years to avoid and any other input as far as engine considerations, etc. I'm looking to buy used. Truck will be used primarily as a tow vehicle for a small trailer, small boats, etc. as well as general fishing/hunting/camping duty. Must have 4WD. I commute around 80 miles a day, and if the fuel economy isn't too bad I'll use it on snow days to run in and out of town.

Had two 4 Runners prior and loved them, both went almost 150K after I bought the, with 44K and 77K on the respective odos, with virtually no issues but for cats in both, which wasn't cheap to replace for either. Their Achilles heel I guess. Both were gas pigs too; a few years back when gas prices were stupid I spent $11K+ in fuel just in commuting into the salt mine for a calendar year. Not trying to do that again...

TIA for any insight and thoughts.


what years had the frame rust recall?

Tons of used ones down here, that have seen little salt. Most will have a lot of miles on them. They do bring a premium. Buy one in the south & drive it back?

I like the 97-04's - good looking small trucks, at least in the 4x4 std and ext cab version. In new trucks, though, an F150 gets the same mileage and is a much bigger vehicle.

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