1958 vs taco trdOR

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May 17, 2022
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Houston
Loving the 1958, cloth low key retro. But at 55k or there about is it worth it. Last vehicle was a 06 WRX for 26k. This would be a big jump in price and a vehicle that I would probably keep for ever. I rally like the idea of the all wheel drive. Do I need it no! But what would be more beneficial. A taco trd OR starts at 43k that’s a big difference. It’s looking like an unlimited with the same all wheel system will be about the same price. The releases never said if the limited would get the lockers. When it come to 10% off-road duty what’s the big difference between the two systems. Will the MTS be a benefit? Any thoughts??
 
Loving the 1958, cloth low key retro. But at 55k or there about is it worth it. Last vehicle was a 06 WRX for 26k. This would be a big jump in price and a vehicle that I would probably keep for ever. I rally like the idea of the all wheel drive. Do I need it no! But what would be more beneficial. A taco trd OR starts at 43k that’s a big difference. It’s looking like an unlimited with the same all wheel system will be about the same price. The releases never said if the limited would get the lockers. When it come to 10% off-road duty what’s the big difference between the two systems. Will the MTS be a benefit? Any thoughts??
I've got a Tacoma and think about the LC as an alternative quite a bit - it comes down to truck vs SUV for me. The MTS / off-road capability will be slightly different in the two but they'll both get you where you want to go. The interior of the LC will be more upscale and the SUV is generally more utility than the truck, so that's where your extra $10K goes.

Best bet would be to test drive them both and see which you like better. They're both good choices
 
Have you considered a used GX460? Around here some very nice rigs are in the $25-35K bracket. That would get you the AWD system, ability to add MTS later on, and a very sorted/reliable V8/6AT system. The remaining $10K+ you'd save relative to a TRD-OR Taco could be used for a lift, wheels and tires, and potentially a rear locker.
 
Definitely liking the suv style better, don’t normally use the back seat for anyone but I think even my larger brother in law would be comfortable in LC versus the rather small back in the taco. Don’t need a truck could always get a trailer for things need to be hauled that way. While I know a 4Runner or 460 would be viable options and reliable they are just a little long in the tooth for that type of money.
 
Have you considered a used GX460? Around here some very nice rigs are in the $25-35K bracket. That would get you the AWD system, ability to add MTS later on, and a very sorted/reliable V8/6AT system. The remaining $10K+ you'd save relative to a TRD-OR Taco could be used for a lift, wheels and tires, and potentially a rear locker.

Wait till next year on a GX460, I'd say it's pretty likely the used market is about to get really flush with GX's.
 
Loving the 1958, cloth low key retro. But at 55k or there about is it worth it. Last vehicle was a 06 WRX for 26k. This would be a big jump in price and a vehicle that I would probably keep for ever. I rally like the idea of the all wheel drive. Do I need it no! But what would be more beneficial. A taco trd OR starts at 43k that’s a big difference. It’s looking like an unlimited with the same all wheel system will be about the same price. The releases never said if the limited would get the lockers. When it come to 10% off-road duty what’s the big difference between the two systems. Will the MTS be a benefit? Any thoughts??

The way the limited is being report on, it sounds like it's a similar situation to the 4Runner limited, you get full time 4WD and a center diff lock, but not a rear locker like you get in the TRD trims. So I guess you have to choose one. The LC eliminates that problem for you.

10% off road isn't very much, and I'd be curious what kind of off road you think you might do. Lockers are great if you want to eliminate the drama of wheel spin/slipping while waiting for A-trac to kick in. My wife gets nervous when wheels slip, or we roll backwards, so lockers keep us both sane. They aren't a must for off roading with capable suspensions and traction control for most people though.

The real question is truck vs SUV. I find truck beds to be a complete waste of space 99% of the time, so an SUV makes way more sense for me. I can load up the entire back hatch with camping gear, it's now water proof and mostly climate controlled and I have a much larger roof real estate to work with for the big gear that I can't fit inside (like a gazelle tent). Guys with trucks work around these problems though.
 
I think it is looking like this will be a truck vs SUV decision mostly.

In Houston, I don't think awd will provide much or any value for you most of the time. The only time I would want awd enough to influence my buying decision is if you live in a winter climate and don't want to shift in and out of 4x4 when trying to make tight turns in parking lots. Especially in a truck with little weight on the rear axle. I never really wanted awd in my 4Runners in Utah, but it would be nice in my Tundra in Alaska - it's icy AF and the tundra has both a poor turning radius that is made worse in 4x4. And Alaska is also very tightly packed despite what you might think - parking is very tight and I constantly end up shifting in and out of 4x4. In Texas I would prefer not to have awd even if it were a free option because I'd rather have the better mpg unless it was a multi-mode like the Sequoia had with 2wd, awd, 4x4 hi and 4lo. Unless that's available, I'd go for the regular 4x4 if it were my vehicle.

As far as rear locker - traction control is really good for almost everything. Yes there are times that a locking diff will work where traction control doesn't. I hate to say it this way because it sounds pejorative and it is not intended to be at all. If you need a rear locker - you probably already know that you need it. If you don't know if you need one - you don't need one and ATRAC/MTS or whatever they call the version you'd get on a limited will work very well for you.

IMO - You should start by test driving them both first and wait to see what the specs are on the next gen 4Runner. It may offer awd and/or SUV for less $. It does now if you want the older platform and I'd expect it will with the next generation too.

Good luck with your choice.
 
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Well, that’s the rub. Wife says you never off road or go to these areas where u need all of this! My point is I would like to but I have a car so I can’t. I’m getting up there in yrs and would like to try a camping off road trip. I’ve been stocking bronco and jeep forums for yrs now. As it would be a daily driver nothing to crazy. I was a Corpsman with the Marines so I know what being off the grid means..I’m just looking for a road trip with a ghost town or destination that’s off the beaten path.
 
Well, that’s the rub. Wife says you never off road or go to these areas where u need all of this! My point is I would like to but I have a car so I can’t. I’m getting up there in yrs and would like to try a camping off road trip. I’ve been stocking bronco and jeep forums for yrs now. As it would be a daily driver nothing to crazy. I was a Corpsman with the Marines so I know what being off the grid means..I’m just looking for a road trip with a ghost town or destination that’s off the beaten path.

I fully support the "I'm gonna buy all this cool s*** and prove to you why I needed it". Did I really need to add not one but two lockers and a winch to my LC? No. Do I find opportunities to use them and loudly declare that "damn these are so nice to have, don't you think, babe?" Yes. Rock and Roll
 
I think it is looking like this will be a truck vs SUV decision mostly.

In Houston, I don't think awd will provide much or any value for you most of the time. The only time I would want awd enough to influence my buying decision is if you live in a winter climate and don't want to shift in and out of 4x4 when trying to make tight turns in parking lots. Especially in a truck with little weight on the rear axle. I never really wanted awd in my 4Runners in Utah, but it would be nice in my Tundra in Alaska - it's icy AF and the tundra has both a poor turning radius that is made worse in 4x4. And Alaska is also very tightly packed despite what you might think - parking is very tight and I constantly end up shifting in and out of 4x4. In Texas I would prefer not to have awd even if it were a free option because I'd rather have the better mpg unless it was a multi-mode like the Sequoia had with 2wd, awd, 4x4 hi and 4lo. Unless that's available, I'd go for the regular 4x4 if it were my vehicle.

As far as rear locker - traction control is really good for almost everything. Yes there are times that a locking diff will work where traction control doesn't. I hate to say it this way because it sounds pejorative and it is not intended to be at all. If you need a rear locker - you probably already know that you need it. If you don't know if you need one - you don't need one and ATRAC/MTS or whatever they call the version you'd get on a limited will work very well for you.

IMO - You should start by test driving them both first and wait to see what the specs are on the next gen 4Runner. It may offer awd and/or SUV for less $. It does now if you want the older platform and I'd expect it will with the next generation too.

Good luck with your choice.
So yep, the need for all wheel is not there like u said. But if I would need to spend 40k for a crappy bronco sport that I don’t feel would last anywhere near like a taco or LC I would rather spend the extra and get something that could do more than I would probably ever have the nuts to do. The WRX is on its last legs and needs to be replaced so I don’t know if I can wait until the 4Runner is out. Use my father in law old pickup as a farm truck with my wife got stuck on the back pasture! Lol . If I drive the truck for anything I absolutely hate having to load things to the back door squeezing between the next vehicle. Which is why I would definitely prefer an suv for the rear hatch. I guess I was looking for someone to say hell yeah it’s worth the extra money! Ps the wife is still certain the gov is going to collapse and that we don’t need to be adding any more debt Haha!
 
Wait till next year on a GX460, I'd say it's pretty likely the used market is about to get really flush with GX's.
A good comparison would be 2021 Tundra prices, which are still pretty high 2+ years out (about what MSRP was in 2021). However, people aren't trying to flip them for $60-70K like they were in 2021 :). Folks like the last-year of the V8.

I think the GX460 prices will stay pretty stable - the good buys are 2017 and older which are often ~$30K ish up here and a heck of a deal considering the amount of rig you are getting for the price of a nicely-optioned new Civic.
 
I agree with everyone else, it boils down to SUV vs. Pickup. Only you can do needs analysis for your needs. Personal choice and I switch between the two every decade or so. I'm #2 on the list for the new Land Cruiser at the dealer in town when they come out. But likely not going to go that route now.

Dog gets hit by a skunk when out training or hunting if you throw him in the SUV with you you're going to wish you had a truck bed to put him. In the morning taking the new to me 460 to the dealer to have new tires and rims put on. And will have to go back with the Taco first to throw the takeoffs in, take them home and then go back to get the 460. A trailer is a PITA after awhile, it doesn't solve all carrying issues.

On the other hand a SUV has much better weight disturbition over a truck even with sandbags tied down in the bed and a heavy ARE MX topper on it. Be it snow or off road, especially going through any type of boulder field. Rear end likes to break free on washboards without weight easier too. Sure it can be done, but done easier in a SUV.

I have both a 2013 Taco Baja T|X and a 2019 GX 460 that I just purchased 2 weeks ago. Should be cleaning the Taco up for sale it only has 90K on it and this summer put 5100's and OME leafs in the rear. Costing me ~$70 a month in insurance to sit in the driveway, but there is a voice in my head that keeps whispering why not both?

Definitely liking the suv style better, don’t normally use the back seat for anyone but I think even my larger brother in law would be comfortable in LC versus the rather small back in the taco. Don’t need a truck could always get a trailer for things need to be hauled that way. While I know a 4Runner or 460 would be viable options and reliable they are just a little long in the tooth for that type of money.

I ended up with the GX460 because I went to the dealer to test drive a 22 4Runner. Wasn't impressed and it didn't do much for me at least comparing it to my 13 Taco. Then let the salesman talk me into taking a 19 GX460 Lux with 40K on it for a spin. Fully optioned. I knew I was in trouble before I even got out of the lot for the test drive.

Hadn't bought a used vehicle in more than 40 years, closer to 50 years, until a couple of weeks ago and wasn't looking to. The sticker was still in the glove box $70,049. I paid just over half that for it 4 years later and didn't see anything that is "long in the tooth" about it. If I list my Taco for sale I am going to ask 2/3 of what I paid for it new 10 years ago. Because Tacos incur the "Toyota Tax" and bring a premium used. Lexus apparently not so much, however it is still a Toyota. And then some.

Had heard that before but never really grasped the concept until I was in the actual situation. I vote that you go take a 460 for a drive and see what you think. Then a Taco and a LC when they finally come out.
 
I agree with everyone else, it boils down to SUV vs. Pickup. Only you can do needs analysis for your needs. Personal choice and I switch between the two every decade or so. I'm #2 on the list for the new Land Cruiser at the dealer in town when they come out. But likely not going to go that route now.

Dog gets hit by a skunk when out training or hunting if you throw him in the SUV with you you're going to wish you had a truck bed to put him. In the morning taking the new to me 460 to the dealer to have new tires and rims put on. And will have to go back with the Taco first to throw the takeoffs in, take them home and then go back to get the 460. A trailer is a PITA after awhile, it doesn't solve all carrying issues.

Dog getting skunked on as the primary deciding factor on whether you go tacoma or Land Cruiser is a new one for me.

Rear space is also a factor, I've not been in the new taco but I hear it's not much better than the old. It would be cumbersome for adults and children in car seats and general family camping. For me though I live in rugged whether and would need the full time 4wd capability
 
So yep, the need for all wheel is not there like u said. But if I would need to spend 40k for a crappy bronco sport that I don’t feel would last anywhere near like a taco or LC I would rather spend the extra and get something that could do more than I would probably ever have the nuts to do. The WRX is on its last legs and needs to be replaced so I don’t know if I can wait until the 4Runner is out. Use my father in law old pickup as a farm truck with my wife got stuck on the back pasture! Lol . If I drive the truck for anything I absolutely hate having to load things to the back door squeezing between the next vehicle. Which is why I would definitely prefer an suv for the rear hatch. I guess I was looking for someone to say hell yeah it’s worth the extra money! Ps the wife is still certain the gov is going to collapse and that we don’t need to be adding any more debt Haha!
At least for me - I don't think awd is worth extra money. Not in Texas. But hopefully you can test drive a LC250 and a Tacoma, or even a Tacoma awd and Tacoma with the regular transfer case and see how they feel and which is best for you. The Tacoma should give you a pretty close idea of what the 4Runner will be and then at least you'll kinda know if you want to wait for it or not. But - who knows when a 4Runner will actually show up? I think we're expecting it in 2025, but there's no guarantee of that. Could be 2026 or ???
 
So yep, the need for all wheel is not there like u said. But if I would need to spend 40k for a crappy bronco sport that I don’t feel would last anywhere near like a taco or LC I would rather spend the extra and get something that could do more than I would probably ever have the nuts to do. The WRX is on its last legs and needs to be replaced so I don’t know if I can wait until the 4Runner is out. Use my father in law old pickup as a farm truck with my wife got stuck on the back pasture! Lol . If I drive the truck for anything I absolutely hate having to load things to the back door squeezing between the next vehicle. Which is why I would definitely prefer an suv for the rear hatch. I guess I was looking for someone to say hell yeah it’s worth the extra money! Ps the wife is still certain the gov is going to collapse and that we don’t need to be adding any more debt Haha!

The counter to your wife's argument is if the gov collapses, chances are inflation will keep rocketing up for awhile before/as that is happening so you lock in the car loan sooner to pay it off later with monopoly money.
 
Dog getting skunked on as the primary deciding factor on whether you go tacoma or Land Cruiser is a new one for me.

Rear space is also a factor, I've not been in the new taco but I hear it's not much better than the old. It would be cumbersome for adults and children in car seats and general family camping. For me though I live in rugged whether and would need the full time 4wd capability

If you go with a 4 door standard bed then you only have a 5 foot bed. Kind of defeats the purpose of a pickup truck. Go to 4 door 6 foot bed and you have a ridiculous large turning radius.

That leaves an access cab with 6 foot bed. Jump seats are worthless like all half cabs. Rip that silly back seat out and build storage for the Hi Lift and a bench for the dog.

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Cracks me up when I see Jeeps with a Hi Lift on the bumper exposed to the elements around here. Guarantee you that it is frozen solid and won't function if they needed it to.

Edit: I'm going to go with you've never been in a vehicle with a skunked dog, because if you had you then would know the priority LOL.
 
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