Safety Comfort/Ergonomics Fuel Economy Quality/Value Ruggedness/Durability Practicality Toyota Tacoma? I'm considering a 4-door
Have a friend currently living in Africa. He says used Toyotas, some as much as 20-25 years old with 500k+ miles, are hot ticket items there, for regular driving as well as exploring the continent. They are built to last, dependable, durable, etc.
The Toyota Hilux is the AK-47 of utes. [video=youtube;xnWKz7Cthkk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnWKz7Cthkk[/video] [video=youtube;xTPnIpjodA8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTPnIpjodA8[/video] [video=youtube;kFnVZXQD5_k]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFnVZXQD5_k[/video]
Toyota pickups are still pretty good, but nothing will ever compare to the old 22R motors they used to use.
My vote is for the Tacoma. I bought a new 2004 4cyl, 2door xcab, 4wd. Love it! Never had any issues besides regular maintainence. The things that truck can do still amaze me. My only regrets were not getting the 4 door and V6. I thought the 4cyl would be much more gas efficent, and comparing it to my friends V6, its not at all. 4 door is just more family friendly. I would also recommend getting a canopy, it makes storage and carry valuables easier.
one last piece of advice. Dont go prerunner, get the 4WD. It cost a bit more but it will hold its vaule better and when you do need the 4WD you will thank yourself.
Not much in that scenario I guess, but one day you will need it or want it and you will wish you got it. I rarely use mine but Im still glad I spent the extra money, usually just use it when it snows so I dont bother getting snow tires. One time I backed up to far on a soft shouder, which partially gave away on my back tires leaving me with no traction. I would have probably needed a tow without 4wd. I also had to pull some stumps out of my yard, it helped me get some traction to get those suckers out. Also one of my favorite summer swimming holes requires about a mile of offroading to reach it, never anyone there but me and my dogs. Really its just more functionality and fun, but if money is a concern and you wont ever use it then you can live without it.
