Hey everyone, sorry to bring up the name Toyota here but I am having a problem deciding on which to buy. I really don't use a truck alot except for occasional hunting/fishing/trips to Lowes. But, its sure nice having a truck when you need one. And, if I am going to buy a new truck, its going to be a Ford. Now, I have been looking at the 06' 4Runners which are nice as well. Obviously, I dont get the truck bed, but do get the rear cargo area. The 4Runner has 5 speed tranny, and seems refined. But, with the great discounts, rebates on the F150, its a hard decision. And, I am trying to be very careful because after I buy, I dont want to turn around and trade immediately and lose $5,000. So, opinions...thoughts would be appreciated.

 

if u need a pick up get the f150 if u dont get the 4runner i men i love toyota i had a tacoma best truck i ever had. untill now i havnt had the ford long enough to say.

 

I guess the term "need a pickup" for me is somewhat a tough decision. I am in the Army Reserves, so there is the occasional "put the muddy military equipment back there" days. And, like I said, I love to hunt, fish, and the outdoors. But, I rarely get a chance to do these things anymore. I will also do alot of traveling over the next 1 1/2 years. But, I think both would do a fine job here. Bottom line, I have driven both and love both. My father passed away last year, and I can tell you that he was a FORD LOYALIST! He never owned anything but Ford F150 pickups and had GREAT luck with them. Also, I have a couple of friends who have the 4Runner and love it as well. Obviously, the 4Runner is bulletproof and very reliable. Also, it does very well off road. But, it doesnt have as much room as the F150.

The two models I am looking at are the Screw FX4 (loaded with sunroof, power rear slider, FX4 luxury package for around $42,500. The 4runner is a limited model with leather, heated seats, etc for around $42,000.) I can get a better deal on the F150, but only by about$4-5K. Decisions...decisions...this is tough

 

Ever consider the 4-runner and a utility trailer? I had a 97 4-runner...one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. I put 127k trouble free miles on it over seven years. I can't say the same for my last two Ford supercrews.

I need a truck now...so I will stick with a truck.

Regards!

 

I don't really buy into the "Toyotas are the best trucks" thing ,sure they are good trucks but what about when they do break? (and they will) Im sure parts and finding a good mechanic to work on it won't be cheap or easy,IMO. I have a 98 F150 with over 160K mile of trouble free miles and it still runs like a champ and AC system is awesome..
I say get the Ford, but it really boils down to what makes you happy..

 

If the sticker on the F150 you are looking at is actually at $42,500~ (that is the max price possible) you could easily get one OTD from your dealer for $34,000.

My Dad got a 2004 Scew 4x4 Lariat with a sticker of $40,260 OTD for $29,900~ including cali tax and lic etc

Mind you, it was when the new body style first came out and all. Dealers have a hard time moving FULLY loaded trucks and often blow them out with MASSIVe (I'm talking $10,000) savings off of sticker.

As for the 4Runner, you will be lucky to get $3,000 off MSRP. No way in hell is a 4runner worth 40k in my book. Yeah right...

On top of getting MORE vehicle, and paying less, you could easily add an extended warranty from www.fordwarrantys.com with the savings and still be under what you pay for that 4runner.

 

IMHO, I'd suggest to get the truck. I know the 4Runners are refined, but so is the F150. These trucks ride great, handle even better, and are very comfortable on long trips. I think you would really appreciate the comfort of the F150 on a long haul. And the versatility of having a bed to put your muddy stuff in is great and you wont ruin the carpet. Also, the Screw's have a ton of room inside, and are probably roomier than the 4Runner. I can't knock on Yota's, my last truck was a Toy and it was hard to beat, but I LOVE my F150 and I don't think I will go back to the Toy's. But, get whichever vehicle will suit you best. Its your money, and they are both great vehicles.

 

I was looking at Tundras before I got my truck. Toyota didn't want to give me anything for my trade where Ford did. Toyota's are great, I've owned 2 and never had any problems with them. I punished both trucks daily. Had they been willing to make me a better deal I might be in one now, however after owning my new F150 for about 2 months now I think I made the right choice. This truck is awesome, and so far exceeds my expectations! BTW I was able to get 5k knocked off the toy sticker price, that was after walking out on them twice.

 

I have both vehicles and both run like brand new.
Never had issues with either.

1999 F150 97,000 miles.
1998 4Runner 221,000 miles.

 

Don't forget Ford now offers a 5/60 warranty on all 07's and 06' purchased after July 13th get the same warranty with a $100 ded. after the initial 3/36. Not to mention it's an American work horse when needed.

 

You all make some very valid points and I appreciate your remarks. The 4Runner stickers for $41,749. The dealer is letting me have it for $200 over invoice + $1500 rebate ($200 over invoice is $38,200). After my trade (99' Chevy Tahoe 4X4), I can get the 4Runner for $29,107 out the door (incl. tax, tags).

The F150 stickers for $42,240. The dealer is giving it to me for $700 below invoice ($36,979) + $4,000 in rebates (includes $500 military). After my trade, I can get the F150 for around $24,500 out the door. It has sunroof, power rear slider, FX4 luxury pckg, 20's, etc).

So, I can save around $4600 buying the FX4 which now includes the 5/60 mile warranty as well.

The 4Runner is smaller, easier to park/drive, probably a little better on gas, better resale value. The F150 is bigger(safer), more room, more versatile. And, something that I haven't mentioned is the fact that the 4Runner is built in Japan with 100% Japan parts. Whereas, the Ford is the backbone of American traditions and built in America. Now, if my father were still alive, he would kick my as* for even thinking about a Japanese vehicle. Bottome line, I know its my decision and I really think that both would make me happy. I really do appreciate the build quality of the F150 and without a doubt truly believe that its the best full size pickup on the market.

 

Two of my friends have Toyota's, one a Tundra. Those things never need service, except for oil changes. I've had an 04, 05 and now an 06 F150. 05 totally loaded Lariat was a POS, rattled, squeeked, rear chatter, gas pedal vibration etc... The 06 appears to be ok so far. Lucky we have a good dealer in the area. For a pickup truck, the interior of the F150 is pretty tough to beat - IMO. Not an apples to apples comparison you are doing, a full size pickup vs a midsize SUV??

 

Sounds to me like you made up your mind already. The other day at work (Ford dealer), this conversation took place between one of our sales guys and a potential customer:

Salesman: So, are you here to buy a car?
Customer: No, I just got my wife an Infiniti.
Salesman: What's the matter is your wife Japanese?
Customer: No....

Of course, the guy was kidding and laughing the whole time, but once the customer called his wife and put her on the phone with the salesman, the hilarity ensued. Good stuff....

I just sold a Ford 500 to a couple yesterday and they traded in a Honda Odyssey. Seems to me like more people are stepping up to the plate and making the switch from import to domestic. But hey, what do I know? I'm only a car business insider. Good luck with whatever you decide to do though.

 

I'm sure it is nothing but...

on our last camping trip my sister brought her new 4 runner with the V8 and downhill assit, traction control, skid plates, etc.

Coming through one part of the mountain road the downhill assist flashed, the truck shut down and started drifting down the mountain. She got it stopped and after a few minutes it started back up.

Its a nice vehicle (I prefer the Explorer) but I wasn't impressed with its performance on a very tame mountain road.

 

I have an '04 F-150 and an '04 4-Runner and I love both for different reasons. I use the truck for dump runs, mulch, rocks, furniture moving, etc, etc. I drive the truck daily to work and my wife drives the 4-Runner to work and I love driving my truck. We use the 4-Runner for our two dogs with the pet cage dividing the back (roll-down rear window a huge plus for dogs). Also, moving big items in the rain (live in Seattle) is easy in that 4-Runner back end.

4-Runner is a hell of a lot easier to park just as it is surprisingly short. Another big plus for the 4-Runner is the tranny. That transmission is smooth as can be...it is a pleasure to drive for sure.

The two vehicles have comletely different profiles and purposes. As nice as my Lariat is, the 4-Runner is simply more refined and more tightly assembled...panel seams and doors and interior accessories all well built. I bought the truck to have a truck and the 4-Runner to have an SUV.

Oh...and I recommend the V-6 4-Runner over the V-8 unless you really need the torque. V-8 is way underpowered for daily driving...the six is a better street engine.