I was going to 3rd gen 4runner back with all the mods I did, but my wife freaked at it now having 240k miles. What advice do you guys have and desirable options? On the list are:
GX470
4runner
Taco(4 door)

The thing the Taco has going for it is I can get it with a manual(haven't owned an automatic besides spouses cars since 99). The bed is nice but I can always get a trailer.

Also a Cayenne S and 04+ Audi A8L with a Euro rated hitch are on the list.

 

I wouldn't freak over 240k if the rig is well taken care of and maintained. Toyota engines are well reputed for going into the 300k range before rebuilds are needed. But if you guys are ready for a new rig, go for it!

Budget for new rig?

I recently looked into getting a Taco. Only 4door Taco with manual is an 05+, which means you're going to end up with a wider rig than your 3rd gen 4runner. Having driven my SIL's 05 Taco many times, I'm not really a fan of them until the newest ones (mostly exterior aesthetics) - too much plastic inside them and something about the dashboard/windshield makes it seem like looking out of a narrow slit. Not really a fan, but I haven't really heard of many issues with them.

GX470 is basically a 4runner with a different body. I would say get a 4runner instead, unless you're specifically looking for the "L" badge and higher prices on parts/maintenance. They also have a funky airbag suspension that's not really designed for true offroading/overlanding. It does fail and is not as cheap/simple as a standard coil/shock suspension. I think a 4runner would be a better choice of the two or even better yet would be a 100-series Land Cruiser.

I own a 2002 Cruiser and I don't think I could ever down-size to a 4runner for use as a family hauler and expedition rig. The only downfall is the lower MPGs (about 15 hwy) but it more than makes up for it with safety features, comfort, v8 power, the tailgate rear hatch, etc. THESE rigs were definitely built to last and are the flagship of Toyota. Now that they are 10 years old, you can find crazy deals on them...they do not look/feel 10yrs old inside.

If it's an issue of convincing the wife to swing for the Cruiser over a 4runner, just take her with you when you go test driving them at a Toyota certified used lot. My wife and I were fairly set on a 2002 4runner because it was the last year that had lockers and narrow body-style...there was a 100-series parked a few vehicles away and she was curious what the difference was since was nearly the same size as the 4th/5th gen 4runners...after that day she said forget a 4runner, we're getting a Land Cruiser

If it were me, I'd look at some 100-series in the 2003+ years because you get the 5spd auto and VVTI. LX470 is the same thing as the Cruiser, just uglier headlights and side trim. I think they are averaging around $18-20k these days for a 2003

 

I'm looking in the <15k range.

I have no problem buying my old 4runner back. It had just under 200k when I sold it. They only reason was that it made my wife car sick with the lift and apparently the way I drove it.

I'm thinking about getting rid of my 2 Audi wagons and getting back in a Toyota Truck/SUV just because I like them. I'll probably wind up getting a motorcycle to ride to work when it is nice out so slightly worse fuel economy isn't a killer either.

A truck has to be a 4 door just because it is a heck of a lot easier to put car seats in the back.

I think I would be more apt to get an 80 series cruiser then a 100 but both are nice.

 

For sub $15k I would stay away from a Lexus because everything is going to cost you more in maintenance and repairs. If we can agree on that point, the difference between a Tacoma and 4Runner is significant. They are both great vehicles, but for a family car I would go 4Runner all the way. It has a more comfortable ride and there is more interior space.

I bought my 2004 4Runner mostly built for $12,500 with 105,000 mi. There are deals out there to be had and if you are looking for a stock truck you should be able to find a low mileage 2006 4runner for your price range. Remember, the Tacoma is going to be more expensive for the same year so you will have to go with an older model to fit the budget.

Having just owned a 2008 Audi 3.2 TT I would suggest staying away from luxury brand vehicles unless you are comfortable with expensive repair bills. It was a beautiful car but pretty expensive. It was worth over twice what I paid for my 4Runner and yet I enjoyed driving the 4Runner ALOT more.