Taco and 4Runner or just fix up 4Runner?

Here is the gist of the situation. I have a 97 4runner that I have been using as my daily, it is in fairly good shape- with the idea of eventually restoring. I could use a truck (for the times I need to move something that don't fit) and was thinking of maybe also having something that I can have some fun with, a little thump and vroom, nothing over the top. I was thinking of a taco or a dakota and have recently stumbled upon a taco, 148k mile, 2008 4cyl. For 5k (which is my budget) and was thinking of picking it up and use it as my daily while giving old reliable an upgrade.

Then...while contemplating the worries of a 4 cyl I saw more of the fun you can have with a 4runner.

So..keep the 5k and start diving into the 4 runner now? Get the taco and have 2 reliable vehicles...etc?
Fix up the 4 runner, buy a new motor with the spare cash and drop in a 6cyl.
Looking for ideas as well as advice.

 

Welcome to the forum, it would be nice to have both, but then that cuts down on your fix it money. Tuff decision.

 

Thanks.
Indeed...and being new to all this, my ADD is really kicking off as each sounds like a fun plan.

 

Both would definitely be nice...not much 'thump and vroom' in a 4-banger Tacoma, though. Reliable, yes, fast, no.

 

$5k infusion into a ‘97 4Runner would be a fun ride. Plenty of “to-do’s” to plan to keep that ADD thumpin’. Go for it - and document!!

 

I vote for both. More vehicles almost always means more options and less chance of being stuck without a ride. Risk too that you sink all your cash into the 4R and then something big goes wrong and then you don't have either. Give yourself a fun safety net with the Taco and have a cool hobby building up the 4R here and there as you can.

 

I like that idea.

 

so how'd you decide, and give us pics, please.

 

Well if your 4R is your daily now what are you going to use while you dump the 5K into it?

I'm always for a spare vehicle so you don't need to borrow or rent one. I have my company car, 4R and I'm looking for a truck just because I'm missing my Tundra.