Project DD moonlighting as trail rig

[WRXtranceformed]

So, the ole Taco crossed over 160k before Hyperfest and she's approaching 5 years of ownership. It's holding up fairly well, but it's also starting to really show its age. Worst of all, the shocks I used to replace my previous shocks that were too short, are now actually too long and bottom out with weight in the rear and it also has a clunk on hard turns at slow speed (which may just be something in the toolbox). It is a great little truck to haul the bike around and shuttle people in the bed, but the terrible ride, gas mileage, and lack of any power or creature comforts has made me come to the conclusion that it's time to upgrade.

My new home in Sterling won't really allow me to get a third vehicle, so towing a race car isn't on the agenda unless I sell the Miata and get something else so my first thought was to buy a 4th gen V8 4Runner exactly like Cabell's. Some part of me deep down knows that I'd really regret not buying a pickup though, so my sights are also set on possibly a mid 2000s GM gas or diesel, or possibly a Coyote F150. I'd rather not pick up much of a loan more than a few thousand dollars, so my budget looks to be under 20k once I sell the Tacoma. The smart money is on the 4runner because it'd be a perfect commuter/offroad/road trip/ small tow vehicle, but the lack of bed may get me.

To preface this discussion, I won't be doing any of this for a few months after I have my expenses from moving paid and some money saved up. Thoughts?

I think if financially you are stabilized from the move and new job income, it wouldn't be a bad call to finally upgrade the ole college beater truck. You'll appreciate something nicer for your commute. 4Runner would not be a bad call but a crew cab truck with a V8 is my favorite option. It gives you all of the passenger space that an SUV would give you with the benefit of a bed to throw stuff in and *usually* better tow capacity. I'm not sure what you can find in that price range but it shouldn't be too difficult