Originally Posted by zzdocxx

Hello all, I'm a total noob here to your awesome forum. I'm considering buying a 4WD 4Runner. I've been driving a Pre-runner Xtra Cab the last 15 years and regretted not getting the 4WD. When I was a kid, we used to go out to the mountains or desert in a Jeep CJ for the weekend and go exploring, and I'd like to do be able to do that again..

I'm considering one of the Trail or TRD editions, but am wondering if an SR5 might save me some $$. The thing is, since I drive mainly on regular streets and freeways, I'm thinking it might be well to get a model with KDDS. There are a few 2016 Trail models still around, and I'm going to see if that will save a little money over a 2017 model.
It should save you some cash but will limit your options, not everyone is the same and something's just don't matter as much to some but if I am spending 35-50K on something it will be EXACTLY what I want, within the OEM options of course. Basically I am saying don't pay 33 for something you kinda like if it only takes 35 to get something you love

SR5 vs. Trail will really depend on what you plan to do with it/how much you value things like The hood scope, the rear locker, the front and rear valences, the black assents on the interior , various electronic gizmos (multiterrain select & crawl control) for me I loved the trail wheels, loved the black interior accents and the hood scope and valued the rear locker so it was worth while for me to pay the extra $$$, not everyone will be In the same boat

If I get the regular Trail model and not the Trail Premium, isn't the main difference between the two the quality of the stereo system etc.?
Not exactly, this is just a start but puddle lights, turn signal indicators in the mirrors softex interiors , sunroof and autodimming mirrors come to mind on the TEP vs. the TE

Also I've done a little reading about lifting the vehicle slightly more, and there seems to be a difference of opinion about whether that is possible with the KDDS.Lifting a KDSS equipment 4runner is barely harder than a non KDSS equipped 4runner - people/shops are just ignorant. Now if you plan to go Long travel then the KDSS system will have to be ditched but at this point you are not even thinking LT. Edit: KDSS is not the end all be all, its not a maintenance nightmare some make it out to be and its not a god send option that will turn your 4runner into a Rubicon destroyer either.

Finally, I'm pretty sure that the '16 and '17 models have ATRAC but as someone has noted, it is hard to tell from the Toyota website.
To my knowledge all Trails have ATRAC

I'm thinking of buying through the Costco program.
Sounds good, I know others have had decent luck with that. What ever you do be realistic in your expectations. Don't pay MSRP but don't expect 20% off either these are not Chevy's. In 2014 I paid 38,500ish before taxes on a MSRP of I think 41,00ish TEP w/ KDSS. It was not the best deal on the planet but I didn't get bent over either


Thanks, I know this is old hat for you veterans, but if anyone can offer any advice on the above, or other important factors I may have overlooked, I would appreciate it.

Thanks!