Do you have any tips for test driving a new T4R TE?

Going out for me second test drive today.

Last time I compared the TE and Limited.

Today its the TE v SR5.

One thing I will be looking at today is the difference between the seat material. I'm convinced that in my first test drive my arse was sweating in the TE. Something I did not expect, and did not experience in the Limited.

Does anyone have some often over looked things to check when test driving a new car?

Zjr

Yes, look out for highway vibration in steering wheel. 5th gen is notorious for this!

Really? I've never noticed it in mine.

Never had any steering wheel vibration in mine either!

Do several mock emergency-maneuvers. Most importantly, try some emergency stops from over 60mph as if trying to avoid an object in the road or collision....trying swerve around something while under hard braking, etc. This will reveal the brake-dive many here complain about. The 4runner practically stands on its head in these situations and is downright scary IMO. Also drive on a curvy backroad with uneven pavement. The truck tends to bob/ weave and wonder on these surfaces at speeds over 40mph-ish (especially the SR5 on OEM tires).

I think this will help you make an informed purchase and see why the TE (with KDSS) and LTD are really worth the extra $$ (wish I would have done this before I bought my SR5).

***brake-dive is a topic that's on many other threads. I'd recommend you do some research if you find it's something that bothers you before you make a purchase/decision on trim level. Also research KDSS and XREAS so you will have an understanding of how they work and what they do. Good luck!

Also......remember you can have the dealer add leather to a TE, so don't let that be the only reason you buy a SR5 or LTD.

Check out the forums - I did a poll on here and almost 50% have experienced steering wheel vibration at some point . "steering wheel vibration poll"

My last two vehicles combined nearly 10 years and half a million miles use and had leather seats. So I thought I needed leather seats, but after driving my first 10k miles in the TE, I think the seat material is just fine. I do not notice the arse sweat and they seem to hold me from sliding around better than the leather.

As mentioned above, do some hard braking and evasive maneuvers, the nose dive and brakes do take some getting used to. After driving a KDSS equipped TE I knew that is what I had to have. It really holds the road well in the curves, better than I expected.

The windshield collects a lot of bugs and unfortunately rocks too due to its angle. And the oil changes are kind of a pain due to the skid plates. But I love my 4Runner and am happy that I chose a TE with KDSS.

Having owned both TE and SR5 5th Gens, I'd say the above advice has been pretty good. Especially a round of hard braking. Another thing would be to take note of the running boards. Although a minor issue perhaps, I found the SR5 running boards near useless.

I definitely have a strong preference, but I could be happy in either.

No wheel vibration in either.