After years of searching for a used 4Runner I settled on Nautical Blue as my favorite color, but was open to all others... except
Barcelona Red—it was practically off the radar. I had absolutely no desire for a red 4Runner.
However, KDSS was becoming increasingly important to me and, being in the midwest, I don't recall seeing a 4Runner with that option in all those years of searching. When I finally stumbled across one—out-of-state, but still close enough to drive to—it was red.
The more I contemplated that particular vehicle, the more I wanted it—but mostly for the KDSS. Funny thing though, the red color was really starting to grow on me. In no time I was searching for red Runners that were closer to me, boosting my price range significantly to include more choices. I had three red 4Runners across my state that I had planned to visit—the first one being the only one with KDSS (the same out-of-state one mentioned above [another story altogether]).
Cutting to the chase, I picked up that same 2016 Trail Premium w/KDSS in Barcelona Red with a black interior that initially hooked me. My wife and I hopped on a bus to finalize the deal and we drove it home yesterday. She absolutely loves it, as do I. It's stunning. The fact that it was a garage queen and looks brand new—both inside and out—doesn't hurt.
The art director in me appreciates the contrast between the red, black, grey and bright metal, offsetting all those different colors just enough. Not to mention that it just stands out in the sea of black, grey, silver and white that surrounds us these days. Plus, the red stitching on the all-black SofTex seats, console, and door trim is the perfect complement that ties it all together.
I also have silver and white vehicles. They both clean up well and look good with a little dirt on them, so that's nice. However, while driving my silver Camry hybrid on a rainy, misty late afternoon, I was t-boned. The guy said he never saw me—'nuff said.
The only concern we had was that it would stand out in the woods when we're trying to be stealth while camping. Not that we're doing anything nefarious, it's rather a general policy for us—the less attention, the better. We figured we can always make a camo cover if need be.
Here are some dealer/previous-owner images of our ride...