Buying advice - new/slightly used, limited or SR5 premium - Page 3 - Toyota 4Runner Forum

trd19orp · 01-30-2024, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoosiers

Just wanted to report back since I started this thread that we ended up buying a new 23 SR5 premium at about $3,200 off sticker. Will take delivery tomorrow. I think this is exactly what my wife wanted (specifically color and features) so she's excited.

Now I'll have to start figuring out what's included with the free 2 year maintenance - assuming this means oil changes - and if it's worth it vs just changing the oil myself. Been burned a couple times by dealer work so that makes me nervous.

Totally not worth it. DIY if at all possible...

devidassprakash · 01-10-2025, 05:05 AM

I’ve been in a similar boat—when we were looking for a reliable vehicle for my wife, we were also debating new vs. slightly used. We ended up going with a used model from www.bestdealsautofla.com, and it was such a smooth experience. They had a great selection of well-maintained vehicles, and the buying process was super easy. We found a 2020 model with low mileage, and the price was way better than a new one, plus it came with a warranty that gave us peace of mind. As for the SR5 Premium vs. Limited, it really comes down to your preferences on features—if leather seats and extra tech aren’t a big deal, the SR5 Premium might be the way to go.

fkheath · 01-10-2025, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by devidassprakash

As for the SR5 Premium vs. Limited, it really comes down to your preferences on features—if leather seats .

My SR5 premium has the Softex faux leather seats.

RichN · 01-12-2025, 10:41 AM

I bought a 2019 Limited last year. I looked around on cars.com and ultimately found one with 34,000 miles for $38,000. I am extremely happy with it. I must be getting soft in my old age, but I love the heated and air conditioned seats.

Compared to my 2007 SR5, the handling of the 2019 Limited is night and day, which I assume is largely due to the XREAS suspension. If/when mine fails, I will probably pay whatever it costs to get it repaired.

I did find the ride a bit rough. The ultra low profile tires made every little bump feel like it was shaking the car apart. I switched to 18" wheels and 265/65-18 tires and that took care of the problem. If you are interested, you can see the details and pictures at the following link.

Wheels - Raceline or Black Rhino

One thing to look for on 4Runners is frame rust. I had to have a frame/welding shop repair the cross member and mounting brackets for the rear suspension on my 2007, which was not cheap. So I was super picky when looking for this one. I actually flew from Cincinnati, Ohio to Manassas, Virginia to buy it.

Lexington · 01-12-2025, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichN

I bought a 2019 Limited last year. I looked around on cars.com and ultimately found one with 34,000 miles for $38,000. I am extremely happy with it. I must be getting soft in my old age, but I love the heated and air conditioned seats.

Compared to my 2007 SR5, the handling of the 2019 Limited is night and day, which I assume is largely due to the XREAS suspension. If/when mine fails, I will probably pay whatever it costs to get it repaired.

I did find the ride a bit rough. The ultra low profile tires made every little bump feel like it was shaking the car apart. I switched to 18" wheels and 265/65-18 tires and that took care of the problem. If you are interested, you can see the details and pictures at the following link.

Wheels - Raceline or Black Rhino

One thing to look for on 4Runners is frame rust. I had to have a frame/welding shop repair the cross member and mounting brackets for the rear suspension on my 2007, which was not cheap. So I was super picky when looking for this one. I actually flew from Cincinnati, Ohio to Manassas, Virginia to buy it.

I did the same thing when I bought my 4Runner. One I wouldn’t buy anything East of the Mississippi in snow country because I wanted to avoid rust problems. I ended up flying from California to Colorado to get my 4Runner. In fact anyone considering buying a new car should seriously look at other dealers in other states. Sometimes the prices can be much cheaper even after paying for a plane ticket to go out there and get it.

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