Hey guys. So after doing a TON of research online and some saving I have decided to get my first 4runner. My question for you all is the slight dilemma that I have. The only off-roading I do is surf fishing. This isn't that hard on a truck since it's mostly beach and a little bit of rock driving. Basically nothing the SR5 can't handle in my opinion.

With that being said I really like the look and function of the navigation option in the 2011's. This leaves me choosing between the trail and limited versions. The trail is great but with the navigation and KDSS option I'm looking at a custom order and up to 12 weeks of waiting time!

I love the look of the limited but can't stand two things about it. The first is the leather seats! Between taking the truck fishing (think fish smell and sharp hooks!) and my chocolate lab, the leather seats give me nightmares. Also, I really prefer to have the part-time 4wd vs trusting a computer to decide when and where I need to be in 4wd.

So I guess I'm looking for opinions here. I was thinking maybe neoprene seat covers to put over the leather in the limited. I would think that this would protect them fairly well. That would still leave me worried about the full-time 4wd though. Also, does anyone have any feedback on the navigation and updated stereo that comes with the package? Good or bad. Just looking to make the right decision before I drop $40k so any and all opinions or advice are greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys!

Andy

have you had a chance to use the Nav? I have never used it... but I know... and have heard from others.. .that it can be a pain at times. I would say that an aftermarket nav system would always be better than the OEM. I do agree though that the OEM look is nicer, why can't anyone make an aftermarket system that doesn't look super aftermarket?

regarding the 4wd specifically... the limited does not decide whether you are in 4wd or not, it decides the torque distribution between the wheels. you always have the option to turn the knob and lock the center diff, making the limited full time and TE/SR5 part time identical. so..... I wouldn't consider the 4wd a problem there.

so that leaves the seats. I like the "waterproof" seats in the TE. and I haven't had much experience with Toyota leather, but I would imagine the leather would hold up just fine to a little water and dog drool ;)

Thanks for the feedback Ryan. Specifically the information on the 4wd. I can already see that I have a lot to learn. I've been very frustrated that none of the dealers I've been too want to take the time to fully explain the differences between the trail and limited. So i figured I would come here and ask the real experts!

I'd personally skip out on the built in Nav. I haven't used the T4R's Nav, but a majority of OEM units are clunky in operation.

Thought about buying a Limited and swapping seats with someone? I'm sure there is someone localish that would be down for trading their TE seats for some limited leather seats.

I have 13k miles on my SR5 w/ premium package and the seats are holding up really well. I don't know if cloth or leather would be more prone to hold in fish smell. Part of the reason I went with leather was that I'm expecting there will be kid spit-up back there at some point and the leather should prevent the yuck from soaking into the seat foam.

Why not get an SR5 and put in an aftermarket NAV if you are so set on having one. I got my SR5 because I did not want leather seats, figured I would get an aftermarket stereo with navigation. Didn't want XREAS because I knew I was going to lift mine. Only regret about not getting a TE is KDSS and rear locker. Only regret about not getting a Limited is torsion center diff. But I am extremely happy.

How soon do you need the vehicle. Sounds like you would be most happy with the Trail edition for what your going to use it for. The trail already has nice waterproof seats, and you can get the nav installed. I say order the trail and hope it takes less than 12 weeks

Check out Rosen (I think that's the correct name). They make aftermarket navigation systems that look like OEM. I've seen them in Crutchfield catalogs. I don't know if the actual navigation system is any good or not, but they definitely look OEM.

Speaking about aftermarket navigation - I'm pretty happy with Garmin sitting on passenger vent (photo here: Aftermarket Navi ). Cost me about $150 3 years ago, it takes 2 min to put it in and I used it on my previous truck, in rental cars and I always can save car location and put Garmin unit in my pocket.

The nav sux balls I have a lmtd w nav..trust me a garmin is much better..

The only reason I got the nav was there was no other blizzard pearl lmtd's in my area without it.so instaed of waiting forever i just took one with nav ..but really not worth the 1k plus$$ option at all.

On the folks that have installed aftermarket NAVs (garmin Nuvi, etc), any pics / recommendations on locations / Mounting?

Just in case you didn't check it out, there is a thread which contains pictures as well:
Aftermarket Navi

In short I have Garmin Nuvi 265BT and I like it because it's small, has traffic alerts and it's portable. Garmin Bluetooth is a waste of money though because T4R has a better hands free capability. Anyway I use vent mount and although it easy to remove I have it sitting on passenger vent all the time. It doesn't obstruct vision, doesn't interfere with CD or controls. In the same time it's high enough so you can give it a glance without distracting too much and if you need to adjust something you can reach it easier than windshield mounts. I can send additional pictures if needed.

Thanks for all the input guys. I just ordered my 2011 Trail edition tonight in magnetic gray. I opted to go with the navigation / KDSS package. The dealer was great and found one roughly in the area. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he can pull it off.

How's this for a deal?
MSRP $41k.
My price was $37,750 and he gave me $1k more for my trade in then the next best offer. I'm pretty psyched. Thanks again for your input and advice.

don't forget to post pics!!

Congratulations... hope he can get you your vehicle of choice soon!!

I think $37,750 is a good deal given that the car is not sitting in his lot. Typically 10% off MSRP appears to be one of the best deals around, but that is for car in the lot. Also, he gave you a good deal on the trade in, so that counts also.

If you don't mind, post the name of the dealer and the sales rep here along with the price, so that people doing searches can read about it and give more business to a better dealer.

Enjoy!!

CONGRATS! I think the nav is excellent and better than most after market units... the voice command is excellent and you don't need to type an address or POI - just speak it. I've never needed to worry about key stroking while driving. And it blows my previous pocket nav outta the water.