08 SE for 11/12 TE???

CoMtn4Runner

CoMtn4Runner

New member
I have been a lurker for a while and am finally posting because I am in need of advice from the pros who are/have been in my boat... I am in strongly considering moving from my black V6 08 Sport Edition (80k miles) to a lower mileage Gray or White (20-30k) V6 Trail Edition. I have written out below what I like and don't like about each vehicle, and would love some additional advice regarding other things I should think about.

A few things about my 08... I love it. There are 0 issues mechanically and I love the way it drives.

Things I like better about the 08:
1. Interior styling (more black and less light gray)
2. Larger rear window (looks larger?)
3. Larger side windows (also looks larger)
4. JBL speakers
5. Metal running boards and roof rails

Things I don't love about the 08:
1. The color... I can sneeze and it will scratch
2. No Bluetooth/NAV/backup camera
3. The age, would like something newer

Things I like about the 11/12:
1. Exterior Styling
2. NAV/backup camer/bluetooth capability
3. > engine
4. > suspension
5. Wheels
6. It's not black

Things I don't like about the 11/12:
1. Flat black plastic accents (I see these typically fade quickly in colorado)
2. Plastic running boards & roof rails
3. No rear window wiper (I use this a lot with my 08, any comments regarding it missing from the 11/12??)


Thanks for your advice/comments! :noidea:
 
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I dont think the trade is worth it. For the 2014 4runner yes. It has gone through a major refresh inside and out which is more similar to your 2008. I really like the interior updates in the 2014.

Getting a pre 2014 model is kind of going in the reverse direction from your current 4runner. Your 4runner has led tails, projector headlights, no ugly mast antenna on the front fender, etc.

Get a 2014 now or drive your 08 for another year or two and find a used 2014 later.
 
A few things about my 08... I love it. There are 0 issues mechanically and I love the way it drives.

Then why get rid of it? You'll regret losing the V8 as well.
 
We had an '03 SR5 for awhile, but it didn't stay at our house too long as I inherited it from my Dad and there were just too many memories associated with it. It was OK, but I never loved it.

We just bought a new 2014 Trail Edition, and couldn't be more pleased. My single most important piece of advice to you is: Be sure to get KDSS! You will NOT regret it! Both on-road handling and off-road ability are noticeably enhanced. Worth every penny.
 
CoMtn4Runner said:
Things I don't love about the 08:
1. The color... I can sneeze and it will scratch
2. No Bluetooth/NAV/backup camera
3. The age, would like something newer

Things I like about the 11/12:
1. Exterior Styling
2. NAV/backup camer/bluetooth capability
3. > engine
4. > suspension
5. Wheels
6. It's not black

Things I don't like about the 11/12:
1. Flat black plastic accents (I see these typically fade quickly in colorado)
2. Plastic running boards & roof rails
3. No rear window wiper (I use this a lot with my 08, any comments regarding it missing from the 11/12??)


Thanks for your advice/comments! :noidea:
Click to expand...

The paint on the 5th gen will be just as bad, if not worse then the 4th gen. Itwill still scratch just by sneezing on it, it just won't be as noticeable, with a lighter color. However if you care about stuff like that, I would recommend getting a good detail, and Opti-Coat applied. Do a search for my Opti-Coat thread for more details. All new automotive paint sucks today because the EPA has made them take out all of the harmful chemicals that make paint good, and to save money auto manufactures apply it as thin as possible.

Also, you will be losing multi-mode 4wd if you move to a 5th Gen trail, if that matters to you.


chmura said:
I dont think the trade is worth it. For the 2014 4runner yes. It has gone through a major refresh inside and out which is more similar to your 2008. I really like the interior updates in the 2014.

Getting a pre 2014 model is kind of going in the reverse direction from your current 4runner. Your 4runner has led tails, projector headlights, no ugly mast antenna on the front fender, etc.

Get a 2014 now or drive your 08 for another year or two and find a used 2014 later.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't consider the 2014 refresh, a major refresh. New bumper, grill and headlights on the front, and new tails on the back. The inside "refresh" just offers some different color trim, a couple of extra trim pieces, and some new materials, and a different gauge cluster. The minor interior changes definitely do not put it on the same level as the 4th gen's interior quality. It is improved, but is still mostly the same poorly fitted cheap interior.
 
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Whiplash Willy said:
I wouldn't consider the 2014 refresh, a major refresh. New bumper, grill and headlights on the front, and new tails on the back. The inside "refresh" just offers some different color trim, a couple of extra trim pieces, and some new materials, and a different gauge cluster. The minor interior changes definitely do not put it on the same level as the 4th gen's interior quality. It is improved, but is still mostly the same poorly fitted cheap interior.
Click to expand...

I'll have to disagree. I think it was a major refresh. Much more of a refresh from than the 4th gen got from 05' to '06 jump. Anything more it would of been called a 6th gen 4runner. Pre 2014 I hated the interior, something about the 2014 post interior changed that for me as I do not hate the 5th gen interior anymore in the new refreshed models.
 
'07 V8 SR5 to '11 LE

[MENTION=108397]CoMtn4Runner[/MENTION] - I had an '07 with the V8 and can honestly say I am glad I traded her in. The interior is so much better in the 5th Gens, especially the climate control buttons. The V8 is missed but since my current Runner is trained, acceleration is not a big deal - it can get up to speed pretty fast.

The question is, do you tow a lot? If you live in the mountains (which I take you do) and do tow often, it may be best to keep the '08.
 
chmura said:
I'll have to disagree. I think it was a major refresh. Much more of a refresh from than the 4th gen got from 05' to '06 jump. Anything more it would of been called a 6th gen 4runner. Pre 2014 I hated the interior, something about the 2014 post interior changed that for me as I do not hate the 5th gen interior anymore in the new refreshed models.
Click to expand...

Lets compare them then.

2010 Trail Interior
2010TrailInterior800_zps54887294.jpg~original


2014 Trail Interior
2014Interior800_zps4ea0056e.jpg~original


Same:
Center console (Same different Color)
HVAC
NAV/Stero
Top Dash
Lower Dash (Same different Color)
Dash Trim (Different Color)
Steering Wheel (Different color trim and buttons)
Door Panels (Different color trim)

Differences:
Seat Material
Gauge Cluster
Center Dash LCD Display (Different color, more pixels)
Shift Knob
Extra trim piece between the glove box and upper dash.

So yes, some minor changes make it look better, but it is still basically the same. This is not a complete interior redesign, just a minor touch up.
 
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I went from a 10 TE to a 13TE , because I did not like the look of the 14TE . They are growing on me though , but still like my 13 better,

Keep looking to get what pleases you . Everyones opinion is different.
 
5th Gen Comparison

The increased black plastics in the 2014 are a very significant improvement.

The older gray storage lid is especially not good.

On the other hand...

The new gauge cluster is worse. Not a fan of the red, white, and blue dial. Prefer the larger central speed dial. The older orange is reminiscent of a dive watch.

If I'm not mistaken, the pics compare cloth with softex.

Red stitching on black leatherette does not belong in an offroad vehicle.
 
Thank you for the feedback! Very Helpful.

Also driving the decision are the added safety features of the 5th gen (added airbags). As of right now, I don't a lot of towing and I believe the V6 is fine for my purposes.

It doesn't sound like there are a ton of improvements between my 08 4th gen and the 5th gens and seems like there are pros for both models. I think I will continue to keep my eye open and if the right one comes along at the right price, I will probably go for it. Until then, I will continue to enjoy the one I have.
 
Long story short, I continued my search and found a 2012 Silver Trail Edition (non-KDSS) that I ended up pulling the trigger on this weekend. Initial impression... I LOVE IT! Totally digging the color the ride and all of the extras (NAV/ETune/Back up Camera/remote start). My pup even gave it the seal of approval.

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Good move. I really like the 2010-2013 trails. Even the cloth is a better match for what the truck is. Not sure why so many people want these to be ultra luxury SUVs. I would look to a different brand for that. The 2014s are very slowly growing on me a bit, but it is a very different look that is not for everyone.
 
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