2011-2013 4RTE vs 2014-2015 4RTE - Differences?

[MATTYDIRT]

Hi All, I'm a brandy new user to T4R. I've been a long time Tacoma owner and now I'm transitioning to a 4Runner (hopefully soon). I've been looking at the 4Runner Trail Editions. I'm willing to spend the dough on the TE Premium to get the leather and sunroof, but I honestly like the styling better on the 2011-2013.

Other than small style differences, can anyone weigh in on the mechanical/feature differences between the two model year types?

My other reason for asking is the 2011-2013 4RTE are very hard to find in the northeast. I've been able to find some used ones throughout the country, but I'd really like to avoid buying a car in that fashion. The 2015 4RTE Premiums are readily available from a dealership in my area and may go with them for ease of purchase, but I honestly would prefer the older style barring no significant mechanical/feature changes.

Any information differentiating the two would be much appreciated. I intend to use this site as I can already see it's a great resource.

Cheers!

 

[Donkey]

Aside from styling and standard options on base vs premium, the 2014+ trail models have stainless brake lines, a new gauge cluster/information display, and a different number of power outlets. Changes were mostly cosmetic, mechanically they are pretty much identical. Good luck with your search!

 

[jcoleman]

I'm willing to spend the dough on the TE Premium to get the leather and sunroof...

You might already realize this, but it wasn't clear in your statement--No factory leather option in the '10-'13 Trails.

 

[Carthage]

The only premium feature I wanted on the trail was the sun roof. It made it much easier to pick up the last new '13 TE in the region over a 14' TE or more expensive TEP when I didn't want vinyl, heated seats, or lights on my mirrors.

I do think that the cosmetic changes (black trim, gauge color change) looks great on the 14's and up.

Pick what fits your lifestyle and go with it. Don't like the grill? Someone will be along to cater to those wants eventually.

If it was a second vehicle, sure take some time and hunt out your cherry 10-13 4R. But if it is your primary and you need/want one in the next few months I'd pick one up off the lot and never look back.

 

[MATTYDIRT]

Hey Gang - thanks for the replies. Without having the stickers and brochures side by side, this would have been a tough task. Thanks for the info.

I'm pretty torn. This will be a primary vehicle for me, but my wife is on maternity leave and I have access to her car for a few more weeks.

Cheers! I'll post a pic of what I end up going with if I can ever decide/find what I'm looking for.

 

[J Hoss]

I had these exact same questions a little over a year ago and this thread was timely because I'm back on the market after losing the '13 I previously decided on when it was T-Boned & flipped. (Flew to California, then drove back to Texas)


Anywho, this Rav4 rental is getting old fast. Thanks for creating this timely consolidative thread I would've otherwise had to hit 10 individual threads for. #SimplifySearch
[MENTION=110495]Carthage[/MENTION] - My sentiments exactly.

14/15TEP it is.

 

[MATTYDIRT]

No doubt. Good luck with your search. I was at the dealership again today driving a 15' 4RTE Premium. I finally was hooked up with a knowledgeable salesperson who had some history with other 4R, both SR5's and Premiums. Apparently the NAV system has been updated in the 14-15' model years. Although they look the same in the 13' (and maybe the 12'), I was told the software has been updated and it's a much faster and more accurate system.

Can anyone confirm that AND any one have any experience using the two systems. I was also told that the 12-13' NAV system is the same in the 12-13' Highlander if that helps.

Cheers!

 

[1engineer]

I can tell you from experience that the entune, nav and backup camera are much better in the new ones. I had a 2012 TE loaded and now a 2015 SR5 premium. The new gauge cluster is nicer too. Good luck.

 

[desertred]

10-13 TE has Party Mode! arty:

 

[J.A.]

I try to track year to year changes here Toyota 4Runner History. Hope it helps a little.

 

[MATTYDIRT]

So - I've found a 12' 4R TE with Nav that has 15k miles on it and I could purchase for around $31k (certified pre-owned). I test drove a brand new 15' 4RTE Premium and really liked it. I got the dealer down to $38,385 -

I'm a bit weary about the large price tag, but I'm putting it out to the group to see if the 15' is worth the price difference?

Any and all input is much appreciated!

 

[NuclearN8]

So - I've found a 12' 4R TE with Nav that has 15k miles on it and I could purchase for around $31k (certified pre-owned). I test drove a brand new 15' 4RTE Premium and really liked it. I got the dealer down to $38,385 -

I'm a bit weary about the large price tag, but I'm putting it out to the group to see if the 15' is worth the price difference?

Any and all input is much appreciated!

assuming you're going to finance it, so if you can afford $100/mo more, I'd go with the brand new one if you plan to keep it a long time.... if you plan to resell it or are not sure you'll likely be upside down for less time buying used.

 

[MATTYDIRT]

assuming you're going to finance it, so if you can afford $100/mo more, I'd go with the brand new one if you plan to keep it a long time.... if you plan to resell it or are not sure you'll likely be upside down for less time buying used.

With the amount of $ down i'm putting, the payment difference will be about $120/mo. My intentions are for it to be a long term vehicle, but not only do things change, but my preference changes. Given my track record, I'd be settled with this car for at least 3 years.

I'm a pretty big fan of Toyota - I bought my first tacoma 2 years ago and basically sold it for what I paid for it after 2 years and 45k miles. I'm hoping I can get away with a similar situation with a 4runner.

 

[Bilbo]

I try to track year to year changes here Toyota 4Runner History. Hope it helps a little.

[MENTION=15785]J.A.[/MENTION] Your website is a fantastic 4Runner resource - reliable information, and extremely well organized. I have a number of your webpages bookmarked. THANK YOU! for all the work you've put in on this.

 

[Ridin4Runner]

With the amount of $ down i'm putting, the payment difference will be about $120/mo. My intentions are for it to be a long term vehicle, but not only do things change, but my preference changes. Given my track record, I'd be settled with this car for at least 3 years.



I'm a pretty big fan of Toyota - I bought my first tacoma 2 years ago and basically sold it for what I paid for it after 2 years and 45k miles. I'm hoping I can get away with a similar situation with a 4runner.

But what's your interest rate new vs. used? With only 7K separation in price, the used APR might put the payments pretty close.

 

[jcoleman]

I'm a pretty big fan of Toyota - I bought my first tacoma 2 years ago and basically sold it for what I paid for it after 2 years and 45k miles. I'm hoping I can get away with a similar situation with a 4runner.

That's an easier trick to pull off with a late model Tacoma than a late model 4R. I had a similar experience w/ my '12 Tacoma DC 4x4 but don't anticipate it with my '13 TE. Still, much better resale than most other vehicles.

 

[MATTYDIRT]

My rate would be the same through my credit union for both 1.75% - beats what the dealers are offering. I tried to get Toyota to go 60 months at 0%, which would have put me in the mood to buy, but they neg'd that deal.

I'm really wondering if the electronics (i.e., Navigation, stereo and applications) that much better or worse from the 12' to the 14/15' worth the cost difference.

Thanks for the input. Really appreciate this sounding board.

The other option is to buy a '14 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with 22k miles for $32k, but I'm sure that I'm into wasting my time at the dealership and my money at resale.

 

[Ridin4Runner]

^ NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Don't do the Jeep....plz! From a former owner of 5 over the years.

 

[NuclearN8]

With the amount of $ down i'm putting, the payment difference will be about $120/mo. My intentions are for it to be a long term vehicle, but not only do things change, but my preference changes. Given my track record, I'd be settled with this car for at least 3 years.

I'm a pretty big fan of Toyota - I bought my first tacoma 2 years ago and basically sold it for what I paid for it after 2 years and 45k miles. I'm hoping I can get away with a similar situation with a 4runner.

worse case in 3 years... if you buy the new 2015, you'll get about 27-28K on trade (since the dealer will want to sell it for 32K as CPO and they need to make a profit...) if you buy used... you'll owe less and the vehicle will be worth less... either way, I highly doubt you get to drive a vehicle for free for 3 years, all vehicles depreciate. sounds like you got really lucky with the tacoma and got the best possible deals on both ends.
Good luck.

 

[desertred]

My rate would be the same through my credit union for both 1.75% - beats what the dealers are offering. I tried to get Toyota to go 60 months at 0%, which would have put me in the mood to buy, but they neg'd that deal.

I'm really wondering if the electronics (i.e., Navigation, stereo and applications) that much better or worse from the 12' to the 14/15' worth the cost difference.

Thanks for the input. Really appreciate this sounding board.

The other option is to buy a '14 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with 22k miles for $32k, but I'm sure that I'm into wasting my time at the dealership and my money at resale.

$7K will buy you a nice aftermarket nav/stereo unit that will likely be better than the factory unit. You didn't mention, but are both vehicles equipped with KDSS? If your intention is to keep the vehicle for a long time, having a three year old vehicle with low mileage is a good start. The primary concern in the 2012 would be the expiration of the factory bumper to bumper warranty (36 months) over the 2015, if the warranty is much concern to you. For what you posted, I would probably lean towards the 2012 (slam dunk if its Salsa Red or Shoreline Blue).