2011 4Runner SR5 versus 2014 4Runner SR5

[Cory15000]

I've had my '11 4Runner for a few years now and have loved every moment of it. Currently sitting at around 280,000 KM. Since I've owned it I've upgraded the suspension to 5100's all around and have a set of TRD Pro wheels with 255/80/17 Cooper S/T Maxx's. Part of me has considered doing the front end swap but I have also been considering looking at selling and buying a '14+.

I came across a '14 SR5 with roughly 250,000 KM, which based off what's around me would cost around $3-5K to upgrade, if I can get what I am hoping for my '11.

Curious if anyone has some insight to share or wants to talk me off the ledge? Are the '14+'s worth the extra money or should I just be happy with what I've got?

Appreciate your help in advance!

 

[131North]

I don't have any insight, per say, but based on the info provided it doesn't sound like a very compelling upgrade. I'm left with a lot of questions that might help understand the rationale: Is it a color you're more excited about? Will you be swapping parts or starting a new build? Maybe you know the owner of the '14? Or maybe it's just overall in a condition too good to pass up? The only part of yours you probably couldn't make pretty much identical to the '14 is the gauge cluster. I'd personally hold out for maybe something a year or 2 newer, or a package higher than you have currently. Good luck with the decision.

 

[repo]

I cant think of any reason to trade a vehicle you know for an essentially identical one with who knows what maintenance history or issues. The only difference is the slightly better approach angle on the '14 but you can just buy a steel bumper for '11, and a winch, and have money left over.

 

[Cory15000]

Cheers [MENTION=701288]131North[/MENTION] & [MENTION=9502]repo[/MENTION] ! Most likely would be slapping 5100's on it and then running the same wheel set if they don't sell with my current 4Runner (was potentially going to swap with the wheels that are on the '14). I think the biggest thing for me is just trying to take advantage of the market to get a good price for my '11 and the fact that the '14 is 3 years "newer" with less KM. Just not sure if paying $3-5K is really worth it or if I should just be happy with what I've got haha.

Looking at the BB values, theres about a $9K difference, so there is also a bit of an economic argument.

 

[Humble Leader]

the old saying something bad but known is better than something unknown comes to mind when I read this thread. KM-wise both vehicles are similar

to me it comes down to the condition of both vehicles. if yours has full service history, no rust, well taken care of, I would not make that trade. similarly if the 2014 has all of those items maybe consider it - three years newer can be a big deal where you get road salt. if both have similar diligence in service schedule and record keeping, similar body and interior condition etc. I wouldn't make that trade

I'd keep that extra few thousand you are thinking of forking over and invest it when the market crashes

 

[Cory15000]

@humble_leader, that is a great point! The one I am debating has had one owner and been lady driven, although they did mention they tow their trailer and motorbikes. I decided to check it out and take it for a spin tonight and to be honest there wasn't much of a difference other than the interior and face lift. The stock suspension was, as I remembered, soft and nose dived when breaking. With that being said, there is significantly less rust underneath and it was in excellent condition! Front brakes and calipers were recently replaced, and the rear brakes on mine need replacing so thats a +1 for the '14. I think if I can get asking for mine then I'll do it but I won't be disappointed either way, I may just need to get the wire brush out and rustoleum out soon and wait for a good chance to pounce on the markets when they bottom out here.

 

[Humble Leader]

@humble_leader, that is a great point! The one I am debating has had one owner and been lady driven, although they did mention they tow their trailer and motorbikes. I decided to check it out and take it for a spin tonight and to be honest there wasn't much of a difference other than the interior and face lift. The stock suspension was, as I remembered, soft and nose dived when breaking. With that being said, there is significantly less rust underneath and it was in excellent condition! Front brakes and calipers were recently replaced, and the rear brakes on mine need replacing so thats a +1 for the '14. I think if I can get asking for mine then I'll do it but I won't be disappointed either way, I may just need to get the wire brush out and rustoleum out soon and wait for a good chance to pounce on the markets when they bottom out here.

there also seem to be a lot more aftermarket parts / mods for 14+ 4runners. so that's another +1 for the 14. one owner is another +1 too. generally I find vehicles that were owned by 1 owner as opposed to many are in better condition. the -1 is that it was used for towing. as long as not too heavy of a load I wouldn't be concerned. 240,000km towing a 4000lb camper trailer, ya I'd be concerned. motor bikes aren't a big deal.

you will sell your 4runner no problem. I'd buy the newer one, swap the TRD wheels to the new rig (don't forget the spare lol if you have a matching TRD rim). then all you really need to do is the suspension

 

[Cory15000]

And the plot thickens! Market is pretty stale so I both mine and the '14 are still up for sale. However, I recently came across a '17 TRD Sport V6 Double Cab LB 4WD with roughly 180,000 KM for $30K. One owner, in great shape with the exception of a few scratches and chips as expected, with little to no rust.

Curious if anyone has made the leap from a 4Runner to a Taco or vis versa and can share their thoughts?

 

[Humble Leader]

And the plot thickens! Market is pretty stale so I both mine and the '14 are still up for sale. However, I recently came across a '17 TRD Sport V6 Double Cab LB 4WD with roughly 180,000 KM for $30K. One owner, in great shape with the exception of a few scratches and chips as expected, with little to no rust.

Curious if anyone has made the leap from a 4Runner to a Taco or vis versa and can share their thoughts?

I don't see very many tacomas anymore. I think for most people that daily drive and have family needs a 4runner is the better choice of the two. I see alot of 4runners though. if a truck bed is what you need then I think a full size truck is the best use of cash. if you want the pickup get a tundra or f150. f150 v8 5.0 coyote is probably the best bang for your buck but you will likely have issues pop up now and then. I think most f150s won't make it to 200k miles without some serious engine or transmission work. and there are so many annoying things popping up with f150s from 2015+ (engine knocks, transmission issues, towing issues, doors getting stuck closed, won't close, trim pieces just falling off, oil consumption). 4runners and tundras on the other hand will do 200k miles easily. get a high mileage tundra with good service history or a lower mileage f150 and you could probably do a straight trade

I've thought about going the route of f150 and parting ways with my 4runner. I want a 6.5ft bed and crewmax (4 door) vehicle with certain towing configs that I can't really find on a tundra. I just haven't been able to pull the trigger because my 4runner is so solid at 160k miles with zero issues and I know I won't get that with the f150...

 

[Cory15000]

I don't see very many tacomas anymore. I think for most people that daily drive and have family needs a 4runner is the better choice of the two. I see alot of 4runners though. if a truck bed is what you need then I think a full size truck is the best use of cash. if you want the pickup get a tundra or f150. f150 v8 5.0 coyote is probably the best bang for your buck but you will likely have issues pop up now and then. I think most f150s won't make it to 200k miles without some serious engine or transmission work. and there are so many annoying things popping up with f150s from 2015+ (engine knocks, transmission issues, towing issues, doors getting stuck closed, won't close, trim pieces just falling off, oil consumption). 4runners and tundras on the other hand will do 200k miles easily. get a high mileage tundra with good service history or a lower mileage f150 and you could probably do a straight trade

I've thought about going the route of f150 and parting ways with my 4runner. I want a 6.5ft bed and crewmax (4 door) vehicle with certain towing configs that I can't really find on a tundra. I just haven't been able to pull the trigger because my 4runner is so solid at 160k miles with zero issues and I know I won't get that with the f150...

Tacoma's are everywhere where I am but we live in a bit of a rural/ farming community so having a bed to haul stuff is the norm. Now that I've had a Toyota, I find it hard to imagine another vehicle that isn't one. I love the interior space of the 4Runner and everything about mine currently, I think it's really just the fear of the getting past the 300K KM mark effecting the resale value/ potential maintenance required down the road that is causing me to have wondering eyes. I've also been extremely lucky in my past and generally have been able to make money/ trade up on vehicles and feel like might be a good opportunity.

 

[Humble Leader]

Tacoma's are everywhere where I am but we live in a bit of a rural/ farming community so having a bed to haul stuff is the norm. Now that I've had a Toyota, I find it hard to imagine another vehicle that isn't one. I love the interior space of the 4Runner and everything about mine currently, I think it's really just the fear of the getting past the 300K KM mark effecting the resale value/ potential maintenance required down the road that is causing me to have wondering eyes. I've also been extremely lucky in my past and generally have been able to make money/ trade up on vehicles and feel like might be a good opportunity.

I hear you about the high mileage. I'm at 252,000km and it's something I think about too. if you're selling a vehicle you have a bit of immunization to the market though. a good buyers market means a tough sellers market for you

at the end of the day life is too short to do what you SHOULD do all the time haha, especially when it comes to disposable income. if you see something you like go for it. if it ends up being a mistake well you learned a life lesson

 

[repo]

Cheers [MENTION=701288]131North[/MENTION] & [MENTION=9502]repo[/MENTION] ! Most likely would be slapping 5100's on it and then running the same wheel set if they don't sell with my current 4Runner (was potentially going to swap with the wheels that are on the '14). I think the biggest thing for me is just trying to take advantage of the market to get a good price for my '11 and the fact that the '14 is 3 years "newer" with less KM. Just not sure if paying $3-5K is really worth it or if I should just be happy with what I've got haha.

Looking at the BB values, theres about a $9K difference, so there is also a bit of an economic argument.

Just my unsolicited coffee fueled rambling 2 cent philosphy here and not trying to poop on anyone... and bear in mind I'm not exactly a cheapskate but pretty "frugal" because I'll pay for stuff that lasts. I'm not going to pay for cosmetics it has to be functional or have long term savings. Unless it's a classic or hugely rare, cars are depreciating assets they aren't investments. This word gets tossed around where it shouldn't be. Don't get caught up in book values and all that crap unless you really know the market and the vehicle and are flipping them. 5100s aren't an investment either you wont recover the expense let alone make a return (unless you own a dealership and "package" it ha). I don't see any economic argument here. You should have no prob getting 300+k miles out of the 2011 with regular maintenance. The higher end of that becomes less appealing if you can't do suspension, bushings, brakes, fluids, plugs, etc. yourself. But you can easily learn with the resources we have in this board and YT and so forth. If you want to invest in something invest in tools and know-how. One of the best things you can do, and you get past the learning curve pretty quick. My own journey with that stuff has become almost spiritual, the 3rd gen has taken on this weird kind of zen garden role. Transcendental preventative maintenance . Feels good man!

 

[repo]

Just to clarify these 4runners are good to 300 MILES so 500 KM with minimal effort. They are baby Land Cruisers remember. Hose out the frame, drain & fill the oil, coolant, ATF, use Toyota parts and don't worry about it guy. Maintain engine, tranmission and frame and you're good.