WindomEarles
New member
I'm having trouble deciding. HELP!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...UkZWNE9GR1dpeFE&single=true&gid=5&output=html
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...UkZWNE9GR1dpeFE&single=true&gid=5&output=html
2012 Trail or Limited?
- Thread starter WindomEarles
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WindomEarles
New member
According to my "weighting system"...the Trail wins..but i'm still undecided
The big thing I want off the Limited is the JBL 12 speaker system
The big thing I want off the Limited is the JBL 12 speaker system
Coming from a 2011 SR5, we looked at both the Trail and Limited for 2012 (ours is a week old tomorrow). I'm so glad we got the Trail. I like the tighter handling characteristics, seemingly firmer seats, and added ruggedness. I have always had mixed feelings about leather; I like the Trail interior much more.
As for the JBL sound system, yes it is better but not sufficient to sway me. I'd be just as likely to upgrade the system in a Limited as a Trail.
Despite the aforementioned, I think the Limited is worthwhile vehicle with a lot going for it.
As for the JBL sound system, yes it is better but not sufficient to sway me. I'd be just as likely to upgrade the system in a Limited as a Trail.
Despite the aforementioned, I think the Limited is worthwhile vehicle with a lot going for it.
Bay33saw
New member
I have had my LE for about 6 weeks now and love it. Lots of creature comforts and I love the full time 4WD.
I don't drive much off road so the trail bits and bobs don't really do it for me, mainly my off road adventures consist of graded dirt trails when I go shooting.
If you really going to go off the beaten track and hit the trails then the Trail might be what you want.
If your like me and "Now and Then" hit the dirt but mostly you drive on tarmac, then splurge a little and get the Limited, the nav system is OK but I think (and I am no audiophile) the JBL system is the bomb, along with the Bluetooth system.
You need to ask yourself if your going to keep it stock or upgrade it. If your going to lift it, put bigger tires and suspension on it buy the Trail and save the money you would spend on the LE to rig out the TE, if your going to keep it pretty much stock and ride on the tarmac spend the extra $$$ and go with the LE.
Which ever you decide you know your getting a quality truck either way, Oh yeah and post pictures of your new baby when you get it.
Welcome and enjoy.
Moisty
I don't drive much off road so the trail bits and bobs don't really do it for me, mainly my off road adventures consist of graded dirt trails when I go shooting.
If you really going to go off the beaten track and hit the trails then the Trail might be what you want.
If your like me and "Now and Then" hit the dirt but mostly you drive on tarmac, then splurge a little and get the Limited, the nav system is OK but I think (and I am no audiophile) the JBL system is the bomb, along with the Bluetooth system.
You need to ask yourself if your going to keep it stock or upgrade it. If your going to lift it, put bigger tires and suspension on it buy the Trail and save the money you would spend on the LE to rig out the TE, if your going to keep it pretty much stock and ride on the tarmac spend the extra $$$ and go with the LE.
Which ever you decide you know your getting a quality truck either way, Oh yeah and post pictures of your new baby when you get it.
Welcome and enjoy.
Moisty
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AZrunner11
New member
Trail
I bought an 11 SR5 and after a year I saw the error in my ways....I have a two week old 12 Trail in my garage. I can't stop grinning ear to ear, so I would go with the trail edition and not look back!
I bought an 11 SR5 and after a year I saw the error in my ways....I have a two week old 12 Trail in my garage. I can't stop grinning ear to ear, so I would go with the trail edition and not look back!
I have a '10 SR5 so am not currently "vehicle biased". Ultimately, the correct chose is what you want to do with the vehicle. Looking at the link you provided, most of the items that you highlighted for the Trail are performance areas while the same areas for the LE are comfort/convenience. However, if you do not plan to do any serious off roading, you may not need the performance features of the TE. You can always get a TE with Nav and un-highlight an area on the LE side. All that said, if they offered a TE with tan leather, I'd have one in my driveway right now!
UFG8R Runner
New member
I picked up my new '12 Limited last Monday. It has the JBL 15 speaker system you're referencing...
I must say, if you're considering the Limited primarily because of the better JBL stereo, I'd suggest you take that out of your equation. The stereo is pretty good, but you could build a MUCH better aftermarket alternative for the $1155 they charge for the 15 speaker JBL option.
In fact, I've already ordered new speakers for the dash and front doors because I'm not satisfied with the sound quality from the stock JBL's...and although I consider myself somewhat of an audiophile, I do believe I had realistic expectations for the factory premium stereo.
I like the looks of the Trail better, and I love the KDSS and locking rear differential. For my purposes, however—navigating in Florida's rainy weather--the full time system is a better choice.
For me, buying a limited came down to leather and seat heaters. You can get both of these options aftermarket if you choose...so I wouldn't make the decision based on those things.
So, in short— don't buy for the JBL 15 speaker. Buy based on the 4wd system you prefer, and how important you feel leather is (and how much trouble you want to go to in order to install it).
Hope this helps...good luck, and let us know what you choose!
I must say, if you're considering the Limited primarily because of the better JBL stereo, I'd suggest you take that out of your equation. The stereo is pretty good, but you could build a MUCH better aftermarket alternative for the $1155 they charge for the 15 speaker JBL option.
In fact, I've already ordered new speakers for the dash and front doors because I'm not satisfied with the sound quality from the stock JBL's...and although I consider myself somewhat of an audiophile, I do believe I had realistic expectations for the factory premium stereo.
I like the looks of the Trail better, and I love the KDSS and locking rear differential. For my purposes, however—navigating in Florida's rainy weather--the full time system is a better choice.
For me, buying a limited came down to leather and seat heaters. You can get both of these options aftermarket if you choose...so I wouldn't make the decision based on those things.
So, in short— don't buy for the JBL 15 speaker. Buy based on the 4wd system you prefer, and how important you feel leather is (and how much trouble you want to go to in order to install it).
Hope this helps...good luck, and let us know what you choose!
Ducmonsta
New member
The one major feature that I may never be able to live without is the smart key. That was never even in my thoughts until I got it. I've been in rentals and customer cars and can't tell you how much I missed it. It's really convenient to never have to touch a key, EVER.
But, if you never have it, you won't miss it.
But, if you never have it, you won't miss it.
gray street
New member
Trail with kdss really is awesome. The hardest part is finding one.
jangoforhire
New member
Totally agree with this. You will LOVE this system if you have it.
I am glad I went with a Limited personally. Also I would definitely add a point to the limited for the full time 4WD. That was a big selling point for me.
You will be happy with whatever you get though!
PS. Also, I know i speak for everyone when I say thanks for actually doing some research before asking your questions instead of starting a post titled "Should I buy a SR5Trail version with the smart key option or a Turbo Limited?"
WindomEarles
New member
I really don't plan on spending much time at all off road. We can get some ****ty winters, and full time 4x4 would be nice. I plan on doing a lot more hunting - back roads of northern MI etc... I'm mainly getting a 4 runner to feed my shooting/hunting habits and cuz they are sweet!
WindomEarles
New member
Do you think they can upgrade the trails stereo to be the JBL in the limited?
gray street
New member
You can get a much better stereo system by going to your local audio store and letting them pick out the stuff and install for the same price as the jbl that isn't a ton better then the stock 8 speaker.
oilerjet
New member
I vote LE, but I'm biased because that is what I have. Never really looked at the TE because we needed leather and heated seats, so it was the SR5 or LE. I seriously debated the choice, not really sure if the upgrades were worth the money, but I am very happy with my choice to get the LE.
Its the wife's daily driver, so having the full-time AWD is great. That smart key system is fantastic. She keeps the keys in her purse, never takes them out (and therefore never loses them!) for any reason. The stereo is good, love the streaming bluetooth, and sound quality is fine for my ears, but like what was said earlier, you can probably get something much better aftermarket. The 3rd row in the LE was a selling feature for me, but to be honest, probably something we will never use. That being said, if we ever do, it will come in handy and nice option to have.
Its the wife's daily driver, so having the full-time AWD is great. That smart key system is fantastic. She keeps the keys in her purse, never takes them out (and therefore never loses them!) for any reason. The stereo is good, love the streaming bluetooth, and sound quality is fine for my ears, but like what was said earlier, you can probably get something much better aftermarket. The 3rd row in the LE was a selling feature for me, but to be honest, probably something we will never use. That being said, if we ever do, it will come in handy and nice option to have.
It does not seem like someone who lives in Ohio would need a trail. KDSS and a locking differential seem useless in the flat lands. We just bought a limited because of leather, smart key, third row, and awd. The plan is to make the limited more trail worth with new wheels, tires, and some other mods. The limited is more than enough for most dirt roads and it felt very capable on its first off road jounrey this weekend without any mods. Our main off road vehical sees dirt or snow almost every weekend and we passed on the trail. In the 6 years I owned my tacoma I used the locking diff twice and once was climbing murphy's hogback on the whiterim trail in utah.
