2014 4Runner

Compared to $2k, it is a lot more reasonable. If you don't want to pay for the premium package, don't buy it. Why not really save yourself money and buy a 4th gen 4Runner since we're getting wrapped around the axle over <$1000.
 
Compared to $2k, it is a lot more reasonable. If you don't want to pay for the premium package, don't buy it. Why not really save yourself money and buy a 4th gen 4Runner since we're getting wrapped around the axle over <$1000.

Its not only that its $1,000...its the way they bundle the stuff together to force you to get things that you don't want/need to get other options...that's all. Maybe $1000 isn't much to you but it sure as heck is to me, especially for something I don't want/need.
 
Its not only that its $1,000...its the way they bundle the stuff together to force you to get things that you don't want/need to get other options...that's all. Maybe $1000 isn't much to you but it sure as heck is to me, especially for something I don't want/need.

I don't know what to tell you. Blame American buying habits. We want the car now and we freeze up when presented with lots of choices. Car companies have determined the best way to sell people what they want is bundling. Market research has shown that people tend to buy cars stripped out or relatively loaded. Bundling means the odds of having what the customer wants on the lot are greatly increased. It has also allowed manufacturers to be more competitive with feature content for cost. For what you used to pay for navigation alone, you now get power, heated leather seats and a leather steering wheel along with the nav.

I've ordered two vehicles that were a la carte. On the MINI, a 2005 model, we didn't get cruise control because we didn't order the multifunction steering wheel. We just assumed that cruise would be standard. Oops. Also, for the options we did get, it turned out to be a pretty expensive car, we had to order it from England, and we paid MSRP. I ordered my GTI and it arrived 4 months later after sitting at the port waiting for a [shoddily painted] factory aero kit. VW has since moved to a package type setup. Until the dealer franchise system is finally broken to reduce the lead time and get rid of this nonsensical invoice versus msrp pricing, this is how things will be.
 
Its not only that its $1,000...its the way they bundle the stuff together to force you to get things that you don't want/need to get other options...that's all. Maybe $1000 isn't much to you but it sure as heck is to me, especially for something I don't want/need.

So what is it? You start off saying that it's not the money, and that it's the principles; yet end up saying that $1000 is a lot of money.

I understand that $1000 bucks is a lot of money to most people (me included), but you also have to keep it in perspective...we're talking about a $35k-40k+ vehicle here, most people looking for vehicles in that price range wouldn't make a huge stink over a $750 option. Can't have everything in life, right?
 
So what is it? You start off saying that it's not the money, and that it's the principles; yet end up saying that $1000 is a lot of money.

I understand that $1000 bucks is a lot of money to most people (me included), but you also have to keep it in perspective...we're talking about a $35k-40k+ vehicle here, most people looking for vehicles in that price range wouldn't make a huge stink over a $750 option. Can't have everything in life, right?


Its both but I think most are missing my point...yeah, its $1000 and I would eat that if I had too. I just hate having to buy things that I don't want/need but I also understand everything cant' be a la carte either. For instance, if I want X-reas, I now have to go to a Limited. That is now $6K more than my SR5 just to get the upgraded suspension system because I have to buy other options that I don't want. People have posted that I can put this on myself. This is not an option as I have no mechanical skills nor know anyone that could do that for me. So, I am stuck with having to buy it on stock vehicle. If I want a V8, I have to go all the way to a Lexus that is now $20K more than my SR5 just to get a V8. Again, forcing someone to pay far more than they normally would just to get specific upgrades. I understand it, just don't like it...
 
Its both but I think most are missing my point...yeah, its $1000 and I would eat that if I had too. I just hate having to buy things that I don't want/need but I also understand everything cant' be a la carte either. For instance, if I want X-reas, I now have to go to a Limited. That is now $6K more than my SR5 just to get the upgraded suspension system because I have to buy other options that I don't want. People have posted that I can put this on myself. This is not an option as I have no mechanical skills nor know anyone that could do that for me. So, I am stuck with having to buy it on stock vehicle. If I want a V8, I have to go all the way to a Lexus that is now $20K more than my SR5 just to get a V8. Again, forcing someone to pay far more than they normally would just to get specific upgrades. I understand it, just don't like it...

I'd keep your SR5, put on a nice suspension (maybe not xreas, but I'm sure many aftermarket suspensions with no/minimal lift would give you the ride quality you are looking for), and go with the supercharger when it comes out. Both of these things can be done by almost any local shop/dealer and it is far cheaper than the depreciation you'll eat on your '11 and upgrading to a Limited. You'd probably be in less than $10k all told. That is a good deal cheaper than selling your SR5 for $28k and buying a limited for $40k. Other than full size trucks, you'll be hard pressed to find the big engine and nice suspension on a stripped out model. If you want leather, too, you're probably looking at $40k for that truck... after incentives.
 
i have to say, the look of the Trail and SR5 has grown on me since i first saw them. the SR5, in particular, looks like a nice step up from what was.

i really prefer the front end & bumper on the 10-13s, though. it has an appealing, 3rd Gen-ish quality... like an updated version of the old "fat lip" bumper. so much for "back to its roots", in that respect anyway.

all in all, looks to me like Toyota took a few steps forward and a few steps back—which is which depends on your perspective... pretty much goes for any and every new product release/refresh.
 
2014 Limited improvements?

Ehmmm… please allow me to interrupt this discussion of the merits of overpriced options with my first post here.

I’ve been in the market for a new vehicle for a while now and was considering a 2013 4Runner. I’ve been following the rollout of the 2014 and waiting to see what the three models had to offer. Although I think the 2014 Trail doesn’t look too bad, I’m not enthusiastic about the 2014 Limited.

I’m having a hard time determining what – other than looks – might have changed between the 2013 and 2014 Limiteds. What I think I know: the 2014 has ventilated seats, projector headlamps, front bumper sensors, memory settings on the front seats, added 12V outlets for the rear passengers, maybe an updated instrument cluster. Am I missing anything here?

Is there any indication that the JBL stereo/nav system is different -or at all updated- in the 2014?

Really I’m just wondering if there is anything I might regret not having if I just go for a 2013 on the lot right now.
Thanks in advance!
 
Ehmmm… please allow me to interrupt this discussion of the merits of overpriced options with my first post here.

I’ve been in the market for a new vehicle for a while now and was considering a 2013 4Runner. I’ve been following the rollout of the 2014 and waiting to see what the three models had to offer. Although I think the 2014 Trail doesn’t look too bad, I’m not enthusiastic about the 2014 Limited.

I’m having a hard time determining what – other than looks – might have changed between the 2013 and 2014 Limiteds. What I think I know: the 2014 has ventilated seats, projector headlamps, front bumper sensors, memory settings on the front seats, added 12V outlets for the rear passengers, maybe an updated instrument cluster. Am I missing anything here?

Is there any indication that the JBL stereo/nav system is different -or at all updated- in the 2014?

Really I’m just wondering if there is anything I might regret not having if I just go for a 2013 on the lot right now.
Thanks in advance!

There's nothing about a mid-model life cycle freshening that will make your 14 drastically different than a 13. Toyota has also been making subtle changes from year to year, anyway.

And if you really want to know, the current 4Runner is really the last generation V6 4Runner with some updated bits and pieces from Toyota's parts bin.

Nothing has changed drastically except for the wrapper and the look of the interior. If that's a big deal to you, then wait.
 

Commonality in states like Cali or Colorado doesn't mean a vehicle is very popular.

I rarely see 4Runners in Florida outside of wealthy neighborhoods. Overall they're really rare and I typically see 2-3 5th gens on a 30 mile commute.

Go to Colorado and you'd think all there are were Subarus, lifted Jeeps, and Trail Editions... alongside obnoxious motorcycles.

Toyota sold 49k 4Runners last year. While that has remailed stable over the years, it's still a drop in the bucket.
 
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Ehmmm… please allow me to interrupt this discussion of the merits of overpriced options with my first post here.

I’ve been in the market for a new vehicle for a while now and was considering a 2013 4Runner. I’ve been following the rollout of the 2014 and waiting to see what the three models had to offer. Although I think the 2014 Trail doesn’t look too bad, I’m not enthusiastic about the 2014 Limited.

I’m having a hard time determining what – other than looks – might have changed between the 2013 and 2014 Limiteds. What I think I know: the 2014 has ventilated seats, projector headlamps, front bumper sensors, memory settings on the front seats, added 12V outlets for the rear passengers, maybe an updated instrument cluster. Am I missing anything here?

Is there any indication that the JBL stereo/nav system is different -or at all updated- in the 2014?

Really I’m just wondering if there is anything I might regret not having if I just go for a 2013 on the lot right now.
Thanks in advance!

i am in the market for a new 4runner and coming from a 2010 subaru legacy, the biggest thing for me is the heated seats in this northern tier city (roughly 40 miles from the canuck border as the crow flies), memory seats since the warden sits way different than me. so that regulates me to a limited since i need full time 4wd during our roughly 6+ months of winter here.

as much as i like my legacy, the problem with unplowed parking lot at work and living in a valley that i have to travel uphill to work and home, the clearance of having a 4runner would be welcomed compared to the barely 6" clearance of the legacy.

now i did have a 04 v8 sport and that was awesome except for the star hvac controls but he gas was killing me at $60 just for driving 5 days a week only to work compared to the legacy $50 for 10 days including running around town.

now that i have a bit more play money i can afford to get back into a 4runner and the gas cost requirements.

the only downside to the 14's and i think most years is that i got spoiled on the legacy ability to turn off/on all the nannies with a push of a button at any speed.

granted my requirements are different than everyone else so ymmv :)

you just will have to determine what you can/not live without between the 13 & 14 and that list is very short maybe 3-4 things as stated above.

if you can forgo the 14 options get a 13 once the 14's come out to get a better deal.
 
The front is still not growing on me. I do love the leather as an option for the TE. However, at what cost? The 5th Gen TE was already pushing the limit of what I was willing to pay. Once you add leather, fancy headlights, and other options, it would be out of my price range for this type of vehicle. I can't even imagine what a fully loaded limited is going to list for.
 
Its both but I think most are missing my point...yeah, its $1000 and I would eat that if I had too. I just hate having to buy things that I don't want/need but I also understand everything cant' be a la carte either. For instance, if I want X-reas, I now have to go to a Limited. That is now $6K more than my SR5 just to get the upgraded suspension system because I have to buy other options that I don't want. People have posted that I can put this on myself. This is not an option as I have no mechanical skills nor know anyone that could do that for me. So, I am stuck with having to buy it on stock vehicle. If I want a V8, I have to go all the way to a Lexus that is now $20K more than my SR5 just to get a V8. Again, forcing someone to pay far more than they normally would just to get specific upgrades. I understand it, just don't like it...

I think he said "Its not only that its $1,000"

My apologies, I misread one word indeed :)
 
Leather?

The front is still not growing on me. I do love the leather as an option for the TE. However, at what cost? The 5th Gen TE was already pushing the limit of what I was willing to pay. Once you add leather, fancy headlights, and other options, it would be out of my price range for this type of vehicle. I can't even imagine what a fully loaded limited is going to list for.

I've read several mentions of leather for the 2014 SR5 and Trail. However, the info I've read seems to indicate that only the Limited really has leather. SR5 and Trail get "Softex" whatever the hell that is... Sounds like a throwback to Naugahyde to me. Although I'll admit the Trail pics with the red-stitched seats look great.

Just wish I could get the JBL system on the Trail...
 
I've read several mentions of leather for the 2014 SR5 and Trail. However, the info I've read seems to indicate that only the Limited really has leather. SR5 and Trail get "Softex" whatever the hell that is... Sounds like a throwback to Naugahyde to me. Although I'll admit the Trail pics with the red-stitched seats look great.

Just wish I could get the JBL system on the Trail...

This is what sparked the issues I had about having to upgrade models to get specific options....
 
I've read several mentions of leather for the 2014 SR5 and Trail. However, the info I've read seems to indicate that only the Limited really has leather. SR5 and Trail get "Softex" whatever the hell that is... Sounds like a throwback to Naugahyde to me. Although I'll admit the Trail pics with the red-stitched seats look great.

Just wish I could get the JBL system on the Trail...

This is what sparked the issues I had about having to upgrade models to get specific options....

Technically, you could get leather on any of the trim levels... in the aftermarket. Cheaper and better quality in most instances.

Same with the sound system/navigation. If it's integration you're worried about, I believe there a few kits available or certain other options that allow you to keep the functions of your stock system while up grading all the other components.

I've always felt that if you can't get the exact vehicle you want from the Factory, take your closest match and tweak it to your needs. Whether you feel like that means buying more truck than you should, or buying a shell and filling in the gaps, it's totally your decision.:banana:
 

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