2014 SR5 premium vs. 2012 limited

[Cowboy4]

Hello everyone. I am new to 4Runners and I am about to purchase my first 4Runner. I have my selection narrowed down to two vehicles. The price, mileage, and color are all similar. One is a 2014 SR5 premium and the other is a 2012 Limited. Any advice one which one to pick. I know I can't go wrong with either one just thought I would ask if there are any certain details or features that would help sway my decision? Thank you for all the input. Best regards,
Tyler

 

[cjacob316]

In my experience, brand new 2015's are not much more than used '14s. What price are they?

 

[Boardmember]

My $.02 after owning a bunch of 4R's, including an '09 and '15 currently, is you're right : they're both solid and worthy. Think forward two years. Given they're essentially equal in features ( not exact, I know), do you want to own a 6 year old truck or a 4 year old truck?

 

[Repsol13]

Also depends on what you plan on doing in and with the 4runner

 

[Jhalko]

Unless you drive in snow a lot get the sr5 and mod to your hearts content.

 

[ILIR]

Reason I got a 2012 SR5 was because I got a very good deal, and I always wanted a 4Runner. Plus I know how well these trucks hold their value. I sold my 03 Xterra and 2011 Camaro SS to consolidate and get my TR4. I miss the Camaro, but I really like the 4Runner a lot.

 

[Cowboy4]

Okay thanks for all the feedback. I actually started the same thread on the general discussion board. Sorry about that. I am just trying to get as much feedback as I can since I'll be making a decision tomorrow. I am moving to West Virginia so that's the reason for the 4x4 4Runner. I am sure they both will handle the winters just fine. Is there any performance difference in the two? Suspension, ride quality, off road capabilities? Also surprisingly the 2014 has 72k miles compared to the 2012 limited with 58k. Thanks again.

 

[FrontRange4Runner]

78k seems like a lot for a 2014. I'd probably go with the Limited my self. You said it was a good deal, and you will have all the goodies including full time 4x4. No telling what a 1 year old vehicle with 78k has gone through, but if someone is going to drive that much and then immediately dump the vehicle, there is absolutely no reason they would feel compelled to treat it nicely for the future.

-Suspension will be a bit firmer in the limited because of XREAS and the 20in wheels. Given the same wheels and tires, both will be the same off road. Limited will be nice for the winters because you will not have to worry about shifting in and out of 4wd. There were some small improvements to the frame and brake feel (not performance) for the 2014 model year. Engines are the same. The 2014 will have a smog pump (potential repair down the road - not a big issue) and the 2012 will not. 2014 will have the in glass antenna and rear side defrosters, 2012 has the antenna on the front passenger fender and no side defrosters. Biggest thing on the interior is the gauge cluster difference (I personally cant stand the blue of the 14+, I like it dim as hell in the cabin at night - but just a personal preference).

Go drive both and pick what you like. Keep in mind that if you get the 14, after a year of ownership you are going to have a 2 year old truck with almost 100k on it IE bottom of the barrel if you need to sell it. Hope this covers some of what you were asking about. I probably should have told you to search, as most questions have an answer somewhere on here, but I'm bored and have beer so :cheers: and gl with the purchase.

 

[LandCruiser]

Okay thanks for all the feedback. I actually started the same thread on the general discussion board. Sorry about that. I am just trying to get as much feedback as I can since I'll be making a decision tomorrow. I am moving to West Virginia so that's the reason for the 4x4 4Runner. I am sure they both will handle the winters just fine. Is there any performance difference in the two? Suspension, ride quality, off road capabilities? Also surprisingly the 2014 has 72k miles compared to the 2012 limited with 58k. Thanks again.

72k miles is pretty damn impressive. If they got it in August/September 2013, they've been running it close to 36-40k a year. If they got it later, damn... I'm averaging 20k/year, so I'm one to talk.

 

[Cowboy4]

Yeah the dealership said the 2014 was owned by a oil guy in Texas who drove it across the state daily. It has a clean carfax just a lot of miles in one year. The 2012 has the platinum warranty for 100k miles and it's currently close to 57,000 miles. I am still really indecisive. Basically two years newer and more miles vs older less miles, factory warranty...? Help! Lol

 

[Cowboy4]

Had a guy look at the 2014 for me. He said it looked flawless like it just came off the show room floor. One is in Texas one is in Phoenix and I am in Oklahoma so I won't be able to go see both before I make a decision. Thanks again guys

 

[CWebb]

If you are contemplating a used 2014 4runner, just get new. You can get them for damn near the same price if you work at getting invoice. I looked into the same thing and comparing a 2014 used 4runner to a new 2015 4runner It was only $700 difference!!! THis was compared to the invoice pricing I got them down to. The used one had 27K miles on it.

so go new if that route. As far as a 2012 limited, it has the auto lights and push start button as well as the knob for 4x4 vs the gear shift. There are a few other things, but those are what stand out for me in a difference between limited and SR5.

Good luck either way!

 

[Jayhawk5G]

If you are contemplating a used 2014 4runner, just get new. You can get them for damn near the same price if you work at getting invoice. I looked into the same thing and comparing a 2014 used 4runner to a new 2015 4runner It was only $700 difference!!! THis was compared to the invoice pricing I got them down to. The used one had 27K miles on it.

so go new if that route. As far as a 2012 limited, it has the auto lights and push start button as well as the knob for 4x4 vs the gear shift. There are a few other things, but those are what stand out for me in a difference between limited and SR5.

Good luck either way!

2014/15 SR5 will also have the dial selector for 4x4 vs. a traditional "looking" lever.

I think the new 2015 SR5 Premium is your best bet. Buying new doesn't make sense with vehicles that quickly depreciate, however, 4Runners aren't like that. This way for a similar price you will have a brand new vehicle with full warranty, full life, and you won't have any questions about previous ownership.

Good Luck!

 

[mnofpeace]

stepping on CWebbs toes specifically...a 2014 SR5 has a knob too...sorry :lol:


as for a choice to make, i was in a similar situation...older LImited vs newer 2014 used...i went with the used, but my diff was mileage. my 2014 came with only 20K on the clocks, so choosing it simply to have a newer/current model was fine by me, vs the 2010-2012s i was finding for similar, and even a little less money but alot more miles.

as was said, in a yr, 2, 5yrs...which truck will be newER for you?

as far as purpose, my SR5 handles all i can throw at it, and i wont be modding anytime soon...but that Limited fulltime 4WD and added suspension XREAS is pretty sweet too.

if you could test drive both, see them close up...but since you cannot...

just choose one and live with it, both will be great trucks to own...

sorry if i didnt actually HELP...:tape2:

 

[CWebb]

stepping on CWebbs toes specifically...a 2014 SR5 has a knob too...sorry :lol:


as for a choice to make, i was in a similar situation...older LImited vs newer 2014 used...i went with the used, but my diff was mileage. my 2014 came with only 20K on the clocks, so choosing it simply to have a newer/current model was fine by me, vs the 2010-2012s i was finding for similar, and even a little less money but alot more miles.

as was said, in a yr, 2, 5yrs...which truck will be newER for you?

as far as purpose, my SR5 handles all i can throw at it, and i wont be modding anytime soon...but that Limited fulltime 4WD and added suspension XREAS is pretty sweet too.

if you could test drive both, see them close up...but since you cannot...

just choose one and live with it, both will be great trucks to own...

sorry if i didnt actually HELP...:tape2:

ah, corrected! I guess I was thinking Trail? Thanks for the correction buddy!