Hey guys. I'm pretty close to purchasing a new 4runner and was wondering if anyone has any input in 3rd row seats. I'm single and don't need the xtra passenger room, but it seems like one day I'll regret not getting them? Resale value...vacations...? Are there any downsides to getting 3rd row and just keeping them folded down? Thanks for any input!
3rd row seats or not?
- Thread starter smeeg
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LandCruiser
New member
No third row seat hurting resale value is car dealer BS.
No matter what kind of truck you have, a dealer will find a way to try to screw you out of a few hundred bucks.
It's a 2WD in 4WD country, or a 4WD where most people can afford a 2WD, wrong paint, wrong interior, doesn't have a sunroof, wrong tires, etc.
The 4Runner isn't really a family hauler and if you NEED a 3rd row, you probably need another type of vehicle.
No matter what kind of truck you have, a dealer will find a way to try to screw you out of a few hundred bucks.
It's a 2WD in 4WD country, or a 4WD where most people can afford a 2WD, wrong paint, wrong interior, doesn't have a sunroof, wrong tires, etc.
The 4Runner isn't really a family hauler and if you NEED a 3rd row, you probably need another type of vehicle.
I have them, I have never used them. Some day I will want to haul 7 people and it will be nice to have. I don't mind the rear floor being raised 6 inches, not a big deal. I simply like the fact I have them and do have the ability to haul friends kids around should the need arise. Rather a personal choice though.
^^Agree. Personal choice. Go find one that has the third row and get in/out. It's not that easy and is really only suitable for kids or small people. I have the third row and have used it a few times. I am not that concerned about the lack of cargo room. I got in on the same premise: one day I may want it and would regret not getting it, and don't regret the decision. Good luck.
JayceeP
New member
I'm 6'4 so it's pretty awkward to get in and out of the 3rd row. The previous Nissan Pathfinder had a good design where there actual seat lifted up and folded forward making it much easier to get to the 3rd row.... Though it was even more cramped than the 4Runner.
I have used it twice since since buying the 4Runner in March and it was only for hauling kids to the hockey game for a birthday party. The cargo room has not been an issue- 3 of us went camping in July for a long weekend and my gf and I did a 2500 mile road trip in August and had just enough cargo room (2 extra passengers on the way back). The extra 6" would be nice, but to date it has not been needed.
I guess if you're loading up your vehicle that much, you may want to think about a roof box.
I have used it twice since since buying the 4Runner in March and it was only for hauling kids to the hockey game for a birthday party. The cargo room has not been an issue- 3 of us went camping in July for a long weekend and my gf and I did a 2500 mile road trip in August and had just enough cargo room (2 extra passengers on the way back). The extra 6" would be nice, but to date it has not been needed.
I guess if you're loading up your vehicle that much, you may want to think about a roof box.
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I specifically didn't want 3rd row seats, had to look long and hard as almost all LE's in SoCal come with them. Finally found one in AZ and had it shipped over. I had the removable 3rd rows in my LX470, they took up space in the garage for 10 years. 3rd row in the 4R is even more useless unless you've got a mess of small kids.
LightRanger
New member
Filled mine last weekend wine tasting (drinking) in the Sierra Foothills with a bunch of friends. Think about your usage.
For us, it was either the cargo array or the third row. Even if we didn't plan on having kids in the future, I just wasn't much of a cargo tray fan.
For us, it was either the cargo array or the third row. Even if we didn't plan on having kids in the future, I just wasn't much of a cargo tray fan.
It's definitely a family hauler if you either take your family into the great outdoors or e.g. tow a boat.
But for the OP, if you don't have kids there's really no good reason to get a 4Runner with the third-row option. "Resale value" is dealer BS.
Youngerarlaw
New member
I went No 3rd row and No cargo tray. No regrets and I don't think my new tv would have fit in the back if I had either one.
PGRunner
New member
^ I agree. I haven't used them at all in the 2 years I have owned my truck. I got them just in case one day my wife got rid of her MDX.
FrontRange4Runner
New member
Lol 4Runner resale value is awesome regardless of how many seats you have.
LandCruiser
New member
I really disagree, I recently went on a cross country drive and loaded up with stuff, the 4Runner was at the bump stops. In its stock form, the suspension isn't really suited to carrying that much stuff--so with 6-7 people in it, you've already exceeded (or come close to exceeding GVWR) and adding 200-300 pounds of tongue weight will even further stress the vehicle.
I've towed with my TE, I've driven it fully loaded up... It's not really suited for extremes of either, and I wouldn't do both at the same time--either with stuff or people.
I think Toyota clearly disagrees that a 4Runner with 6-7 people in it will be overloaded.
Let's check the numbers, say for the base 4x4 SR5. Curb weight = 4,675 lbs, GVWR = 6,300 lbs. The difference is 1,625 lbs.
Given normal-sized people, a reasonable amount of luggage (not much will fit with 7 people inside anyway) and not doing stupid things like driving into big potholes at 80 mph, I don't see why there should be problems.
