3rd row seats or not?

[JayceeP]

One thing to consider is having the 3rd row does add weight to the vehicle and would impact fuel economy a tiny bit.

 

[mfregeau20]

I have it, but I have kids. Used it a few times already when my son had a friend over or when i took some friends out for Dinner and had to grab my kids on the way home.

Not a fan of the cargo tray but if I didn't have kids i wouldn't have worried about it either.

 

[Snow-Jet-MK5]

i've used my 3rd row seats a handful of times. i think of them like all my firearms "its better to have it and not use it, than to need it and not have it"

 

[diverscale]

I've got the third row seats.

I didn't think I would be using them at all, but I've got into some situations where they were needed. Only adults sat in the last row, and I've never encountered any problem. Glad to have them. And to LandCruiser, the suspension was far from bottoming out on my limited with 7 ppl in it!

 

[STX4Runner]

I agree with some of the other posts calling out dealer BS regarding resale value. The third row will not matter at all when you sell, 4Runners have great resale value anyway. I have sat in the third row of my dad's SR5 and it sucks (I'm 6'1"). Those third rows are for preteens and under only. If you consistently need more room you need a Sequoia, Land Cruiser, Tahoe, etc. A 4Runner is not meant to comfortably carry that many people. I think Toyota only adds the third row so they can advertise seating for up to 7.

 

[cbreze]

I kind of wish I didn't have my third row seats. I'll never use them and they do add weight and take up some space. When I bought my '12 SR5 it was the last one available so I just took it third row and all. Has anyone taken them out and I'm wondering if its worthwhile to do so.

 

[wsmc831]

You might be able to advertise a swap with someone that is looking for third row, I've seen that before.

 

[Whiplash Willy]

The 3rd row not only takes up cargo space, but when folded down, it gives you cargo area a slightly declined slope to the rear, which has a tendency to cause things in the trunk to fall out when you open the hatch.

 

[cbreze]

Nice to see Oregon folks on here. Whiplash and wsmc, you in Bend wsmc?

 

[PhoRunner]

I have 3rd row seating and thought I'd never use them. There were several times where I did pack the 4runner going to some sporting events or other outings. Kinda cool packing 7 full sized adults in the 4runner LOL

 

[fishstick21]

I had the third row, took em out and put in a cargo box/sleeping platform. I found the third row to be too small for an adults.

 

[JFS]

I've got third row and use it frequently. It was a selling point for me--allowing me to get the mid-size SUV I wanted (4runner duh) that could haul my kids and gear, or some of their friends or cousins, on occasion. Plus I don't really get the advantage of the sliding tray and haven't heard too many raves about it.
The raised floor is a drawback--stuff rolls out all the time when I open the liftgate, which is irritating. And the 3d row is not for adults much over 5' tall for trips over 15 minutes.
They're not perfect but I wanted them; I've got them; and I use them.

 

[Jesserue]

I don't have the 3rd row or the sliding tray, think they are both options. Just a flat back with Husky liner. Works perfect for me.

 

[JayceeP]

I kind of wish I didn't have my third row seats. I'll never use them and they do add weight and take up some space. When I bought my '12 SR5 it was the last one available so I just took it third row and all. Has anyone taken them out and I'm wondering if its worthwhile to do so.

Here's a brief write-up with pics: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...-row-seats-limited-flooring-ideas-anyone.html

Some other discussions:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/93286-removing-3rd-row-seats.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/65873-3rd-row-seat-removal.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/69002-3rd-row-removal-down-line.html

 

[cbreze]

Here's a brief write-up with pics: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...-row-seats-limited-flooring-ideas-anyone.html

Some other discussions:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/93286-removing-3rd-row-seats.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/65873-3rd-row-seat-removal.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/69002-3rd-row-removal-down-line.html

Yeah thanks, I saw this earlier. I believe after seeing how it looks with them out id be leaving them as is for the time being anyway. Don't think I want to deal with the hole left behind. Starting to look pretty good as is, nice and flat.

 

[Bootleg]

i've used my 3rd row seats a handful of times. i think of them like all my firearms "its better to have it and not use it, than to need it and not have it"

I absolutely agree. I didn't want the 3rd row but I found an awesome deal on my SR5 and it had them so I went ahead and pulled the trigger. Having them has now become a security blanket for the family. Just a few weeks ago when visiting family and wanted to only take one vehicle from place to place. 3 men (two tall, one average), 3 women, and a 5 year old in a booster all fit with everyone comfortable. I was shocked to be honest. I'm very glad to have the 3rd row now. Even with the reduced space I can fit cornhole boards, 2 tables, a canopy, 3 chairs, stroller, grill, 50lb. propane tank, tote full of dry goods, and a LARGE cooler in the back with the 2nd row seats in the normal position. :thumb:

 

[grey_ghost]

Yeah i think for a lot of us; it wasn't a matter of saving money. for example you want an SR5 of a certain color, you look all over the lot and often have to choose either 3rd row seats or slider tray. the 4WD and color i wanted had the 3rd row seat so i bought it. i don't think I'll ever use it but wasn't interested in the tray and when negotiating price I don't think the 3rd row seat had much impact after getting a good deal.

I do think it will adversely hurt your resale if you've got a big hole in the back where some seats used to be... but I guess no prob if you keep them and can re-install, but then you have to store them somewhere...

by the way; I got the T4R rubber/plastic cargo mat for the back. it lays pretty flat and havent had an issue with stuff rolling out...

 

[Tengu]

have them in a GX 470. Used them twice since 04 and those two times were not comfortable for those involved.

I the 4runner I'd opt for nothing more space for cooler, tent, chairs, etc.

 

[cbreze]

If I was a lot handier id take em out and customize that area, maybe a nice stash box for road hazard items etc. underneath a nice flat top. Since I'm not that handy I'll be leaving it as is, as I'd probably make it worse. Now if I could find a handy person or shop in my town that I could trust to do a nice job of it I'd remove em and customize that area in a heartbeat.

 

[Mike-1972]

Has anyone taken the sliding tray out of a '13 TE and installed third row seats? If I could have had this option factory I would have had the perfect mid-size SUV (for me of course).