About to buy my 1st 4Runner - Have questions?

[badspell68]

I just about to purchase my first 4Runnerr, a 2011 Limited with 12k miles. I have been wanting one for some time, but now with the death of my AWD Explorer I have the excuse to make the move.

One think I'm looking to have is AWD(all wheel drive). The limited looks as if it is an AWD, even though it is advertised as a 4x4? The 4Runner-Limited shifter has only 4x4 settings and no 2L or 2H settings...does this indicate that it is always running in some version of 4WD and that I have what I'm looking for, an AWD vehicle?

Also, towing capacity is something I'm not clear on with the 4Runner. I'm looking to tow an RV that's about 3k to 3.5k. Can this V6 4Runner-Limited tow 3.5k with confidence, or will it lag and struggle. I ask this because even though my AWD V8 explorer is rated at 6k it did struggle with 3.5k, especially uphill?

Finally is $33,881 with a final price, including document-fees and tax, of $36,500 a good price?

Thanks all!

 

[fourwd1]

Welcome to T4R !!

I'm moving your post to the 5th gen section so you'll get an answer quicker.

As for towing with a V6, 3500 lbs is pretty much the limit, especially when hills are involved.
Not saying you couldn't do more, but not regularly.
And you would want to add an aftermarket trans cooler.

 

[MattToyoFreak28]

4ruunnner domintates exploder haha

 

[BobsTrail]

The Limited is 4 wheel drive with both part time and full time by selecting the center diff to lock or not. I think it`s great for snow country. For trail use being able to lock the center diff may help.

Do a search for towing, there are a lot of posts with good results towing up to 5K.

 

[Jeremy556]

The 5th gen limited is AWD, as in power to all wheels, all of the time, no 2WD mode. It does have a transfer case, so it has 4HI and 4LO.

3500lb shouldn't be a problem. I've pulled >5K cross country, and through the rockies.

 

[sn_85]

Here's a good explanation of 4WD vs AWD as posted by one of the members here
Four-Wheel Drive vs All-Wheel-Drive: Everything You Need to Know

Without knowing all the options on that 2011 LE it's hard to tell if it's a good price or not. From the surface of it though, $36.5K seems overpriced for a 2011 even though it only has 12k miles on it. I probably wouldn't pay more than 32k OTD for it. It's a 2011, I would low ball them more and fight for a better price. You can get a brand new 2014 SR5 Premium for only a little more and the premium package has a lot of nice luxury/convenience features on it as well.

 

[badspell68]

Yea, I thought it was too pricy but they will not move on price. Every other 4Runner in my area that a wait, try and haggle gets bought up in a day or two while I'm trying haggling.


I'm interested in the Limited over the SR5 for the full time 4 wheel drive...at least I think it is full time 4 wheel drive?

 

[badspell68]

The 5th gen limited is AWD, as in power to all wheels, all of the time, no 2WD mode. It does have a transfer case, so it has 4HI and 4LO.

3500lb shouldn't be a problem. I've pulled >5K cross country, and through the rockies.

What was the experience of pulling that weight like? Very slow speeds uphills and on flats? Did it feel WAY underpowered?

 

[Greathand]

The 5th gen limited is AWD, as in power to all wheels, all of the time, no 2WD mode. It does have a transfer case, so it has 4HI and 4LO.

3500lb shouldn't be a problem. I've pulled >5K cross country, and through the rockies.

Can you else tell about 4r Limited`s 4LO regime - is possible activate it without 4HI (difflock) like in 4-gen 4r? Necessary to towing massive cargo (vessel) in circulating moving on dry pavement uphill.

 

[Jeremy556]

What was the experience of pulling that weight like? Very slow speeds uphills and on flats? Did it feel WAY underpowered?

It wasn't particularly enjoyable, but that probably had as much to do with driving 24 hours straight. Maintained 65mph in 4th gear most of the time. On the steepest passes, minimum speed was 55ish and still passing trucks, although it was in 2nd gear at like 4500rpm. Without a trailer, I use 3rd gear on these same passes and do 60-65.

Airbags, brakes and controller are absolute requirements. LT tires probably helped as well.

 

[badspell68]

Great info, Thanks!

 

[Jeremy556]

Can you else tell about 4r Limited`s 4LO regime - is possible activate it without 4HI (difflock) like in 4-gen 4r? Necessary to towing massive cargo (vessel) in circulating moving on dry pavement uphill.

I don't have a limited, so I'm not sure, but I would guess selecting 4LO automatically locks the center diff.

Sounds like you need a tractor.

 

[badspell68]

Question on shocks with this 4Runner...

The dealer did not know what this is(not a Toyota dealer). The rear shocks have what looks like an air cable coming of of them? Anyone know what this is, air shocks that self adjust?

 

[Americas High Five]

Here's a good explanation of 4WD vs AWD as posted by one of the members here
Four-Wheel Drive vs All-Wheel-Drive: Everything You Need to Know

Without knowing all the options on that 2011 LE it's hard to tell if it's a good price or not. From the surface of it though, $36.5K seems overpriced for a 2011 even though it only has 12k miles on it. I probably wouldn't pay more than 32k OTD for it. It's a 2011, I would low ball them more and fight for a better price. You can get a brand new 2014 SR5 Premium for only a little more and the premium package has a lot of nice luxury/convenience features on it as well.

I paid $30,500 OTD for my 2010 Limited (Certified Pre Owned) with 35K miles on it about a year ago. Price seems a little steep to me.

 

[JohnJerk]

If clean car fax, nav, 3rd row, and cpo, then that price is ok. These things really hold their value which pushes many to buy new. Towing anything over 2k lbs is not a ton of fun, but the truck can certainly do it.

 

[Whiplash Willy]

Question on shocks with this 4Runner...

The dealer did not know what this is(not a Toyota dealer). The rear shocks have what looks like an air cable coming of of them? Anyone know what this is, air shocks that self adjust?

If you are talking about the shocks, then it sounds like the Xreas suspension. The front should have that as well.

To be fair, most toyota dealerships don't know what that is either

A side thought, why not look for a low mileage Lexus GX470? (2003-2009, not the 2010+ GX460) You can get a nice low mileage one for about the price of that limited, and you will have some nice V8 torque for towing (Same 4.7L V8 as The Tundra). Plus it has rear auto-leveling air suspension for towing. It has the same full time 4wd with lockable center diff as the Limited. Also rated at 6,500 lbs for towing.

Plus, it is one of the only vehicles that simultaneously has Built in Navigation, and a Cassette Deck!