kapp_badbloodz
New member
I picked up the 14TEP because it best fit my wants... and most of my needs and allowed me to spend $$ on features after purchase
In short:
- PREMIUM FEATURES (NAV/PWR SEATS/ETC) - I like b/c I keep vehicles for 10+ years... it sucks to have regrets for over a decade
- SOFTEX SEATS & RED STITCHING - I hate cloth and want something that gets wet/dry easy... and looks great
- SUNROOF - a must-have for me... 6-7 months out of the year I've got all windows & sunroof open for 30-60min every day (I'm 6'3" & fit with it closed too)
- KDSS - 50+ miles of commuting each day - perfect option for lots of road driving
- 4X4, locker, Crawl... I expect to do much more off-roading in the coming years as my boys are getting close to their teenage years - camping and other "back-country" interests are increasing and trips are already starting
- HOOD SCOOP - Okay... I'll throw a bone to just looks
I'm not a big one for spending additional money on cars, unless (1) I use something all the time and dislike it or the design, (2) I'm irritated by something, or (3) experience a definitive, repetitive need.
Since I've purchased, I've also needed/added some other items... but I've still spent less than a TRD Pro would have cost me:
- NFAB nerf bars (for wife & kids)
- Gobi Stealth rack & ladder
- Anti-Dark under hood lighting
- ConsoleVault
- Toyota all-weather mat for slide out tray
- PrecisionLED indoor/outdoor lighting
- TRD Pro shifter with red stitching
I'll evaluate tires/wheels once mine wear out and/or my families off-road needs expand beyond what they currently are. But next up is (1) relocating the rear diff breather to under the hood, and (2) changing exhaust pipe from rear to side of SUV (dislike both factory designs and both are an improvement over original design).
One thing I wish I had read about when I bought my 14TEP was some member's abilities to negotiate a credit for factory tires before taking possession. If I would have heard about that beforehand... I would have made that a deal-breaker to closing and had AutoNation Toyota install a different tire of my choice - that I deliver.
Thank you and thanks everyone for posting. I noticed a lot of people favored the TE over the pro but for me I didn't realize that there isn't much difference besides badging and some accessories. I guess I got on the hype bandwagon and almost fell victim to it.
Now its just time to source some trucks. I see a few TEs online but I can't seem to find out if they have KDSS or not. The guy wants to bump up the purchase date on the STI so now its time to find and possibly throw a deposit down to hold one I can't live without.
Hopefully I can get the stealership to add extra goodies when I purchase the vehicle ^______^
