Advice: trade '04 SE for '05 SR5?

[RapidRunner]

I need some advice.

I have an '04 V8 Sport with 12,000 miles on it. I really like it, but sorta bought it on a whim last year before researching and didn't realize the issues with lifting it. I really wanted a coil-over lift, but had to go with the 2 1/2" Daystar plus some Goodrich AT's. I've also got the TRD exhaust which I really didn't like (wasn't really dual, and the left side hung down below the rear diff and it had an annoying drone between 1800 - 2200 RPM's) -- but I had it customized to a single side outlet just behind the right rear wheel and it got rid of both of those problems. Not much else for customization. Now, I'm scheduled to get a $4000 stereo system installed. That got me to thinking. I'm considering trading for a '05 SR5 V8 before putting in the stereo. Then, I can add a Donahue coil-over lift. I could get a Borla single outlet exhaust or even just get it done custom at an exhaust shop -- e.g. bigger muffler and side outlet for maybe $300 or so. I'd be gaining the vvti motor. I figure the trade-in would cost me around $5K - $6K not including the new lift and exhaust (plus the stereo either way). So what do you all think? Again -- I don't really want XREAS. I do want the newer motor -- is it really a noticeable difference? I don't care about the hood scoop. I'd rather not give up the 13" brakes -- but on the other hand, it does give more options for wheel sizes.

ADVICE please!

MODS -- give me the benefit of the doubt before moving this post -- it's really not about dealer pricing, but about feature sets, etc. THANKS!

 

[GYoter]

If you are set on trading, i would wait a little longer and get the '06. The list of stuff they are upgrading on the 06's is quite a nice list. Has me considering trading the 04 for the 06. Just my .02

 

[RapidRunner]

If you are set on trading, i would wait a little longer and get the '06. The list of stuff they are upgrading on the 06's is quite a nice list. Has me considering trading the 04 for the 06. Just my .02

Really -- I didn't see a whole lot of anything except different headlights and a slight grill change -- what else? But -- I wouldn't be getting as good a deal. Plus, I'm kinda in a hurry -- I want the stereo! LOL.

 

[GYoter]

Yeah, its nothing MAJOR, but a lot of little things that, personally, i think would be nice.

 

[Expat]

Personally I think you will take a hit on the trade-in/up.

From your post it seems you are most focussed/interested in the lift issues. Why not just keep the 04 and dump the XREAS like several others and then do what you want with the lift?

As for the engine, do you feel the few extra HP/torque will make any discernable difference - eg for towing/climbing the offroad trail you presently can't with your 04?

If I were you, and making a sensible decision financially, I'd either wait for the 06 or keep the 04 and go ahead with the mods you want from the 05 SR5.

 

[bulldog-yota]

Personally I think you will take a hit on the trade-in/up.

From your post it seems you are most focussed/interested in the lift issues. Why not just keep the 04 and dump the XREAS like several others and then do what you want with the lift?

As for the engine, do you feel the few extra HP/torque will make any discernable difference - eg for towing/climbing the offroad trail you presently can't with your 04?

If I were you, and making a sensible decision financially, I'd either wait for the 06 or keep the 04 and go ahead with the mods you want from the 05 SR5.

Agreed.

First find out how much money the trade will cost you before making any decision. Besides I believe the 06s are going to be out soon. Also the SE has a lot fo features the SR5 doesn't have.

I looked at trading up my 03, but honestly I can't justify it finacially. LOts of $$$$$ for more power.

Dont let yourself get caught in the constant upgrade trap. There will always be a better mousetrap. SO you will have to keep trading up and loose your shirt.

 

[Bluto]

Removing the XREAS is not a big deal.

Has the V8 met you needs, or do you want more power?



What do you plan to do with the truck?

 

[RapidRunner]

Removing the XREAS is not a big deal.

Has the V8 met you needs, or do you want more power?



What do you plan to do with the truck?

The V8 has met my needs, but I do want more power. I don't really need it, but I don't like knowing there are others out there with more power. It just makes me feel week and small... ;-) So tell me -- is the vvti _noticeably_ different?

I guess largely what I'm thinking is that if I'm putting in $4K in the stereo I might as well maximize it's useful life by starting with a new car.

Also, I'd like to start without XREAS -- but you're right I could dump it.

Finally, even if it did cost me $6K (and according to KBB.com, Edmunds.com, et al., it ought to be 5-6K) then the '04 has cost me about $500/month to own for the last year +.

On the other hand -- I like the '04. I could spend the $6K better elsewhere; and I do have a tendency to get caught up in the newer-bigger-better-faster stuff (e.g. My wife's about had it with my digital camera collection!).

Thanks y'all!

 

[rdist]

(e.g. My wife's about had it with my digital camera collection!).

LOL my wife feels the same way about my digital cameras.


I would wait for the 06 if you wanted the vvti engine. Otherwise just dump the XRES.

 

[boston_kevin]

Just dump the XREAS... You are looking at a hit of 2 years depreciation, so to upgrade would probably cost you at least 6-8 grand (they will pay you trade in value), plus another 4 grand in stereo, you are already out 10 grand to dump the XREAS, and get a new stereo. Besides, once you dump the XREAS, you have to buy the suspension upgrades (another 2 grand), and you are out almost 12 grand now for a new car that needs new tires to match the suspension lift (another grand)... Wow 13 grand to get a vehicle 2 years newer with the suspension lift and stereo you want? Just think of what that 13 grand could do with your existing 04...

Lift, sliders, wheels/tires, stereo?nav with DVD and monitors, and that's only about 6 grand there... 7 more for digital cameras...

Oh yea, and you're out the telesoping steering wheel, the leather shift knob, and the fancy hood scoop. ( Brakes are still the same with the 17" wheels).

I'd suggest you stay with your '04 unless you really have to have the VVTI upgrade

 

[RapidRunner]

Today's the day...

Oh yea, and you're out the telesoping steering wheel, the leather shift knob, and the fancy hood scoop. ( Brakes are still the same with the 17" wheels).

I didn't realize I'd be giving up the telescoping wheel. I guess I need to drive an '05 SR5 and decide if I need the telescoping wheel and decide if I can really tell a difference with the VVTI.

I need to decide today -- stereo install is tomorrow and it's either going in the '04 or the '05.

Thanks everybody for all the great advice!

 

[Bluto]

Oh yea, and you're out the telesoping steering wheel, the leather shift knob, and the fancy hood scoop. ( Brakes are still the same with the 17" wheels).

As well as heated side view mirrors.

 

[Fro-Runner]

I'd check the '06 SR5 model for the heated mirrors. I believe Toyota has received enough complaints from the SR5 4x4 owners to justify perhaps adding them to the SR5 4x4. Also, I believe the telescoping steering should be standard on all 4 Runners due to the flat floor/low seat design. If I was you......as I am going to do; I'd just tough out the vehicle you have until the new design change comes about for the '08 year. That is only a "2" year wait for this very date.

I am almost sure there will be some kind of of hybrid/gasoline motor upgrade with the ability to keep the motor in gasoline mode for extra torque during towing. You will lose a lot on the trade up aspect right now in my opinion. The above is just my take on your situation.

 

[AlexJet]

I picked up my '05 Limited May 31, and after 2 month figured out what is going to be new in '06. At my dealership, at the time of purchase, I was told that nothing going to come for 2006, so I've agreed to take 2005 model. Now I'm also at some kind of dilemma. I want some gadgets from '06, but I've already put some money in my '05 plus cost of trade-in.
Looks like may be better wait till all new model come up in 2008 or 2009...?...?...

 

[Expat]

Re: Today's the day...

I need to decide today -- stereo install is tomorrow and it's either going in the '04 or the '05.

So what did you decide on? (We need to know - side betting on your decision!)

 

[RapidRunner]

Re: Re: Today's the day...

So what did you decide on? (We need to know - side betting on your decision!)

Geez -- cut me in for 1/2, and I'll give you the inside scoop!

Well, I've never been the financial genius that all the advisors on T4R seem to be. So....

I actually put a very detailed list together of everything I'd be gaining and losing by trading, and I put a monetary value on each item. I added it up and compared it to what it would cost to make the trade. They were within $400 dollars of each other -- so I bought it.

It's getting the stereo right now. Additional planned mods are exhaust (maybe Magnaflow), lift (probably Donahoe up front, unsure about rear), the biggest tires I can fit on that lift (hopefully about 33" and probably Goodrich AT's), tinted front side windows to match the rest of the windows, debadged, sliders (not sure which, but hopefully a bolt-on if any are strong enough) -- and that's probably about it.

Thanks for all the advice everybody!

P.S. The sales manager must have been happy after the sale,
'cuz he then gave me a decent deal to trade in the wife's '02 Sequoia on a '05 (which is on it's way now from another dealer).

 

[Kanab]

No matter what they show you on paper they will only give you $22-23K for trade-in value on your 2004. I don't know what you paid for your 2004 but I bet when you look at the difference in what you have in your rig, your looking at it costing you close to $10K+. Ouch