An Introduction! A new member and a new Trail Edition!

[TrailEd328]

So, I turned 22 on May 1st. I'm actually waiting for my BMW 328i x-drive from a special order. My dad (who has been sick with cancer for the past two and half years/basically everything fell on my shoulders(the cancer is all gone now!)...and is feeling really thankful for all of the things i've done) surprised me with trading in our Jeep Wrangler which no one used for this guy. It's a 2011 4runner trail edition. He was originally going to get a Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 5.7 but i freaked out haha. I told him that the GC is way too similar to his ML500 and if we are trading in the Jeep we minus well get something similar, not to mention it was 10 grand less and 4runners hold resale awesome! He then told me to make sure because it was going to be my car! What I love about this 4runner trail is that it has an awesome 4wd system, water resistant seats, a nice suspension, big sunroof/rear trunk door window goes down- my dog loves it. Long story short, I feel like a complete brat who is spoiled rotten but I don't drink, do drugs, spend thousands of dollars on bottles at clubs...and I really do feel like i'm a 50 year old guy, haha. After the past couple of years, not knowing what was going to happen, to having my dad embrace my car craziness and being in good health... it really is a good time in both our lives. I hated the 4runner limited with all of the plasticky chrome sh*t, but the trail looks a bit more rugged and has a great ride height. I love the retro looks of this new 4runner. When I grew up, my mom had an fj40 and we almost bought an fj55, so this car is pretty cool to me. Anyways, just wanted to share with you guys. Can't wait for my new 328 to come (i still have my 2008, but cant drive it since I have a guarenteed trade at the dealer)- but the new 4runner is helping ease off the anxiousness:lol: I'm actually shocked how many people have complimented this car, too! It seems to draw a lot of reactions and attention.

BTW; I am coming out of a BMW and have been using our Mercedes ML500 for the past week before this car, but are the brakes supposed to be so squishy? I feel like every time I apply the brakes the car dives forward and the pedal feels like I am stepping on a bag of marshmallows. If this is normal, are there any upgrades? I love the car otherwise, it's a tank! I just don't like how hollow the doors sound... but then again, i'm used to the germans lol.

 

[-JD-]

Haha. Weirdly it was just my birthday on May 1st too. I also just got a 2011 trail edition yesterday.

Congrats!

 

[sandcrawler]

ha! i knew you were in Boston from this pic alone. enjoy the new Trail. glad your dad is healthy. :cheers:

 

[BradleyB]

Part-Time 4Wd

TrailEd, greetings, I'm enjoying your enthusiasm, and I'm hoping that you're taking the time to RTFM.

You may be a veteran of this issue, but just as a heads-up, you are aware of the distinction between part-time and full-time 4WD? Your Trail, like all Trails, does not have a center differential. When you engage 4WD, the front and rear axles are mechanically locked together. Bad idea on hard surfaces, as the narrow caution strip on the driver's visor warns. Our 4WD is intended for loose or slippery surfaces only. Also, the manual recommends at least ten miles a month using 4WD to keep the stuff up front lubricated. You'll find more than a coupla threads here discussing these issues.

Enjoy,
Brad

 

[Canadian144]

Welcome to the forum! Nice looking TE you have there!

I'll be attending university next year in Boston, so I'll have to keep my eye out for ya. Not taking a car until second year though (the STI in my signature). Maybe you'll see me/my family down there around the end of August for move-in, not sure if we'll be taking the 4Runner or the Taco though.

 

[TrailEd328]

TrailEd, greetings, I'm enjoying your enthusiasm, and I'm hoping that you're taking the time to RTFM.

You may be a veteran of this issue, but just as a heads-up, you are aware of the distinction between part-time and full-time 4WD? Your Trail, like all Trails, does not have a center differential. When you engage 4WD, the front and rear axles are mechanically locked together. Bad idea on hard surfaces, as the narrow caution strip on the driver's visor warns. Our 4WD is intended for loose or slippery surfaces only. Also, the manual recommends at least ten miles a month using 4WD to keep the stuff up front lubricated. You'll find more than a coupla threads here discussing these issues.

Enjoy,
Brad

Hi, Thanks for this info- I still have to read through my owners manuals. I will be using the car a lot for the beach this summer/driving on sand paths so 4wd will most definitely be necessary. Also, doesnt the services include check the lubrication of the parts and make sure they are in functioning order?

 

[TrailEd328]

Welcome to the forum! Nice looking TE you have there!

I'll be attending university next year in Boston, so I'll have to keep my eye out for ya. Not taking a car until second year though (the STI in my signature). Maybe you'll see me/my family down there around the end of August for move-in, not sure if we'll be taking the 4Runner or the Taco though.

Nice! What school are you going to? Boston is very fun, everyone loves it!

 

[Canadian144]

Nice! What school are you going to? Boston is very fun, everyone loves it!

I'll be going to Northeastern, which is near Fenway/back way. I've been to Boston twice, and visited the school once. The have a good business program, and you get to do up to three 6 month long paid co-ops, which is pretty awesome!

 

[pinoy227]

I just moved from Boston to NJ. I got my Black TE from Herb Chambers Toyota. I go up there to visit often. Its good to know there is another TE up there.

hey Canadian, I'm a NU Alum. I graduated in 2001. I had the best time of my life up there during those years. I actually just sold my condo up there. It was right on campus with parking. Enjoy!!

 

[4RunningDetroit]

I will be using the car a lot for the beach this summer/driving on sand paths so 4wd will most definitely be necessary.

I wish I would have had my 4Runner when I lived out in Boston. Spent many summer days out in Cape Cod, Duxbury and Nantucket. I would have loved cruising the beach in the truck I have now...hard to do in a sedan. Enjoy your time with your new Trail and especially the time you spend with your Pops!

 

[Canadian144]

hey Canadian, I'm a NU Alum. I graduated in 2001. I had the best time of my life up there during those years. I actually just sold my condo up there. It was right on campus with parking. Enjoy!!

That's great! It should be a lot of fun, I'm pretty excited. I have a few other friends going to Boston too. Sounds like one of the best college towns, always something going on, and so lively! I got waitlisted at my top school (UMich), but I think if I got in it would have been a hard choice between UMich and Northeastern. Mostly due to the co-op and the fact that I'm already in the business program, whereas UMich you apply to it first year, and it is very competitive to get in.

 

[PracticalFJ]

Coastal Maine? I've had my TE for approx 10 months and 20k. She runs back and forth from Boston/Newton to Rockland Maine, with an every other weekday trip down to Metro NY/NJ for business.

I'm out and about, if you see me give me a shout! Enjoy your new ride.

 

[gwcpa]

Congrats man! Have to love a TE in black. that thing is sweet.

Glad your Dad is doing well. I lost mine to cancer at about the same age. Enjoy every day you have with him.

 

[Ramzey28]

Brakes are normal, I kinda hate them to but you get used to it.....no upgrade that I know of. Dive is normal too, new tires will help at types and better shocks but you will start to drive differently and not notice it as much. enjoy

 

[westwind77]

Where on the Cape?

 

[TrailEd328]

Thanks everyone for the congrats and well wishes! I am truly loving this truck more and more. I just brought all of my crap down to the Cape from Beacon Hill and it surprisingly fit EVERYTHING! other than a painting, which was 4,500.00 and I did not want it sandwiched between boxes and the headliner I really enjoy how this car rides on the highway. My current 2008 328xi (which is being garaged until my '11 is delivered) is smooth as silk, but once you hit an expansion joint, rougher grooved road, or a indentation- you really feel that road imperfection like no other.... granted that's also why I love the car; you feel the road.

Canadian; Congrats on getting into Northeastern! Great school- I have a couple of friends there; they love it.

As far as me being on the Cape, I will mostly be in Chatham for the most part this summer! I am already planning on washing my car tomorrow! Too much pollen!

 

[desertred]

Congrats on both the TE and the 328. But, more importantly, congratulations to both you and your father in the care and recovery from his cancer! That is a heavy load and responsibility for someone who (I'm assuming) is basically just starting out in this world. I commend you in meeting that challenge.

My parents retired to the Cape, so I do get up there to visit occasionally. I always get a kick when someone mentions the "hollow" doors of the 5th gen. With my other two vehicles being a 88 XJ and a Miata, the doors of my SR5 seem like a Rolls Royce!

 

[westwind77]

As far as me being on the Cape, I will mostly be in Chatham for the most part this summer!!

Well then, I am sure we will be passing each other a lot!:thumb3: