First off I want to say this forum is FANTASTIC... so much good information is just a click away.
I started my search for my T4R a year ago when I came out of a Starbucks and saw a Trail Edition in black - never saw one before and I loved it at first sight. Then I started really looking into the T4R and every time I went to a dealer to check one out - they sold the Trail Editions in days..... So I learned real quick that if you want to get one of these bad boys you have to MOVE on it.
I also debated getting a Limited model as the price difference is minimal and I really like the JBL sound system in the limited. I also liked the heated leather seats and push button start but I didn't have to have those options. Ultimately it came down to the fact that the trail edition met my needs better and I just love the unique nature of the vehicle. It's a purpose built machine and I love that Toyota still builds something that is not a compromised vehicle for the enthusiast. It is obvious that a great deal of engineering and design work went into this vehicle - it has a lot of capability.
My prior vehicle was a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7L V8 Laredo.... it had a nice ride but I grew weary of things constantly breaking. My A/C system broke 3 times in the last year of ownership. I test drove the new Grand Cherokee a couple of times and it is a nice vehicle but it never pushed my buttons the way the TE T4R did and I am not sold on the reliability. I wanted a vehicle I could keep for 200,000 miles if I chose to do so.
My advice to anyone who is debating this or any other vehicle is to determine your mission for the vehicle and then work backwards to see which one meets your needs the best.
A few things I have noticed after owning my TE for a week:
1) KDSS is FANTASTIC... the ride difference between the SR5 and TE is really, really big. I think the KDSS makes the ride really sweet. I think the Limited rides nice as well with XREAS but not as well as the TE. The truck rides very smoothly on the highway and handles turns and backroads extremely well. I think Toyota has taken the body on frame SUV to the limit here in terms of civility and still being extremely rugged. In short KDSS is definitely worth the $1,750 cost. I test drove a TE without KDSS and the difference is very noticeable.
2) Entune is pretty cool. It synched up with my iPhone immediately and started streaming music through the Bluetooth without any drama. I also love the hands free calling feature which works very, very well. Good microphone and it's easy to hear the other person. You have to use the USB connection in the glovebox to connect it to the internet.
3) I will replace the factory speakers - the sound is average.
4) I love the moonroof and back window down combination. Creates a really nice airflow and is an awesome feature.
5) The construction of the vehicle seems excellent. Really a big difference in quality over my previous vehicle.
6) Price paid was $700 over dealer invoice.
7) Mine is a 2012 TE with KDSS and Entune.
And here are the requisite pictures........
I started my search for my T4R a year ago when I came out of a Starbucks and saw a Trail Edition in black - never saw one before and I loved it at first sight. Then I started really looking into the T4R and every time I went to a dealer to check one out - they sold the Trail Editions in days..... So I learned real quick that if you want to get one of these bad boys you have to MOVE on it.
I also debated getting a Limited model as the price difference is minimal and I really like the JBL sound system in the limited. I also liked the heated leather seats and push button start but I didn't have to have those options. Ultimately it came down to the fact that the trail edition met my needs better and I just love the unique nature of the vehicle. It's a purpose built machine and I love that Toyota still builds something that is not a compromised vehicle for the enthusiast. It is obvious that a great deal of engineering and design work went into this vehicle - it has a lot of capability.
My prior vehicle was a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7L V8 Laredo.... it had a nice ride but I grew weary of things constantly breaking. My A/C system broke 3 times in the last year of ownership. I test drove the new Grand Cherokee a couple of times and it is a nice vehicle but it never pushed my buttons the way the TE T4R did and I am not sold on the reliability. I wanted a vehicle I could keep for 200,000 miles if I chose to do so.
My advice to anyone who is debating this or any other vehicle is to determine your mission for the vehicle and then work backwards to see which one meets your needs the best.
A few things I have noticed after owning my TE for a week:
1) KDSS is FANTASTIC... the ride difference between the SR5 and TE is really, really big. I think the KDSS makes the ride really sweet. I think the Limited rides nice as well with XREAS but not as well as the TE. The truck rides very smoothly on the highway and handles turns and backroads extremely well. I think Toyota has taken the body on frame SUV to the limit here in terms of civility and still being extremely rugged. In short KDSS is definitely worth the $1,750 cost. I test drove a TE without KDSS and the difference is very noticeable.
2) Entune is pretty cool. It synched up with my iPhone immediately and started streaming music through the Bluetooth without any drama. I also love the hands free calling feature which works very, very well. Good microphone and it's easy to hear the other person. You have to use the USB connection in the glovebox to connect it to the internet.
3) I will replace the factory speakers - the sound is average.
4) I love the moonroof and back window down combination. Creates a really nice airflow and is an awesome feature.
5) The construction of the vehicle seems excellent. Really a big difference in quality over my previous vehicle.
6) Price paid was $700 over dealer invoice.
7) Mine is a 2012 TE with KDSS and Entune.
And here are the requisite pictures........
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