Buy 2014 TEP vs. LE or wait for 2015?

[TimmyC]

Good luck

Good luck with your decision. Ironically I have 2 kids (age 4 & 7) and my wife too, drives an Odyssey. Love that thing.

I just pulled the trigger on an 2014 SR5 4runner in December. I didn't really consider the trail or limited due to the price. Realistically, I won't be doing any off roading. I like my 4runner, I don't LOVE IT (yet). Came off a loaded Acura TL AWD, so it's a big adjustment. I bought it more for additional room for the family and more "functional" use than the fancy car. The only things I dislike are the cloth interior, which I'm planning to upgrade to leather for $1,400 with a kit. The "nose dive" that occurs when braking is kind of annoying too. That being said, this is our 3rd 4runner, so I have a soft spot for them.

Like someone else said, I would consider the new Forrester XT. My brother in law has one and it's certifiably bad ass.

 

[JotaDe]

Thanks again for the replies everyone (lol TimmyC, like an alternate universe)!

I was initially planning on an MDX or Q7, but now I'm 99% set on a 4Runner, I want BOF, semi-rugged looks (I was considering a JKU Rubi before I noticed no air bags in the back), and to not be concerned with actually taking it off the pavement.
Understood there are other functional and financial options for me, but at this point (39 y/o) I want what I want :driving:
Besides, the odyssey is like a mobile mansion so fortunately I'm not concerned with forcing the wife to abide by my outdoor fantasies.

I'm leaning towards a TEP with bells and whistles, I'm thinking Magnetic Grey or Black and I figure I'll have to order it. Wish I wasn't forced to get the sliding cargo rack though. :barf:
Am no longer waiting for a 2015, if a newer model seems appealing you can always trade up (though I tend to keep a vehicle till it hits a min of 100k).

 

[jmarthsr]

My 2014 TEP doesn't have the sliding cargo tray. You should be able to get it without.

 

[NoDak]

Thanks again for the replies everyone (lol TimmyC, like an alternate universe)!

I was initially planning on an MDX or Q7, but now I'm 99% set on a 4Runner, I want BOF, semi-rugged looks (I was considering a JKU Rubi before I noticed no air bags in the back), and to not be concerned with actually taking it off the pavement.
Understood there are other functional and financial options for me, but at this point (39 y/o) I want what I want :driving:
Besides, the odyssey is like a mobile mansion so fortunately I'm not concerned with forcing the wife to abide by my outdoor fantasies.

I'm leaning towards a TEP with bells and whistles, I'm thinking Magnetic Grey or Black and I figure I'll have to order it. Wish I wasn't forced to get the sliding cargo rack though. :barf:
Am no longer waiting for a 2015, if a newer model seems appealing you can always trade up (though I tend to keep a vehicle till it hits a min of 100k).

just a reminder, that w/o the sliding tray there will be a slight hump when the 2nd row seats are down. the 2nd row seat backs are not flush/even with the rear storage area when there is no sliding tray.

you might want to go see one with and w/o a sliding tray to get an idea of the difference.

 

[JotaDe]

Then the toyota site is confusing to me, when building a TEP the only package included contains the sliding cargo tray. And that's right, I remember reading that there is unevenness if you remove it. I'm not going to get what I want here so I'll end up with it, hopefully it is more useful than I imagine.

I typically don't get extras with the exception of a cargo cover, all weather mats, and roof rails.
Are your experiences with extras like door edge guards, hood protectors, and paint protection film worth it from OEM?

 

[NoDak]

Then the toyota site is confusing to me, when building a TEP the only package included contains the sliding cargo tray. And that's right, I remember reading that there is unevenness if you remove it. I'm not going to get what I want here so I'll end up with it, hopefully it is more useful than I imagine.

I typically don't get extras with the exception of a cargo cover, all weather mats, and roof rails.
Are your experiences with extras like door edge guards, hood protectors, and paint protection film worth it from OEM?

well being in CA, the oem all weather mats might work, but if you do any off pavement driving I would forgo them and get 3rd party liners, either from weathertech, husky.

door edge guards, meh

hood protectors, meh (just don't get the oem, get 3rd party that clip from under the hood, the oem clip directly to the leading edge)

the 3P option is ok but 3rd party you could get better front coverage than the OEM, but if you get the paint protection, kinda pointless to get the hood protector. I went with OEM since there is no decent business that installs full wraps around here.

roof rails, I never put anything up there so meh, better to get 3rd party roof rack system if you want to carry stuff up there, but its a trade off since you raise the center of gravity driving with a load up there.

 

[JotaDe]

Been going to a few dealerships in the area. And am getting more comfortable in what I really want.

1. Still focused on a trail edition premium (but following "14" TE guys weird noise" for updates).

2. Stuck between mag gray and black (still researching).
If I knew one was easier to keep clean or hid blemishes better that may sway me.

3. Looked at both w/sliding cargo tray and w/o sliding cargo tray (also put down 2nd row seats). I plan to go without.

4. Number 3 means i'll be without running boards. Am looking for a 3rd party option and will find a local shop to install them.

5. TEP are eluding me and I haven't been able to test drive one.
Is it agreed that test driving a TE w/KDSS should be a similar driving experience regarding engine and mechanical parts?

If so the wife and I will test drive that and I'll put in an order.

Thanks again for the feedback.

 

[philsey]

Been going to a few dealerships in the area. And am getting more comfortable in what I really want.

2. Stuck between mag gray and black (still researching).
If I knew one was easier to keep clean or hid blemishes better that may sway me.

5. TEP are eluding me and I haven't been able to test drive one.
Is it agreed that test driving a TE w/KDSS should be a similar driving experience regarding engine and mechanical parts?

.

2. I take it you've never owned a black vehicle, or you wouldn't need to ask. I've owned two - never again. Black looks great when clean and shiney, but keeping it that way is LOTS of work. And most any automatic wash will put noticeable swirls in it. Of the two, MG will be easier, and in fact is already my choice should I buy another. Conversely, my BP is the easiest color to care for I've ever owned - and I've owned lots of cars.


5. TE/P is fairly rare. The driving experience with either, with KDSS, should be identical.

 

[Seatown]

Here's a tip on buying your TEP...use the internet!! Go to every Toyota dealer's web page within 200 miles and search their inventory. Usually one of them will have a killer deal going on one particular 4Runner. Then go to your local dealer and tell them match the deal and they will. They would rather sell you a vehicle for less margin then not one at all. If they give you any grief, say "okay, looks like XXX dealership is selling a car today." Thing is...your local dealer doesn't even have to have that vehicle in stock; they'll have it delivered to you the next day.

I just did this last week and now own a '14 TE. Actually the car that I pulled up on the net for the match price was silver and I said I wanted this deal for a white one. They said "okay" without hesitation. They located a white TE and delivered it to their dealership the very next day. I better not get a "cool story bro" comment for this either.

As for the noise...ah man, that aint sh*t. It's not a problem at all...all of us who heard it was because we had our music off one time and now we look for it every left turn.

Buy yourself that '14 TEP and let the modding begin!!

 

[roktoy]

Here's a tip on buying your TEP...use the internet!! Go to every Toyota dealer's web page within 200 miles and search their inventory. Usually one of them will have a killer deal going on one particular 4Runner. Then go to your local dealer and tell them match the deal and they will. They would rather sell you a vehicle for less margin then not one at all. If they give you any grief, say "okay, looks like XXX dealership is selling a car today." Thing is...your local dealer doesn't even have to have that vehicle in stock; they'll have it delivered to you the next day.

I just did this last week and now own a '14 TE. Actually the car that I pulled up on the net for the match price was silver and I said I wanted this deal for a white one. They said "okay" without hesitation. They located a white TE and delivered it to their dealership the very next day. I better not get a "cool story bro" comment for this either.

As for the noise...ah man, that aint sh*t. It's not a problem at all...all of us who heard it was because we had our music off one time and now we look for it every left turn.

Buy yourself that '14 TEP and let the modding begin!!

If you don't mind me asking, how much below dealer invoice did you get it for? Want to see how good of a deal you got by doing this.

 

[Seatown]

If you don't mind me asking, how much below dealer invoice did you get it for? Want to see how good of a deal you got by doing this.

I had circumstances outside normal car buying being that I was trading in a 2012 TE that I just bought and had been in an accident with. Because of this I could not haggle beyond the sale price, which I'm sure others may be able to accomplish. I paid $35.8k for my Trail with KDSS, Nav, all weather mats, and roof rack cross bars. This was exactly $3000 below invoice.

 

[cbielat]

These questions come up every year lol. Do either or. I wouldn't think there would be many differences between the two years if any.

 

[JotaDe]

Go to every Toyota dealer's web page within 200 miles and search their inventory.

No matching model within 250 miles of my location. Unless I'm willing to bend on the color and sliding cargo tray (which I'm not).

As for the noise...ah man, that aint sh*t. It's not a problem at all...all of us who heard it was because we had our music off one time and now we look for it every left turn.

I hope it isn't, but loud music is no excuse for ignoring a thunk on a brand new vehicle (even though I'm known to crank the AIC).

Buy yourself that '14 TEP and let the modding begin!!

Workin on it!

These questions come up every year lol. Do either or. I wouldn't think there would be many differences between the two years if any.

This is why I joined here and started reading and asking questions. The differences are not always published or obvious on the dealers website.

And thanks for the confirmations philsey. Never owned a black vehicle, but they do look sharp when clean. It's more likely I'll only have TE's to test drive and will have to settle with observing the softex in non-4runners on the lot before putting in my order (unless the unicorn happens to land somewhere in south bay).


Getting closer! :guitar3:

 

[shufly09]

Has anyone heard any updates regarding the 2015 4Runner (non TRD version)? I'm deployed at the moment and won't return until the end of October, so I'm leaning towards a 2015 model. The two dealers I've spoken to think they should be shipping out at the end of August or September, but I've haven't heard anything that's confirmed yet. I figured there has to be someone on this forum that may have some insider information!!

 

[Cheers!]

Looks like no changes. I'm also on the hunt for a 4Runner. I couldn't convince my wife to go with a 2015 TRD Pro in white. I actually have a dealer holding one for me.

I'm going to custom order my 4runner limited. My wife wants park assist, and the leather seats.

Here in North California, all the pearl white models come with automatic running boards, and such. For which I have no interest in.

The dealer I'm working with says the 2015 is expected to be $200 more across the board than the 2014. The issue I have is they can not confirm if any of the incentive like the $1000 dollar off 30th anniversary discount code will carry over. Also here in Northern California they have 0% 36 mo finance which I'm very interest in, and they are not sure if that will carry over to 2015 models.

I don't care for the 3rd row seating, and do not care for the automatic running boards.

So I will be special ordering I hope a 2015 Limited with sliding deck, no automatic running boards. Port Options: Mud Flaps, all weather mats and cargo tray, cargo cover.

Then I'm getting them to give me wholesale cost on the TRD wheels + 4 toyota TPMS and a steep discount on 265/70/17 Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar w/ free installation. Else there is no deal. I'm ok for a straight up trade for the 20" wheels too.

Does anyone know if the spare tire on a 4runner limited is also a 20" alloy?

 

[Omar RVA]

Does anyone know if the spare tire on a 4runner limited is also a 20" alloy?

For the Limited, the spare is the 20" alloy, but finished in a nice shade of yellow to make sure you don't drive around in them too long.

I don't have a pic on hand, but here's one from the forum.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/sale-suspension-wheels-tires/171064-fs-four-spare-5th-gen-20-limited-wheels-tires-$1000-temecula-ca.html#post1722807

With that in mind you really should have a full size spare to go with it due to the full time 4wd in our Limiteds. As long as the wheel diameters are really close, it shouldn't matter too much, but the VSC, ABS, and all the fun assist systems may not like it. If you're getting a good price on the TRD wheels, just get the 5th one too.

OA

 

[forwheeler]

I just got a call from my dealer that the first 2015 SR5's will be avilable for deliver in early October. I still don't know if there are any changes, but I am putting down my deposit tonight.

 

[jreask]

Just bought a 2015 Premium Trail tonight. The dealer had it for two days.

 

[budsrunner]

My 2014 TEP doesn't have the sliding cargo tray. You should be able to get it without.

My 14 tep has leather/heated seats, non kdss, no sliding tray, and no running boards. Bought it off the lot in the nautical blue color. just what I was looking for. The wife wanted a limited but after she rode in ours, she wont go back. IMO the TEP is the way to go. Plus I like having to pull on a lever to engage 4wd. never have liked push buttons 4wd.