Buying 4Runner – your suggestions on option, color and price

[Soma4Runner]

Hey guys,

Long time lurker and first time poster here. There is tonne information here that one won't find anywhere else. I am in the beginning stages of buying a 4Runner and have few questions, figured would seek your suggestions.

1. Trim and options

I did my homework (think so) by way of reading through most of the posts here and figured the below choice is good for the next 5+ years anticipated usage

Trim: Limited 4X4
Options: 3rd row

Here are reasons for above choices
4X4
- better have it than regret later
- may do little off-roading, the key is may

Limited:
- Full-time 4X4. The family might drive the 4Runner from time-to-time, and the part-time thing on SR5 could be a problem than solution.
- I plan to keep this for some time, might as well enjoy it with creature comforts like dual climate control, leather etc…

3rd row:
- will be using it when family visits me, more like couple of times a year

Question: Are there other options that I should consider based on your experience? I am open to suggestions since I plan to keep this thing for 5 or more years. To give an idea on the duration, this will replace a black Accord which has been with me for 10+ years.



2. Color
Current choices:
1st: Shoreline Blue
2nd: Silver or Blizzard Pearl

With the exception of shoreline blue; I have seen Silver, Blizzard Pearl, Magnetic Grey and Black in person. The current color choice is based on what I saw in pictures. It looks like the closest Shoreline blue at a dealer inventory is 100 miles away from me, it doesn't have 3rd row. There is no Shoreline Blue Limited 4X4 with 3rd row in the 5 state regions – that is what the dealers are saying.

I am prepared to go and view the blue without 3rd row, and then I will know whether to pursue blue through a special order or from out of region etc.

3. Price
Paying invoice or below is my preference. Since I didn’t find a blue limited 4X4 with 3rd row, got quotes for Silver from local dealers Internet sales department. The best price given with above options is: $41,898.00 plus TTL and Doc Fee. The sales guy at Cowboy Toyota quoted $40,584, but the spec sheet doesn’t list 3rd row - so that is no good.

Questions:
Where can I find accurate invoice prices? What has worked for you during your buying process?



:thanks: for reading this, and for any suggestions!

 

[smkied]

This stuff is kind of a matter of personal preference obviously, but we absolutely love our silver LTD. Initially we were liking the blue more, but after checking both out the silver actually looks really nice on this car. Not sure what the weather is like where you live, but I'm in Canada (Alberta) and it's 50% winter, silver is very easy to maintain.

The limited model I chose for the same reasons as you.

Can't help you much on the price, but up here we paid $50,500 with GST included which was about $3k less than MRSP.

 

[badburro]

Blizzard Pearl was my first choice and Shoreline Blue was number 2. Ended up with BP, but since buying the car, I see too many BP running around and makes me wonder if I should have gone with Shoreline Blue instead. SB is only available on the limited and trail editions, so if you see a SB T4R, you know it's not an SR5. I'm happy with the BP but would go SB if I had to do it over again.

Although the factory nav has it's limitations (car must be stopped to change or add destinations), I like my nav and having the rear view camera come up on the nav screen. Had it on my 4th gen and now, also on my 5th gen Ltd.

Truecar.com is a source to get info re: prices in your area. I find it is more representative of the local areas than KBB and Edmunds.

Good luck in your search for your car.

:vader:

 

[Ryan_S]

@OP: TL;DR. Get a Mag Gray TE. :beer:

 

[Soma4Runner]

This stuff is kind of a matter of personal preference obviously, but we absolutely love our silver LTD. Initially we were liking the blue more, but after checking both out the silver actually looks really nice on this car. Not sure what the weather is like where you live, but I'm in Canada (Alberta) and it's 50% winter, silver is very easy to maintain.

The limited model I chose for the same reasons as you.

Can't help you much on the price, but up here we paid $50,500 with GST included which was about $3k less than MRSP.

If not for the 2008 Silver Camry in the garage, silver and shoreline blue would get same consideration for the Runner - resulting in tie. Once I see a blue in person it will be lot easier, hopefully. I live in Dallas, TX - silver or blue should be somewhat similar to maintain.


:thanks:

 

[Soma4Runner]

Blizzard Pearl was my first choice and Shoreline Blue was number 2. Ended up with BP, but since buying the car, I see too many BP running around and makes me wonder if I should have gone with Shoreline Blue instead. SB is only available on the limited and trail editions, so if you see a SB T4R, you know it's not an SR5. I'm happy with the BP but would go SB if I had to do it over again.

Blizzard Pearl was my first choice too til I saw Shoreline Blue; of course on paper (or rather web). On SB's representing Limited or TE trims- I am thinking of swapping the wheels with ones from FJ, SR5 or TE - for practical reasons. At which point I may confuse the limited number of folks that know about Limited's SB color choice

Although the factory nav has it's limitations (car must be stopped to change or add destinations), I like my nav and having the rear view camera come up on the nav screen. Had it on my 4th gen and now, also on my 5th gen Ltd.

Knew about the Nav's limitations, but didn't consider the rear view camera part of it. Point noted, Nav option added to potential feature list.

Truecar.com is a source to get info re: prices in your area. I find it is more representative of the local areas than KBB and Edmunds.

Good luck in your search for your car.

:vader:

Cool - thanks to badburro, truecar.com is going to be over-loaded with traffic from a wannabe 4Runner owner

:thanks:

 

[Soma4Runner]

@OP: TL;DR. Get a Mag Gray TE. :beer:

I would have, if only TE comes with full-time 4X4 and 3rd row. Of course TE would have been in Silver

It is possible to do what Harper did, but don't think I have the patience, skill and energy to do that.


PS: getting ready for the flake on TE w/ 3rd row :rockthrow: