Buying a 5th Gen

M

maxvert

Member
I'm planning on replacing my 3rd. gen T4R with a 5th gen in the near future.
I'll be buying a used truck and would appreciate any feed back on the questions
I have.

I'm planning on building the truck into an adventure capable machine .
Capable of handling some moderate rocky terrain, a lot of Baja and the
Back Country Discovery Routes .

It will have a small lift, 285's, good protection and most likely air bags for
hauling a dirt bike on the bumper .

Searching the common web sites I can find dozens of low mile reasonably priced SR5 4x4 which seem like a good base vehicle to start from !
While the TRD Pro's and Trail models seem to be priced very high .

So is there any reason why I should spend $ 8 to $10 K more for the Trail ready models instead of using that $$$ for up grade on a SR5 ?

Also are there any accessory features that the SR5 I buy must have ?

Thanks for any of your thoughts and feed back .

Gas it ! Max
 
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Welcome!!!

I'd start here
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...ner-owner-need-help-searching-start-here.html

and
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/186247-5th-gen-features-models-differences.html

Sounds like all you need is an SR5 4x4. Save the money and put it into the suspension like a set of Kings since you're doing more Baja than rock crawling. I don't think there is any must have accessory for the SR5 but you have to start by asking yourself if you want regular SR5 vs SR5 premium. With the Premium you'll get a sunroof, side blinkers/puddle lights, Homelink rear view mirror and Softex heated seats. I'd say if you can find a well priced SR5-P go for it!!! Also I wouldn't say the Trail is $8-10k more. A Trail version is perhaps $2-3k more than an SR5 depending on options, although the used market might be different. Now the TRD Pro however is more like $8-10K more.
 
I originally wanted a trd pro. I had a deposit on a trd pro in cement. I really liked the pro and I really wanted the cement color but at the end of the day I decided that for one family was getting bigger and wanted to have a third row just in case. I also figured that the sr5 is probably more than capable of handling off road at what I am going to throw at it and it can be easily modded to make it more capabale. Lastly it was a ton cheaper than a trd pro and at that time saving 8k or more was a big deal for my situtation.
 
maxvert said:
It will have a small lift, 285's, good protection and most likely air bags for
hauling a dirt bike on the bumper .

[...]
So is there any reason why I should spend $ 8 to $10 K more for the Trail ready models instead of using that $$$ for up grade on a SR5 ?
Click to expand...

285's, lift, protection and air bags don't cost anywhere close to $8-$10k so no there is absolutely no reason to do that

buy the lowest mileage/ best condition model you can afford, and honestly used pricing on 4Runners is so insane be sure to check out pricing on new ones
 
If the price difference is not too big, a Trail may be a good choice. It already has a rear locker and instead of just ATRAC, it has a selectable traction control called Multi-Terrain. A Trail most likely will also have KDSS if that's of interest to you. On the older models the side rocker panels are more narrow allowing sliders or step installation without cutting the rocker panels. I think there may be a small difference in the approach and departure angles also. Plus it has the hood scoop which seems like a big deal to some. Mine just reflects a low sun into my eyes. It also has a real lever not a dial to select 4WD.

I may be biased, check my signature line.
 
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Sr5 is a more than adequate base for making mods. I would agree you should call around the country and see what the lowest price you can get on a new one is. The difference seems to be so small it may be worth it to you.
 
I would imagine this is a no brainer, but don't forget to ask if the nice low priced, low mileage, SR5 is in fact a 4X4. 2X4 SR5's do exist and the assumption would be a dramatic bummer.

Perceived/potential resale value and color selection on the Pro is really your only reason for the huge $ jump. If you're buying used and trimming it out to make it your own, I concur with all of the above.

Have fun and enjoy the forum, you will find it can save you thousands of dollars, like in this case ... while at the same time cost you thousands of dollars with upgrades, options, accessories & beautiful modifications we all MUST have!
 
My '08 TT FJ was going to be a collectors item, I thought . Dealer gave me $2,000 more at trade over a standard FJ. Might have gotten more in private sale, but don't buy a Pro thinking you are making a major potential windfall when you sell it. Dealers could care less if it was a limited edition or not.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I went with the 2016 Trail from my 1999 Ltd.

I too was looking at 2014 - 2016 used 4Runners but the cost delta between used and new was so minimal, I ended up going with new. I chose the Trail Premium edition for the softex seats which are easy to wipe down and durable, the KDSS system for better on and off road handling, moon roof, heated seats, side view mirror indicators and puddle lights.

A 4WD SR5 or SR5 Premium with softex, would be a great base, especially if you intend to lift it. Stock, the SR5 suspension is soft and nose-divey when breaking normally.

I have a write up on my thought process on taking my vehicle in a similar direction as you, in my build thread from my signature below. Good luck and let us know what you decide on.
 
Seems like it's easy now to get into a 2010-13 4wd SR5 for under $25k with low-ish miles.

Must have features for me when I was shopping were a 3rd row, backup cam, no nav, and 4wd. It took a couple months of watching CarGurus, etc. to find my 2012 SR5 with 72k miles for a great price.
 
Hopping into this thread bc I just joined and can't post my own LOL
Anyways, I currently own a 2016 Tacoma SR5 2wd and am seriously considering trading in for a (heavily) used 5th gen 4runner SR5 premium 4x4. Am I insane for this? It's pushing 200k, but I don't feel I should be too worried given epic reliability.
I'm over the constant gear hunting in the new Tacomas and the lack of space. I'm also looking to get started on an affordable 4x4 / beginner overlander.

Any advice is very appreciated. Things to check out/look for before purchasing that are related specifically to a used 4runner such as this.
 
christurnerrr said:
Hopping into this thread bc I just joined and can't post my own LOL
Anyways, I currently own a 2016 Tacoma SR5 2wd and am seriously considering trading in for a (heavily) used 5th gen 4runner SR5 premium 4x4. Am I insane for this? It's pushing 200k, but I don't feel I should be too worried given epic reliability.
I'm over the constant gear hunting in the new Tacomas and the lack of space. I'm also looking to get started on an affordable 4x4 / beginner overlander.

Any advice is very appreciated. Things to check out/look for before purchasing that are related specifically to a used 4runner such as this.
Click to expand...

llDemonll said:
4Runners hunt for gears just as much on any sort of incline.
Click to expand...

Yep. Sometimes its so annoying that you're better off putting it in S mode to go up long inclines.
 
maxvert said:
I'm planning on replacing my 3rd. gen T4R with a 5th gen in the near future.

I'll be buying a used truck and would appreciate any feed back on the questions

I have.



I'm planning on building the truck into an adventure capable machine .

Capable of handling some moderate rocky terrain, a lot of Baja and the

Back Country Discovery Routes .



It will have a small lift, 285's, good protection and most likely air bags for

hauling a dirt bike on the bumper .



Searching the common web sites I can find dozens of low mile reasonably priced SR5 4x4 which seem like a good base vehicle to start from !

While the TRD Pro's and Trail models seem to be priced very high .



So is there any reason why I should spend $ 8 to $10 K more for the Trail ready models instead of using that $$$ for up grade on a SR5 ?



Also are there any accessory features that the SR5 I buy must have ?



Thanks for any of your thoughts and feed back .



Gas it ! Max
Click to expand...



If you truly want to off road with your 4Runner and can afford it, the trail edition is totally worth the price for the locker and terrain select. You ARE giving up some creature comforts like “leather” heated seats, sunroof and the like found in the SR5 premium.

I landed in a 2010 SR5P in great condition, with the sunroof and upgraded slide-out tray option with 72,000 miles for $23,000. It was a steal and the dealership I negotiated with knew they messed up on the deal. Fought me until I threatened litigation since they signed the contract then tried to back out when I showed up to buy it. Now with 107,000 miles, my truck has been flawless.

Which leads me to my choice when I was buying (4 years ago). I off road with my SR5P more than anyone I know. I have never once not been able to do what my friend with a new TRD Off Road Pro, lifted higher than mine on 34” mud terrains was able to do. I’m sitting on a 2.5” lift and 33” AT tires. Anywhere I struggle I just flip on ATrac and I’m gone! So anyone saying the SR5 isn’t just as capable hasn’t used a SR5 to wheel. All of the other terrain goodies are great but they’re electronic systems that take some of the technique away from wheeling. I rather like the challenge of not having those things so I can concentrate more on my technique and knowledge of off roading.

Figure out which features you really want and pick the trim level that fits you right.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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I have a trail premium which has everything that the sr5 premium has plus some. You can get the best of both worlds.
 
Oh dang.

I was in pursuit of my body type when I shopped and couldn’t find a trail premium.

That genuinely is best of both worlds.

Touché


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
sn_85 said:
Welcome!!!

I'd start here
Are You a New or Prospective 5th Gen 4Runner Owner? Need Help Searching? Start Here! - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

and
5th Gen Features/Models/Differences - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

Sounds like all you need is an SR5 4x4. Save the money and put it into the suspension like a set of Kings since you're doing more Baja than rock crawling. I don't think there is any must have accessory for the SR5 but you have to start by asking yourself if you want regular SR5 vs SR5 premium. With the Premium you'll get a sunroof, side blinkers/puddle lights, Homelink rear view mirror and Softex heated seats. I'd say if you can find a well priced SR5-P go for it!!! Also I wouldn't say the Trail is $8-10k more. A Trail version is perhaps $2-3k more than an SR5 depending on options, although the used market might be different. Now the TRD Pro however is more like $8-10K more.
Click to expand...

Post 4/15 Good info. Thanks
 
I just did this a while ago. I was looking at a getting a second 99+ 3rd gen or a 07+ v8 4th gen. Then I realized for a couple grand more I could get a 5th gen. 2011 SR5 with 170k from the most expensive Toyota dealer in town that I worked down to $13,700 OTD I think it was. 170k highway miles is low miles to me after owning a 3rd gen for so long and looking at so many 3rd/4th gens. I don't drive that much anyway so hopefully I can get 10+ years out of it knock on wood. And beat the snot out of it guilt free. It's a copy of my 3rd gen, same color, shift lever 4wd, everything the same other than VSC, ATRAC and side air bags. Nice and bare bones. Don't really care about KDSS and can install an air locker if I want one.

I think people cool with high miles are looking at 3rd and 4th gens and no offense but this section has let's say a babe in the woods vibe compared to the 3rd gen section so I reckon most 5th gen buyers run away from 150k+ miles so you can work a good deal. You should be able to find a 150k 4WD for $14k. Probably not be worth it unless you can do labor yourself though.

I know 4runners pretty well at this point and do 99% of stuff myself so looked it over very thoroughly and thought worst case scenario I'll learn how to do an engine swap. I was kind of pumped to do a big overhaul on it and get to know everything but it turned out to barely need anything beyond regular PM. It drives like a brand new one as far as I can tell. I'm impressed with how solid it is. Much better shape than equivalent 4th gens I looked at. Interior has held up amazing too. Only thing that broke was the side mirrors switch which the dealer had fixed.

Things to look for:

  • Rust
  • Timing chain cover leak (if it's a slow seepage and you don't have OCD you can probably live with it).
  • Valve cover and spark plug tube seal leaks.
  • Coolant leaks.
  • Suspension parts.
  • How the shifting feels and things like that.
  • Engine whine which is apparently very common and not a concern. I believe it comes from the AT pump. But it sounds annoying.
  • Maintenance history. Mine had synthetic oil changes every 5k, shocks done, radiator and a few other basics.
  • Try and guess from the carfax and other clues like brake pedal wear, seatbelt wear and rock chips if it's highway miles.

Stuff I immediately did to it:

  • Power steering flush.
  • Brake fluid flush.
  • Greased drive shafts.
  • Rear diff oil.
  • Front diff oil.
  • Transfer case oil.
  • Engine oil and filter.
  • Serpentine belt (had an aftermarket one and I like pure OEM stuff).
  • Cleaned MAF.
  • New extended rear diff breather.
  • Spark plugs. Discovered the seal was bad on one so...
  • Spark plug tube seals.
  • Valve cover gaskets.
  • Throttle body gasket.
  • Intake gasket.
  • Cleaned throttle body.
  • PCV valve.
  • Several ATF drain and fills.
  • Replaced AT filter/strainer.
  • Cleaned AT magnets.
 
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