Lexington
Member
I missed this feature on my old Isuzu Trooper. Just push the button and you were in AWD. It’s superior to the part-time 4WD in rain and street driving in snow.
Buying advice - new/slightly used, limited or SR5 premium
- Thread starter Hoosiers
- Start date
That's a good point. Although we'll probably keep it long enough it won't be too much of a factor.
I think we're either going to get a new white SR5 premium with 3rd seat or a used (2020 or 2021 or 2022) white limited with 3rd seat. White, 3rd row seat and sun roof seem to be the non-negotiables.
I can't get my head around the prices of any of them or any vehicle for that matter, but a new limited is just too much. I think she'd be happier in the long run with a limited (I think she'd like the full time 4WD as opposed to having to decide when to use it, and the seats are nicer) so I'm trying to find a nearly new/slightly used one. It doesn't seem like there are that many used SR5 premiums out there with 3rd seats, but there are quite a few limited, so that's what I'm hoping to find. And it does seem like there's a decent discount on used limited's. Hopefully make a decision in the next couple weeks. Local dealer has a white new SR5 premium on its way. I've found a few in nearby states with some decent money off. I'm not sure if the local dealer will deal much.
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Lexington
Member
I’m planning to buy my wife a new car in the next month or so. So I e been doing a lot of research recently. Mostly on YouTube. Several people who try to teach people how to get the best deals are all saying a crash in the car is coming. Dealers are already dropping prices so it may pay to wait a little longer to see if prices drop on 4Runners. Just a thought.
Generally, I never buy new. With the 4Runner, new was the logical option. My ‘21 4Runner Limited was MSRP of ~$51k and paid $48k ($2k negotiated and $1k from holiday/xmas discount).
I have 39k miles on it now and am being offered $45k for trade in. 3 years and 39k miles w/ only $3k-6k depreciation (depending on how you calculate) makes buying used pointless to me.
I have 39k miles on it now and am being offered $45k for trade in. 3 years and 39k miles w/ only $3k-6k depreciation (depending on how you calculate) makes buying used pointless to me.
If currently policy doesn’t change and inflation keeps pace there will be a crash in many sectors, including the automotive market.
That said, buy a new 4Runner and enjoy it.
Sectors of the automotive market have already crashed. I had nearly $20K negotiated off of a Jeep Grand Cherokee L V8 recently and Jeep has been in absolute fire sale mode trying to move their 2023 models. Didn't end up going through with it due to a screw up by the dealer in the numbers ultimately though.
I ended up picking up a Kia EV6 GT for nearly $15K off (leasing it for 3 years at an amazingly low monthly cost with little money down).
EVs are dirt cheap. PHEV are (mostly) dirt cheap. And certain vehicles that aren't selling are pretty damn cheap. It even seemed like Lexus here in Phoenix is sitting on an uncomfortable inventory of GX460s right now with everyone waiting for the 550.
Humble Leader
Senior Member
new and used vehicles in canada are still expensive. you have people selling 10 year old 4runners with almost 200k miles for $15K+. pretty sure canadians still have the highest household debt out of the g7. the crazy thing is people keep buying at these high prices. TRD PROs still starting at over $70K new
Sonoran_Desert
Member
Hi Dave,
I like your tires with the OEM wheels. You have BGF All Terrain T/A KO2s. What size? You said OEM, is that 265/70/17?
Updated Dec 18: I learned that OEM and Dave's tires are 265/70/17
I like your tires with the OEM wheels. You have BGF All Terrain T/A KO2s. What size? You said OEM, is that 265/70/17?
Updated Dec 18: I learned that OEM and Dave's tires are 265/70/17
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Just wanted to report back since I started this thread that we ended up buying a new 23 SR5 premium at about $3,200 off sticker. Will take delivery tomorrow. I think this is exactly what my wife wanted (specifically color and features) so she's excited.
Now I'll have to start figuring out what's included with the free 2 year maintenance - assuming this means oil changes - and if it's worth it vs just changing the oil myself. Been burned a couple times by dealer work so that makes me nervous.
Now I'll have to start figuring out what's included with the free 2 year maintenance - assuming this means oil changes - and if it's worth it vs just changing the oil myself. Been burned a couple times by dealer work so that makes me nervous.
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Totally not worth it. DIY if at all possible...
devidassprakash
New member
I’ve been in a similar boat—when we were looking for a reliable vehicle for my wife, we were also debating new vs. slightly used. We ended up going with a used model from www.bestdealsautofla.com, and it was such a smooth experience. They had a great selection of well-maintained vehicles, and the buying process was super easy. We found a 2020 model with low mileage, and the price was way better than a new one, plus it came with a warranty that gave us peace of mind. As for the SR5 Premium vs. Limited, it really comes down to your preferences on features—if leather seats and extra tech aren’t a big deal, the SR5 Premium might be the way to go.
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My SR5 premium has the Softex faux leather seats.
I bought a 2019 Limited last year. I looked around on cars.com and ultimately found one with 34,000 miles for $38,000. I am extremely happy with it. I must be getting soft in my old age, but I love the heated and air conditioned seats.
Compared to my 2007 SR5, the handling of the 2019 Limited is night and day, which I assume is largely due to the XREAS suspension. If/when mine fails, I will probably pay whatever it costs to get it repaired.
I did find the ride a bit rough. The ultra low profile tires made every little bump feel like it was shaking the car apart. I switched to 18" wheels and 265/65-18 tires and that took care of the problem. If you are interested, you can see the details and pictures at the following link.
Wheels - Raceline or Black Rhino
One thing to look for on 4Runners is frame rust. I had to have a frame/welding shop repair the cross member and mounting brackets for the rear suspension on my 2007, which was not cheap. So I was super picky when looking for this one. I actually flew from Cincinnati, Ohio to Manassas, Virginia to buy it.
Compared to my 2007 SR5, the handling of the 2019 Limited is night and day, which I assume is largely due to the XREAS suspension. If/when mine fails, I will probably pay whatever it costs to get it repaired.
I did find the ride a bit rough. The ultra low profile tires made every little bump feel like it was shaking the car apart. I switched to 18" wheels and 265/65-18 tires and that took care of the problem. If you are interested, you can see the details and pictures at the following link.
Wheels - Raceline or Black Rhino
One thing to look for on 4Runners is frame rust. I had to have a frame/welding shop repair the cross member and mounting brackets for the rear suspension on my 2007, which was not cheap. So I was super picky when looking for this one. I actually flew from Cincinnati, Ohio to Manassas, Virginia to buy it.
Lexington
Member
I did the same thing when I bought my 4Runner. One I wouldn’t buy anything East of the Mississippi in snow country because I wanted to avoid rust problems. I ended up flying from California to Colorado to get my 4Runner. In fact anyone considering buying a new car should seriously look at other dealers in other states. Sometimes the prices can be much cheaper even after paying for a plane ticket to go out there and get it.
