Buying New 4runner Saturday, Couple Questions!

[glen1978]

Girlfriend decided she wants a new 4runner. She is tired of all the little stuff thats wrong on the 92 FJ80....lol! Anyway we have enough to pay cash for one but wont to spend our money wisely. We live in Colorado and DO use our 4x4's as they were intended so here we go.

Thought about getting the trail since its the most basic to have rear locker. Have no desire for the KDSS stuff as she drives it 3 miles to work.....1 mile of that is gravel. Dont see a need for TRD PRO as we will be putting a small lift under it.....Toytec Boss or Icon Im thinking......something QUALITY! Crawl Control is a joke/marketing gimmic IMO, I have it in my 2016 Tacoma TRD OR. Have no desire for a sunroof or loosing the headroom. Dont want leather either. So where Im heading with this is we WILL add lift, wheels/tires, GOBI roof rack, possibly Shrockworks front bumper and sliders. Should we just get a SR5 and upgrade it as we see fit? OR spring for the Trail to get the locker.....or get SR5 and add ARB? She DOES want remote start, thats about her only requirement but that can be added from what Ive read although it takes the right shop to be able to not add a seperate fob for it. Let me know what yall think and also some ideas on lifts and tire size. Will not be going 35" or anything that big. Thinking 285's or so. thanks in advance.

 

[1engineer]

Start here http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...ner-owner-need-help-searching-start-here.html and should answer a lot of questions.

 

[High_Country]

Of course read the thread above that [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] linked, but sounds like a base trail would be perfect for you. It would have the Trail options such as the locker, gas tank skid, 7.5" wide wheels, and all but no sunroof, "leather" etc.
KDSS is an option, not standard so you can find one without it. I bought a base trail from Larry H Miller in Colorado Springs and was very happy with my experience.

 

[glen1978]

Thanks guys I read most of that thread other day pre-15 post count time....lol! I never read a thing about remote start anywhere in that. What model do you have to have to get that or is it like the technology group on the Tacomas? I can add it later.

So the base Trail Edition will give me the locker and gas tank skid. Looking briefly online it will cost $2500-3000K more over the Sr5 for the TE. ARB will cost roughly $1000 plus install ($500) and be 3 times the locker. At that point we will also have a compressor on board and can power a front locker too if wanted/needed. The gas tank skid is not worth making a point about IMO. Basically what Im saying is Im not sure Toyotas elocker is worth $2k much less the $3k. Am I missing something??

 

[Jhalko]

Thanks guys I read most of that thread other day pre-15 post count time....lol! I never read a thing about remote start anywhere in that. What model do you have to have to get that or is it like the technology group on the Tacomas? I can add it later.

So the base Trail Edition will give me the locker and gas tank skid. Looking briefly online it will cost $2500-3000K more over the Sr5 for the TE. ARB will cost roughly $1000 plus install ($500) and be 3 times the locker. At that point we will also have a compressor on board and can power a front locker too if wanted/needed. The gas tank skid is not worth making a point about IMO. Basically what Im saying is Im not sure Toyotas elocker is worth $2k much less the $3k. Am I missing something??

I think you answered your own question... SR5 it is! :cheer2:

 

[vjack]

I don't have any opinion about the rear locker, sounds like you've already done the math, literally and figuratively. I will chime in about the remote start:

None of the 4Runners come with remote start standard, it is a port/dealer option. The OEM Toyota remote start is probably the only one that can be wired up to the existing key fob. It can be added by the dealership or purchased separately and you or a 3rd party shop could install it. However since it relies on the existing radio in the fob it has a pretty short range... I think the official distance is 80 feet but I've heard people complain that it's actually a lot less.

When I got my 4Runner I asked the dealer to add remote start as part of the purchase process and he actually said they strongly preferred to use a 3rd party version that had much better range. So my "brand new" 4Runner came with a 3rd party remote start. The downside is that it came with a new fob, but the range is excellent (easily a couple hundred feet, even through an apartment building).

 

[emporerofathens]

Remote Start

I would advise you to go aftermarket for the remote start. I have the factory installed remote starter and I can't stand it. The biggest issue is that you cannot get into the vehicle without the motor shutting off. To start it remotely you need to press the lock button 3 times (hold on the third) and once the rig is unlocked it kills the motor. Unless this has been changed since 2014 I would choose another company. These days I don't think you would need a separate fob, as most companies now offer an app for your phone to start the vehicle.

 

[tnine]

Hi Glenn. I have a 2014 SR5. I put a toytech Bilstein 3" lift kit on it. Fuel wheels, and BFGoodrich K02 tires @ 285/70/17.

https://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.co...ystem-for-10-4Runner-FJ-and-GX460_p_1060.html


I also have a full Gobi roof rack. For all the modifications, I spent about $4,500. I have yet to encounter any trails in Colorado that I'm unable to traverse with 4x4 low and A-track.

I've done the Crystal mine outside of Crested Butte. It was a bit unnerving, but the 4Runner handled great. I just used 4wd low and Atrac. I was really happy with the performance.

Were it my decision, I'd go with the SR5. I don't have a locker in mine yet, and I'm frankly questioning the need to install one.

Good luck!

 

[wfo9]

Yes the ARB is better, instant.... but installing one requires you to kiss that part of you warranty goodbye.. and the long term reliability (seals...) might not be as good as the e-locker.

There is a lot to be said for OEM equipment with a full warranty on a new vehicle.. That is the only reason I would get the trail over the sr5. If you are buying used... I would totally grab a sr5 and throw on a locker or two.. Also, the ATRAC works good enough for what most people will ever do in one of these. If you are more on the extreme side... the locker is obviously worth it.

I'm glad to see a perspective buyer on here not falling for the gimmicks.... Most don't get it and are all excited about marketing BS like crawl control that basically have a razor thin amount of usefulness.

 

[Quentin]

You are missing something. A Trail base is $1100 more than a 4WD SR5 base. The Trail only hits $2500 more if you get KDSS.

Gimmick depends on your perspective. Steel bumpers, lockers, 285 width tires, etc are gimmicks that make the truck slower and less efficient if you don't do anything more severe than what the stock truck can do. Of course, I wouldn't point that out because people are free to buy what they like and don't have to justify their choices to me. [emoji15]

 

[clark1231]

You can't go wrong either way. I chose the trail because of the locker, transfer case lever vs knob and I like the way the hood scoop and wheels look. Good luck.

 

[cheeser]

Good luck...I am picking up my new Trail in Denver on Saturday as well.

Was looking for a non-KDSS version, but they don't seem to exist in the Denver market at this time.

 

[Engineer]

You should verify the pricing is that far off between a Trail and SR5, I didn't think it was as wide of a gap. A couple things that have only been slightly touched on
As mentioned all models can have a OEM or aftermarket remote start

To me there are a lot of cosmetic things about the Trial that I liked over the SR5, not sure what your preference is and I realize none of these things are functional but you should buy what you prefer

*Trails have the hood scope
*Trails had the multi display instead of just a clock above radio (only pre 2014...so doesn't apply to you but thought I would point it out)
*Trail have in my opinion a better looking wheel
*Trails have the accent pieces on front and rear bumpers
*Trails have the black interior trim vs silver (to me this really improves the overall look of the interior
*Trails have the black roof rack caps (fair enough its easy to plasti dip the silver versions)

The other trail gimmicks, skids and locker have already been discussed so I won't go there.......however I will 2nd the comment above about level actuated transfer case vs the knob is cool

Either way you will enjoy the 4runner (......the wife will anyway)

 

[degooseman]

Hello, so I just picked up my SR5 Base 4x4. I wanted the Limited's push button start but I hated the front end. Also, I was really looking around for the 3rd row. So, I went everywhere in Arizona for the SR5 Premium 3rd row and still nothing. I ended up getting the SR5 4x4 with 3rd row. I went off road with my buddy with a jeep up Huachuca Canyon in Arizona and there were some nasty positions that I didn't think the 4Runner can do in stock form. I put it in 4LO with the ATRAC on and it went up the hill flawlessly. Then I tried the DAC going back down and I couldn't believe how it practically drove itself back down. I see my buddies jeep just landing hard and constantly on his breaks. I was actually comparing this vehicle to the new Pilot and almost purchased the Pilot Touring AWD for 42800 OTD but I didn't like how it was really an off road vehicle and that they didn't have the color combo I wanted. The Pilot drove fantastic and smooth but it wasn't a 4Runner. I ended up getting the 4Runner 32500 before taxes. And I have not regretted it one bit. I just installed the 6112 (2.5) /5160 with the ICON 2" rear coils and the vehicle drives perfect. It did seem tough at first but now has since settled in and drives better and doesn't have the nose dive when breaking. My 285s BFG KO2's a few hours ago and will install tomorrow and cant wait to take the 4Runner off road. Good Luck on your purchase. I hope this helps you on a decision but if you don't need the 3rd row get the Trail but negotiate for that great deal and enjoy the Runner.

 

[glen1978]

Thanks everyone for your replies! Very helpful. First off the pricing reflects what Cheeser said although you cant really look at the options online / I dont trust salesmen to tell me the truth.....I dont care for or want the KDSS sytem.

As for adding the ARB the only warranty that would be affected would be the rear axle. Toyota rear axles are some of the best built systems on the road and have been for many decades. Ive run them in rock crawlers with 39.5" Red Label BFG tires and have yet to break one. Thanks Tnine for the comment about yours and ATRAC.....sounds very doable and we could add ARB later if needed/wanted. I rarely turn mine on in my Tacoma.

I may be weird but I like the knob on the dash. I put alot of miles on my Taco going to work in Oklahoma and when I hit what appears to be ice or slick I slow down below 60 and turn the knob just like Im turning up the heat. 10 years ago I woulda never said this but justs seems easier to me.

I dont care what wheels come on it....wish I could get 15" steelies as they are coming off for upgrade. Bumpers and such will likely be replaced at some point and the roof rack stuff will be covered up with a Gobi. Unless there is still something missed the Trail isnt worth it for us if indeed there are none available without KDSS.

 

[glen1978]

The third row would set in the garage and collect dust. IMO the 4runner is just too small to utilize a third row.

 

[glen1978]

We had 3rd row in our Tahoe and they sat in the shop, we have 3rd row in our LC and they stay folded up and never used. I think we are just gona find a SR5 in the color we want and beat em up on it. Everybody always wants the Premiums, Trails, LE, TRD Pro......we will have the ball in our court on the base Sr5.

 

[ST1FLER]

or get SR5 and add ARB?

:guitar3:

The third row would set in the garage and collect dust. IMO the 4runner is just too small to utilize a third row.

this aint no tahoe... the are mounted in the 4runner and fold flat

 

[LandCruiser]

Yes the ARB is better, instant.... but installing one requires you to kiss that part of you warranty goodbye.. and the long term reliability (seals...) might not be as good as the e-locker.

There is a lot to be said for OEM equipment with a full warranty on a new vehicle.. That is the only reason I would get the trail over the sr5. If you are buying used... I would totally grab a sr5 and throw on a locker or two.. Also, the ATRAC works good enough for what most people will ever do in one of these. If you are more on the extreme side... the locker is obviously worth it.

I'm glad to see a perspective buyer on here not falling for the gimmicks.... Most don't get it and are all excited about marketing BS like crawl control that basically have a razor thin amount of usefulness.

ARB seals don't like salt and may require replacement sooner than you think.

 

[spencenasty]

I wouldn't call crawl control a gimmick.