Buying new TE, things to think about / negotiate?

yahoopaul

New member
Now that it appears that the 2013 models won't be refreshed, I am going to start negotiating on a TE. I have a few thoughts that I would like input on:

1: Does the TE come with factory roof rack cross rails standard, or is that an option? Toyota's online specs simply say "black utility roof rack with rail system" for the TE. Cross rails are a requirement for me (transporting kayaks).

2: Seems like one of the hot threads lately pertains to the idiot seat belt reminder alert. I plan on making the sale conditional on disabling that alert bell. Any other annoying alarms that I need to have disabled? My 2006 SR5 has daytime running lights (which I dislike), I don't believe the 5th gen models have daytime running lights. If so, I will have that feature disabled.

3: Floormats: I was planning on getting the factory all-weather floor mats. Any feedback on these or recommendations on other brands?

4: Keys: How many keys come with the vehicle? I think the key is one of these integrated key / remote FOB's. Does Toyota offer a non-remote FOB key? I ask because I whitewater kayak and I usually put my car key (without remote) in my life jacket. I doubt the FOB is meant to get soaked in water.

5: Towing accessories. My '06 SR5 came with a trailer tow bar and electrical adapter. When my dad got an '08, the dealer "accidentally" forgot to put it in the car. They provided it after he commented to them. Do the 5th gen's come with towing accessories?

6: What are the nuances between the lever transfer case 4wd system in the '12 vs the knob transfer case 4wd system in the upcoming '13? Any advantages / disadvantages to each?

7: Any other suggestions, comments, ideas?

8: Any thoughts on what price is a really good deal on a base TE (no options)? Price not including tax, tags, but including all dealer fees. That way the price discussion would be comparable across all states.

9: How easy is general maintenance, like changing oil, vs my 4th gen?
 
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One thing you didn't mention was KDSS. IF you're getting a Trail Edition, get KDSS otherwise all you're getting is different trim and a locking rear diff.

1) Mine came with two cross rails at no extra cost.

3) Mine came with cloth floormats and I plan on getting all-weather as well. The reports (I'm sure others will say which are best) are that after market are better than factory.

4) Two keys, even if they get wet you can still use the key as normal.

5) Mine came with a wiring adapter for electric trailer brakes, that's all.

8) I got mine for less than invoice and since we're at the end of the year there should be deals to be had (assuming you can find one you want).
 
Now that it appears that the 2013 models won't be refreshed, I am going to start negotiating on a TE. I have a few thoughts that I would like input on:

1: Does the TE come with factory roof rack cross rails standard, or is that an option? Toyota's online specs simply say "black utility roof rack with rail system" for the TE. Cross rails are a requirement for me (transporting kayaks).

2: Seems like one of the hot threads lately pertains to the idiot seat belt reminder alert. I plan on making the sale conditional on disabling that alert bell. Any other annoying alarms that I need to have disabled? My 2006 SR5 has daytime running lights (which I dislike), I don't believe the 5th gen models have daytime running lights. If so, I will have that feature disabled.

3: Floormats: I was planning on getting the factory all-weather floor mats. Any feedback on these or recommendations on other brands?

4: Keys: How many keys come with the vehicle? I think the key is one of these integrated key / remote FOB's. Does Toyota offer a non-remote FOB key? I ask because I whitewater kayak and I usually put my car key (without remote) in my life jacket. I doubt the FOB is meant to get soaked in water.

5: Towing accessories. My '06 SR5 came with a trailer tow bar and electrical adapter. When my dad got an '08, the dealer "accidentally" forgot to put it in the car. They provided it after he commented to them. Do the 5th gen's come with towing accessories?

6: What are the nuances between the lever transfer case 4wd system in the '12 vs the knob transfer case 4wd system in the upcoming '13? Any advantages / disadvantages to each?

7: Any other suggestions, comments, ideas?

8: Any thoughts on what price is a really good deal on a base TE (no options)? Price not including tax, tags, but including all dealer fees. That way the price discussion would be comparable across all states.

9: How easy is general maintenance, like changing oil, vs my 4th gen?

1. Yes.
2. No, and why would someone be dumb and not wear a seatbelt?
3. N/A
4. 2
5. TE has hitch
6. No freaking clue.
7. Less questions? j/k
8. Ridiculous to not go for KDSS for on and off road performance. Well worth it.
9. Dealership does oil changes free every 10,000 miles. Others do it more often because it gives them a sense of purpose I guess. Tire rotation free first 2 years too.
 
To answer your question number 9, if you search this forum there has been quite a bit of discussion on the subject of oil changes. And even a very detailed "how to" write up.

The short answer is, yes the oil change is a little more complicated than other vehicles due to the fact the skid plate must be removed to access the oil filter. And the fact that the oil filter is now a canister type that you only change the filter media. Not a spin on filter.

However it is not really difficult to do, just takes a little longer.

My observation after owning a TE for 4 months and 13k miles is, the biggest thing that takes getting used to is the brakes and the associated nose dive.

Be sure to do a good test drive and hit the brakes hard a time or two, and see what I mean.
 
Very interested in this thread as well as I am very seriously considering purchasing a TE to replace my Lexus IS350. Before this car I had a 3rd gen 4Runner that I greatly enjoyed. I will say that I do have a similar filter element only replacement with my oil changes and it's no bod deal. I do remember having to mess with the skid plate on my 3rd gen to though....
 
1. Yes.
2. No, and why would someone be dumb and not wear a seatbelt?
3. N/A
4. 2
5. TE has hitch
6. No freaking clue.
7. Less questions? j/k
8. Ridiculous to not go for KDSS for on and off road performance. Well worth it.
9. Dealership does oil changes free every 10,000 miles. Others do it more often because it gives them a sense of purpose I guess. Tire rotation free first 2 years too.

Not a question of not using a seatbelt, some of us hunt with these vehicles and drive at slow speeds to a new spot last thing I need is a stupid chime to alert game I am attempting to harvest. The world does not revolve around you and how you use your vehicle. If the safety Nazis at Toyota did not want to have this silenced they would not offer it as a customizeable feature.
 
1: Yes
2: Do yourself a favor and buy a cable and software from eBay for $30
3: Don't bother - get Husky or Weathertech
4: 3. 2 regular, 1 valet key without the remote functions
5: Comes with the trailer brake adapter, but I just buy a plug and play one, don't remember if it came with a tow bar, I have my own adjustable one.
6: Mechanical lever versus switch. I prefer lever, but not a big deal either way.
7: Get KDSS, it is well worth it. Completely eliminates body roll.
8: Edmunds.com
9: New oil filter is a PITA
 
Not a question of not using a seatbelt, some of us hunt with these vehicles and drive at slow speeds to a new spot last thing I need is a stupid chime to alert game I am attempting to harvest. The world does not revolve around you and how you use your vehicle. If the safety Nazis at Toyota did not want to have this silenced they would not offer it as a customizeable feature.

I have had the chime come on simply because I have a box or tote of stuff set on the passenger seat or the back seat. Have had to fasten the belt behind the box just to keep the chime quite.

It would be nice to do away with the chime since I am responsible enough to always wear my seat belt on the public roads and do not need to be reminded.
 

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