Choosing the perfect T4R Trail

[Jeff614]

Hi Guys,

I've currently got my truck on the market with a good bit of positive feedback so I'm starting to get serious about looking for the perfect T4R.

First off I'm absolutely set on a Trail edition, but I have a few quick questions that perhaps some of you could shed some light on for me.

I'd like to keep my budget right at 35K, perhaps a bit over if it didn't involve traveling to far to purchase the vehicle.

1.) Ideally I'd like to find a 2011-2013 trail edition w/KDSS (from what I've read these are usually identifiable by being equipped with NAV) and less than 30K miles. Not quite a needle in a haystack but vehicles like this don't pop up on autotrader often.

2.) For whatever reason, and I'm assuming it's due to a lack of KDSS and sunroof, there seems to be a few brand new '14 trails out there for right at 35K if not even a little less.

What would you all choose? A low mileage 2011-13 KDSS equipped trail or a brand new 2014 trail w/o the KDSS and sunroof.

I've read all about the pluses and minuses of KDSS and honestly I can say the extent of my planned off-roading is some mild trail riding/snow. However I understand that it does help on-road some as well. My parents have a 07 GX470 w/o KDSS and has some squirelly handling at times.

Is there something else I'm missing regarding choosing between used and new? Any help is much appreciated!


Thanks in advance!
Jeff

 

[pepowdylan]

Good luck on your search! I recommend searching craigslist, cars.com, and autotrader. I actually just bought my 4Runner this weekend -- 2011 Mag Gray 4Runner Trail w/ KDSS, NAV, Leather - 31k miles. I had to drive to West Virginia, and that was the first one that had everything I wanted. You will be happy for your wait. I love mine!

 

[G8RB8_12SR5]

I was just at the Bellevue Toyota in WA a couple weekends ago. They had a black trail with KDSS, I believe it was a 2010. Not sure on the mileage though. Price was $35k

 

[Ducmonsta]

Hi Guys,

I've currently got my truck on the market with a good bit of positive feedback so I'm starting to get serious about looking for the perfect T4R.

First off I'm absolutely set on a Trail edition, but I have a few quick questions that perhaps some of you could shed some light on for me.

I'd like to keep my budget right at 35K, perhaps a bit over if it didn't involve traveling to far to purchase the vehicle.

1.) Ideally I'd like to find a 2011-2013 trail edition w/KDSS (from what I've read these are usually identifiable by being equipped with NAV) and less than 30K miles. Not quite a needle in a haystack but vehicles like this don't pop up on autotrader often.

2.) For whatever reason, and I'm assuming it's due to a lack of KDSS and sunroof, there seems to be a few brand new '14 trails out there for right at 35K if not even a little less.

What would you all choose? A low mileage 2011-13 KDSS equipped trail or a brand new 2014 trail w/o the KDSS and sunroof.

I've read all about the pluses and minuses of KDSS and honestly I can say the extent of my planned off-roading is some mild trail riding/snow. However I understand that it does help on-road some as well. My parents have a 07 GX470 w/o KDSS and has some squirelly handling at times.

Is there something else I'm missing regarding choosing between used and new? Any help is much appreciated!


Thanks in advance!
Jeff

Is this the same Jeff with the red YJ?! Blown up rear end Jeff? You and your mom came into the shop and we discussed all of your options for repair?

More on the subject. If you like the look of the new body, then I say go with the 14 regardless of kdss. There are others here that have removed their sway bars with kdss. Maybe go and drive a new one with and without it. See if you notice a difference.

 

[chmura]

If your budget is $35k than you should look at a BRAND NEW left over 2013 Trail.

There were a couple of members on here that got a brand new trail with KDSS for $35,XXX. Toyota was having an $2,000 incentive a month ago in California. Few people flew to California and drove home. I believe one of them lived in Texas and got his trail from San Diego.

If a few people bought a 2013 trail brand new for $35kish than I would never pay $35k for a used one with 30k miles. If there are no 2013's left than it makes more sense to fork up more money and get a 2014 trail than paying $35k for a used one....

 

[Jeff614]

Is this the same Jeff with the red YJ?! Blown up rear end Jeff? You and your mom came into the shop and we discussed all of your options for repair?

More on the subject. If you like the look of the new body, then I say go with the 14 regardless of kdss. There are others here that have removed their sway bars with kdss. Maybe go and drive a new one with and without it. See if you notice a difference.

It is indeed! I remember that well, I seem to recall sporting a fantastic uniform from a certain school in Fairfax that we both attended.

Believe it or not that little red Jeep is still chugging along down towards Blacksburg, VA. to this day.

As to the new 'Runner; I really like the new look but it's not particularly a deal breaker one way or the other.

The shocker is that there are brand new '14 Trails out there for less than low-mile '13s. I know KDSS is an awesome system but there's just something about being the first and only owner of a vehicle.

I'm pretty open to travel to find what I want. Cross-country might be a bit of a stretch but I wouldn't rule it out if the price was right.

What say you all? Would you choose a low mileage 12-13 TRE w/NAV and KDSS or a brand new '14 TRE w/NAV but no KDSS or sunroof.

Looking forward to hearing some opinions for you all and thanks in advance!


P.S., Great to hear from you Bobby! Congrats on the move to the PNW; was hoping to swing by High-Tech to see if I could jog your memory, but have no doubt I'll end up soon all the same with a new 4Runner.


Jeff

 

[corcoran]

For your information only, mossy toyota of San Diego has a 2013 trial with KDSS and navi with 5 miles on it, dealer is asking $37194.00 you might want to contact them and see if they will sell it below their asking price. 855-668-6938 btw it's silver in color

 

[1engineer]

Big question so think hard:
Are you ever going to do serious suspension mods? Spacers and Bilstein 5100's do not count. If you answer yes, then get the non KDSS. If no, get the KDSS equipped vehicle. I have had both and KDSS is great on the highway and offroad too. If you are going to replace everything though then its a waste of money.

 

[pepowdylan]

Big question so think hard:
Are you ever going to do serious suspension mods? Spacers and Bilstein 5100's do not count. If you answer yes, then get the non KDSS. If no, get the KDSS equipped vehicle. I have had both and KDSS is great on the highway and offroad too. If you are going to replace everything though then its a waste of money.

Which one would you prefer, personally? KDSS or some Coil-overs with a Reservoir?

 

[eddiebx]

Which one would you prefer, personally? KDSS or some Coil-overs with a Reservoir?

Think of KDSS as more like an all-season tire; whereas a more extensive custom tailored suspension setups are more like a summer tire or snow tire.

KDSS is a great compromise between on-road handling and off-road handling, and for lighter duty wheelin' is probably more than enough in it's stock form. It can navigate all types of terrain pretty well, but not as good as something that is purpose built for each particular terrain.

IMO, once you get into more serious suspension builds you start to lose the versatility that KDSS offers.

If you plan to never mod your suspension, just get the KDSS and don't look back

If you plan to only do a mild lift, KDSS can accommodate too, I recently lifted my KDSS equipped truck ~2" and all seem well.

If you're planning to do more extensive long travel modifications, then KDSS will not be compatible, so don't waste your money.

You need to ask yourself what are your plans, then decide.

 

[Canazes9]

Which one would you prefer, personally? KDSS or some Coil-overs with a Reservoir?

Most of the soft handling characteristics that KDSS eliminates is eliminated w/ higher suspension upgrades. As [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] and [MENTION=85512]eddiebx[/MENTION] mentioned - KDSS is a great compromise in factory form. If I remember correctly (if I'm mistaken someone WILL correct me :happy you lose a minor amounte of ground clearance w/ KDSS in exchange for the increased articulation off-road/better handling on road.

If you don't know for sure, then you need to research a little more before you buy.

David

 

[eddiebx]

most of the soft handling characteristics that kdss eliminates is eliminated w/ higher suspension upgrades. As [mention=66316]1engineer[/mention] and [mention=85512]eddiebx[/mention] mentioned - kdss is a great compromise in factory form. If i remember correctly (if i'm mistaken someone will correct me :happy you lose a minor amounte of ground clearance w/ kdss in exchange for the increased articulation off-road/better handling on road.

If you don't know for sure, then you need to research a little more before you buy.

David

^^lol!

but yeah if you take a look at the front where the KDSS piston is, it forces you to have a lower hanging front skid plate (to make room for the up and down travel of the KDSS piston); and consequently, poorer approach angles . I think that is the only portion with the lower ground clearance though...

 

[Ducmonsta]

I know this guy.




Buy the new trail without KDSS and kiss your suspension warranty goodbye! I'll follow along when we start to put a build together for you.

Now that that's done. What wheels and tires are you going with along with your Icon lift kit?

:cheers:

 

[Jeff614]

Thank you all for your replies. These are exactly the points I hoped would be raised.

In all honesty, each vehicle I've had I've initially said there's no way I'll mod it.....but we all know how that turns out.

Most likely I don't see myself going much beyond a nice set of shocks and a very mild lift suspension-wise.

It sounds like I'm going to get more benefit out of a near stock KDSS equipped T4R, than one with a full on coilover kit.

From my understanding the KDSS system is a well designed robust system that should be able to handle most things thrown at it.

All that being said I think what I should be looking for is 2012-13 KDSS model. While I do like the new bodywork and interior I'm not sure I'd want to trade KDSS and the sunroof for the new bodystyle. While I'll certainly keep my eyes out for a deal on a '14 I'm pretty set on what I want to pay.

One last question, from what I've read here, it's a pretty sure thing that a TRE has KDSS when it is equipped with NAV correct?

Thank you all again for your suggestions and I'm always welcome to more!


Jeff

 

[1engineer]

It has KDSS when you verify the two actuators (one front one rear) are in place touching the sway bars. They look like big shock absorbers and the front one is visible looking underneath the front towards the left front tire.

Just remember a 2010 TE ran the Rubicon... In stock form.

 

[Jeff614]

I know this guy.




Buy the new trail without KDSS and kiss your suspension warranty goodbye! I'll follow along when we start to put a build together for you.

Now that that's done. What wheels and tires are you going with along with your Icon lift kit?

:cheers:

:lol: First things first, gotta find my Superduty a new home.

While I do think Bilsteins and a simple lift would keep my happy, but for how long.....gonna have to give it some serious thought and compare the used vs. new market. KDSS vs. non-KDSS, there's sure something to be said about being the first one to miles on a new vehicle!


Not to worry though Bobby, whichever I decide, I hope I'll be talking to you about ordering some parts sooner than later!


Jeff

 

[Titanpat57]

It has KDSS when you verify the two actuators (one front one rear) are in place touching the sway bars. They look like big shock absorbers and the front one is visible looking underneath the front towards the left front tire.

Just remember a 2010 TE ran the Rubicon... In stock form.

and it was SILVER too bishes!!:tea:

 

[eddiebx]

Thank you all for your replies. These are exactly the points I hoped would be raised.

In all honesty, each vehicle I've had I've initially said there's no way I'll mod it.....but we all know how that turns out.

Most likely I don't see myself going much beyond a nice set of shocks and a very mild lift suspension-wise.

It sounds like I'm going to get more benefit out of a near stock KDSS equipped T4R, than one with a full on coilover kit.

From my understanding the KDSS system is a well designed robust system that should be able to handle most things thrown at it.

All that being said I think what I should be looking for is 2012-13 KDSS model. While I do like the new bodywork and interior I'm not sure I'd want to trade KDSS and the sunroof for the new bodystyle. While I'll certainly keep my eyes out for a deal on a '14 I'm pretty set on what I want to pay.

One last question, from what I've read here, it's a pretty sure thing that a TRE has KDSS when it is equipped with NAV correct?

Thank you all again for your suggestions and I'm always welcome to more!


Jeff

This is exactly what I had thought too because all of the dealers here in the north east region and mid-atlantic region swore up and down that it does not exist otherwise...BUT I've learned on this forum that you can get KDSS and no NAV all day long in certain regions like the rocky mountains.

So it is definitely best to do what [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] said and visually verify that it has KDSS by looking for the pistons. Another way to tell is when you turn the key on and all the gauge cluster lights come on, there's a little orange KDSS light that comes on momentarily (on the bottom right corner).

This will be the same exact light that will be nagging you down the road if you are how [MENTION=68685]Ducmonsta[/MENTION] makes you out to be. Couple of guys here that went all out on their suspensions and removed the KDSS parts have that light on constantly and no way to turn it off, lol.

 

[eddiebx]

and it was SILVER too bishes!!:tea:

What a coincidence Pat! Did you also run the rubicon too in that silver TE of yours???

 

[Jeff614]

This is exactly what I had thought too because all of the dealers here in the north east region and mid-atlantic region swore up and down that it does not exist otherwise...BUT I've learned on this forum that you can get KDSS and no NAV all day long in certain regions like the rocky mountains.

So it is definitely best to do what [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] said and visually verify that it has KDSS by looking for the pistons. Another way to tell is when you turn the key on and all the gauge cluster lights come on, there's a little orange KDSS light that comes on momentarily (on the bottom right corner).

This will be the same exact light that will be nagging you down the road if you are how [MENTION=68685]Ducmonsta[/MENTION] makes you out to be. Couple of guys here that went all out on their suspensions and removed the KDSS parts have that light on constantly and no way to turn it off, lol.

Thank you VERY much for pointing that out. I know it may seem like a minor thing to make a decision over but that would drive me absolutely nuts. I hate CEL lights!


Jeff