Considering buying... rants? raves?

[surfratsteve]

Hello,

I looking to buy an SUV and am seriously considering a 2011 4Runner. I was hoping to get the advice of forum members on anything I should watch for or be aware of in general.

As I've looked at 4Runners at the dealership I originally wanted an SR5 with navigation.... but whoops that's not available. I've talked to a couple of dealers about dealer installed nav systems and they have quietly recommended I don't go there due to technical problems. So... I'm "forced" to go to the Limited to get factory nav (which I want). I really don't want leather and I HATE the wheels on the Limited. Dealer says I would have to buy the SR5 wheels in addition.... I guess I could sell the Limited wheels. Any advice here?

Thanks for any advice/warnings you can give me.

Steve

 

[4Robber]

Do you really need the Navigation?

It's nice having the touch screen and everything but I, personally, will rarely use the Nav.

It's a million times easier to use MapQuest on my iphone.

IMO- unless you want full time 4WD, leather and Nav, go w/ the SR5.

 

[02SE]

The Trail Edition has factory Nav as an option.

 

[mbrogz3000]

You should research the three trim lines enough to the point where you know the differences between major systems such as the 4WD (each trim line has considerable differences between the 4WD), and what options are available to the point where you know what comes in the vehicle just by looking at the price and trim line. The Limited 20" wheels, which I like in appearance, will limit your ability to put wider tires on the truck.

I'm in the same boat, but I'm waiting to get through the winter for now since dealers are going to use the seasonal weather as bargaining chip right now on their behalf. I'm also watching to see what happens with gas prices. I've heard of too many people lately (in person, not the internet) who have purchased an SUV lately and are getting well below the rated City MPG. I'd hate to buy this truck expecting to get 20-21MPG with semi-conservative driving and only get like 15-19 MPG.

 

[Quentin]

You should research the three trim lines enough to the point where you know the differences between major systems such as the 4WD (each trim line has considerable differences between the 4WD), and what options are available to the point where you know what comes in the vehicle just by looking at the price and trim line. The Limited 20" wheels, which I like in appearance, will limit your ability to put wider tires on the truck.

I'm in the same boat, but I'm waiting to get through the winter for now since dealers are going to use the seasonal weather as bargaining chip right now on their behalf. I'm also watching to see what happens with gas prices. I've heard of too many people lately (in person, not the internet) who have purchased an SUV lately and are getting well below the rated City MPG. I'd hate to buy this truck expecting to get 20-21MPG with semi-conservative driving and only get like 15-19 MPG.

I can happily report that the EPA ratings are very doable on the T4R. My last tank, driving across the Appalachian mountains, in the snow, in 4WD about 30% of the time, returned 22.4mpg. Granted, I was driving between 40 and 60 MPH for that 220 mile trip instead of the 70mph I normally run on the interstate, but I was running in 4WD, so I think that counteracts the decrease in drag I saw from running lower speeds.

Anyway, on summer gas, my normal mpg is 22.5 or so. On winter gas, it is 20.5mpg. I think winter hits my 4Runner hard because my commute is short (6 miles each way) and it has barely warmed up by the time I get to work.
YMMV, but I've been very happy with my 4Runner so far. It is very consistant.

To the OP - sounds like a Trail Edition is perfect for you. You can get cloth and navigation in it.

 

[surfratsteve]

Thanks for the info. I'm pretty familiar with the trim lines but was not aware there were differences between 4WD and non-4WD (other than 4WD) within the trim lines. I'll have to look at that further.

 

[sevenstorydrop]

Get an SR5 and get an aftermarket Nav setup. Or get a Limited and get someone with SR5 wheels to trade you.

Rants and raves: The E brake pedal is in a dumb place. I can't put my foot completely on the dead pedal without it getting in the way. The driver's seat isn't great on my lower back without a small travel pillow in the bottom. Just some ergonomic things to check out. Aside from that, I love the truck. Mine's almost a year old, and has been stellar. No rattles, no problems. Built like a vault. When I pay attention, I average 19.5mpg overall, but that can rapidly fall if I start planting my foot in it everywhere.