I took a 2nd test drive today in a Limited this time. This time I quite liked it. Seemed quieter and more composed than the SR5 I drove last weekend. I think the leather steering wheel and seats made the biggest difference to the ambience in the cabin. It does feel like a more substantial vehicle on the road. My only complaint today was the engine sound in the midrange, a bit raspy, but perhaps some extra insulation could be worked in somewhere. I dont know if it had Toyoguard, but I did learn that that adds 28lbs of insulating material, dont know where, but sounds like a good thing. Anything that quietens the highway ride is worth it for me.
I could live with this engine, but I would be really mad if I bought one and they later offered a V8 midcycle.
So if I could get an SR5 V6 4WD to look like the 4cylinder SR5 (shallow bumpers, black fender flares, mudflaps, color keyed mirrors and door handles, I would add leather, sunroof, bluetooth and be done. I guess I could also live without multimode 4WD (and drive slower in the rain).
$40k for a Limited is just a bit much for this grade of vehicle, I'd still consider it, but having to spend more ontop of that to change the bumpers and wheels doesnt seem like a good way to spend money.
