Dilemma - My 08 T4R or a Salsa Red 2012 T4R TE

[JohnnyT]

Merry Christmas everyone!!

This is not meant to start a 4 gen vs 5 gen war but.......

I have an 08 Magnetic Gray SR5. Love everything about it. Perfect mechanical condition. Only 40k miles. I bought it at 34k miles so I've only had it a few months. Great truck.

But.....

Was driving past my local Toyota dealership last week and saw a 5th gen Salsa Red Trail Edition. WOW. This truck was smokin'. I mean SMOKIN'!!!!. Now I do not like the new SR5 or Limiteds at all, but this truck was different. Did I say it was SMOKIN'!!!!. It was so cool looking that it's got me considering trading in my 08 for it.

But first a few thoughts......

- I don't like the interior of the TE. Cheap compared to the 08. Even though the 08 is "utilitarian" it is still a better interior in many ways. The carpeting seemed cheap and although I am OK with plastic it all seemed like the very hard kind.
- The overall build of the TE seems a bit hollow, tinny, etc. compared to the 08.
- I'm seriously concerned that more recent Japan built T4Rs will not be as reliable over the long haul as those from years past given the recent issues/disasters in Japan. Anyone share these concerns?

So basically I think the 08 is the better vehicle, but the TE was simply A GREAT LOOKING, VERY DIFFERENT TRUCK THAT YOU SIMPLY DON'T SEE AROUND- not around here anyway. The Red with Black trim looked ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC. I never see these trucks around in ANY color nevermind Red. If it wasn't for the look and uniqueness of it, I'd never even consider it. For the $10-12k difference between my trade and the new TE, would it be worth it?? Would the novelty of the new cool looking truck wear off after a few weeks and then I'm simply left with a bigger payment??

Please talk me into it (and grabbing the TE) or out of it (and sticking with the 08 I already have and love).

 

[4Running Daily]

I vote Salsa Red

Your going to walk out to the car every morning and be like "Hell ya, that's what I get to drive!"

 

[Alt Freak]

It depends on if the capabilities of the TE suits you and your needs. I would not buy a $38,000+ truck because it looks smoking. And if you really are unsatisfied with the interior then I'm sure that would bother you down the road. But it's a great truck for sure

 

[4FL]

"WOW. This truck was smokin'. I mean SMOKIN'!!!!"

Is that what you said about your 08 when you saw it?

If you love your current 08, then I would not get rid of it. The satisfaction you get from the 12 may not be worth the extra money to pay for the satisfaction, and that satisfaction will get less and less over time, but the money to pay for it will be the same. I am assuming you have limited finances hence the discussion.

I would not be concerned about quality issues, so far nothing unique has appeared on the forums, just go browse a Ford explorer forum and you will see all kinds of issues. I will take a cheap interior feeling any day over the issues the new explorers (and previous gens) are having.

For me it is simple, I own a 2003 explorer and it is a piece of junk, I like it, but mechanically it is just unreliable and is a money pit. I am bidding my time to get a 4 runner.

But in the end, it is all on you and what you desire. Maybe you can wait a bit to see if one of those mythical refreshes come, or you can look for a used TE to dampen the financial impact.

 

[joneseyyy]

If you have the financial means to get the TE without compromising something more important (saving for the future/emergencies, family, travel, giving back), then I would give yourself 1-2 months (depending on how impulsive you are), amd if you just can't get it out of your mind, then go for it. Zero regrets.

 

[Intruder]

It depends on if the capabilities of the TE suits you and your needs. I would not buy a $38,000+ truck because it looks smoking. And if you really are unsatisfied with the interior then I'm sure that would bother you down the road. But it's a great truck for sure

Totally agree. If the rear locker and other off road gadgets in the TE are something you're going to use then it'd be worth it. If it's going to be a pavement pounder that sees the occasional dirt/gravel road then I'd stick with the 4th gen. I don't find the interior to be cheap and I'm coming from a fully loaded Acura - though I do occasionally miss the heated seats and climate control.

 

[JohnnyT]

Thanks for all the comments.

Finances are not an issue and I don't go off road - just the occasional snow storm and ski trip. All the off road features would be nice for resale value reasons only.

I like it strictly for the unique look. I also detail cars/trucks as a hobby and this one would look sweet when nicely detailed. Nothing more.

When I got my current gray 08 it did not have the wow factor this one would have.

Your comments thus far lead me to believe that it would be a very superficial purchase without much substance - which is helpful and appreciated. But I've been known to make a spontaneous, emotional decision now and again as well (e.g. When I got my gray T4R, I went and traded in a BMW 328 without even a word to the wife or kids. Just showed up with it. And the wife was actually glad because she never liked the Bimmer as she drives her Pilot and loves it).

 

[JohnnyT]

If you have the financial means to get the TE without compromising something more important (saving for the future/emergencies, family, travel, giving back), then I would give yourself 1-2 months (depending on how impulsive you are), amd if you just can't get it out of your mind, then go for it. Zero regrets.

I think this advise is spot on for me.

Maybe they'll sell the TE and this whole "thing" will go out of my head entirely.

 

[philsey]

For waaaay less money, you could get yours painted SR by a good shop, and add many of the trim pieces that make up the TE "look".

I do agree with you tho, a SR TE is "smokin"!!

Also agree you should chill a few months - you'll be able to buy a SR TE for some time yet if you really must.

EDIT: Wanna see a cool SR TE? Check out post #685. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/65893-post-your-lifted-pix-here-46.html#post939389

 

[axxman]

For waaaay less money, you could get yours painted SR by a good shop, and add many of the trim pieces that make up the TE "look".

I do agree with you tho, a SR TE is "smokin"!!

Also agree you should chill a few months - you'll be able to buy a SR TE for some time yet if you really must.

EDIT: Wanna see a cool SR TE? Check out post #685. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/65893-post-your-lifted-pix-here-46.html#post939389

Boy you came to the wrong place if you were looking for someone to talk you out of it. just please get the damm entune system, if I had known about it I would have waited a couple months before I bought mine. good luck sounds like you can't go wrong no matter what you decide. by the way, the damm salsa red is very difficult to come by so buy the thing already, I wanted that color but had to settle for a grey. I am happy but I would have preferred the red. you lucky dog you. merry christmas.

 

[Ramzey28]

I have been driving my TE for almost a year and still have not seen another in any color, mainly NH and ma is my driving range. Rare beast!

 

[JohnnyT]

Went to see the truck again today and drove it again. I have a much improved opinion of it since I spent far more time inspecting the small details, looking under hood, and touching/using every feature. I really like this truck!!

Dealer offered me $21k for my 2008 Shadow Mica SR5 with 40k miles and offered the 2012 Salsa Red TE for $36k (sticker on the TE is $39100 since it doesn't have the KDSS but it does have the Endure/Nav package thing). Seems like at Edmunds and KBB these are both more than fair and I know I can get more if I sell the 08 myself.

Given the fact that I rarely see 5th gen 4Runners and especially Salsa Red TE's, I think there is some value in its uniqueness. I don't know how long this will last on the lot and how difficult it may be to find a new Salsa Red TE in the future in this area.

Your thoughts on how good a deal this is or isn't is much appreciated.

Whether I pull the trigger on it is another story, but your opinions are respected here.

To a large extent, I like to think its really a no lose situation making the general (but could be false) assumption 5th gen 4Runners will hold their resale value as well at the 4th gens.

Thanks.

 

[Stu-Runner]

Kinda surprised no one has given the default "you only live once" adage.

So I will...you only live once! GO FOR IT! Sounds like you have already made up your mind, and if you are anything like me completely obsessed with the thing.

I have an 2011 SR5 and wish I had pulled the trigger on a TE...they are sweet!

Stuart

 

[4FL]

Alright, let us see if this helps.

The most important thing seems to be finances, or this would not be a discussion. You are weighing the financial aspects of trading away something you are satisfied with, for something you think you will be even more satisfied with but comes with a higher financial obligation.

It is determined that you like the 5th better than your 4th, so that is out of the way. If you could trade without regards to finances, you would do so I am assuming.

Ok, now comes the monthly payment obligation. I assume you have a budget, now, you look at how much more that payment will be for the 5th. For example, the 5th will be $200 more a month. You must look and ask yourself "do I have $200 a month available to put towards the 5th". You should see if items like insurance are going to increase as well, as $20 a month can even knock a budget off (so now you are looking at a $220 increase).

Live only once is a good quote, but not practical. There was a thread on here already about a poster having to trade in his 5th because the payments are too high, and many forums are full of these examples.

Plus, owning a 4r is suppose to be fun, modding is fun, but if there is no cash to enjoy the 4r, what is the point of owning it?

As far as the deal itself, if I found a TE for that much and it is what I wanted, it will be mine. I may not be getting the best deal in the world, but it would be good enough for me. I cannot speak on the trade in though, but you have had it only for a few months, it would be nice to break even at this point.

 

[JohnnyT]

4FL,

You are the voice of reason and practicality..... And for that I thank you.

You give me much to think about. I was not looking to add $15k to my existing expenses but I can make it work without too much heartache..... But I too am usually very practical about things and don't have any extravagant or unnecessary expenses .....

I think this is where we insert the "you only live once" adage and I race back to the dealership to wrap it up.

I'll give it 24 hours.....

 

[Don in AK]

red TE

JohnnyT:
If money is not the issue, and you said it was not, then let me throw in another thought for you to consider. Do you ever look at your own reflection in the front windows of buildings when you drive past? If so, then you have your answer! That could be you in the window reflection if you just say YES!

Disclaimer: I have what I believe to be the only Salsa Red TE in Alaska, and I drive around sometimes just to look at the front windows of large buildings! I also go out in blizzards just to be one of the few vehicles to bust through snow berms!

 

[philsey]

Dealer offered me $21k for my 2008 Shadow Mica SR5 with 40k miles and offered the 2012 Salsa Red TE for $36k (sticker on the TE is $39100 ....

Your thoughts on how good a deal this is or isn't is much appreciated.

Can't speak to the trade in, but given the 'rarity' of a TE, especially one that is SR, I'd consider the $36k a pretty fair price.

I always sell my cars myself, and usually get $2k more than the dealer offers in trade. Well worth it IMO, IF you can financially stand owning them both for a while.

BTW, how's the wifey with all this?

Good Luck

 

[JohnnyT]

JohnnyT:
If money is not the issue, and you said it was not, then let me throw in another thought for you to consider. Do you ever look at your own reflection in the front windows of buildings when you drive past? If so, then you have your answer! That could be you in the window reflection if you just say YES!

Disclaimer: I have what I believe to be the only Salsa Red TE in Alaska, and I drive around sometimes just to look at the front windows of large buildings! I also go out in blizzards just to be one of the few vehicles to bust through snow berms!

Oh baby! That sounds very cool. I detail cars as a hobby so I take particular pride in how my current T4R, Pilot, and Pathfinder look. So yes, that would be me.

 

[JohnnyT]

Can't speak to the trade in, but given the 'rarity' of a TE, especially one that is SR, I'd consider the $36k a pretty fair price.

I always sell my cars myself, and usually get $2k more than the dealer offers in trade. Well worth it IMO, IF you can financially stand owning them both for a while.

BTW, how's the wifey with all this?

Good Luck

Just spoke to her about it actually and she has this funny way of effectively reminding me that $ is always an issue (as she comes home with dozens of bags from shopping at the mall today - but it was all "on sale") that she doesn't particularly like the color, thinks I'm going through male menopause, reminds me of how our oldest starts college in Sept and plays an expensive sport (hockey and it is expensive), and she really likes my current T4R (as do I).

To which I remind her of how I commute to Manhattan 1.5 hours each way every day with butt in seat by 7:45am and leave at 6 pm and break my ass in a stressful job.

 

[Antman]

That settles it then. Women are complex- she knows you already made up your mind to buy, and now is trying to guilt you into something shiney, for herself, from the jewelry store...

Time to go to the dealer!!! :lmao: