Hey OP, I'd like to address one of the themes in this thread: just buy what you need. Don't need KDSS, don't get it. Just get an SR5. Etc.
I'm going to say get what you want. And then a bit more.
I'm a middle-aged dude. For my entire driving life, I only bought vehicles that I "need". Point A to Point B practical vehicles. Then when it was time to get a new vehicle, I decided to take a different approach and get what I want. I'd never owned a 4WD vehicle before, and I want to start exploring parts of Colorado I can't get to in the Sienna or Camry. Not any rock crawling. Just the mid-level trails and roads to places that take too long to get to by foot.
I've lived in CO for my entire life (I ski, hike, camp all seasons) and gotten by without a 4WD, much less MTS, Crawl, KDSS. But I bought them anyway. And I love it! The T4R is my favorite thing I've ever bought. I work in an engineering field and I am a gadget guy. The gadgets have brought a new level of enjoyment to me. I love learning about all this stuff and thinking of how to use it. I like getting under the vehicle and showing my now-interested teenage son what is there. I've used MTS only a couple times this year, but we'll get out more this summer once (if?) the snow melts. I like the concept of KDSS and what it does. I could live without it, but I want it! Is it logical? Maybe not. But for the first time I truly like a vehicle.
I'm not advocating getting in over your head financially or making a snap, reckless decision. Be smart. But I will say if KDSS, MTS, Crawl, etc, will bring you some enjoyment, DO IT. In the whole scheme of things, what is $1700 or another month or 100 mile drive to find a used TE with KDSS? I know, sounds like a mid-life crisis, and maybe it is. But if you are going to walk out to the driveway every day and look down at that front wheel and think to yourself, "It doesn't have KDSS" then get the KDSS!
I'm going to say get what you want. And then a bit more.
I'm a middle-aged dude. For my entire driving life, I only bought vehicles that I "need". Point A to Point B practical vehicles. Then when it was time to get a new vehicle, I decided to take a different approach and get what I want. I'd never owned a 4WD vehicle before, and I want to start exploring parts of Colorado I can't get to in the Sienna or Camry. Not any rock crawling. Just the mid-level trails and roads to places that take too long to get to by foot.
I've lived in CO for my entire life (I ski, hike, camp all seasons) and gotten by without a 4WD, much less MTS, Crawl, KDSS. But I bought them anyway. And I love it! The T4R is my favorite thing I've ever bought. I work in an engineering field and I am a gadget guy. The gadgets have brought a new level of enjoyment to me. I love learning about all this stuff and thinking of how to use it. I like getting under the vehicle and showing my now-interested teenage son what is there. I've used MTS only a couple times this year, but we'll get out more this summer once (if?) the snow melts. I like the concept of KDSS and what it does. I could live without it, but I want it! Is it logical? Maybe not. But for the first time I truly like a vehicle.
I'm not advocating getting in over your head financially or making a snap, reckless decision. Be smart. But I will say if KDSS, MTS, Crawl, etc, will bring you some enjoyment, DO IT. In the whole scheme of things, what is $1700 or another month or 100 mile drive to find a used TE with KDSS? I know, sounds like a mid-life crisis, and maybe it is. But if you are going to walk out to the driveway every day and look down at that front wheel and think to yourself, "It doesn't have KDSS" then get the KDSS!
Last edited:
