This is what I ended up doing and I saved around $3500...I think. I don't like SofTex. I don't need the badges. I didn't want a sunroof. It works for me...
fgeorge097's questions
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This is what I ended up doing and I saved around $3500...I think. I don't like SofTex. I don't need the badges. I didn't want a sunroof. It works for me...
MidnightOffRoad
New member
I have a different perspective.
I was going to buy a Pro. Researched, decided I wasn't willing to pay at or near MSRP on a moderately used Pro. So new it was.
Had one coming in the color I wanted, but dealer says I need to come in and place a deposit if I wanted to ensure it'd be there by the following weekend.
I show up on a Saturday (31 March) to place my deposit and take a last look at inventory they had. He informs me it's the last day of the quarter and they'll be able to cut me an incredible deal on anything on the lot (as they are like 16 vehicles behind schedule). I think he's shining me on giving me typical salesman crap. I test drive an Offroad Premium. He tells me that they'll give me ANY parts/mods for cost as they're desperate to get stuff out the door. This includes swapping out cloth for leather (at like $350) on Tacomas.
Just to sleep well I had them make me an offer on an OR with the front "heritage" grill swapped out and "predator" side steps.
Guy comes back at $39k for a brand new OR Premium, with TRD front grill and side bars.
I then proceed to swap out the wheels/tires ($1400 with installation). I resell the tires (for $300). I buy the front and rear black valences OEM (for $340 shipped). Swap them out myself.
I have yet to resell the OR wheels, but will eventually (for $300).
That puts me at $1140 over what I paid so $40,140 and I have yet to do the skid plate and the suspension.
I plan on doing a King OEM kit with external reservoirs, adjusters, etc. That whole kit will cost me around $2750 if I don't buy new rear springs. Call it $3k with new springs. I'll go with either a modified TRD skid plate or a better aftermarket setup, and KDSS.
So for $2500 LESS than MSRP, I get a 4Runner with everything the Pro has except better tires, better suspension, a moonroof, possibly better skid plate.
I would go OR and simply upgrade it to the Pro parts if you want a Pro.
Had I done this in '17 I MIGHT be inclined to give some value to the unique color (I actually like the Cement color) but in '18, the colors were nothing extraordinary. Super White, Black or Cavalry Blue.
So outside of a unique color, if you want a Pro, you can buy an OR and upgrade all the components and have a Pro with KDSS (and a moonroof)....for several thousand less.
If you want a 4R better than a Pro, you can buy an OR and upgrade everything and still come out ahead.
I was going to buy a Pro. Researched, decided I wasn't willing to pay at or near MSRP on a moderately used Pro. So new it was.
Had one coming in the color I wanted, but dealer says I need to come in and place a deposit if I wanted to ensure it'd be there by the following weekend.
I show up on a Saturday (31 March) to place my deposit and take a last look at inventory they had. He informs me it's the last day of the quarter and they'll be able to cut me an incredible deal on anything on the lot (as they are like 16 vehicles behind schedule). I think he's shining me on giving me typical salesman crap. I test drive an Offroad Premium. He tells me that they'll give me ANY parts/mods for cost as they're desperate to get stuff out the door. This includes swapping out cloth for leather (at like $350) on Tacomas.
Just to sleep well I had them make me an offer on an OR with the front "heritage" grill swapped out and "predator" side steps.
Guy comes back at $39k for a brand new OR Premium, with TRD front grill and side bars.
I then proceed to swap out the wheels/tires ($1400 with installation). I resell the tires (for $300). I buy the front and rear black valences OEM (for $340 shipped). Swap them out myself.
I have yet to resell the OR wheels, but will eventually (for $300).
That puts me at $1140 over what I paid so $40,140 and I have yet to do the skid plate and the suspension.
I plan on doing a King OEM kit with external reservoirs, adjusters, etc. That whole kit will cost me around $2750 if I don't buy new rear springs. Call it $3k with new springs. I'll go with either a modified TRD skid plate or a better aftermarket setup, and KDSS.
So for $2500 LESS than MSRP, I get a 4Runner with everything the Pro has except better tires, better suspension, a moonroof, possibly better skid plate.
I would go OR and simply upgrade it to the Pro parts if you want a Pro.
Had I done this in '17 I MIGHT be inclined to give some value to the unique color (I actually like the Cement color) but in '18, the colors were nothing extraordinary. Super White, Black or Cavalry Blue.
So outside of a unique color, if you want a Pro, you can buy an OR and upgrade all the components and have a Pro with KDSS (and a moonroof)....for several thousand less.
If you want a 4R better than a Pro, you can buy an OR and upgrade everything and still come out ahead.
fgeorge097
Banned
The TRDPro trim is known to have a much higher resale value than the OR trim??
fgeorge097
Banned
Are the Softex seats on premium trims more comfortable?
Are the Softex seats on premium trims more comfortable than the regular cloth seats, or are they just made out of a fancier looking material?
Seems like the heated Softex seats, and moonroof availability, are the only real improvement of the ORP trim over the OR trim. Thoughts?
Are the Softex seats on premium trims more comfortable than the regular cloth seats, or are they just made out of a fancier looking material?
Seems like the heated Softex seats, and moonroof availability, are the only real improvement of the ORP trim over the OR trim. Thoughts?
Cloth soaks up water, the softex doesn't. They seem to run a little warmer than the leather seats in my car, but compared to the mesh like material my Tamoma had, I'm loving the softex. Also I'm a windows down kind of guy, the sun roof and rear window are worth the premium package right there!
How do you expect other people to tell you what you will think is comfortable? Go sit in both and make a decision. Plus, isn’t there a thread already started in your name so you can ask these questions instead of starting a new thread.
CF_Machete
Senior Member
don't forget the puddle lights...
MidnightOffRoad
New member
I had an 07 with cloth for 5 years. I'll never buy another cloth seat vehicle. Leather or softex doesn't soak up moisture (when getting in the vehicle with wet clothes) doesn't soak up spills, is nearly impossible to stain, doesn't absorb smells and odors like cloth (from food or sweat or just normal use)
I'm sure someone can outline all the differences with premium package but the seats are a must. If you're crafty you can get the dealer to change out the seats and for a reasonable price. Just get all the way to the end and make the deal live or die based off softex swap out. They can even do custom stitching colors and such.
I think the premium comes with better "infotainment" and doesn't have the 15 speakers of the limited but has a pretty decent sound system.
I'm sure someone can outline all the differences with premium package but the seats are a must. If you're crafty you can get the dealer to change out the seats and for a reasonable price. Just get all the way to the end and make the deal live or die based off softex swap out. They can even do custom stitching colors and such.
I think the premium comes with better "infotainment" and doesn't have the 15 speakers of the limited but has a pretty decent sound system.
cgrigsby79
New member
Yes, it is pretty common knowledge that people often pay over MSRP for the Pro, and most of the used ones I see come up for sale in Denver/Boulder are still more expensive than what I paid for my new OR with KDSS. Also, any aftermarket mods one does to a vehicle will not increase its used market value, so a stock Pro is going to be worth more than an OR that has been upgraded to Pro spec with better suspension, tires, wheels, etc...
ADK Explorer
New member
“SofTex” (Toyota’s euphemism for pleather)
https://medium.com/@sbriansmi/i-bou...d-it-made-me-question-everything-c015d8d1b030
Hey ... it's easy to clean!
https://medium.com/@sbriansmi/i-bou...d-it-made-me-question-everything-c015d8d1b030
Hey ... it's easy to clean!
I have the Softex. I test drove both Softex and cloth. I think I actually preferred the feel of the cloth in the 4Runner, but I saw a bunch of pics of the cloth seats looking worn too quickly so I took my chances with the Softex hoping for better durability. I do love the heated seats with the Softex, also. Presumed durability and heat. Good enough for me to ditch the cloth. But the Softex do feel a little warm on my back now that the weather is heating up.
PhotogEric
New member
I have softex in the 4Runner and cloth in my Tacoma. My wife didn’t want cloth because we have kids, and it’s easier to clean. Personally I don’t like sitting on leather. I don’t like the feel of leather car seats or couches. But it’s not the end of the world. Either are fine.
e60ral
Banned
trail fabric seats are water resistant and don't get hot like leather or softex
MidnightOffRoad
New member
Here are your poisons, pick according to your needs.
1) Fabric. Soaks up spills and stains (despite all the wonderful coatings and new fangled technology, someone spills a drink, drops chocolate or candy, etc, etc, the seats WILL stain and the liquids and amorphous solids will penetrate through and make it difficult to remove in the padding/underlining as well).
2) Fabric with impermeable covers. The benefits here are protecting the seats and keeping them fairly pristine. The drawbacks are additional costs (some of the more premium seat covers are just as expensive as a factory upgrade) and at the end of the day, impermeable creates the same/similar problems as faux leather and leather....it creates a heat barrier that CAN feel hotter than fabric.
3) Faux leather. Advantages, stain and damp resistant, wear better (on corners and wear points). Disadvantages...cost (on your vehicle note), can give you the infamous swamp ass and trucker nuts if it's really hot.
4) Leather. Toyota leather is actually perforated to help with breathing (and not be so hot) and I think they almost always come with cooled/conditioned feature which eliminates the sweaty legs/back issue. Problem with perforations is that it's not COMPLETELY impermeable so bad spills and such will make it through, but it'll mask any staining better.
At the end of the day, if you're an active person, have kids, aren't OCD enough to outlaw liquids or foods of any kind in your vehicle, you're gonna need one of the last 3 options. Covered seats have the same heat issue as leather. Covers can be replaced (at additional cost) and also add some customization options (colors, pockets, etc).
When I traded in my 07, the seats were pristine, but I kept neoprene seat covers on them the whole time, which were great for getting in wet after being in the water, rain, protecting the seats when clothes are dirty, spills, etc, but were hot just like softex.
Muzzle of Bees
New member
Sure, but how long do you think it will take your ass and back to wear off that "waterproof" substance?
I am not interested in spraying anything on them to re make them waterproof either.
e60ral
Banned
not a coating, it's the fabric material
MidnightOffRoad
New member
It briefs well on paper. I'd venture it's better than typical fabrics or textiles but isn't as "stain resistant" as softex, vinyl, leather, etc.
Lipstick, chocolate, orange soda, BLOOD, there's dozens of things that thwart even the most viable of additives and fabric treatments and fibers.
It's the same with carpet. There's some amazing carpets out there now, none of them are truly 100% stain free.
But beyond the exterior fabric, the bigger issue is the padding, which always holds odors and deposits and is difficult to get out even with shampooing or fabric cleaners.
To each his own, I wouldn't own another vehicle with fabric that didn't have seat covers.
I have a vehicle with Alcantara and I have a 100%, strict policy that NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING goes into the car but people and their clothing.
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