For those who wanted KDSS but didn't get it

old12valve

New member
Do you regret it? I would prefer to have it, but cannot find a vehicle local which is the color I want and has KDSS. I have 2 options - buy an ORP with a moonroof and KDSS or buy an OR without KDSS. I prefer the cloth seats and no moonroof option of the TRDOR, and it's much less money to boot. I can't see spending another $4k to get softex seats which I can't stand and a moonroof that I will never use. I have found a few options 400 miles away, but that's a hassle. Not sure if I should settle or just wait to see if one shows up.
 
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Why settle between those 2? There are loads of 4Runners, just get one that has exactly what you want


You're right, there's just not one around right now. I suppose I will just wait until one comes in or whatever. Was just curious if anybody wanted it, couldn't locate one locally, so settled and is happy with their decision.
 
Why settle between those 2? There are loads of 4Runners, just get one that has exactly what you want

:iagree:

Don't settle, it's your money. Make the dealer find what you want or contact other dealers. I had better results working with a fleet or internet sales rep.

I passed on KDSS to save $1,750 on my 2013 Trail. I don't drive it hard on road so was not concerned about a little lean in curves or turns. Off road I think it only adds 2 inches of articulation, not sure it's worth it.

I know some areas are not willing or able to order one for you. I was lucky in SoCal, the dealer gave me a list to pick what I wanted and ordered it. Still got a discount off MSRP.
 
:iagree:

Don't settle, it's your money. Make the dealer find what you want or contact other dealers. I had better results working with a fleet or internet sales rep.

I passed on KDSS to save $1,750 on my 2013 Trail. I don't drive it hard on road so was not concerned about a little lean in curves or turns. Off road I think it only adds 2 inches of articulation, not sure it's worth it.

I know some areas are not willing or able to order one for you. I was lucky in SoCal, the dealer gave me a list to pick what I wanted and ordered it. Still got a discount off MSRP.

Thanks for the reply. I want the KDSS more for the on road and highway handling than I do for the off road. While this vehicle will see plenty of dirt around Tahoe, I will be using it for long trips in mountainous areas at speed. Less body roll is a huge plus.

That being said, I can get better discounts if I purchase an existing vehicle on the lot rather than ordering. It would be nice to find something in the next 4 weeks so I have it before my Christmas trip, but after that there's really no rush. I suppose I can just bide my time and see what materializes after the new year.
 
I never did a test drive with and without, maybe make a sales rep take some time with you and do a comparison.
 
Where are you located? Up here in my neck of the woods (Seattle Area), the dealer lots are littered with all varieties of Off Roads. A few of them (Magic Toyota of Edmonds, Toyota of Kirkland, and Lithia (South of Portland) are providing very aggressive pricing right out of the gate.

Sorry if I missed your location, but it may be worth checking around up here...
 
I ripped kdss out of my old rig and bought my current one with out it. I’m currently not even running a rear sway bar and have it lifted with 35’s. There really isn’t a lot of body roll.

I say buy the cheaper one without it. It’s not a huge difference but that’s just me.


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It’s never good to be in a hurry when buying a vehicle. Forces you into compromises.

I’m ordering one through a dealer because I wanted a unicorn: 2020 ORP in BR w/KDSS and w/o moonroof. That config is apparently simply not built. [emoji2369]

I’ll be surprised if I’m in traffic before St. Patrick’s Day. [emoji3515]

My aging 2008 Nissan Frontier is a mere 125,000mi old and is holding up well enough to keep me from being in a buying panic.


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My 2018 ORP with kdss and no moonroof took some time to get. I think it was 3 or 4 different boats from Japan before one showed up (Seattle area) . Be patient.

My Diesel truck i flew to the neighboring State to save $12k - $14k vs local pricing. 400 miles doesn't seem bad.
 
I got my 2018 ORP, no moonroof, with KDSS, silver, off the dealer’s lot. Just what I wanted. KDSS is perfect for me. Don’t settle.
 
Am I in the company of tall-in-the-torso 4Runner folk, or those not hoping to maintain a moonroof they’ll do rarely use?

[insert “Why not both?” GIF below]


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Having owned two, the first without KDSS, I couldn't imagine not having it. It makes such a drastic improvement in the vehicles overall handling. Less sway in turns, more planted, its just better. The only reason i'd recommend not doing it is if you intend to do a major lift, in which case you're better off just getting the standard suspension
 
Having owned two, the first without KDSS, I couldn't imagine not having it. It makes such a drastic improvement in the vehicles overall handling. Less sway in turns, more planted, its just better. The only reason i'd recommend not doing it is if you intend to do a major lift, in which case you're better off just getting the standard suspension

Paragon1 is right on the money.

Had to make an emergency maneuver in my last 4Runner without KDSS, was checking my blind spot as I merged into the right lane and when I looked back ahead all the traffic in the right lane was braking hard, had to swerve back into the center lane quickly and I couldn't believe how much body roll that 4Runner had. The current 4Runner has it and I don't plan on doing any lifts.

Good luck with your search...Jim!


edit; should add that if you live on a dirt road that gets a lot of washboard ruts in it, you may want to opt for a 4Runner without KDSS, its been mentioned in other posts that the ride is terrible on this type of road as the suspension is very stiff at higher speeds (think over 16mph). If you travel on roads with similar conditions frequently, then you may want to consider a non-KDSS 4Runner.
 
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Why mess with success I’m driving my truck w/o kdss for months it was no more bouncy then my Range Rover but less sporty then my x5
I’m very pleased with the ride and that I didn’t get it with kdss even after driving one with
also this is big! less to fix when broken:whoo: aggressive tires and shocks will take of 90% of any issues
Mike
 
You should be able to get any color and configuration you want. My friend's dealership in a small town in Montana currently has 50 4Runners on the lot and around 6 or 7 with KDSS. If a small dealership in Montana has half a dozen with KDSS - you should have no problem finding what you want in any city in California.
 
Travel if you have to or call other local dealers after getting a price on the one 400 miles away. I found the truck I wanted about that far away (Milwaukee and I live in Minneapolis). I went back to the local dealer with the price, he said he could get the same truck by doing a dealer trade and would come within $400 of the Milwaukee price.

The cost of my time made it worth spending the extra $400 to work locally - just need to put in the effort on the front end.

Also, I drove a 4Runner without KDSS and immediately was disappointed with the nose dive. the KDSS took care of all the concerns I had in the handling of the 4Runner!
 
I didn't know what KDSS was until joining this forum.

My $748 Eibach Pro Truck Lift (+$475 for install) solved my body roll and nose dive on braking complaints of my Off Road.

It also supports the weight of my winch and winch bumper.
 
I test drove both and really couldn't tell the difference. It was just a test drive, so I didn't push either to hard. I chose the '16 TP. Kids love the sunroof and I love the seats cuz I got kids.
 
My only advice is to buy what you want. I test drove both and the difference between KDSS and without was immediately apparent to me. I personally chose one that had everything I wanted, from the color, to the moonroof, to the KDSS, etc.

These things cost too much to settle for something you don't want.

I kept my last 4Runner for 22 years, 1 month, and two days. Hopefully the new one will be as reliable and I'll want to keep it as long.
 

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