Egstyle
New member
$1400 is for the Limited. $2400 for TE. I didn't realize they were different prices for the different models.
General Questions for Current Owners - Likes/Dislikes?
- Thread starter shuly
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$1400 is for the Limited. $2400 for TE. I didn't realize they were different prices for the different models.
IceNomad
New member
Save the $2500 that you would put toward a built-in Nav for a good suspension lift or new tires/wheels. Unless you must for some psychological reason have the nav be built-in. I got a TomTom XXL for $130 (including free current map) and it is good enough for me. Probably not as good as a Garmin, but out of principle I will not spend $300 for the unit and then another $100 just for a city map (w/o topo, which is an additional $100). The non-upgraded speakers sound really good, IMO, as long as party mode is on. I haven't been able to compare them with the JBL's, but the non-JBL's leave nothing to be desired. Plentiful bass. And it blasts out & through the rear door in case you like to show off.
Add that to the likes: great sound system, even without the $2500 upgrade. Oh yeah, and being able to sleep in the back is +++!
I have said this before, but I can't understand why anybody would get a 4Runner if they are just going to be driving in town, except that they look smooth. There are much better city-only vehicles (maybe a Tahoe even). But off-roading is where this ride shines. Which is why I don't understand why anybody would get anything other than a TE (they look better, too), unless you have a woman that needs the lux or you do like Harper ($$$). No offense to the existing SR5's or Limited's out there. Rear locker is priceless and peace of mind on a difficult trail.
Ok, on purely offroading, lets break it down...How difficult are you going to go in a STOCK TE? If you have experience driving off-road, you will not need a locker in a stock vehicle. Now if you upgrade the suspension, tires, add armor, then I see a locker because you can do more difficult trails. Or you can just have a buddy with a winch or tow strap :shrug:
Save an additional $6,000 and get an SR5. You can get:
- An ARB rear locker for $1,000 (2010 Toyota 4Runner / Prado 150 ARB Air Locker RD193 - PRESS RELEASE)
- New suspension for $1,000 (toytec ultimate lift)
- New tires for $500
- onboard air to operate the locker and fill the tires for $220 (Air Compressor-RH3)
Plus even with a TE, you would get new tires and suspension if you plan to offroad. Then you have money left over for lets say a winch? new roof rack? after-market stereo :artist:
To each their own. :snacker:
Egstyle
New member
And KDSS?
I'm not trying to bash on anyone's selection, it just pains me to see a vehicle designed for off-road use not be utilized for the purpose of its creation. :biggrin2: Any 4Runner looks better than any other SUV on the market
eace:
IceNomad
New member
eace:
And KDSS?
I'm not trying to bash on anyone's selection, it just pains me to see a vehicle designed for off-road use not be utilized for the purpose of its creation. :biggrin2: Any 4Runner looks better than any other SUV on the market
KDSS reduces body roll and slightly increases wheel travel when offroad by disengaging the stabilizer bars. With the new coils and shocks, the body roll is eliminated and if I wanted each wheel to react individually, I would have opted for a highlander. jk :frog:
Agree, we both like our 4runners. When I come to moab in the fall, we should hit up some trails!
eace:
Egstyle
New member
KDSS reduces body roll and slightly increases wheel travel when offroad by disengaging the stabilizer bars. With the new coils and shocks, the body roll is eliminated and if I wanted each wheel to react individually, I would have opted for a highlander. jk :frog:
Agree, we both like our 4runners. When I come to moab in the fall, we should hit up some trails!
Now that is what I'm talking about! Sounds good. :hatsoff:
SeattleMike
New member
TE>SR5: No stupid plastic/chrome body molding between the wheels, KDSS for much better On-Road handling, stock rear locker covered under factory warranty, comes stock with full skid plates, the TE seat material is awesome, and it has a better approach angle by 8 degrees.
Sure, you can pay for aftermarket stuff to be installed on an SR5 and get comparable results, but you can't buy crawl control, or terrain selection, or Optitron gauges, or KDSS (which only enhances any aftermarket suspension upgrades, since it remains no matter what suspension is added). So while you can add items and still have a capable SR5, a TE with equal aftermarket items (rack, sliders, tires, suspension, on-board air) still has an edge over the SR5.
Sure, you can pay for aftermarket stuff to be installed on an SR5 and get comparable results, but you can't buy crawl control, or terrain selection, or Optitron gauges, or KDSS (which only enhances any aftermarket suspension upgrades, since it remains no matter what suspension is added). So while you can add items and still have a capable SR5, a TE with equal aftermarket items (rack, sliders, tires, suspension, on-board air) still has an edge over the SR5.
clemson4rnr
New member
I like the extra 8k in my wallet though...
:trophy:
:trophy:
SeattleMike
New member
I like not getting stuck in the middle of nowhere because I tried to go the cheap route...
:girl:
Titanpat57
Senior Member
LongBallLarry
New member
Invoice for the Nav in TE is $1965, $2420 MSRP. In my part of the country 4Runners are going from $500 below to $500 above invoice.
Descrip for Nav in TE (from Edmunds):
Navigation System & Back-Up Camera
Voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system; JBL AM/FM/MP3 4-disc CD changer with 15 speakers including subwoofer; Integrated XM satellite radio and XM NavTraffic with 3-month trial subscription; USB port with iPod connectivity; Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and wireless music streaming; Steering wheel audio and phone controls; Integrated back-up camera (deletes mirror integrated back-up camera monitor) REQUIRES KD.
Seems like a fair price top pay, IMO. All depends on your needs.
Trying To Like It
I don't want to bash Toyota because the reliability is good, so I hear. I just purchased my very first Toyota. A 2010 4Runner SR5. A lower end one, but still a SR5. I've driven other manufactures SUV's through my life to compare with. These are in no particular order.
Here are my groans.
1. When stopping, the front end of the truck dips and nose dives significantly, unless your a feather weight on the breaks and are 95 years old. I'm 54.
2. The circle turning radius isn't that good for being an off-road vehicle.
3. Drives a tad like a boat (suspension) and feels a bit like rack and pinion steering instead of power steering. can not drive/turn with palm of hand.
4. Can't roll down window more than a couple of inches without getting blasted to the side of your head with 65 mph winds. Design flaw.
5. No USB port in all models. Toyota dealer has no idea where to get one (even though they install them at their own factory) and can not install one for me. They claim only the factory can install them.
6. Steering wheel does not does not tilt down enough.
7. Steering wheel a bit slippery and can not drive/turn with palm of hand.
8. Arm rests on doors are located in uncomfortable area.
9. Windows and door lock buttons are located way above the arm rest, unless you open the window and use the window opening for your arm rest, then beware the wind.
10. RED/ORANGE illuminating dashboard and instrument cluster.
11. The standard stereo is a bit weak.
12. No carpet on the rear seat backings. Will scratch easily when loading or unloading cargo area.
13. When you turn off the truck, no power to recharge cell phone/Cams/laptop etc...and bluetooth stops working disconnecting your call.
14. The sun visor and the extender does not cover the driver side window as it was designed to. Kind of a waste.
15. The horn. No explanation needed.
Here's what I like
1. The seat belts do not strangle you. Very comfortable.
2. The ride itself is comfortable, even when going over bumps.
3. The size of the vehicle, inside and out is nice.
4. The body style and interior is nice.
5. The extra 12v power in glove box and in rear cargo area. Wish I would have gotten it with 110v.
6. The backup vehicle sensor is nice to have.
7. The 6cyl 270HP, power.
8. Haven't tried out the 4wheel yet, but I will.
So I guess your wondering why I even bought this vehicle. Well, first and foremost I bought it for the reliability. Most of these irritants that I listed above are not real obvious when taking the 10 block 40mph test drive at the dealership and I'm sure that all of these irritants to me, are not irritating to many other owners. I'm hoping to get use to most of the smaller irritants and maybe changing some other things like the dash cluster lighting and the USB port, if I can find a third party to do it. But I figure that I like the ride, the body style, the engine power and the interior and see if I can live with the other things. If down the road I find that I can't live with it, I'll trade it in next year when the new models come out and if Toyota doesn't come out with anything revised, maybe I'll look at some other manufactures. Until then, I'm going to keep trying to like it.
I don't want to bash Toyota because the reliability is good, so I hear. I just purchased my very first Toyota. A 2010 4Runner SR5. A lower end one, but still a SR5. I've driven other manufactures SUV's through my life to compare with. These are in no particular order.
Here are my groans.
1. When stopping, the front end of the truck dips and nose dives significantly, unless your a feather weight on the breaks and are 95 years old. I'm 54.
2. The circle turning radius isn't that good for being an off-road vehicle.
3. Drives a tad like a boat (suspension) and feels a bit like rack and pinion steering instead of power steering. can not drive/turn with palm of hand.
4. Can't roll down window more than a couple of inches without getting blasted to the side of your head with 65 mph winds. Design flaw.
5. No USB port in all models. Toyota dealer has no idea where to get one (even though they install them at their own factory) and can not install one for me. They claim only the factory can install them.
6. Steering wheel does not does not tilt down enough.
7. Steering wheel a bit slippery and can not drive/turn with palm of hand.
8. Arm rests on doors are located in uncomfortable area.
9. Windows and door lock buttons are located way above the arm rest, unless you open the window and use the window opening for your arm rest, then beware the wind.
10. RED/ORANGE illuminating dashboard and instrument cluster.
11. The standard stereo is a bit weak.
12. No carpet on the rear seat backings. Will scratch easily when loading or unloading cargo area.
13. When you turn off the truck, no power to recharge cell phone/Cams/laptop etc...and bluetooth stops working disconnecting your call.
14. The sun visor and the extender does not cover the driver side window as it was designed to. Kind of a waste.
15. The horn. No explanation needed.
Here's what I like
1. The seat belts do not strangle you. Very comfortable.
2. The ride itself is comfortable, even when going over bumps.
3. The size of the vehicle, inside and out is nice.
4. The body style and interior is nice.
5. The extra 12v power in glove box and in rear cargo area. Wish I would have gotten it with 110v.
6. The backup vehicle sensor is nice to have.
7. The 6cyl 270HP, power.
8. Haven't tried out the 4wheel yet, but I will.
So I guess your wondering why I even bought this vehicle. Well, first and foremost I bought it for the reliability. Most of these irritants that I listed above are not real obvious when taking the 10 block 40mph test drive at the dealership and I'm sure that all of these irritants to me, are not irritating to many other owners. I'm hoping to get use to most of the smaller irritants and maybe changing some other things like the dash cluster lighting and the USB port, if I can find a third party to do it. But I figure that I like the ride, the body style, the engine power and the interior and see if I can live with the other things. If down the road I find that I can't live with it, I'll trade it in next year when the new models come out and if Toyota doesn't come out with anything revised, maybe I'll look at some other manufactures. Until then, I'm going to keep trying to like it.
my dislikes:
-the 20' wheels on my limited. tires are outrageous and hard to find ones that you like in a comparable size.
-you have to be stopped to use the NAV....and i dont feel like buying the bypass kit yet....nor have i figured out the voice recognition stuff.
loves:
my telescoping steering wheel
heated leather seats
bluetooth music, and IPOD connector at the same time
sliding cargo tray
the truck feel it has.
auto up and down windows
smart key and push button start. i can now leave my keys in the bottom pocket of my ACU's and not touch them. (however i forget that i have to push the button to get in the diesel...makes for embarassing moments)
the eco system....keeps me from having too much lead in my boots.
dual climate control........a must have.
the upgraded stereo system.
i traded my limited 20's for a set of wheels and tires off an FJ. I'm much happier, and the truck feels sturdier.
I looked at a TE, SR5, and Limited.........we went with the limited. Not gonna take my baby thru the backwoods to mar him up just yet. And I like my creature comforts for the long road trips...was convoying from SW GA to N TN for 6 months. i love how i can set the seat just to how its comfortable and i'm not constantly shifting around.
-the 20' wheels on my limited. tires are outrageous and hard to find ones that you like in a comparable size.
-you have to be stopped to use the NAV....and i dont feel like buying the bypass kit yet....nor have i figured out the voice recognition stuff.
loves:
my telescoping steering wheel
heated leather seats
bluetooth music, and IPOD connector at the same time
sliding cargo tray
the truck feel it has.
auto up and down windows
smart key and push button start. i can now leave my keys in the bottom pocket of my ACU's and not touch them. (however i forget that i have to push the button to get in the diesel...makes for embarassing moments)
the eco system....keeps me from having too much lead in my boots.
dual climate control........a must have.
the upgraded stereo system.
i traded my limited 20's for a set of wheels and tires off an FJ. I'm much happier, and the truck feels sturdier.
I looked at a TE, SR5, and Limited.........we went with the limited. Not gonna take my baby thru the backwoods to mar him up just yet. And I like my creature comforts for the long road trips...was convoying from SW GA to N TN for 6 months. i love how i can set the seat just to how its comfortable and i'm not constantly shifting around.
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RJS-T4R
New member
Is that the dealer-installed Bluetooth or the factory Bluetooth? When you turn off the vehicle with the factory Bluetooth on my Venza and in my friend's '10 SR5, the call remains connected. Makes it easy to continue a conversation without having to sit in the car; I just turn off my car, grab the phone itself, and continue talking.
There's a lot to like about my TE, but no vehicle is ever perfect. If I could change a few things, they would be:
- Coin holder that can hold larger Canadian coins
- Brighter light on the 120v AC switch. It's hard to tell it's enabled just by looking at the switch, plus it's in a poorly visible spot.
- Anti Glare coating on the radio screen. Sometimes it's impossible to see during the daytime. Maybe some kind of film can be put on there.
- The sun visor does not work well when flipped to the side
- I don't like the shift knobs
Now what I do like compared to my 2008 FJ TT.
- VSC works in 4HI
- Gas mileage so far is much better. I know the gas tank is larger on the 4R (10l more), but at 360kms I've still got 1/2 tank left showing in the 4R whereas the FJ would have the fuel light on. My FJ never had good highway mileage and it never seemed better than city.
- Engine and transmission are a lot less whiney sounding than the FJ.
- Heated side mirrors and wipers. Sunroof. Bluetooth.
Rob
- Coin holder that can hold larger Canadian coins
- Brighter light on the 120v AC switch. It's hard to tell it's enabled just by looking at the switch, plus it's in a poorly visible spot.
- Anti Glare coating on the radio screen. Sometimes it's impossible to see during the daytime. Maybe some kind of film can be put on there.
- The sun visor does not work well when flipped to the side
- I don't like the shift knobs
Now what I do like compared to my 2008 FJ TT.
- VSC works in 4HI
- Gas mileage so far is much better. I know the gas tank is larger on the 4R (10l more), but at 360kms I've still got 1/2 tank left showing in the 4R whereas the FJ would have the fuel light on. My FJ never had good highway mileage and it never seemed better than city.
- Engine and transmission are a lot less whiney sounding than the FJ.
- Heated side mirrors and wipers. Sunroof. Bluetooth.
Rob
hiker_jon
New member
I mostly agree with your criticisms, here are my comments:
11: My FM reception is poor (worse than the standard stereo on my old 1998 4runner).
12: I have already scratched the plastic rear seat backs. The plastic on my silver SR5 is blue with a thin black coating. The coating easily scratches off to reveal the blue underneath. My 1998 had carpet backs.
13: I know that at least the glove box power will remain on after you turn off the truck. Maybe you need the device to be connected before turning off.
hiker_jon
New member
I have said this before, but I can't understand why anybody would get a 4Runner if they are just going to be driving in town, except that they look smooth. There are much better city-only vehicles (maybe a Tahoe even
I use the vehicle on (sometimes very poor) dirt roads often needing 4Lo and high clearance. My previous vehicle was a 1998 4WD 4runner and I went into some very difficult places with it and I hope to do the same with my new SR5.
I would feel silly with a hood scoop on my vehicle. I am not a teenager.
fxoffroad
New member
According to this logic... no one should purchase a Porsche GT3 with a top speed of 194 (I saw an old dude in my neighborhood driving one of these yesterday and wondered if he'll ever open it up), an Aston Martin V12 Vantage with a top speed of 190, a Bentley Continental SuperSports with a top speed of 204... instead a Smart Car would make more sense.
Not to bash Range Rover owners, but think about all those housewives (and dudes) driving around in their highly capable vehicle that may or may not even drive them in the snow, let alone off-road. One could continue to extrapolate this theory for hours.
Moreover, if we followed this same logic, shouldn't we either be in Smart cars or a Ford Transit (if you need more seating space)? Why on earth would anyone want a Aston Martin that legally shouldn't be driven over the speed limit (hoping the guy in the next block w/ a DB9 doesn't read this).:hello:
All comes down to personal taste and choice. I think its important to appreciate all viewpoints - regardless of how "strange" they may seem. (In a perfect world, of course!)
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SeattleMike
New member
Allow me to pick nits with your take on the original analogy...
Would it make sense to buy an inline 4-cylinder DB9 if Aston Martin offered one? Sure, it's a pretty car but what are you actually paying for is that sexy engine. The point of a performance car is not the type of seating surfaces offered, or the color combinations, or the amount of chrome trim, it's the *performance*. The American car makers all tried the "same design, tiny engine" options with their signature muscle cars in the mid-seventies (Ford Mustang, Chevy Chevelle, Dodge Charger) but no one bothered buying them and only the big block bad boys are still worth anything.
To me, buying an SR5 is like buying the stock 1967 Pontiac LeMans rather than the GTO. Sure, they looked similar, but they were not the same car, can't do the same things, and only one is still so valued that they command new car prices for bone stock models.
