Going to buy 2013 TE....A Few Questions

[5POINT56]

A little background. I currently own an 08 Sport Edition, and am very close to committing to a 13 TE. I love what some of you guys have done with your Gen 5's and I can no longer resist.

I've got a few questions, and yes I searched for most. Just couldn't get a good idea what direction i should go based on what I was reading. Maybe putting them all down here, each question can get answered by someone who knows 1st hand.

1) I really like the TE model for a variety of reasons however I find it annoying that the 15 speaker JBL audio system isn't even an option for the TE model. The TE has an 8 speaker system that I guess integrates with the nav screen. Is it possible to leave the factory system in place but just upgrade the speakers and possibly add a small subwoofer and amp if needed? Or is the ONLY way to gut the entire factory console? I'd much prefer to keep the factory console in place and just upgrade speakers and bass. Do-able?

2) I definitely want a lift. Nothing real big, just enough to fit some larger tires on and to make the 4R look like it was supposed to look. Is a factory bought/installed life available from Toyota, or are all lifts after market? What would you suggest for a lift to fit tires a size or two larger than factory tires and to give it that finished appearance?

3) Is there anything in particular that I should keep in mind prior to buying a 2013 TE 4R? Any options a must-have? Any to avoid? Any tips on this particular model are appreciated. I saw a TRD air intake doohickey in the accessories catalog at the Toyota dealer. Thoughts on that or any other simple performance mods I can have the dealership throw on?

Thanks for any and all help and advice. Very much appreciated. lane:

 

[MacRunner]

I was pretty disappointed in the stock 8 speaker set up with my Trail, but I just upgraded the two front dash speakers with kappas and it was a major improvement. We all have different opinions on sound quality bit this is a good place to start.

I also thought about having the dealer install a lift but their pricing and willingness to include a lift on a Trail with KDDS ended that discussion. Most if not all do there research and buy after market.

When getting a Trail edition the only two options that make a difference is the KDDS and the Navigation. I am a big fan of the KDDS, especially after first owning an '10 SR5. KDDS helps a lot on paved roads also by keeping the vehicle stable in turns. Some people have had the dealership give credit for the stock tires so they can upgrade but in your case you may want to do the lift first. My opinion is to get the best price on the Trail from the dealership and do any upgrades yourself or from shops that specialize in the mods you want such as a lift.

Good luck - you will love the new Trail and it's surprisingly roomier than the 4th Gens!

 

[BigredTEX]

I can't really speak about the audio system because that's not the reason I bought the truck. I have the 8 speaker system and it works fine for me.

I have a 3" OME lift with 285/70-17's. Even with the lift I had a little rubbing at full lock, but that was easily mitigated with a little trimming of the inner fender wells. Some on the forum have been able to fix the rubbing by repositioning the inner fenders. In addition, some have installed 285's without a lift. The lift really does change the looks of the TE. With a full 3 inches and the taller tires it makes the vehicle pretty tall and getting in and out can get a little difficult if you are height challenged. There are many options out there including adjustable coil overs, so you don't have to go too tall if you don't want to.

 

[rjmckay99]

I don't really have any complaints about the audio from the basic system. But my advise is if it is really important to you, just get the basic system and upgrade with aftermarket, even the better OEM system probably won't hold up to an aftermarket set up. This is 100% personal preference though and like I said I don't mind the basic system.

As for a lift, it seems like you would be ok with a daystar leveling kit. Basically it is just spacers and it will run around $200. It is very easy to install, even for a novice. I did mine myself with no previous experience. Also keep in mind you will want an alignment after. This will give you the room to upgrade to larger tires if you would like. 285/70/17 will clear after this kit is installed. There may be some fender liner rub depending on your alignment.

Must haves? In Canada KDSS is standard so I didn't have a choice, but if I had I still would have gotten it. The jury is still out on how much it really helps off road, but on road it allows for larger anti-roll bars which in turn create a much better handling road vehicle. Since this is where most of our time is spent, I feel it is a worthy option.

The TE is a great vehicle, you won't regret it.

 

[5POINT56]

Thanks for the advice fellas, it's appreciated.

The audio system isn't a deal breaker, just an annoyance since the JBL system is available for 2 out of the 3 models....and I'm buying the 3rd. While voicing minor gripes, leather seats seem to be tough to come by in my parts for the TE model too....should be easy enough to fix. I was wondering if they can swap black leather from a different model, since the TE leather is either grey or beige....so I was told.

I just went through every page of the lifted 5th Gen's and saved the images and specs of what I'm shooting for.....huge help to see those specs next to some good photos. Some of those mods look pretty complicated, others not so much.

Anyone know/can advise on the catback exhausts? Worth it? Any easy performance upgrades worth adding?

Thanks again for your advice, this place is incredible in the knowledge about all things T4R.

 

[MUSASHI66]

Small hijack - I am trying to buy a trail edition as well. How much of a discount have you guys been getting on them? In order to be where I want, I need a big discount from msrp. My dealer thinks he can do it and is working on it. I think i can get at least $4000-5000 of msrp, but I just wonder what others have been getting. I am looking for TE with KDSS and no options.

Ps. Good replies so far, especially with body lift option as I am after that as well.

 

[eddiebx]

Thanks for the advice fellas, it's appreciated.

The audio system isn't a deal breaker, just an annoyance since the JBL system is available for 2 out of the 3 models....and I'm buying the 3rd. While voicing minor gripes, leather seats seem to be tough to come by in my parts for the TE model too....should be easy enough to fix. I was wondering if they can swap black leather from a different model, since the TE leather is either grey or beige....so I was told.

I just went through every page of the lifted 5th Gen's and saved the images and specs of what I'm shooting for.....huge help to see those specs next to some good photos. Some of those mods look pretty complicated, others not so much.

Anyone know/can advise on the catback exhausts? Worth it? Any easy performance upgrades worth adding?

Thanks again for your advice, this place is incredible in the knowledge about all things T4R.

I think any leather seats you are seeing in the TE models are likely aftermarket add-on covers, I don't believe TEs are available in the US with leather as a factory option (I think in Canada it is though). From what I recall, the TE is only available here in the US with that black water resistant fabric.

Don't feel too bummed out about the lack of JBL, if you're really into audio, you probably wouldn't think too highly of the factory JBL system anyway. Might as well start with the "crappier" system so you feel less bad when you rip it out

As far as exhaust, I've seen that at least Borla and Magnaflow both make a bolt on muffler. IMO if you're going to get it, get it for the sound and not the power gains. I can't imagine it making a whole lot of power, but I am also a bit of a skeptic.