Going to pick up a 4runner...which one?

I

in4mant

New member
I know that this is a pretty general question, and a lot of this will be based on personal preference, but I would still like some feedback to help with my decision...Thanks in advance everyone...

My first choice would be to go with the Trail version, even though I may not use it for off road purposes, I like the look a lot better. In regards to the Trail, would you recommend the KDSS? Will I notice a difference?

My second choice would be an SR5, with NAV...I dont like the leather seats on the limited...

Thoughts, suggestions,...
 
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in4mant said:
I know that this is a pretty general question, and a lot of this will be based on personal preference, but I would still like some feedback to help with my decision...Thanks in advance everyone...

My first choice would be to go with the Trail version, even though I may not use it for off road purposes, I like the look a lot better. In regards to the Trail, would you recommend the KDSS? Will I notice a difference?

My second choice would be an SR5, with NAV...I dont like the leather seats on the limited...

Thoughts, suggestions,...
Click to expand...

firmer suspension KDSS, softer ride SR5 with cash in pocket
 
I had an SR5 and loved it. Despite that, I got a TE when the SR5 got wrecked. I'm happy for my choice and would do it again. I like the ride better, and I like the interior (more 7-yr-old-boy resistant).

I could do without the hood scoop, although it does occasionally collect a really cool bug. Not bad if you're a biologist.

You also get a few extra knobs. Knobs, as we all know, can be fun.
 
My vote is trail with KDSS, but then again I am sort of bias. Plus extra cash left over is overrated. Whats the use in making it if all you do is save it.
If you like the look of the trail then just get one, otherwise you will wish you did every time you see one driving by.
 
Stifler said:
SR5 and pocket some cash
Click to expand...

I was in the same situation when I purchased my 11 4Runner last February. I almost bought a TE. I thought alot about it and the reasons I chosee the SR5 was because I really do not go off-roading as much as I used to. That's why i still have my 97 SR5 if I really want to.
Also I really wanted a comfortable ride for when I take the family on trips to Maine, Cape Cod,Rhode Island, Etc.
Also from owning my 97 which has the plastic fender flares. It's a PIA to keep them clean and prevent them from discoloring over time. I've always had to repaint them every few years because the would fade or get wax on them when waxing the truck. So I didn't want to deal with that again.
 
Regardless of kdss, you said you like the look of the trail better than the sr5. Get what you like or you will regret it a few months in.
 
Get one in the color you want, with the price you can afford, and the options you want. Oh if your married the one the wife likes the best too. To be honest either way you go your getting a great vehicle.
 
in4mant said:
I know that this is a pretty general question, and a lot of this will be based on personal preference, but I would still like some feedback to help with my decision...Thanks in advance everyone...

My first choice would be to go with the Trail version, even though I may not use it for off road purposes, I like the look a lot better. In regards to the Trail, would you recommend the KDSS? Will I notice a difference?

My second choice would be an SR5, with NAV...I dont like the leather seats on the limited...

Thoughts, suggestions,...
Click to expand...

The Limited and leather are both underrated. Drive all three before buying. To many of us have bought 5th gens just to sell a year later for another trim level. I did SR5 to Limited move and am much happier now. Keys, for one, are so 1970. Hitting that smart button was a real epiphany for me. All are extremely off road capable with ATRAC, so no big concerns there, particularly for you. Resale on the Trail might be best in years to come.
 
WOW... Thanks everyone for the responses. Looks like a tough decision ahead for me... I'll let you know what the decision is. Thanks again
 
When I first started considering 5th Gen 4Runners, I was 100% in for a Trail. At the time, they were hard to come-by (even in the Rocky Mountain Region). Like you, my decision at the time was based 99% on appearance as I knew I would do 'some' wheeling but nothing even close to my past. That, and I liked the idea of knowing I 'could' do whatever I wanted if need-be.

Well, after sitting on the idea for a while, I drove all three (SR5, TE, LE). I also realized that I would want all of the convenience and comfort add-ons/options. Next, I decided to be completely honest with myself that I would very rarely need KDSS and certainly not crawl, etc, gizmos IF I did any off-roading that was demanding at all. So I decided I'd go with a Limited (Xreas) and just take-off/mod the chrome and other things that are FAR too "fancy" for my taste e.g. ghetto 20" wheels, bicycle tires, etc). I figure with some key simple adds and take-offs I can "toughen-up" the look a fair amount but still have all of the comfort and convenience things I have grown to appreciate.

Of course, NOW I am in a holding pattern HOPING the 2013's come out in late July! I am waiting for a 2013...but it is getting VERY hard to wait. IF they do not come-out by the end of July, then I may have to go 2012...we'll see.

That's my story...
 
Last edited:
in4mant said:
I know that this is a pretty general question, and a lot of this will be based on personal preference, but I would still like some feedback to help with my decision...Thanks in advance everyone...

My first choice would be to go with the Trail version, even though I may not use it for off road purposes, I like the look a lot better. In regards to the Trail, would you recommend the KDSS? Will I notice a difference?

My second choice would be an SR5, with NAV...I dont like the leather seats on the limited...

Thoughts, suggestions,...
Click to expand...

Before you buy new, drive a 4th gen v8. You'll be very happy you did.
 
Alright...so its come down to two pretty specific models...
1. Shoreline Blue TE w/KDSS and Nav
2. Black Limited AWD w/ standard Nav

We'll see what happens...feedback is welcome :)
 
in4mant said:
Alright...so its come down to two pretty specific models...
1. Shoreline Blue TE w/KDSS and Nav
2. Black Limited AWD w/ standard Nav

We'll see what happens...feedback is welcome :)
Click to expand...

Do not buy a black one. You will have to wash it daily! I owned a black car for 1 month and never again
 
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