Help, buying this weekend have questions

[Rdfish1]

Your assistance would be apprec, i intended to buy a chevy tahoe 4x4 to replace my 04 tahoe z71 but based on very high residuals and the great reputation of the 4 runner, i have shifted my focus assuming the numbers work out and i can find an equipped model i like.

I use my suv in florida, not mountains or snow but rather sand, water,creeks up to 2 feet deep and lots of mud. Im not a mudder, just and outdoorsman with hunting cabin and offroad trails and a messy ingress when florida gets its heavy rains. My tahoe has served me extremely well so i think a 4 runner trail or sr5 with 4x4 would be perfect. Fyi, i intend to lease the toyota and will keep in 100 percent stock.

I have a few questions...

Based on above, why should i get a trail vs a sr5 besides looks given how i will use, any advantage?

What is the expensive air suspension and so i need it? Seems popular on trail series

Does trail come with leather as option? Ive always had leather and like it. This may sway me toward sr5 if i can get it w leather vs no leather on trail

Edmunds says the wind noise on the four runner can disrupt conversations on the hwy is this true? I like a quiet cabin

The limited is too expensive and personally, i dont like the 20 inch rims very much so this vehicle is out for me but need help picking the trail vs the sr5 as both appear priced similarly after i equip my way

My last question is, are residuals really 70% on each of the models or is the trail especially high for 12000 miles? I have not seen lease figures for sr5 yet

Sorry, one more, can i do a lump sum lease pmt and avoid the entire interst,money factor? Dealership said yes, but they gave me a money factor of .oo18 and said once i get my first pmt book, i can pay the entire lease in full. Why wouldnt i jst pay full 3 yr lease at closing?

Sorry for all questions but im new to runner and cant type well on this ipad

 

[LandCruiser]

What is the expensive air suspension and so i need it? Seems popular on trail seriesy for all questions but im new to runner and cant type well on this ipad

No such thing. Trails have a KDSS suspension that uses rams to simulate sway bar stiffening to keep it level.

Does trail come with leather as option? Ive always had leather and like it. This may sway me toward sr5 if i can get it w leather vs no leather on trail

No, for 2014 they have cloth or something called Soft Tek.

Edmunds says the wind noise on the four runner can disrupt conversations on the hwy is this true? I like a quiet cabin

Stock Trail has no more wind and tire noise than a Tahoe. Higher end models like the denali and escalade have more sound deadening, tho.

The limited is too expensive and personally, i dont like the 20 inch rims very much so this vehicle is out for me but need help picking the trail vs the sr5 as both appear priced similarly after i equip my way

either will be fine for your purposes.

My last question is, are residuals really 70% on each of the models or is the trail especially high for 12000 miles? I have not seen lease figures for sr5 yet

4Runner resale values have been going down steadily. The Trails are more valuable in places like Colorado and the Pacific Northwest where people actually use them.

 

[philsey]

^ Agree.

About resale: I'm not qualified to cite a percentage, nor to state it's going down (?), but one thing is certain - it's going to be lots better than a Tahoe.

 

[TonyJ124]

I've driven a handful of current generation tahoes, and I wouldn't say that my 4runner is any louder in the cabin. Its absolutely not loud, or would it intrude over conversation.

 

[danoT4R]

I like having the extra off road features (A-Trac, Locking rear diff, Crawl Control) in the Trail, though you sound to be a more experienced off road driver than I am. (Someone correct me if those features are an available option on the SR5)

Check out J-Blick's rig. He seems to have it on the beach almost weekly, and I think he'd tell you it does great in the environments you've mentioned.

The Soft Tex is nice. It's not real leather but it's a pretty good substitute in my book.

I've driven my Trail 15k miles in 5 months, so lots of highway. As the other guys have said, it's no louder than any other SUV. Definitely doesn't disrupt conversation.

 

[BobsTrail]

I vote for a Trail, but I may be biased. Better approach angle, more skid plates, rear locker and Multi-Terrain control. KDSS offers a bit more articulation and better on-road handling.

 

[Brique]

I know your question was specifically about the truck itself, so forgive me for going a little off topic: you mention that you plan to lease. If you plan to trail it at all, they might bust you hard on fees for any scratches, etc. when you turn it in. Just something to think about.