Is X-REAS supension worth it?

[deon]

Hello,
I just sold my 328is yesterday and I'm looking for a 2004 V6 4-ruuner. I think Limited is little too expensive for my budget, so I'm looking for either SR5 or SR5 sport. The price is about $5,000 cdn different. I've had sunroof on my 328is but I rarely used it, so the sunroof/moonroof is not an big issue for me.
I guess X-REAS suspension would be the deciding factor even if there are more gadgets on sport.

My question is that whether it is worth to have X-REAS suspension. I test dorve both vehicles but couldn't tell the differences.

Furthermore, is it worth to go for sport package over SR5 basic?

 

[dcampen]

SR5

I went with the SR5 because I didn't like the hood scoop and wanted 16" wheels instead of the 17" wheels that are on the SE. I believe that the SE has the telescoping steering wheel and I would have liked that, also the XREAS would have been nice. The higher price, hood scoop and 17" wheels of the SE decided me on the SR5.

 

[Biff]

I would go for the strip version of the SR5. You can do and add more stuff to it.

 

[EXTEX]

Wecome

to the forum, Deon. You'll find precisly the information you're looking for in the section of this board entitled "Performance Zone." The 1st thread to check is Xreas, by Thai. It's a great write-up, w / feedback from members. The only thing I didn't see mentioned in there was that the suspension was developed by Yamaha. I particularly think it would be a really good idea for you, 'cause you're coming out of a ride that turns like a slot car, and you're gonna have a little culture shock moving into something that does not handle as well. I have it. I like it. It corners, IMO, better than 4Rs not so equipped.

Your other inquiry of SR5 v S/E is also in "Performance Zone," under Hood Scoops. I think most of what comes w / the S/E is mentioned there, except brakes. The S/E comes w / larger brakes than the SR5 or Ltd. The rest of the S/E standards are: Dark fabric, hood scoop, Xreas, 17" wheels [unique to the S/E], monochromatic paint exterior, telescopic steering wheel, roof rack, leather wheel w/ audio controls, silver shift knob, 8 way driver's seat, and maybe a "performance differential" [not sure 'bout that one]. That's pretty much it. You will have to decide for yourself if that stuff is worth about $900+.

This board can be invaluable to both your knowledge of the vehicle, AND your purchase. Again, welcome.

Jim

 

[SnydersWeb]

XREAS is good

I have been very happy with my 04 Sport Edition. The XREAS system really helps in everyday driving, it makes the truck feel a lot more sure-footed on corners.

I would recommend taking a regular one out for a test drive on a curvy road and then do the same again with the Sport and decide for yourself whether you like it.

Personally I like the hood scope, yeah, it's not functional, but I think it adds more of an aggressive character to the vehicle. The only real downside I've discoverd thus far is when you're driving into the sun it can reflect light straight back in your eyes.

 

[Thai]

Here is my thread on this topic:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1076

Hope this helps.

 

[rando]

I tested both and xreas felt a bit stiffer but I wouldn't say it was any more confidence inspiring. I came from a 300ZX so i'd assume the transition is similar coming from a b'mer. Either way, the 4R isn't going to handle anything like a sports car or sports sedan.

I would have liked to get the telescoping wheel, leather wheel, and hood scoop, but didn't want the tires, xreas, or to spend the extra ~$1k.

 

[V8Limited4wd]

if you dont already know, a setup similar to the x-reas is used on the audi rs6... makes a car less susceptible to leaning when driving on curvy roads.

i think its worth getting it if you can spend the extra money... im sure cars around me are very suprised seeing a huge suv taking curves better than their car.

 

[BobbyC]

I test drove trucks with and w/out XREAS. I went with the XREAS for the tighter feeling while cornering. It's not a dramatic difference, but I'm more comfortable in turns since the truck tends not to lean over as much. And oh yeah, my wife liked it better.

 

[sharp4runr]

I think the Xreas is definitely worth it. I came from a lowered celica and I like how the suspension was still tighter than most SUVs/Vans that I've driven. Downside is it sometimes instills too much confidence and your driving gets a little spirited... :

I went with the SE versus the SR5 because I like the hoodscoop. I also wanted the monochromatic paint theme. I don't like looking at vehicles with black mirrors and a white body, just my preference there.

I wanted the 17" rims, who doesn't want bigger rims?

 

[darktiger]

I say yes, I love my XReas suspension.

 

[dcampen]

Rim size

I wanted the 17" rims, who doesn't want bigger rims?

Me. Smaller rims means more sidewall heigth which is better for offroad use.

 

[ScottAW]

I pick up my sport 4-runner this Saturday. The car I am coming from, and turn in within one month, is an Audi A4 with sport suspension, handles the same as your 328.

I definately felt the xreas suspension was worth it. I felt it handled around the corners with more control, didn't get upset if you hit a bump, and had a lot less body roll.

 

[Mark86]

I test drove a Sport and an SR5, and the XREAS is what made me make up my decision. I was not too happy with the hood scoop, but I lived with it for the XREAS. The cornering is a lot better and it does feel top heavy. I do not feel like the truck will tip on exit ramps when going fast. I would highly recommend the XREAS. It is worth the extra money.

 

[deon]

Thank you all for quick and detailed replies.
I have another question for those of you who have sport edition.
Have you ever regretted that you didn't go for limited edtion??
Now I'm thinking of going for sport edtion and it puzzles me to think why not going for limited. ^^
Does Mud & Snow tires and all season tires make different ride?
Guess mud & snow suits better for long and harsh winter.

 

[SnydersWeb]

Not really

I liked the hood scoop and plus I got a couple of extras (moonroof and 10 speaker JBL audio w/6CD in dash changer).

Yeah, there are times it would've been nice to have the adjustable suspension and rear camera, but the Sport was on the upper limit of what I was willing to afford (I bought, not leased!).

But hey, if you have that kind of money, go for the LTD if you want - I have a personal policy of getting the best I'm willing to afford. That way I don't spend the rest of my time second guessing myself.

 

[EXTEX]

Limited

Deon - I know where you are, man. I was doing the exact same thing last month. I originally shopped nothing but Ltds. I love 'em, they're super nice, but the more analysis I did [I am anal 'bout making the "right" car decisions] the less I started seeing for the $4000+.
Obviously, the heated leather, auto on lights, dual climate & I love the "granite trim," but $4500? On the converse side of the ledger, I still think what the S/E hands you for $900 is pretty unbelievable. Again, it was this board that supplied me with all my info - it's great, and you are fortunate to have it @ your disposal to asist in a major $ purchase. Some of you Ltd guys help us out here - if you're not pi$$ed off @ me! What did I forget to list that comes STOCK with the Ltd v other trim levels?

 

[toybox]

EXTEX,

I know one. You forgot the lighted dot on the speedo. That gotta be worth alot.

Really though, the ltd have some nice features over the sport but they're stuff I didn't "need".

And plus I probably couldn't have spent a nickel more than I did. So that made it an easy decision.

 

[ScottAW]

I saw a lot of things that the ltd. has as being eye candy gadget stuff that would be nice to haves, but really, I wouldn't use them most of the time. Couldn't justify it at all.

However, the sport edition, with x-reas, bigger breaks, and the other aspects included in the package were worth the money for me. (especially the better handling and better braking part)

 

[Mark86]

Nah. I really do not regret not going for a limited. I really like my sport. The only three things I wish I had were power seats, leather seats, and auto on headlights.