Just got back from the dealer...this isn't true right?

[minimalist]

Took my baby into get serviced at 15k miles. Decided I wanted to give a 4runner with KDSS a test drive to see what all of the fuss is about. Guy knew I wasn't interested in upgrading at the moment so he let me take it around the block, a pointless ride to determine if I noticed a change. But I digress.

Per the sales rep, KDSS is mainly felt offroad, very little felt on road. I then asked if they put lifts on 4runners here that have KDSS. He proceeded to tell me that they only put leveling kits. They do not put lifts because it works against the KDSS. Putting a lift kit on a vehicle with KDSS will counteract the benefits of having KDSS.

Oh and he has a TRD trail premium.

 

[philsey]

A search would yield enough written about KDSS to keep you busy for days ...

 

[Engineer]

Took my baby into get serviced at 15k miles. Decided I wanted to give a 4runner with KDSS a test drive to see what all of the fuss is about. Guy knew I wasn't interested in upgrading at the moment so he let me take it around the block, a pointless ride to determine if I noticed a change. But I digress.

Per the sales rep, KDSS is mainly felt offroad, very little felt on road. I then asked if they put lifts on 4runners here that have KDSS. He proceeded to tell me that they only put leveling kits. They do not put lifts because it works against the KDSS. Putting a lift kit on a vehicle with KDSS will counteract the benefits of having KDSS.

Oh and he has a TRD trail premium.

Correct that is not true, like most other car salesman he is almost clueless about the products he sells. I would argue the KDSS system has more effect on road then off. It allows the use of a beefy sway bar without the side effects that would normally have off road (limiting wheel articulation)

If I had to drive 2 4runners back to back with no visual indications of which had KDSS.....I would head to the first highway cloverleaf I could find.

 

[minimalist]

A search would yield enough written about KDSS to keep you busy for days ...

Lol thanks. This was more of a comment about dealers not knowing what they're talking about.

 

[Jbahr]

Simply put, not true. I have KDSS and a lift. They are mutually beneficial!

 

[minimalist]

Correct that is not true, like most other car salesman he is almost clueless about the products he sells. I would argue the KDSS system has more effect on road then off. It allows the use of a beefy sway bar without the side effects that would normally have off road (limiting wheel articulation)

If I had to drive 2 4runners back to back with no visual indications of which had KDSS.....I would head to the first highway cloverleaf I could find.

That's what's disappointing. I figured they'd know what they were talking about. I was hoping to walk away educated. I walked away feeling like I educated. Doubt I'll be coming back here next year.

 

[minimalist]

Oh, and one of the other salesmen I spoke with who seemed a little more knowledgeable mentioned a popular rumor about a diesel 4runner in 2018

 

[Brandonium]

The diesel option is now possible thanks to Nov 8, 2016. HAHA

That being said, I like diesel but I can't see Toyota doing something like that for the US market. I would be pleasantly surprised if they did though. If a Gen 6 was body on frame with a diesel option I'd be tempted...at some point.

Oh, and one of the other salesmen I spoke with who seemed a little more knowledgeable mentioned a popular rumor about a diesel 4runner in 2018

 

[Farcry305]

The diesel option is now possible thanks to Nov 8, 2016. HAHA

That being said, I like diesel but I can't see Toyota doing something like that for the US market. I would be pleasantly surprised if they did though. If a Gen 6 was body on frame with a diesel option I'd be tempted...at some point.

It sounds good, more power and better fuel economy. Just dont forget the 8k price increase that diesels usually claim.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Brandonium]

The 2018 4Runner TRDD. I also like manual options but like the Taco you would more than likely lose crawl control and terrain.

It sounds good, more power and better fuel economy. Just dont forget the 8k price increase that diesels usually claim.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[philsey]

Lol thanks. This was more of a comment about dealers not knowing what they're talking about.

Now that, I get.

That's what's disappointing. I figured they'd know what they were talking about. I was hoping to walk away educated. I walked away feeling like I educated. Doubt I'll be coming back here next year.

I wouldn't disqualify a dealer solely on that - after all you could get a good price and they may even have a good svc dept.

Let's be realistic; a Toyota sales rep sells what - 20 different models of cars/trucks/CUVs/SUVs/vans/hybrids? Totally unrealistic to expect product knowledge on a low volume product like a 4R. Too bad, but .....

 

[Liquidmantis]

Oh and he has a TRD trail premium.

The TRD Pro and Trail Premium are two separate trims; the TRD Pro being a base Trail with lipstick (and a suspension upgrade). You can go full Faux Pro and TRD'ize a Trail base or Premium though.

 

[minimalist]

The TRD Pro and Trail Premium are two separate trims; the TRD Pro being a base Trail with lipstick (and a suspension upgrade). You can go full Faux Pro and TRD'ize a Trail base or Premium though.

Oh I know. That's what he told me though. I almost laughed

 

[Ray Dunakin]

When I test-drove my 4R, I asked the salesman what the green "eco" light means. He told me, "Oh that stays on all the time, you can't turn it off." That's when I realized he didn't know what he was talking about.

 

[bigbadpoppa]

before I bought my trail edition, I test drove at least 3 different 4runner Limited versions without KDSS. From my experience, the trail feels more smoother and stable (sometimes it feels like an air ride). I don't feel like I'm rocking around on a 90 degree turn unlike the Limited's.

 

[progress4m]

before I bought my trail edition, I test drove at least 3 different 4runner Limited versions without KDSS. From my experience, the trail feels more smoother and stable (sometimes it feels like an air ride). I don't feel like I'm rocking around on a 90 degree turn unlike the Limited's.

Agreed!

I bought my 2013 Trail with KDSS just two weeks ago….
When I was looking for trail 4Runner (which was along jurney) I did my research and was actually looking for non KDSS trail (for known reasons: KDSS adds complexity, harder to lift and possible failures in the future (although from all research system is very reliable)….
Then just a week prior to finding my truck, I drove a loaner 2016 Trail Premium without KDSS and after that week my mind was set: no way I will have 5th gen 4Runner without KDSS…

IMHO: when testing both (with KDSS and without) anyone with at least average driving expertise will feel the difference, they are obvious; no KDSS 4Runner sways and leans and feel very top heavy (even a lot more then 4th gen 4Runner); is it drivable: absolutely! There many trucks on SUV on the road that are equal or worse…
Will I feel safe to have the truck like that being driven by my wife and my kids (in the future): absolutely not!

To summarize: 4runner with KDSS feels incredibly stable and well planted on the road and also gives you an extra edge for "off road" as it keeps your tires on the ground longer when full articulation is in the play;

My $.02

 

[Friggin Idiot]

Oh, and one of the other salesmen I spoke with who seemed a little more knowledgeable mentioned a popular rumor about a diesel 4runner in 2018

I've heard rumors of a Cummins turbo-4cyl option coming for the Taco line, don't know why they wouldn't drop it as an option for the 4Runner as well. Although it is supposed to be $6+k more as well, so don't see many of them selling in the 4Runner as much as for the Taco.

 

[Engineer]

Let's be realistic; a Toyota sales rep sells what - 20 different models of cars/trucks/CUVs/SUVs/vans/hybrids? Totally unrealistic to expect product knowledge on a low volume product like a 4R. Too bad, but .....

You are being far to nice, if your ONLY job is to sell 20 different products.....you better know them like the back of your hand in my book......unfortunately, we all know they don't need to know the details to sell so maybe they are doing it right.

I understand if a used Ford is on the lot or its just a used car lot with 100's of variaitons.

 

[philsey]

You are being far to nice, if your ONLY job is to sell 20 different products.....you better know them like the back of your hand in my book......unfortunately, we all know they don't need to know the details to sell so maybe they are doing it right.

No, just realistic. These guys are not hired to be consultants. The most product-knowledgeable guy you know could not keep a sales job 2 weeks if he couldn't engage, query, and close prospects...... Let alone deal with DB shoppers day-in day-out.

All the product 'consulting' in town goes right in the shitter to another dealer for $200.00 - right? Trust me, I know of what I speak.

Buying a car is not a normal business transaction. Don't expect otherwise.

 

[minimalist]

You are being far to nice, if your ONLY job is to sell 20 different products.....you better know them like the back of your hand in my book......unfortunately, we all know they don't need to know the details to sell so maybe they are doing it right.

I understand if a used Ford is on the lot or its just a used car lot with 100's of variaitons.

That's exactly how I feel. That's their job. However, I do understand how some people just don't care about the details. I deal with it in my job. I'm sure there are people who know nothing about KDSS and don't really care about all of the details. They just hear "it rides better" and that's enough. I wouldn't be surprised if that's the majority of customers so a salesmen doesn't really feel the need to educate themselves on that stuff.

But, the reality is that there will be the few who do come in informed and IMO they should be prepared for that person. This person who I spoke to was not.