Justifying a 2014 purchase

[Andrew_k]

Hi guys,

I'm currently working on figuring out a strategy for my 4runner purchase, and I'm struggling to figure out what I should do. A little back story, I live in Minnesota and I've been driving a 2006 GTI since purchased new when I was 16. At that same time my mom purchased a 2004 4runner SR5. I drove that a bit while living at home, and really like the vehicle for the cargo capacity, general winter driving, ice fishing and hunting up north, etc.

I was looking at all wheel drive sedans for a while, but decided if I'm going to spend $30-40k on a vehicle, it would make more sense for it to be something I could actually get more use out of; hence the 4runner idea.

Where I'm having a hard time is deciding what year and model I should pick up. I like nearly everything about the 4th gen, as well as the 5th. For a while I was convinced I should just pick up a 2014 Trail or Limited and call it a day, but I really don't care for the front end of the SR5/Trail. Then I test drove the limited a few days ago. I really do like the styling and features, but when I was driving it I sort of had a revelation that it was the exact same thing as the 2004 I had driven numerous times, just with nicer seats, dash, and updated electronics (and the trail felt like even less of an update)... this is where I began to wonder if there was a reason to spend $40k on a truck with an updated interior. I have to say while I completely understand the 4runner approach of "if it isn't broken, don't f*** with it" in regards to new models - it certainly didn't feel like it was quite the luxury interior, or even something that was 10 years newer than the 2004.

Needless to say, I've looked at picking up a 2010-2012 used runner, but they hold value so well that doesn't really seem to make sense, other than to get a front end of an SR5/Trail that looks more attractive from the factory. I've also briefly looked at used 2010-2012 GX460's, but haven't driven one yet so I'm not sure how I'd feel about that option.

Any opinions for me here? Do I pick up a 4th gen for $12-15k and put another 10-15k into modifications? I feel like doing that would potentially net me something that would make me happier than a 2014 limited.

TL;DR - what is the best way to get the most satisfaction out of buying a 4runner?


Thank you for putting up with the wall of text.

 

[RickC5]

Lots of 4Runner fans were unhappy with the lack of upgrades/changes between the 4th & 5th gens in 2010 and would agree with your observations 100%. My opinion is that all the car manufacturers were caught flat-footed by the 2008 recession and consequent disaster that befell the car industry. It almost caused the death of GM & Chrysler, but the Japanese manufacturers were hurt badly too.

Honda has not introduced any real innovations since 2007 and they've cancelled two popular models: the Element & S2000. If Honda doesn't step up soon, they will surely start losing market share as buyers realize that Honda products--although still reliable--are technical dinosaurs.

Toyota seems to have been hurt a bit less by the recession, but their new generations of existing models have definitely suffered. Not nearly as state-of-the-art technically as in the past. Plus, the cost-cutting of bells & whistles is painfully obvious. OTOH, some really nice options, like KDSS, are now available, but are costly.

When we were recently shopping for a 4Runner, I was amazed at how well they held their value, AND how few used Trail Editions were available--almost none. In the end, we opted to spend a few thousand dollars more for a new 2014 to get the warranty and that new car smell. Plus, Trail Editions here in Colorado really do get driven on the trails, and who knows how a previous owner might have treated his/her vehicle. Buying used trucks is a crap shoot IMHO.

 

[Stifler]

Lots of 4Runner fans were unhappy with the lack of upgrades/changes between the 4th & 5th gens in 2010

really?

 

[RickC5]

really?

From what I have read on this and other 4Runner forums, yes. For sure.

I disagree, but that's what I have read.

 

[Stifler]

From what I have read on this and other 4Runner forums, yes. For sure.

I disagree, but that's what I have read.

hmmm thats the first I have heard that.... there is always skeptics when a new GEN is released.... same in the Jeep community. They bashed the JK and now everyone has one. I think the 5th is much better all around.... aside from the optional V8

 

[Andrew_k]

Thanks for the input. It seems silly in my mind that my doubting factors of whether a new rig is worth the $$ are "the dash looks the same as it did 10 years ago", "the car drives exactly the same as it did 10 years ago", etc. I guess it shows my young age. I'm less consciously concerned about long term reliability and more concerned about look and feel.

Having been driving a GTI for the past 8 years I've been spoiled with a pretty modern interior (still feels more modern than the 2014 runner to me) and a good amount of speed and acceleration... so switching to something brand new that feels a bit older, and is definitely slower is a tough thing. I recognize an suv shouldn't touch the agility of the GTI, but it leaves me wanting something in a new runner that feels like a solid upgrade.

In regards to questionable used vehicle reliability, my father just picked up a new GM truck coming off a 2001 Ford with 600,000 miles on it, so needless to say he thinks I shouldn't be afraid of something used with 40-70k. In his opinion that's "hardly broken in"

 

[thelouv]

Get what u want! You're young enough right now, this isn't gonna be ur last vehicle. And resale, either of the T4Rs should be easy to flip out of if u get either and just realize it wasn't the right decision. Although a new one will cost more to get out of mainly cause of cost of registration and sales taxes.
Have u seen a Jeep Gr Cherokee SRT yet? Hmmm...

 

[JPF1]

I had the same issue with 2012-13 holding their value so well it makes more sence to just buy a new one if you can swing it. I started looking at used and ended up buying new. Hopefully the 2014 will hold its value just as well.

 

[Bay33saw]

I had the same issue with 2012-13 hodling their value so well it makes more sence to just buy a new one if you can swing it. I started looking at used and ended up buying new. Hopefully the 2014 will hold its value just as well.

I did the same thing, I was looking for a used 5th gen, when I saw how much they were going for and the difference in interest rates for new vs used I went with new, a few grand more but a huge difference in interest rate.
Plus the new car smell

 

[Andrew_k]

I must say, it's impressive that the 5th gen seems to only depreciate ~$3,000 per year in resale value, even given above average mileage.

Have any of you guys buying 2014's had regrets after having the vehicle for a while? Anything you would have done differently in hindsight? I've steered away from Jeep just from the seemingly less than desirable repair/reliability record...

Thanks again.

 

[harper7]

Hi guys,

I'm currently working on figuring out a strategy for my 4runner purchase, and I'm struggling to figure out what I should do. A little back story, I live in Minnesota and I've been driving a 2006 GTI since purchased new when I was 16. At that same time my mom purchased a 2004 4runner SR5. I drove that a bit while living at home, and really like the vehicle for the cargo capacity, general winter driving, ice fishing and hunting up north, etc.

I was looking at all wheel drive sedans for a while, but decided if I'm going to spend $30-40k on a vehicle, it would make more sense for it to be something I could actually get more use out of; hence the 4runner idea.

Where I'm having a hard time is deciding what year and model I should pick up. I like nearly everything about the 4th gen, as well as the 5th. For a while I was convinced I should just pick up a 2014 Trail or Limited and call it a day, but I really don't care for the front end of the SR5/Trail. Then I test drove the limited a few days ago. I really do like the styling and features, but when I was driving it I sort of had a revelation that it was the exact same thing as the 2004 I had driven numerous times, just with nicer seats, dash, and updated electronics (and the trail felt like even less of an update)... this is where I began to wonder if there was a reason to spend $40k on a truck with an updated interior. I have to say while I completely understand the 4runner approach of "if it isn't broken, don't f*** with it" in regards to new models - it certainly didn't feel like it was quite the luxury interior, or even something that was 10 years newer than the 2004.

Needless to say, I've looked at picking up a 2010-2012 used runner, but they hold value so well that doesn't really seem to make sense, other than to get a front end of an SR5/Trail that looks more attractive from the factory. I've also briefly looked at used 2010-2012 GX460's, but haven't driven one yet so I'm not sure how I'd feel about that option.

Any opinions for me here? Do I pick up a 4th gen for $12-15k and put another 10-15k into modifications? I feel like doing that would potentially net me something that would make me happier than a 2014 limited.

TL;DR - what is the best way to get the most satisfaction out of buying a 4runner?


Thank you for putting up with the wall of text.

Lots of 4Runner fans were unhappy with the lack of upgrades/changes between the 4th & 5th gens in 2010 and would agree with your observations 100%. My opinion is that all the car manufacturers were caught flat-footed by the 2008 recession and consequent disaster that befell the car industry. It almost caused the death of GM & Chrysler, but the Japanese manufacturers were hurt badly too.

Honda has not introduced any real innovations since 2007 and they've cancelled two popular models: the Element & S2000. If Honda doesn't step up soon, they will surely start losing market share as buyers realize that Honda products--although still reliable--are technical dinosaurs.

Toyota seems to have been hurt a bit less by the recession, but their new generations of existing models have definitely suffered. Not nearly as state-of-the-art technically as in the past. Plus, the cost-cutting of bells & whistles is painfully obvious. OTOH, some really nice options, like KDSS, are now available, but are costly.

When we were recently shopping for a 4Runner, I was amazed at how well they held their value, AND how few used Trail Editions were available--almost none. In the end, we opted to spend a few thousand dollars more for a new 2014 to get the warranty and that new car smell. Plus, Trail Editions here in Colorado really do get driven on the trails, and who knows how a previous owner might have treated his/her vehicle. Buying used trucks is a crap shoot IMHO.

I've owned a 4th Gen 2006 and 2010 5th Gen and bought both new. Never had even a single problem with either one and that's almost 200k miles in the last 9 years.And that's why they have a high resale! Loved them both but love my 5th Gen way more and I'm satisfied with the updates. Here they are listed and some of them like the frame ,rear diff and front LCA's upgrades weren't even advertised much or widely known.Some things were lost on the 5th Gen but the improvements more then make up for them in my opinion from owning both.

Improvements over the last Gen, and these are just for the 2010-2013's with even more updates for the 14's with the mid gen refreshes that aren't even listed here. A 2014 owner could pitch in and add those!

Per Toyota...Extensive frame and body reinforcements with braces have been added using high-tensile strength materials(aka new LC J150 frame),reworked engine mounts and a completely newly designed and much stronger rear 8.2" 12 bolt differential were added in 2010 .New design LCA's with larger shock mounts.That's where the majority of the 300lbs of added weight in improvements over the previous generation are if I were to venture a guess.

Improved interior comfort with higher h-point and better headroom

New Off-Road options: Crawl Control, Multi-terrain Assist, KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System), Active Traction Control

Standard- Star Safety System 8 airbags, which includes new knee airbags and full side curtain air bags

LED Optitron gauges that take a page out of the Lexus playbook

Engine improvements.... View attachment 1GR-FE_Engine.pdf

Limited Edition has push button start with Smart key keyless entry

Rear Gate Speakers and a sound optimization mode for tailgate listening aka the "Party Mode" switch

Sequential shift transmission shifter

Puddle lighting underneath side mirrors/LED Turn signals in mirrors

120V AC power outlets, you will get two outlets, one in the center console and one in the cargo area

LED footwell lighting, interior door handle lights and shifter lighting from roof mounted console LED's

Windshield wiper and mirror de-icer

Rear view monitor system

HomeLink universal transceiver standard on all models

USB port located in glove box

A compass has been included on the accessory meter display

LED high mounted rear stoplights

Available Safety Connect

Active head restraints

Rear seatback angle adjustment(recline)

Auto up/down switches for all windows

Two 12V power outlets up front

Hidden rear wiper underneath rear spoiler, spoiler standard on all models

Inside door handle and switch lighting

All models use the 13.3" front brake rotors

10,000 mile oil change intervals using synthetic 0W-20 oil

Min. Running Ground Clearance 9.6", the increase over the 9.1" 4th gen

Enhanced Rugged Sporty exterior styling - returns to it its roots as a truck

Probably left out a few and I admit they did delete some things from the 4th Gen that were insignificant to me and added so much more.That's why I bought another 4Runner as they keep making them better IMO,a 5th Gen owner and have loved every single minute of it!
A shout out to JA's 4Runner history site for much of the info... Toyota 4Runner History

 

[Yotta]

Have any of you guys buying 2014's had regrets after having the vehicle for a while? Anything you would have done differently in hindsight?

I have a '14 SR5. No regrets. It's not a particularly exciting truck (in the bells&whistles or wheeeee!!... sense), but that's fine. It competently does things that I ask of it.

At this point the minor negatives for me are:

• The shift points suck but can be fixed by the S mode.
• There is a mild tendency to wander on the highway which I hope can be fixed by adjusting the camber next time I'm doing wheel alignment.
• The head unit and the nav system in particular aren't all that advanced. Serviceable, yes, but not much more.

Notably I have zero problems with the body roll or the nose dive, but then I don't try to pretend I'm driving a Porsche...

Specifically for the '14 vs '13 versions, I do like the new front end. I also like the new instrument cluster and the general gentrification of the interior (leather on doors, etc.)

 

[Andrew_k]

It's unfortunate they won't put KDSS in the limited. I asked the salesman I was working with the other day about comparing the trail/limited and he assured me that he "couldn't remember what it's called, but the limited has something just like KDSS." Not true, from any indications I've seen, and I've heard good things about the feature.

 

[NoDak]

Thanks for the input. It seems silly in my mind that my doubting factors of whether a new rig is worth the $$ are "the dash looks the same as it did 10 years ago", "the car drives exactly the same as it did 10 years ago", etc. I guess it shows my young age. I'm less consciously concerned about long term reliability and more concerned about look and feel.

on the flip side of this, when your out in the woods, do you want untested or tried and true that worked all those years to work when your bouncing around on trails or for that fancy head unit to pop out when you bounce into a rut.

I have to admit, the interior hasn't dramatically changed from my 2004 but at least it will hold up from those off roading jaunts and years down the road.

I still see my 2004 sport running around town once in a while and current owners live about 40 miles from the Canada/USA border. I know it probably has around 150-200k miles on it since I traded it in around 50-60k back in 2007.

edit : its still in original condition from what I can see, no missing bodywork or unfixed panels.

 

[Andrew_k]

on the flip side of this, when your out in the woods, do you want untested or tried and true that worked all those years to work when your bouncing around on trails or for that fancy head unit to pop out when you bounce into a rut.

I have to admit, the interior hasn't dramatically changed from my 2004 but at least it will hold up from those off roading jaunts and years down the road.

I still see my 2004 sport running around town once in a while and current owners live about 40 miles from the Canada/USA border. I know it probably has around 150-200k miles on it since I traded it in around 50-60k back in 2007.

edit : its still in original condition from what I can see, no missing bodywork or unfixed panels.

Solid point there. How are you liking your LE? Compared to your old rig?

 

[1engineer]

It's unfortunate they won't put KDSS in the limited. I asked the salesman I was working with the other day about comparing the trail/limited and he assured me that he "couldn't remember what it's called, but the limited has something just like KDSS." Not true, from any indications I've seen, and I've heard good things about the feature.

XREAS works just fine in the LE model.

 

[dekeman]

Improvements over the last Gen, and these are just for the 2010-2013's with even more updates for the 14's with the mid gen refreshes that aren't even listed here. A 2014 owner could pitch in and add those!

2014 Improvements
SR5/TRAIL
• Projector headlamps in new housings
• New shark mouth front valence, with repositioned fogs and elimination of lower signals/DRLs.
• New LED tail lamps (but same size as old to retrofit; filament turn signals; LED side light)
• In-glass antenna - bye bye stubs
• Sexy new 17-inch rims for SR5 and Trail
• New colour-matched side mirrors with integrated signals and puddle lights
• Standard chrome roof rack
• Colour matched overfenders and bumpers (Trail)
• Dark grey/black metallic centre console
• Black and leather steering wheel with new buttons
• New colours: Super White; Attitude Black Metallic; Barcelona Red Metallic; and Nautical Blue Metallic - oooh that's a nice blue
• Soft-touch door trim, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather shift knob
• New Optitron instrument panel that houses speedometer, tachometer, voltage, fuel and coolant temperature gauges, plus a multi-information display showing outside temp, speed, time, average fuel/instant economy and other trip stats
• Range and temp in centre stack display now in blue
• More sculpted back to front seats for additional knee space in second row
• Available SofTex seats with coloured stitching
• New dash material above glove box
• Standard eight-way power driver seat (SR5)
• Standard rear-view backup camera
• Standard Entune™ Audio Plus
• Party Mode now linked to Facebook and Twitter accounts to increase tailgate party participation
• Proper front plate mount
• Power outlet in middle console for rear seat passengers (2 in limited)

LIMITED, with the above changes, plus:
• 20-inch Limited wheels now black and chrome tuning fork design (instead of chrome/grey)
• Chrome-plated grille insert and chrome front bumper the size of Texas that extends to the fog-lamp bezels
• Ventilated (cooled) driver and front passenger seats in addition to heat
• Seat memory settings
• Front and rear sonar — plus backup camera with guidance lines
• Entune Premium JBL Audio system

 

[NoDak]

Solid point there. How are you liking your LE? Compared to your old rig?

over all the same, but the creature features are a lot better in the 2014 LE vs the 2004 Sport.

little things could be better on the 2014 compared to the 2004, vents could be lower and bigger openings for those -20F winters, manual/knob hvac controls (fan speed buttons too hard to use with thick winter gloves), driver window controls need to go back to the traditional location.

thank god they got rid of that stupid star pattern hvac controls from the 4th gen. I rather have the buttons than that mess of controls.

but back then I wanted the looks, now I am old and want the features.

#1 priority was full time 4wd for the winters in ND, which you should be able to relate to being from MN. you can only get FT 4wd in the LE (constantly changing road surface conditions getting to work warrant it)

#2 was heated seats (after being spoiled by the 2010 legacy since I don't have a remote start, too cheap to get one when I have heated seats)

rest was gravy.


EDIT : 2014 speed dial sucks, wish big ticks was on the 5's instead of every 20 mph. its hard to judge speed on this new speed dial compared to the old gens. now I have to use the digital speed indicator in the center drivers info panel.

 

[Americas High Five]

2014 Improvements
SR5/TRAIL
.....
• Party Mode now linked to Facebook and Twitter accounts to increase tailgate party participation
.....

:lie: :lmao:

 

[clucking]

[*]The head unit and the nav system in particular aren't all that advanced. Serviceable, yes, but not much more.
[/LIST]

It's all a matter of perspective, isn't it?
My two cars have been a '96 Bronco, and an '06 Prius. I feel like I'm driving an incredibly advanced, powerful modern machine now. ('14 TE Premium)