Looking at first T4R, '15 SR5 Premium, good deal?

Horsethief

New member
WooHoo, my first post! Finally hit that 15, haha.

Been reading the board for a few weeks since I started thinking about a T4R. Previously I had been jonesing hard for a Jeep JKU, but have been thinking lately that practicality and reliability are more important to me than being cool with the top and doors off. Whatever I get will be my new DD, not sure I can live with driving the Wrangler 25k a year.

I've been looking at the car sites at pricing, and these seem to have stupid high resale like the Jeeps. The Jeep I would want to buy new, as there are certain options that are must haves, but the 4R seems generic enough with the options that used is fine, assuming it's a good deal. Also, I imagine they're less likely to have been beat on.

I found a '15 SR5 Premium listed that has caught my eye. It's a clean Carfax one-owner trade in. MGM over tan interior, with 31k miles. They've just reduced the price to $26, 995. I've been watching this one since Xmas, and that was a 1k price drop.

I'm not in love with the tan, but I don't hate it either. The MGM is my preferred color, and I like the heated seats and sunroof.

Assuming this is in good condition with no issues, is this a decent deal? Even before the price drop, it was slightly below other comparable non-Premium SR5's in the area.

I'm wondering if this is an unusually good price, and also, are there any things that I should look out for on 15's as far as other options? Any reason to avoid one say in favor of a '16 or '17? Or are they all basically the same from 2014 on?


Thanks for any info!
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
I’m no 4Runner expert as I just bought my first one in Saturday but that seems like a good deal for that truck. I picked up a 17 sr5 premium with 3700 miles for 34,500. I’d have pulled the trigger on this 15 as I was trying to stay under 30k.
 
WooHoo, my first post! Finally hit that 15, haha.

Been reading the board for a few weeks since I started thinking about a T4R. Previously I had been jonesing hard for a Jeep JKU, but have been thinking lately that practicality and reliability are more important to me than being cool with the top and doors off. Whatever I get will be my new DD, not sure I can live with driving the Wrangler 25k a year.

I've been looking at the car sites at pricing, and these seem to have stupid high resale like the Jeeps. The Jeep I would want to buy new, as there are certain options that are must haves, but the 4R seems generic enough with the options that used is fine, assuming it's a good deal. Also, I imagine they're less likely to have been beat on.

I found a '15 SR5 Premium at a local BMW store that has caught my eye. It's a clean Carfax one-owner trade in. MGM over tan interior, with 31k miles. They've just reduced the price to $26, 995. I've been watching this one since Xmas, and that was a 1k price drop.

I'm not in love with the tan, but I don't hate it either. The MGM is my preferred color, and I like the heated seats and sunroof.

Assuming this is in good condition with no issues, is this a decent deal? Even before the price drop, it was slightly below other comparable non-Premium SR5's in the area.

I'm wondering if this is an unusually good price, and also, are there any things that I should look out for on 15's as far as other options? Any reason to avoid one say in favor of a '16 or '17? Or are they all basically the same from 2014 on?


Thanks for any info!

That seems like an insane deal for me. I bought my 2014 sr5 4x4 with 37,000 miles for 29,000 at the end of 2015. Dealer wouldn't budge at all. I think a 2014 and a 2018 have very minimal differences. That should tell you if it's a good deal or not. IMO, for a car that is said to last at least 200,000 miles, you can't do much better than that.
 
That doesn't look like a bad price to me. I'd still squeeze the dealer for another $1,500-2,000 though. After a test drive, I typically do all my negotiating over email...I don't waste my time with their sales tactics and I get a price "in writing" before heading in to complete the paper work. Also, know your credit score and what interest rates you qualify for...assuming you are financing. Dealers will make up for a price decrease with a higher rate.
 
I paid $26k for my 2011 SR5 with 105k miles on it in 2016... that's a freakin' great deal.

4Runners with 4WD are in high demand, low supply out my way (San Francisco) so mine was actually priced fair for the area. I would snag yours up in a heartbeat if it's 4wd. Even if it's 2wd that's a good deal if you don't plan on taking it off the road ever.

No reason to avoid a '15 in favor of any other 5th gen other than for styling and appearance preference.
 
WooHoo, my first post! Finally hit that 15, haha.

Been reading the board for a few weeks since I started thinking about a T4R. Previously I had been jonesing hard for a Jeep JKU, but have been thinking lately that practicality and reliability are more important to me than being cool with the top and doors off. Whatever I get will be my new DD, not sure I can live with driving the Wrangler 25k a year.

I've been looking at the car sites at pricing, and these seem to have stupid high resale like the Jeeps. The Jeep I would want to buy new, as there are certain options that are must haves, but the 4R seems generic enough with the options that used is fine, assuming it's a good deal. Also, I imagine they're less likely to have been beat on.

I found a '15 SR5 Premium at a local BMW store that has caught my eye. It's a clean Carfax one-owner trade in. MGM over tan interior, with 31k miles. They've just reduced the price to $26, 995. I've been watching this one since Xmas, and that was a 1k price drop.

I'm not in love with the tan, but I don't hate it either. The MGM is my preferred color, and I like the heated seats and sunroof.

Assuming this is in good condition with no issues, is this a decent deal? Even before the price drop, it was slightly below other comparable non-Premium SR5's in the area.

I'm wondering if this is an unusually good price, and also, are there any things that I should look out for on 15's as far as other options? Any reason to avoid one say in favor of a '16 or '17? Or are they all basically the same from 2014 on?


Thanks for any info!
Completely agree with almost all of what [MENTION=177884]MannMade82[/MENTION] said. I bought my latest Runner brand new in Nov. There were only 2 Black '18 TRD ORP's in the midwest with a moonroof and no KDSS - the exact truck I wanted. My local dealer was asking $42k with a "no-haggle" price. I went in and talked to them face-to-face as I negotiate deals for a living. They wouldn't budge one inch or throw anything else additional in.

I got the other dealer who had one in stock (650 miles away) on the phone. I told them that I would rent a car, drive down and pick it up same day if they gave it to me for $37K. They didn't even try to make a counter offer! I asked for an all-in price in writing and was in a rental within an hour driving to pick it up.

In regards to your credit score and interest rates...the first thing you should do is go to your bank or local credit union and see what you qualify for. Once in a blue moon dealerships will have crazy good rates/terms, but most of the time the financing SUCKS. I have pretty good credit (above 700) and was able to get 1.99% from my CU. Out of curiosity, I wanted to see what the dealership could do knowing that they could never beat 1.99% - their best rate was 4.99% Do yourself a favor, take the time to go over a loan with whatever bank or CU you choose. It will make the process a lot easier while you're at the dealership as well.

I've got 3 buddies with Rubicons. Never owned a Wrangler in my life but I've driven them many times...you will not be sad with that SR5 in your garage. Also, welcome! Good luck & happy hunting!!

- K Norm
 
Last edited:
Buy it. Now. Try to squeeze but don’t waste time. If this is 4wd take it and run. If it’s 2wd, I’d pass because I can’t understand why anyone would buy this insanely capable truck in 2wd configuration. I know not everyone wheels, but still. You can get way more practicality for less.

As far as years, don’t get hung up on it at all. If you like the look, buy it. I have a 2010 and I still love the classic look. It has been flawless. You will be too and they are essentially unchanged in the SR5 trim. Same motor. Same trans. Essentially the same unstoppable and reliable truck.

Go tomorrow and pray they still have it. I paid (and stole) my 2010 SR5 premium with 80,000 miles for $23,000 two years ago.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
I've been searching for a 5th gen for... months.

$26.9k is an amazing deal, over 15% below the market average. Hope it's still there in the morning for you!
 
Wow i'm really glad you posted this. Im in the market for a 4runner right now as well and have been waiting to get to the right amount of post to start a thread like this. I would say this is a good deal especially from what i see in my area. I guess the runner ive been eye balling is a smoking deal! My boss is the original owner and his is a 2011 with 90k on it. Called the dealer and the only service ever done since new was basic oil changes and filters. Never did any diff flushes etc. The only issue it has is a steering wheel shake at 45-55 then gets better at 60. He said it started this when he put on the 2inch wheel spacers. Not sure if this has caused any harm to bearings or other steering components but i guess thats the reason I was scared to buy being that when i called the dealer they said there was a service 2013 at 33k to figure it out and it still isnt fixed. Any input or advice?
 
OP,

Are you SURE this isn't a 2wd sr5?!?!?

That sounds like the pricing of a 2WD. I personally wouldn't buy a 2wd 4runner. The 4x4 is exceptionally capable.

Usually the 4x4's linger around the 28-32k range. 28k being a 2014 with high miles. But most are still hanging around the 29-30k range. I have a feeling it's a 2wd?
 
As mentioned before... Buy. It. Now.

I found the listing, and it says 4WD, and the pics show the nice little knob that flips the switch to make those front wheels go.

This thing was a steal at $27,995.
 
It is 4x4. That is a fantastic price I think you should buy it if you like it.
 
Last edited:
OP,

Are you SURE this isn't a 2wd sr5?!?!?

That sounds like the pricing of a 2WD. I personally wouldn't buy a 2wd 4runner. The 4x4 is exceptionally capable.

Usually the 4x4's linger around the 28-32k range. 28k being a 2014 with high miles. But most are still hanging around the 29-30k range. I have a feeling it's a 2wd?


Nope, definitely a 4WD. You can def see that knob in the pic! (I wish it was a lever)

It seems like they've had it a while, maybe nobody likes the tan?
 
That doesn't look like a bad price to me. I'd still squeeze the dealer for another $1,500-2,000 though. After a test drive, I typically do all my negotiating over email...I don't waste my time with their sales tactics and I get a price "in writing" before heading in to complete the paper work. Also, know your credit score and what interest rates you qualify for...assuming you are financing. Dealers will make up for a price decrease with a higher rate.

Thanks for the info and the tips!
 
Completely agree with almost all of what [MENTION=177884]MannMade82[/MENTION] said. I bought my latest Runner brand new in Nov. There were only 2 Black '18 TRD ORP's in the midwest with a moonroof and no KDSS - the exact truck I wanted. My local dealer was asking $42k with a "no-haggle" price. I went in and talked to them face-to-face as I negotiate deals for a living. They wouldn't budge one inch or throw anything else additional in.

I got the other dealer who had one in stock (650 miles away) on the phone. I told them that I would rent a car, drive down and pick it up same day if they gave it to me for $37K. They didn't even try to make a counter offer! I asked for an all-in price in writing and was in a rental within an hour driving to pick it up.

In regards to your credit score and interest rates...the first thing you should do is go to your bank or local credit union and see what you qualify for. Once in a blue moon dealerships will have crazy good rates/terms, but most of the time the financing SUCKS. I have pretty good credit (above 700) and was able to get 1.99% from my CU. Out of curiosity, I wanted to see what the dealership could do knowing that they could never beat 1.99% - their best rate was 4.99% Do yourself a favor, take the time to go over a loan with whatever bank or CU you choose. It will make the process a lot easier while you're at the dealership as well.

I've got 3 buddies with Rubicons. Never owned a Wrangler in my life but I've driven them many times...you will not be sad with that SR5 in your garage. Also, welcome! Good luck & happy hunting!!

- K Norm

Sounds like you got a great deal!

My last car purchase I actually got a great rate from the dealer, they matched the rate I was preapproved for from AAA and I ended up going with them. I have no problem going with the dealer as long as the rate is competitive.
 
Nope, definitely a 4WD. You can def see that knob in the pic! (I wish it was a lever)

It seems like they've had it a while, maybe nobody likes the tan?
Woah i think tan is nice[emoji848] hey if u ever want to trade i got grey softex seats(heated) haha

If its true that its a 4x4 with that price i say go and test drive it! Ask questions, ask us we can help too. If you dont think anythings wrong, then thats a awesome price!

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
 
Sounds like you got a great deal!

My last car purchase I actually got a great rate from the dealer, they matched the rate I was preapproved for from AAA and I ended up going with them. I have no problem going with the dealer as long as the rate is competitive.
I got a smoking hot deal.

Maybe I just have a kick @$$ credit union...but no dealership has even come close for the last 3 vehicles I bought. Make sure you go into the dealership with a physical copy of a loan approval though. This shows them that you are serious about buying and they will at least try to beat the rate you *tell* them you got and it can give you leverage when negotiating.

I say: as long as the rate is good and you're happy with the truck - send it brother!


Also, I'll be moving out close to you in the next year. Will definitely be looking for guys to go wheel and work on mods with!
 
Last edited:
I just bought a 16 sr5 4wd with 41k for 28000. Lowest I found anywhere in the bay/Sacramento area but it's not in perfect condition (minor scratches)
 

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
278,317
Messages
3,554,129
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top