Looking to get back in a 4runner, have a few questions

[-JD-]

First post on T4R but I've owned a 93 as well as a 96 4Runner and currently own an 08 Tundra. Missed the 4runner almost as soon as I got rid of her, but I'm really liking what I see in the 5th gen. Specifically the Trail Edition. Toyota seems to have really 'got it' with things like the manual T-case, terrain control, locker, and hell a DEDICATED trail edition....A few questions however...

How do you find the build quality or 'fit and finish'? I really dislike the way many of the interior pieces in my tundra bend or creak when pressed on, or have almost immediately gotten scuffed up or scratched/ paint chipped. Not the quality i remember from old toyotas. However, i know that being made in Japan vs made in the US could play a big factor...


Is there, or should we anticipate, a mid model cycle redesign for 2012?


Are there any differences between the 2010s and 2011s?


To those that have owned other gen 4runners, how does the 5th gen compare both on and off-road?

 

[jpowers]

I have a TE, and I'm happy with the build quality everything feels solid. That said I do think the plastic finish could be a little higher quality. It feels solid enough just doesn't look as nice as you would want a $40k vehicle to look.

If you go on the 4Runner’s history the mid-cycle will be in 2013.

2010's had a 4 banager option 2011 dropped it, I think that's the only change.

Since the 5th gen is the first I have owned can't commnet on the last Q.

All in all, I am very happy with my 4Runner.

 

[dRGNpHNX]

I also have a TE. It is my first as well. I upgraded from my '04 Tundra. It was a hard choice originally, but I AM IN LOVE with my TE. The build quality is solid. There is quite a bit of plastic, but it doesn't feel cheap. I would think that for 40K a leather steering wheel might be included, but alas. The seat fabric in the TE is a big plus too, but heck, I bought a 2000 Jeep Wrangler Sahara almost exclusively for the seat material only available in that model. I replaced the housing for the head unit when I installed my Pioneer X920BT. It stills needs to be painted to match and since it just snaps in place I get some creaks and vibrations from it. When I get it painted I am going to run a line of silicone around the edge to help keep it secure. I have a few scuffs in the back from normal use. I plan on eventually making this my Manlyvan, so kids will do much worse.

All in all, I can't think of any complaints in the first 12k miles (including two road trips).

 

[homeyclaus]

I have a 2011 TE, and concur with the previous two posters. Fit and finish is excellent. Materials choice ... well, it's a truck. It's still truck plastic all over the place, but the moldings seem better, and the flashings have been cleaned or are placed less visibly than on my north-American-built Matrix, for instance.

Given it's a trail edition (of a line of very capable trail vehicles), they're using synthetic materials everywhere for abrasion resistance, ease of cleaning, and other durability reasons. I am surprised there is carpet in my TE I am by nature rather suspicious of leather-trimmed and wood-grain-trimmed trucks. CUV's - sure. Trucks - no.

I think the center console could be beefier, but that's because my wife and my 20 month old climb over it all the time. No problems so far though, knock on wood.

 

[dRGNpHNX]

I think the center console could be beefier, but that's because my wife and my 20 month old climb over it all the time. No problems so far though, knock on wood.

I agree, and I also have a wife and two dogs that have attacked it on long trips, but it's holding up!

Oh yeah, one more cool nuance... reclining rear seats. I don't ride back there and I don't know if previous generations of 4R's had this feature, but my friends cannot get enough of it.

Also, a note on the versatility, the fold flat cargo area is useful and capable. I hauled close to 2K lbs. of flooring in the back of my 4R last week with no problem and little suspension sag.

 

[-JD-]

Thanks for the replies!


So i went to my local toyota dealer to get an idea on numbers. For my 2008 tundra LIMITED 4x4 with TRD package and just under 20K miles, they offered $25450, and wont really move on MSRP for the 4runner. Comments? is this a fair price?

 

[jpowers]

I would suggest using KBB to price your truck, I just picked a double cab, limited 4x4 no other options and 20k miles trade in value ranges from 27.5 to 31.2. (KBB is normally over inflated on prices alittle bit, but it should at least give you a better idea what it's worth.) You could also check your local zip code on cars.com or autotrader.com and see what similarly equiped Tundra's are going for.

With out knowing all the options on the tuck can't say for sure but, 25k seems low to me.

Most of us on here bought our 4Runners real close to dealer invoice. My msrp was 41k, and I page 37.9k for mine.

Another tool you could use is truecar.com, I haven't used it to purchase anything, I stumbled across it and it seems to have some good data.

I would suggest shopping around other dealers, even if it means driving a few hundred miles.

Here's a post from another member that got a sweet deal on one

 

[dRGNpHNX]

Sell the truck yourself, then take cash in hand. It's one less bargaining chip for the dealer. I was impatient and wanted to get my TE immediately and they took me for a ride on trade in value. I got the dealer down to $36,651 on the price for me TE. I don't think I got any amazing deals, but I didn't pay full sticker. All in all, I was disappointed with the whole process. I made the classic mistake of falling in love first. My negotiation skills tanked. Are you military or a member of USAA. I swear by their new car buying service. PM me if you want to know about that option.

 

[-JD-]

So I drove to another dealer today and got an offer of 28000 on my Tundra. The dealer still will not move on MSRP, delivery free, etc.

Pretty much every dealer i've spoken to so far says they can't move on MSRP. Anyone have any luck buying a trail edition below MSRP lately? No one seems to have them on the lot so they have to hunt them down, they all say they are really hard to find so they can't move on MSRP. Plus the issues in Japan recently I dont think have helped...