New guy looking at runner, explorer and durango..

[1engineer]

Pay a little extra now and get it back later on resale and reduced operating costs. Just look at used prices on the three vehicles you like and see which one loses least value. There is a reason for this and the answer is quality and durability. Look at real numbers not projected.

 

[4FL]

Well, pay now and retain value makes sense, but sometimes people just do not have the finances to make it happen.

If I were you, I would be hitting up every dealer within a two hour radius. Many are always going to play hard at first, and some will continue to do so. You can also look at the used market as there are more and more out there as the 5th gen has been out for a bit. Going used can potentially get you into a price range you are comfortable with.

I am willingly to go pretty far, but I have a trade in that I would not want to drive so far without a secure deal on a trade in value. The 4r price can be negotiated over the phone.

 

[Stoff96367]

Because Mr. Toyoda did not want sell the 5th gen Hilux Surf (4runner) in Japan I had to buy mine in Washington. I'm having it shipped back to Japan and then down to Okinawa. I've never even seen my truck in person or get to ask for a deal. I sure if you do some on-line dealing or travel around to other dealers you could get a good deal. in the long run you'll never lose money on a 4Runner. I sure if a local guy asked to but mine I could sell it used and make extra to buy a new one again even with the yen rate.

 

[Koz]

There really is no choice if long term reliability is the number one concern (keeping the vehicle for over a hundred thousand miles)!

Koz

 

[JohnnyT]

I feel for you, bud. My local dealer has 3 TE's that they can't get rid of and they offer you invoice without even the first hint of negotiation. They sticker for 39300 (nav but no kdss) and they offer them for 36 immediately. Its also a huge dealer.

Here in NJ, I never see any 5th gen 4Runners on the road so beware since what you may save on price may not be great for resale if that is important to you.

I can't imagine a TE in NJ would have great resale value simply because it seems like people are just not interested in true trucks around here.

 

[ClockWork]

I'm in central NJ as well. 5th gens AND trails are abundant on dealers' lots. Red TE's too.

 

[JohnnyT]

I rarely see them (any trim level) on the road either. How about you?

 

[BeeCee]

We are selling quite a few 5th gens in Arkansas, but a TE is almost nonexistent! Our inventory is down after the end of the year rush. I am tempted to sell my 2011 SR5 4x4 and wait on an Entune equipped rig to show up. :naughty:

 

[phillyd2]

HEY! I drive in NJ, Damn it :driving:

 

[DannyLlama]

Thanks to everyone here who helped me with my questions and concerns in this thread. Unfortunately I don't believe I will end up in a 4 Runner. I went to the dealer this morning knowing what my trade in was worth and the average price 4 runners were selling for but the dealer wasn't interested in making a deal at all. The sales manager barely budged on MSRP and low balled my trade in by $4000! It's the only dealer near me so unless they call me and change their mind, I'll have to get something else. I know the 4 Runner is great but I won't be car poor for it. I was really disappointed in them. I know it's a business and they have to make a profit, but they must be selling them like hot cakes to make me an offer like that.

Hats off to you guys, this is a great forum that I'd like to frequent, but it just wasn't meant to be apparently. Rest assured I'll send anyone that has a 4 runner or is getting one straight to this site. Thanks again.

God Bless!

Hey OP.. I have faith you can get a descent deal.
For starters, go to edmunds.com and do a price check on the car you want with the options, they give you what cost is plus what the dealer should sell it for. I was pretty surprised to see the difference from the sticker price.

Not only that, if you put in your contact information, they will e-mail you quotes from any near by dealers. It's worth a shot, and this way, you walk in with the print out from Edmunds, which they have to honor or they loose bushiness with Edmunds.

I saw in one of your earlier posts regarding the transmission, thanks to '1engineer' I got this information recently regarding the tranny "Not sealed, just no dipstick. You can check the fluid but it is a longer procedure. If you drive normally the transmission fluid will last over 100K. The reason is good robust design that requires limited maintenance. Heat is the enemy of transmissions. If you tow (a lot) or carry heavy loads I think the schedule calls for 60K on the transmission fluid change. Regular driving who knows?".

Regarding millage, I can't seem to get over 18MPG driving around town. Highway is different, there are posts on here with people getting close, if not right at 30 MPG highway. But don't get your hopes up.

Lastly, If you do end up buying a 4R, do some homework on EVERYTHING before you buy. I did (I thought). The only thing I should have looked into more is the warranty, which is highly negotiable - read this post (http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/58039-extended-warranty.html) and get edumacated . GOOD LUCK!!! :bigok: