New member...question about years of 5th Gen Limiteds..

[mgh-pa]

I'm a long time Toyota owner (currently drive an 05 TRD AC Tacoma), and my wife and I are looking to most likely purchase a 5th gen 4runner. After test driving and comparing it to a few other crossovers (the 4runner was the only true SUV we considered) like the Murano, RX350, MKX, etc., this seems to a be a good solution for what we need. Of course, my wife wants all of the bells and whistles, which puts a new model above $40K. I personally have a hard time justifying that price (although we can afford it) for a non-luxury vehicle. So, I've considered used. Most 2011's hold their value within $3k of a new 2012 around here (even with 15K+ miles on the ODO), so I've started looking back at the first model year 2010s. I've always been hesitant to buy a first year model of a new generation vehicle, although my 2005 Tacoma has been problem free for almost 120K miles. The only thing I'm having trouble with, with regard to the 2010s, is finding a Blizzard Pearl with the tan leather, and not black.

Anyways, are there major know issues that needed addressed with the 1st year models that we should be aware of? Any options that were added to the 2011s or 12s that the 10s didn't have?

I do see many on here complaining of this generation developing squeaks and rattles with little time. I know my Tacoma did/does that, and it's a notorious feature that's common amongst many in the newer generation Tacomas.

I'm also very concerned with frame rust, as that's one place my Tacoma fails MISERABLY.

Any thoughts or opinions are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Jtraskell]

There goes that little voice in my head sayin, "let it go Louie, let it go"......

 

[chetJ]

Hi MGH-PA
I have a 2011 Limited that we purchased in Feb of last year. So far, I have not run into any of the problems that you have mentioned in the post or those that others on here have talked about. I have about 19000 miles on the truck so far. The only problem that I have noticed is that hazing on top of the headlight, but since it is not too bad, I am waiting to see what happens.
No other issues so far!
I hope that this helps!
BTW- where in PA?

 

[1engineer]

Here are a few threads that should help.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/111792-frame-rust-issue-alberta.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/102314-rattles-creaks-how-much-patience-do-you-have.html

After 30K miles in salt country I have no rust to speak of. I also have no squeaks or rattles.

 

[phillyd2]

Have pity Louie, have pity.

Since OP is from PA he should get a pass, check out here http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...l-complaint-thread-toyota-some-solutions.html

Overall you should be gtg with used but for just another $3K I would buy new.

 

[mgh-pa]

There goes that little voice in my head sayin, "let it go Louie, let it go"......

I expected this. I'm on a lot of other forums (Tacomaworld, TTORA, Tundrasolutions, etc.), and I know that my post was very generic, open ended, and noobish. I also know you're probably insinuating that I should search, and while I did (I've actually been on the forums a few days before registering today), I didn't find really any rust horror stories, yet (granted, I would hope not this early in the generational cycle), but figured it couldn't hurt to ask. The differences between model years could have been found for sure, as with the other information. I will admit that part of me just wanted to opt out for the easy way out (not afraid to admit it), and I apologize for filling the forum database up with yet another reoccurring topic.

The essential basis for my post was that the resale value between 2011 and 2010 drops quite a bit according to what I've found (i.e. a 20K mile 2011 limited averages around $37,500 in PA, while a 20K mile 2010 averages around $34,500 from what I can find). The difference between a ~$34000 vehicle and a $40K+ new vehicle can make a significant difference over the 3-4 year loan term I'm looking at (I don't like car payments, and I certainly have no plans to finance beyond 4 years). So in a sense, what is the general consensus on the 1st model years in comparison to the 11s and 12s? No particular reason to be concerned?

 

[bofa]

I went through the same internal debate about which model to get, and really I couldn't justify use of all the goodies that come with the Limited, nor the premium package on the SR5. And the used prices (while impressive) are just too close for me to go used. I just picked up my '12 SR5 4WD with the convenience package and added leather through the port. It was significantly less than adding the premium package or going with the limited. It's fully capable of all of our needs, very nice inside and out, and I couldn't be happier with the purchase. This is one of the only times I have not had an ounce of buyers remorse after driving off.

 

[mgh-pa]

Have pity Louie, have pity.

Since OP is from PA he should get a pass, check out here http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...l-complaint-thread-toyota-some-solutions.html

I read a few pages of that thread yesterday (hence the mentioning of the squeaking, the lack of sound proofing in the doors...which is a major complaint of the Tacoma, seat fade, dim dashes, iPod interface problems, etc.).

The iPod interface is unfortunate, but my wife will be streaming Rhapsody via bluetooth over her phone anyways, and it appears many of you favor the bluetooth system vs. the direct iPod hook-ups. However, it's a bit disheartening that they (Toyota) couldn't manage to perfect a relatively common technology in a $40K vehicle.

 

[mgh-pa]

Here are a few threads that should help.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/111792-frame-rust-issue-alberta.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/102314-rattles-creaks-how-much-patience-do-you-have.html

After 30K miles in salt country I have no rust to speak of. I also have no squeaks or rattles.

Thanks for the links and the information.

 

[Johnny Utah]

the 2012 limiteds have automatic running boards depending on what area you live in.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/acEQ2xY6-gM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[mgh-pa]

I went through the same internal debate about which model to get, and really I couldn't justify use of all the goodies that come with the Limited, nor the premium package on the SR5. And the used prices (while impressive) are just too close for me to go used. I just picked up my '12 SR5 4WD with the convenience package and added leather through the port. It was significantly less than adding the premium package or going with the limited. It's fully capable of all of our needs, very nice inside and out, and I couldn't be happier with the purchase. This is one of the only times I have not had an ounce of buyers remorse after driving off.

Definitely something I considered, but I like the fact (since my wife will be driving it the most) that the limited is full-time AWD. Otherwise, I would definitely go the SR5 route and add the necessary accessories.

I actually hate the 20s on the limited, and I'm not paying $1700+ for the "upgraded" 17s (granted I could just replace them with non-OEM wheels that would offer stock BS).

 

[bofa]

Definitely something I considered, but I like the fact (since my wife will be driving it the most) that the limited is full-time AWD. Otherwise, I would definitely go the SR5 route and add the necessary accessories.

I actually hate the 20s on the limited, and I'm not paying $1700+ for the "upgraded" 17s (granted I could just replace them with non-OEM wheels that would offer stock BS).

Yeah, not a lot of snow down in these parts. Haha.

Maybe we can work out a trade for the wheels :

 

[Bay33saw]

The essential basis for my post was that the resale value between 2011 and 2010 drops quite a bit according to what I've found (i.e. a 20K mile 2011 limited averages around $37,500 in PA, while a 20K mile 2010 averages around $34,500 from what I can find). The difference between a ~$34000 vehicle and a $40K+ new vehicle can make a significant difference over the 3-4 year loan term I'm looking at (I don't like car payments, and I certainly have no plans to finance beyond 4 years). So in a sense, what is the general consensus on the 1st model years in comparison to the 11s and 12s? No particular reason to be concerned?[/QUOTE]

If you shop around you can get a 12' LE for around $41000, I got my 12 LE with toyota mats throughout, etched security windows, color coded door edge guards, nav, blah blah blah all the other stuff that comes with the LE for $40,750 OTD including all the taxes, doc fees and I got a 90 day temp tag.

Trust me I started looking at used ones first, and could not find one on the west coast that DID NOT have the 3rd row seating, a 2 month search revealed nothing until a dealer in AZ said why not buy a new one? I like you was shopping on a budget and I had a trade in, I asked him to match a really crazy offer and to my suprise he matched it.
$41,000 Out The Door on a LE (to me) was too good to pass up, especially seeing as Toyota was offering 1.99% A.P.R as apposed to my credit union which was offering me 3.99% A.P.R on a used car loan.
To the guy who said this is the first time he has not had buyers remorse, I tip my hat to him as I think this is the best new vehicle I have ever bought.

Good luck with your search, if you can afford a new one I would suggest it, you only live once and seeing as it's for your wife you'll get plenty of Man points.

 

[JohnJerk]

Don't forget to caluclate the value of the 2 year free maintenance plan. Just had wifes sienna in for 15K service and they changed the cabin and air filter on thier nickle along with rotation, car wash, fluid check. Oil changes run $75 too and you'd get two of those. Prob $400, maybe more, value there.

 

[DannyLlama]

Anyways, are there major know issues that needed addressed with the 1st year models that we should be aware of? Any options that were added to the 2011s or 12s that the 10s didn't have?

I do see many on here complaining of this generation developing squeaks and rattles with little time. I know my Tacoma did/does that, and it's a notorious feature that's common amongst many in the newer generation Tacomas.

I'm also very concerned with frame rust, as that's one place my Tacoma fails MISERABLY.

Any thoughts or opinions are appreciated. Thanks!

For all of the complaints check out this thread http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/111390-5th-gen-official-complaint-thread-toyota-some-solutions.html

I myself LOVE the truck and no car is perfect. 4x4 Option on this truck is pretty impressive, can go pretty far with out any mods.

I HATE the Ipod interface, but my wife uses the Bluetooth streaming and she finds it very useful.

My lift gate shocks went out at 24k Miles, replaced under warranty & they also just ordered me new rear shocks, blown. Not sure how. Again, all covered under warranty.


Differences between 2010 & 2011 - None
2012, has automatic running boards as an option and ENTUNE navigation with Pandora and other " APPS ".

Hope this helps