New Purchase Dilemma

[Billy G]

Hi all,

This is my first post and allow me to apologize if I've posted incorrectly. This site is awesome, I found it recently after deciding to purchase a 4Runner. I'm currently suffering with a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Since I haven't purchased yet, I thought I would ask the members their opinion on my current dilemma.

I'm hot on getting a SR5 4Runner with 4WD and side airbags. I've been screwing around with the dealers in my area (NYC Metro area) for close to 6 months to no avail. What I've found is that while the 4WD option is quite easy to get in NY/NJ/CT, the side airbag option is near impossible to get in an SR5. I'm now on vacation in Florida and looking, where I've found side airbags in SR5s are attainable but the 4WD option is tough to find.

I had initially thought since it was mentioned in the catalogue that it would be able to be acquired but no such luck. And now that it's summertime, I'm faced with the 2006 models coming out. A dealership manager in NY told me the side airbags might be more easily available in the 2006 SR5s but had no idea at present.

A dealership here in southern Florida managed to locate an SR5 with side airbags and 4WD, along with a couple of options I didn't necessarily need (sunroof, spoiler, and some sort of Florida "package of undercoating, roadside assistance etc. that I don't need). The price including the $1000 rebate is $30, 400. Would I be better waiting for a 2006 or snapping up what appears to be my holy grail. ANy help is greatly appreciated.

 

[sharp4runr]

I'd get out of that jeep ASAP : so I advocate getting what you have in front of you now rather than waiting to see what is behind door number 3 in a couple of months.

There haven't been too many rumours on they are changing for the 2006 model line, but it can't be too drastic. I did hear from a japanese member that LED tail lights are probably on the horizon.

Whatever you decide, you can't go wrong getting a 4runner.

 

[Mark86]

I am from New Jersey so I can help you out with this. In addition, I have recently went shopping for a 4Runner. The only 4Runners available in this region are 4WD. You can't get 2WD at all here. In addition, it is extremely RARE to find an SR5 or Sport with side curtain airbags in this region (I wanted this option on my 2003 Sport). The only trim you will find this option on is the Limited. The same goes for the JBL radio with the in dash 6 CD changer. It will be hard to find an SR5 with the factory spoiler as well.

You are probbaly too late to order a 2005 to your specs from the factory. I don't think the configurations will change that much for the 4Runners in this region for 2006, but you never know. The reason I say this is because side curtain airbags has been exclusive to the Limited from 2003-current. My opinion is to jump on the 2005 SR5 you found in Florida because it is almost the way you like it. The only problem is how would you get it back home to NY since it is a very far drive? Just to let you know, you will more than likely be forced to get a sunroof if you buy an SR5 here (only SR5's with 3rd row seats don't get a sunroof), you won't get a spoiler on an SR5 here, and that package you mentioned is not even available in the northeast. Since you are currently driving a Jeep, I assume you want out as soon as possible. I hope I was able to help you out a little!

 

[Bill42]

I suppose it is all relative but if 30k+ is a lot of money to you than I would suggest you get your 4Runner exactly the way you want it.

I wanted a Sport V-8 4WD with side airbags. I went looking about this time last year and had no luck finding the side airbags. So, I ordered one.

Then the 05's came out so I changed my order to an 05. I didn't get mine until April 1st of this year. But I got it just the way I wanted.

Good luck with your car hunting...

 

[RayRay]

its nearly impossible to get a sr5 with side curtain airbags in the northeast or mid atlantic region. i tried to get a sr5 with it and couldnt find a dealership anywhere around here that carry that option. so if you found a sr5 with the options you want and a couple of additional options then i would say jump on it. you could probably get a better price than 30,400 on an sr5 in the northeast or mid atlantic but you wont have the options you want. i got my sr5 with sunroof, spoiler, jbl stereo, leather steering wheel, and mats package for 27,700. so you could probaby get a better deal from a local dealer(which has it advantages when something is wrong with your car). but i would say jamp on it since its the car you want, if i had to do it all over again i would definitely get an sr5 with side curtain airbags, even if it meant flying somewhere and driving it back. they could potentially save your life in the unfortunate event of a rollover. it is all about peace of mind that the added safety will bring you. the sunroof is nice on the highway for freshair without opening the windows. sorry for the long read. good luck!

ray

 

[Billy G]

Hi all,

Many thanks to you guys for your thoughts and insight. I am convinced now to buy the 4Runner with side airbags as it is. The only thing now holding me back is the thought that there might be one closer to my home in NY. It's not that I'm adverse to a one way Florida to NY drive but would love to avoid it if that were possible. Would anyone know if the aforementioned tough to find side curtain airbags are available in either PA. or Mass? If not, I would say I'm Florida bound.

Thanks again! I look forward to being a frequent user of this informative forum.

 

[olliebear]

NOt problem getting a passenger side airbag.

I'm married to one.

 

[Billy G]

Hi Ollie,

I would have been too already were they easier to get in the Northeast. For some silly reason Toyota doesn't ship then to the NY/NJ/CT "region" although they told me areas like California and Florida side airbags are one of the most common options. It's really been an odyssey.