New to 4Runner...need help in narrowing choice.

[mpalios]

All, after a lot of searching and comparing, I have decided to purchase a 5th 4runner. Need a bit of help with some things.

- I live in Tampa, FL. No hills.
- I just about never go off-road. Ever. (probably just need 2WD)
- Third row is a must.
- Running Boards are a must.

- do not want DVD players. That's a must not have.

Would like:
- weather proof floor mats (prob not a big deal)
- the nice screen on the front console, showing GPS, etc. (Entune, right? Only available in limited?)
- Blue tooth capabilities

wheel size...do I care what it is between the two choices?
Leather vs. cloth (water/sport-resistant)...one preferable to another?

Unsure if what I want is even realistic to ask for. Don't care if it's a new, or used. Don't care if it's SR5 vs Limited.

Is the KDSS worth the extra money for the Limited edition?

Thanks for any help. Looking forward to joining the club!

Mike

 

[GrantK]

KDSS is only on the Trail Edition and if you're not going off road you don't need it.

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

Sounds like a Limited is in your future.

 

[Barry694]

5th Gen

I would not purchase a 2 WD. When it comes time to sell or trade you will not get very much money for it, as it is primarily used as a 4WD vehicle. Go with a Highlander instead.

 

[jca21]

Limited!

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I think you would be better off with a Highlander.

 

[Redwolf]

We all agree, you buy a 4runner to go off road. Better choice for you = Highlander

 

[mpalios]

I think you would be better off with a Highlander.

I know common sense tells me to get a Highlander. But I want a truck based SUV. Not a jacked up stationwagon.

If I don't get a 4R, then I'll go with the Durango .....which is much higher on my list than a Highlander.

 

[JohnnyT]

Highlander is nicer, higher quality, and more reliable over time than the Durango. Limiteds are ugly IMO but that's me.

Is the Durango a truck based SUV? If you mean body-on-frame, I don't think so. Looks like a truck and sounds like a truck doesn't make it "truck based".

 

[jreask]

All, after a lot of searching and comparing, I have decided to purchase a 5th 4runner. Need a bit of help with some things.

- I live in Tampa, FL. No hills.
- I just about never go off-road. Ever. (probably just need 2WD)
- Third row is a must.
- Running Boards are a must.

- do not want DVD players. That's a must not have.

Would like:
- weather proof floor mats (prob not a big deal)
- the nice screen on the front console, showing GPS, etc. (Entune, right? Only available in limited?)
- Blue tooth capabilities

wheel size...do I care what it is between the two choices?
Leather vs. cloth (water/sport-resistant)...one preferable to another?

Unsure if what I want is even realistic to ask for. Don't care if it's a new, or used. Don't care if it's SR5 vs Limited.

Is the KDSS worth the extra money for the Limited edition?

Thanks for any help. Looking forward to joining the club!

Mike

Entune is available on the 2012 SR5. FYI.

 

[Antman]

Check out the third row seating- it's pretty much useless IMO except in a pinch.

There really isn't a lot of room back there, and it eats up your cargo capacity whether it's up or down. If you have child seats, it's difficult to get back into the 3rd row.

If you will be using the 3rd row a lot, there are definitely better choices to go with. Good luck with your search!

 

[jspagna1]

No way would I buy a Durango over a Highlander. Also the Durango is no longer a truck based vehicle. It's a crossover now. If you are going with the 4Runner I would get a 4WD for sure even if you live in FL and I would get the SR5. Sounds like you want a comfy ride so the SR5 would probably be your best bet as the Limited comes with the 20" wheels which will give you a harsher ride even though the suspension is supposed to be cushier.
And I also was considering a 3rd row seat till I realized the number of times I would really use it and the access to it as well as the fact that it does take up cargo space which was #1 priority for me.

 

[mpalios]

No way would I buy a Durango over a Highlander. Also the Durango is no longer a truck based vehicle. It's a crossover now. If you are going with the 4Runner I would get a 4WD for sure even if you live in FL and I would get the SR5. Sounds like you want a comfy ride so the SR5 would probably be your best bet as the Limited comes with the 20" wheels which will give you a harsher ride even though the suspension is supposed to be cushier.
And I also was considering a 3rd row seat till I realized the number of times I would really use it and the access to it as well as the fact that it does take up cargo space which was #1 priority for me.

All, I appreciate this feedback. A lot.

Reason for the third seat is that I've got two kids, my sister has three, and my other sister has two. I do know it's tight for an adult back there. (the durango third seat is very spacious)

Appreciate the info on the wheel size. That's something I know nothing about.

And the Highlander is not an option for me. I don't like it's look at all. And that was never an option for me.

Why did I look at the Durango? Unsure. I liked it's look, it's based on a Mercedes M chasis I believe, and the reviews have been extremely positive on the new build. But I began seeing the 4R, and knew the history of a 4R is significantly better than the Durango. So, I chose the 4R over that.

 

[DiggetyDan]

just purchased LE, some thoughts

As someone who just went through this decision process here are my thoughts. (note: I ended up purchasing a 2012 Limited)

When I started my search I was really only interested in the Sr5 but then on a whim I test drove the Limited and was pleasantly surprised. the LE and SR5 were night and day for me. In my research I had in my mind that it was just the seat material and whether it was alltime 4x4. I was really surprised when I drove the limited. The interior is completely different, the doors, the dash, the steering wheel. Also I felt like the suspension on the LE made for a much smoother ride than the SR5 especially when cornering and stopping (less roll and dip).

I opted for the third row seats because my last suv had them. We rarely used them but when family comes into town it is convenient to be able to fit 7 adults (snug fit though). I'm planning to put in a gobi roof rack for trips to the hardware store and flee markets so having less room in back was less of an issue for me.

I live in new england so 4x4 is the only option but I agree with a prior post, if you're looking to a 4runner because you want something more of a truck base then why not go for the 4wheel drive.

Some posts on highlander and durango - i haven't driven either so can't comment on that. Style-wise I'm not a big fan of the durango and I'd trust a toyota for longevity and reliability over a dodge.

If you commute a long way and gas mileage is important I would think hard about a 4runner. I have just over a thousand miles on the odometer and I'm getting less than 20mpg on average. I had this in the back of mind when purchasing but going from filling up once a week to twice a week takes some getting used to.

I ended up purchasing the LE so I'm biased towards that of course. This was my first new car purchase (I'm 38) so I rationalized spending the extra money. My philosophy with larger purchases like cars, audio, tools, etc. is to buy the best I can afford because shortly after the purchase you tend to forget that part and are left just with what you purchased.

Some other thoughts that might help, these are some impressions after driving it for a couple months now:

The good:
-great ride, high up, feels like a truck, solid over bumps, confident driving
-interior is great, the leather seats are comfortable
-like the steering wheel
-audio - streaming bluetooth audio from your phone - awesome!
-hands-free phone is great too
-looks great

The not-so-great:
-gas mileage
-not as much power as I'd like, this was another surprise, the pick-up getting on the highway is like a smaller car with a 4 cylinder
-the hood wobbles up and down when driving on the highway when it's very windy, the front doors a little too
-audio - if you've ever had a good aftermarket system or even a sub you're going to be disappointed with this JBL system, the system takes a long pause before changing stations, the interface with UBS and phone music libraries is very difficult to navigate

Good luck!

 

[03_4x4Runner]

All, I appreciate this feedback. A lot.

Reason for the third seat is that I've got two kids, my sister has three, and my other sister has two. I do know it's tight for an adult back there. (the durango third seat is very spacious)

Appreciate the info on the wheel size. That's something I know nothing about.

And the Highlander is not an option for me. I don't like it's look at all. And that was never an option for me.

Why did I look at the Durango? Unsure. I liked it's look, it's based on a Mercedes M chasis I believe, and the reviews have been extremely positive on the new build. But I began seeing the 4R, and knew the history of a 4R is significantly better than the Durango. So, I chose the 4R over that.

With all those kids I see a minivan in your future.

 

[kingin]

4runner's Gas milage is actually pretty good compared to like sized suv's.
Get the limited with third row you will lose cargo space but I think it's easier to tow a trailer for added cargo space then trying to install a third row in future if needed. Limited because you don't seem to be buying the truck to upgrade to go offroad.

Also see if your dealership offers any repair warranty on road debris chips on windshield seen a couple of post on here about rock magnets. (I purchased it)

Dodge/Jeep's are great but have minor electrical/mechanical issues during the first couple years after numerous warranty repairs they are usually very dependable. Resale value is horrible though.

 

[tjnaples]

Sequoia is Something to look into, 4Runner's bigger brother.

 

[mpalios]

Again, thanks for the responses here everyone. A couple of responses...

1) we already have a minivan. This one is my vehicle.
2) Sequoia...I think that's out of my price range, but I've not looked into it at all.
3) Dodge resale...terrible. Past performance may be an indicator of future results with a car. So, while the dodge gets great reviews just about all around...in 4 years that means nothing.

 

[mpalios]

Sorry, one other point. I know a 4R is designed primarily as an off-road SUV. But I see a lot of folks that absolutely don't go off-roading. So, there are plenty of folks that don't use the vehicle for it's true purpose.

 

[Antman]

Even 2wd T4R's are plently capable. Living in FL, I don't think it would be all that difficult to unload a 2wd SUV. Better gas mileage would be an added bonus.