New to t4r, w/ some interesting production info

[terra4r]

Hey guys and gals, my name is Jim, 1st post, long time stalker. :snacker:

After testing out some 4th gen's and having previously owned a 3rd gen, I'm in the market for a runner again. I was specifically looking for a '11 TE, having test driven an '11 SR5 not too long ago.

After further talks with dealerships, a few have told me that they are not producing '11 TE's for the remainder of the year due to "low demand" and are obviously unsure about '12 TE production as information has yet to come out. None on the production line. So if this is true, whats out there is all thats left at the moment. I'm willing to wait for what I want.

Just a thought, maybe this has something to do with Nav and KDSS on a lot of the models, making it top $40k msrp, and a limited is only a few grand away...?

Anyways, that's my rant/FYI/introduction!

 

[Ryan F.]

In my mind, there are some very good handling reasons to shop the Trail and Limited. The Trail has the thicker anti-roll bar giving it much of the side to side stiffness of the Limited. With the XREAS, the nose dive is theoretically minimized although I felt none of that when I tested a Trail. So, on the street these two are comparable, but it is in the muck that the Trail will excel. The comparable price point is justifiable in that you have a couple of very well equipped rides which take different paths after street use to justify the cost. Consider your potential usage, and enjoy the ride!

 

[KCcarguy]

Any chance this could be some sort of BS the dealer is feeding you to put on the pressure? Most salespeople hardly know the specs on their cars, let alone top-secret production info. I would also be surprised if they dropped the Trail because it will likely pick up some of the FJ sales once they discontinue it.

 

[Curt Sauve]

In my mind, there are some very good handling reasons to shop the Trail and Limited. The Trail has the thicker anti-roll bar giving it much of the side to side stiffness of the Limited. With the XREAS, the nose dive is theoretically minimized although I felt none of that when I tested a Trail. So, on the street these two are comparable, but it is in the muck that the Trail will excel. The comparable price point is justifiable in that you have a couple of very well equipped rides which take different paths after street use to justify the cost. Consider your potential usage, and enjoy the ride!

I would bet that if you take of the side skirts and front airdam off of a Limited put the TE 17" wheels and AT tires on it, put the same driver in it as a TE, the LTD will go anywhere a TE will go. IMHO the TE is an over priced marketing gimmick. Rear locker, terrain select, KDSS and an appearance package combined are not worth as much as the Torsen in this part of the country. My 11'LTD is my 4th T4R and is the best one yet.

 

[terra4r]

Any chance this could be some sort of BS the dealer is feeding you to put on the pressure? Most salespeople hardly know the specs on their cars, let alone top-secret production info. I would also be surprised if they dropped the Trail because it will likely pick up some of the FJ sales once they discontinue it.

Yeah I'd be surprised too.

I don't think the dealer is trying to pressure, heck they barely have anything to provide any leverage with! I laid it out pretty clear to the dealers I talked to.

And yes, the opinions on handling characteristics of the sr5 vs. trail vs. limited are well laid out here on the forums, you guys provide good input for those who need the help

 

[03_4x4Runner]

It is possible they will not make any more 11s. Most manufactures start producing the 12 models in august. I would be surprised if the trail is discontinued. They want you to buy what they have in stock.

 

[Johnny Utah]

Any chance this could be some sort of BS the dealer is feeding you to put on the pressure? Most salespeople hardly know the specs on their cars, let alone top-secret production info. I would also be surprised if they dropped the Trail because it will likely pick up some of the FJ sales once they discontinue it.

agreed 100%

 

[Balcs1]

Have it Shipped in from the West Coast

agreed 100%

There are TE's in the Pacific NW. Your Dealer can get it from another dealer and have it shipped in, that is what I did, be patient. Don't settle for the Limited or the SR5, The TE looks Better and have diff lock and part time 4wd. Plus they have a sweet Rear Cargo Slide and no Chrome door handles and trim all over the place. Bling is out!

 

[Ryan F.]

I would bet that if you take of the side skirts and front airdam off of a Limited put the TE 17" wheels and AT tires on it, put the same driver in it as a TE, the LTD will go anywhere a TE will go. IMHO the TE is an over priced marketing gimmick. Rear locker, terrain select, KDSS and an appearance package combined are not worth as much as the Torsen in this part of the country. My 11'LTD is my 4th T4R and is the best one yet.

Ouch for the TE guys, but thanks for the Limited love! :trophy:

 

[KCcarguy]

There are TE's in the Pacific NW. Your Dealer can get it from another dealer and have it shipped in, that is what I did, be patient. Don't settle for the Limited or the SR5, The TE looks Better and have diff lock and part time 4wd. Plus they have a sweet Rear Cargo Slide and no Chrome door handles and trim all over the place. Bling is out!

I agree. Get what you want; even if you have to wait or drive out of state. I still regret getting a SR5 instead of a TE. Like many on the forum, I'm gonna spend way more money "fixing" my SR5 than I would have spent just buying a TE.

 

[Arterisk]

I agree. Get what you want; even if you have to wait or drive out of state. I still regret getting a SR5 instead of a TE. Like many on the forum, I'm gonna spend way more money "fixing" my SR5 than I would have spent just buying a TE.

Well yes and no... here in Canada the trail is 7k more than the SR5. That's a really big difference when my only grip is the soft suspension, something that can be fixed for about 1k.

 

[1engineer]

So your "interesting" production info is from a dealer? Remember the dealer's #1 job: Sell what we have in inventory today. Those dealers who told you about no more TE's in 2011 didn't happen to have some SR5's and LE's sitting around did they?

Usually the only production info the dealer's get (and that is the owner - the salesmen get even less) is what is shipping to them. Most dealership owners that I know could care less on the overall state of one little niche model (TE) of a niche vehicle (4Runner)compared to the Camrys, Corollas, Tacomas and Preii availability. These units are their volume bread and butter and if they (the dealer) would know anything about production it would be about their top sellers.

 

[scanny]

Well yes and no... here in Canada the trail is 7k more than the SR5. That's a really big difference when my only grip is the soft suspension, something that can be fixed for about 1k.

In my opinion soft suspension on SR5 is not that bad, I really got to appreciate it when I was driving off the pavement and on bad paved roads.
I sort of got used to soft suspension, I just don't brake hard and don't pretend that I have a sports car on highway ramps. I wouldn't mind to have a rear locker though, but I know that I can buy ARB one when I really feel a need in that. TE looks a little bit better, and KDSS won't hurt if you have extra money to spend.

 

[philsey]

So your "interesting" production info is from a dealer? Remember the dealer's #1 job: Sell what we have in inventory today. Those dealers who told you about no more TE's in 2011 didn't happen to have some SR5's and LE's sitting around did they?
........

^^ This.

 

[Gasdoc]

I would be hesitant to believe anything from a dealer. I told a local dealer that I wanted to order a T4R LE exactly how I wanted it (basically did the build your 4 runner online and printed it off). The dealer tried to sell me every T4R on the lot instead. Then when he realized I wouldn't buy one of those, he located a 4R eactky like I wanted 500 miles away. He said he could have someone drive it down. I told him he was nuts to think I would buy a brand new car with 500+ miles. Then, he said he could have it brought in a truck for about $1500.

I finally asked him to just order one from Japan as I was in no hurry to buy and didn't mind waiting a few months for exactly what I wanted. He then told me that it was impossible to order a car from Toyota and that I could ony buy what is allocated to the stores. WTF? I went across town, told another Toyota dealer what I wanted and one hour later had placed an order to have my truck ordered from Japan.

Most dealers are sleezeballs an will do whatever it takes to sell you a cr off the lot. Don't trust them!!

 

[Jtraskell]

I would be hesitant to believe anything from a dealer. I told a local dealer that I wanted to order a T4R LE exactly how I wanted it (basically did the build your 4 runner online and printed it off). The dealer tried to sell me every T4R on the lot instead. Then when he realized I wouldn't buy one of those, he located a 4R eactky like I wanted 500 miles away. He said he could have someone drive it down. I told him he was nuts to think I would buy a brand new car with 500+ miles. Then, he said he could have it brought in a truck for about $1500.

I finally asked him to just order one from Japan as I was in no hurry to buy and didn't mind waiting a few months for exactly what I wanted. He then told me that it was impossible to order a car from Toyota and that I could ony buy what is allocated to the stores. WTF? I went across town, told another Toyota dealer what I wanted and one hour later had placed an order to have my truck ordered from Japan.

Most dealers are sleezeballs an will do whatever it takes to sell you a cr off the lot. Don't trust them!!

If anybody can verify this that would be great. I was told when I went in to order my SR5 last year, Toyota does not build the TR4;s to order. What happens is that a dealer requests a certain "build", and as they either come off the Assembly line built that way or close, or if that vehicle is on a boat, or at one of the three "distributors", then the vehicle will be assigned to that dealer for the customer. If the build is "close", then a distributor will add missing options if possible, or they will send the "close" vehicle to the dealer in hopes the customer will accept as is. The second option is for the dealer to do a locate to see if the same or similar build is already on another dealers lot then either trade of have it shipped to the requesting dealer. Again, however, the factory does not take orders from individuals or dealers. At least that is what I was told and it seems to be true. But any confirmation would be welcome.

 

[tjnaples]

500 miles on a 4Runner is nothing. If it were 5,000 that's different. You're getting what you want though, congrats!

 

[BONASABOB]

The Trail arrives with HT tires. Mine quickly changed to Revo2 AT's.

 

[Gasdoc]

First dealership told me something along those lines.

Next dealer called a regional guy who seems to deal with the factory and with placing orders. Said I could order whatever I wanted as long as it wasn't custom (color not offered, color/leather color combo not offered, etc.). I dropped some cash as a deposit for the order and am waiting to hear my estimated arrival date. Was told could take up to 8 weeks or a little longer.

It makes it much easier to deal when they know you will walk away if you don't get what you want. I told the second dealer exactly what I wanted on my truck. Then told him that was the only setup that I would buy and thy if he could get it I would purchase it right now. He talked to his manager who made calls higher up the chain and now I seem to have my truck ordered.

I'll let you know if something changes or if they are not actually able to order it like they said.

 

[Gasdoc]

500 miles on a 4Runner is nothing. If it were 5,000 that's different. You're getting what you want though, congrats!

I wasn't worried about 500 miles on my Toyota. I was worried about some idiot reeming out the engine on the trip during the break in period, then me having to pay full price for it. To me, that is no longer a "brand new" truck and should be priced accordingly. I would prefer to get my truck with just a few miles on it knowing that I was the only one to really ever drive it. Worth the wait to me, especially when dropping 40K+ on a truck.