newbie - first post

[DonnyB]

Hey ya'll! My name's Don and although I am new to posting on this site, I've been on it, reading, for months.
My story... I'm 26 and I've always driven Jeep Cherokees as my daily drivers. I had an '89 cherokee limited, a '97 grand cherokee laredo, and an '01 cherokee sport. They all ran great for me, no major issues besides an oil leak in the '89 but it did have over 140,000 miles on it. In October of 2005 I bought a 2006 Honda Civic 'cause gas prices were getting crazy for me. Ever since then I've been regretting it. It's a nice car and all and great for commuting but I just hate driving FWD in the winter (I drive often in the winter - I snowboard) and not having my 4x4 option and ground clearance sucks as well. I also can't tow my 4-wheeler around so I have to have a friend help or borrow my father's truck which isn't a big big deal but it IS an inconvenience.
So... I've been looking to go back (despite the gas mileage issue) to an SUV. I've been researching for monthS now and I'm REALLY liking the Toyota 4Runner. Nothing else (in my price range..) seems to compare. I'm favoring the SR5 model because it has everything I'd need at good price. I don't need the x-reas suspension because I'd probably end up lifting it once the factory tires wear out and then slap some larger tires on it then as well. I do LOVE that hood scoop but I think I can live without it. Are there any other differences? I noticed the Sport comes with a nicer looking charcoal/black interior but I'd probably end up getting aftermarket seat covers (or leather if I splurge) anyways.
My dilemma... Should I pick up a 4Runner this Summer before the '08's come in. I think I read somewhere on here that the best time to buy a Toyota is July-August (In fact, my father got a great deal on his 2002 Tundra in late-August of '02)
Should I wait and see if I can get a deal on an '08? ..OR.. savor my civic's gas mileage for a bit longer and suffer through another winter for the 2009 resdesign - that is the redesign year, right?
Any input, advice, etc. would be GREATLY appreciated. I'm going to attempt to do it poll-style... so hopefully that works.
- Don


:beer: :beer: :beer: ..just testing the smilies!

 

[Uneek]

If you're not too picky about specifics, August, September or even later you will be able to find bigger deals (either through rebates or dealer incentives) once next year's models start showing up on the lot. Also, if gas prices stay high, they might offer rebates of upto $3000 like they did in late 2005 for the V8s. The flipside is your selection will get more and more limited as you closer to year end.

Some other notable differences on the SE over the SR5 are: telecscopic steering wheel, body color door handles and rear license plate garnish instead of chrome, bigger front rotors, standard leather steering wheel with audio controls and power seats, along with the hood scoop and X-REAS.

If the 4th gen 4Runner follows the 7-year life cycle like its predecessors, it'll be MY 2010 before the next gen comes out.

 

[scott78945]

If you're not too picky about specifics, August, September or even later you will be able to find bigger deals (either through rebates or dealer incentives) once next year's models start showing up on the lot. Also, if gas prices stay high, they might offer rebates of upto $3000 like they did in late 2005 for the V8s. The flipside is your selection will get more and more limited as you closer to year end.

Some other notable differences on the SE over the SR5 are: telecscopic steering wheel, body color door handles and rear license plate garnish instead of chrome, bigger front rotors, standard leather steering wheel with audio controls and power seats, along with the hood scoop and X-REAS.

If the 4th gen 4Runner follows the 7-year life cycle like its predecessors, it'll be MY 2010 before the next gen comes out.

Don't forget the heated outside mirrors. As sad as it is, this was important for me living in NY. I liked the X-Reas as well. The SE seems to be the best bang for your buck IMHO.

 

[Uneek]

Don't forget the heated outside mirrors. As sad as it is, this was important for me living in NY. I liked the X-Reas as well. The SE seems to be the best bang for your buck IMHO.

Good catch Scott, also SE and Limiteds have body colored side mirrors.

Don,

I say go for it. 2008 will most likely be a carryover with maybe changes to color offerings. Because you can always wait and next year there will always be something different for better or for worst (some didn't changes from 2005 to 06), you could end up waiting and waiting. It's always a gamble.

 

[DonnyB]

Thanks guys for the votes and responses! You guys don't know how helpful you've been with that and all the previous threads I've been reading over the past few months. I've decided to take a shot on the 2007 4Runner. I'll probably start checking out dealers now to see what kind of deals I can get but probably wait until July/August to place an order unless I can get a great deal now. I'm still undecided between the SR5 and the Sport but I figure I'll test drive them both to see which I prefer (probably end up with the SR5) I want to be prepared for everything when I head into the dealership and there's a few things I've been wondering and can't seem to find through the search on the older threads, so maybe someone could help me answer some questions...

1. On the Toyota.com website when you build your own 4runner there's no individual options (i.e. jbl synthesis, side air bags, 3rd row seating, etc.) They have packages. In the packages you have to have 3rd row seating to get the side airbags. I don't really want 3rd row seating! There's also no option for the jbl synthesis and a few other options I'd like (moonroof, 17" wheels, etc.) So, is it possible to go into a dealership and place a special order without having to take packages but picking individual features that you'd like?

2. From what I can tell the 2nd row seating only reclines with the 3rd row seating option... is this true? If so, that kind of sucks... Is it possible to have the reclining feature on the 2nd row and just take out the 3rd row seats and still be able to use the tonneau cover or is the tonneau cover not able to fit with the reclining 2nd row seating? That's going to be a minor dilemma for me... I'd prefer reclining seats, but I want the tonneau cover in the back. I suppose if I can only have one or the other I'd go with the tonneau cover 'cause I'll be in the driver's seat anyway!

3. Any reason why that with the 3rd row seating or with the JBL synthesis that you can't have the backup mirrors? Are they nice to have or worth giving up?

4. I'd like to attach a stainless steel grill brush guard or bullguard - haven't decided which yet - and yeah, I know stainless is kinda blingy but I think stainless looks good on dark blue or white and those are the two colors I'm caught up between and I'm not going to be taking the vehicle off-road a lot anyways - at least not for it's first few years of life. Anyways... I'm wondering if one would fit on with the front skid plate or is it not neccessary to have both or they both wouldn't fit together?

5. I think I've read it before... but why not ask again, maybe I'll get some new opinions! JBL Synthesis... worth it or better off going for an aftermarket setup? I have a factory navigation in my current car (06 civic) but I think I'm going to go with a seperate Garmin unit this time instead of having it all together. That way I can take it into another vehicle if need be. So, I'm more interested in the basic JBL Synthesis w/o the nav (the 6disc, 10speaker setup).

6. Can you install Bluetooth to the above JBL Snythesis setup or would I have to go with an aftermarket headunit and adapter to do so?

7. Anyone attempt heated mirrors on the SR5? I assume you'd only need the heating element part and hook it up with the defroster?

8. Nautical Blue or Natural White ...and what should I do with leather interior... Black with Blue two-toned? J/K on this one... it's something I'll have to decide myself!

 

[Mark86]

I would go with the 2007 because you can probably find one for a great price between the rising gas prices and incoming 2008 models. In addition, there will probably be no major changes between the 2007 and 2008 models. The 2007 4Runner was basically an exact replica of the 2006 4Runner.

 

[JQuiroz]

Newbie 4th post

I am a newbie also and I did some research on the different options since I ended up purchasing the 4runner online via a vendor program (our local toyota distributor is one of our customers). Anyway, to answer a few of your questions; The 6cd 10 speaker system is very nice, great sound and in my opinion enough highs, mids and lows to keep it as is.

The reason why you cannot get the rear mirrors near the tailgate is because two of those 10 speakers go there (but I got the rear view mirror backup camera option). The bluetooth cannot coexist with the 6cd 10 speaker system. I went with a sport edition since I did not care about a third road seat, I wanted the 17" wheels, gray leather, the tubular rack and rails, the audio controls at the wheel, and the hood scoop. Plus I like the looks of the door handles, panel above the rear license plate and the mirrors being the same color as the body.

I do not believe that you can recline the seats on neither the SR5 nor the Sport (and possibly neither the limited).

The front skid plate does not take much space and yes you could have a bullguard with it ( I am thinking of getting one myself). Here is a pic of the "4runner skid plate" option.

I went with an aftermaket GPS because of mobility and my experience with the factory provided ones have not been as good. I went with a Magellan 800 series.

Hope this helps

 

[Uneek]

Thanks guys for the votes and responses! You guys don't know how helpful you've been with that and all the previous threads I've been reading over the past few months. I've decided to take a shot on the 2007 4Runner. I'll probably start checking out dealers now to see what kind of deals I can get but probably wait until July/August to place an order unless I can get a great deal now. I'm still undecided between the SR5 and the Sport but I figure I'll test drive them both to see which I prefer (probably end up with the SR5) I want to be prepared for everything when I head into the dealership and there's a few things I've been wondering and can't seem to find through the search on the older threads, so maybe someone could help me answer some questions...

1. On the Toyota.com website when you build your own 4runner there's no individual options (i.e. jbl synthesis, side air bags, 3rd row seating, etc.) They have packages. In the packages you have to have 3rd row seating to get the side airbags. I don't really want 3rd row seating! There's also no option for the jbl synthesis and a few other options I'd like (moonroof, 17" wheels, etc.) So, is it possible to go into a dealership and place a special order without having to take packages but picking individual features that you'd like?

2. From what I can tell the 2nd row seating only reclines with the 3rd row seating option... is this true? If so, that kind of sucks... Is it possible to have the reclining feature on the 2nd row and just take out the 3rd row seats and still be able to use the tonneau cover or is the tonneau cover not able to fit with the reclining 2nd row seating? That's going to be a minor dilemma for me... I'd prefer reclining seats, but I want the tonneau cover in the back. I suppose if I can only have one or the other I'd go with the tonneau cover 'cause I'll be in the driver's seat anyway!

3. Any reason why that with the 3rd row seating or with the JBL synthesis that you can't have the backup mirrors? Are they nice to have or worth giving up?

4. I'd like to attach a stainless steel grill brush guard or bullguard - haven't decided which yet - and yeah, I know stainless is kinda blingy but I think stainless looks good on dark blue or white and those are the two colors I'm caught up between and I'm not going to be taking the vehicle off-road a lot anyways - at least not for it's first few years of life. Anyways... I'm wondering if one would fit on with the front skid plate or is it not neccessary to have both or they both wouldn't fit together?

5. I think I've read it before... but why not ask again, maybe I'll get some new opinions! JBL Synthesis... worth it or better off going for an aftermarket setup? I have a factory navigation in my current car (06 civic) but I think I'm going to go with a seperate Garmin unit this time instead of having it all together. That way I can take it into another vehicle if need be. So, I'm more interested in the basic JBL Synthesis w/o the nav (the 6disc, 10speaker setup).

6. Can you install Bluetooth to the above JBL Snythesis setup or would I have to go with an aftermarket headunit and adapter to do so?

7. Anyone attempt heated mirrors on the SR5? I assume you'd only need the heating element part and hook it up with the defroster?

8. Nautical Blue or Natural White ...and what should I do with leather interior... Black with Blue two-toned? J/K on this one... it's something I'll have to decide myself!

1. The regional distributor is the one responsible for grouping options together. Toyota will build the 4Runner with each individual option as long as prerequisites are met, i.e. when ordering navigation, HomeLink is ordered as well.

2. The second row seat back is at a fixed angle for 4Runners with two row seats. Only three row seat 4Runners have the reclining second row. The tonneau cover is not present on a third row seat 4Runner. I'm not sure if you can add it on afterwards, but the side panels in the cargo area are probably different for a two and third row 4Runner. I think member dingo, that has two 4th gens, SR5 with third row seats and a SE.

3. The third row seats' seatbelt anchors, 9th and 10th speaker on the JBL Synthesis system and backup cargo mirrors all mount in the same location. Thus, it's not possible to have all three options. The only combination is to get nav and third row seats. Personally, even with nav, I still find the cargo mirrors handy when I back out of parking stalls or back into my driveway so I can see what's approaching from the sides.

4. I think you would have to do some mods and rigging to get both a bullbar/brush guard and accessory skid plate installed. They both mount on the same set of holes on the bottom of the frame near the tow hooks.

5. Don't know about the JBL Synthesis sound quality wise. But the JBL nav 8-speakers (as Toyota calls it) and no sub (but actually, it's 6-speakers since the front door speakers are two-ways) in my '04 Camry sound better than the 8-speaker JBL nav in my 4Runner. There's more bass in the Camry's system. The Garmin nuvi 660 is a pretty nice portable. $650 with $150 off until 6/11 at costco.com. However, screen size and map clarity is not as great as OEM nav and rerouting is slower. Overall, still a very good portable unit compared to my old Magellan Roadmate 700.

6. Take a look at the Parrot kits, not sure if they can be integrated with an OEM headunit.

7. I'm not sure, but I don't think you can just add elements. If you're getting a SR5, might as well upgrade to Muth signal mirrors. They have heated and non-heated versions.

8. IMO, Nautical Blue, since it's a newer color that's only on 06+ 4Runners. I go with all black, though a black/blue combo wouldn't be bad, but probably more better suited in a sports car.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

 

[SciRunner]

Re: Newbie 4th post

I do not believe that you can recline the seats on neither the SR5 nor the Sport (and possibly neither the limited).

You can't recline the rear seats but you can recline the front seats. Toyota calls it "reclining front seats." Scion, on the other hand calls this feature, "Social Seating."

The whole process took ~1minute with power front seats!
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[DonnyB]

That's pretty neat that you can recline the front seats flush to the rear ones... could sleep in it if ya' had to. Something I didn't know you could do!

 

[JQuiroz]

That is pretty neat. I've never seen that offered before.

 

[TitaniumToy]

I would go for the 2007. A couple thoughts on when to purchase.

1) With gas prices peaking, NOW is a great time. Your Civic should be in very high demand, so you should be able to get top dollar for it, and conversely dealers will most likely give you a great deal on the 'gas hog' 4runner.

2) Wait until July/August like you mentioned. Toyota is releasing the all new Highlander this Summer and I would expect it to put a dent in 4Runner sales. This might create an oversupply of 4Runners and lead to higher rebates until Toyota adjusts production.

Also I wouldn't put my money on a 2009 4Runner redesign. It is still at the top of it's class and I do not see any other upcoming SUV's that are a threat to the current 4Runner.

Good Luck!

 

[swisstype]

I had to buy something as I gave my Avalon to one of my employees. I ended up with the Shadow Mica SE. I have already de-badges the thing, and am awaiting my Wet Okoles and my Weather tech cargo mat. I had The dealer throw in the 4Runner all weather mats. Overall, I would say that I would advise on getting one now, as they will deal. I got mine at a considerable discount and also the cash back incentive.
Looking forward to doing only a couple things to it, but it will be a great ride, and hold my triathlon bike, MTB, son's kockey stuff, and all our camping gear too. It was a great purchase, and I love the vehicle!

Get one!!!