Potential buyer with some questions

[volrus7]

Hey everyone, been lurking for a few months now and you all are certainly authorities on all things 5th gen 4runners! I've been going back and forth between the runner and Venza for a while now but have finally decided (I think) on the runner. That being the case I have a couple of questions.

1) Any thoughts on exactly why an SR5 4x4 can be loaded to the max with all options and NOT have automatic climate control? Is it just me or is this a pretty standard option on any vehicle over about $25k to $30k but the 4runner?The reason I ask is that I don't want to get into the $40k territory for a limited when the SR5 has everything I want and I personally like the SR5 wheels much better than the Limited wheels. Did the 4th Gen have auto climate?

2) Is the Navi going to be the same as my wife's 09 Sienna Limited? I can't stand hers but if the 4Runner nav is better I might consider it.

This sounds silly, but the only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger is that climate control issue. I love the set it and leave it controls!

Thanks everyone!

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Auto climate control was standard on the SR5 from 2003 -2009. It was dropped from the SR5 in 2010 to try to get you into a more expensive model.
I do not know about the Nav.

 

[PolkManiac]

I was concerned about that at first also. Obviously I don't know you but I don't think you'll really miss it all that much.

What you should be more concerned about is the travesty that is the antenna

 

[SeattleMike]

I was concerned about that at first also. Obviously I don't know you but I don't think you'll really miss it all that much.

What you should be more concerned about is the travesty that is the antenna

It's not merely an antenna, but it doubles as a height gauge for those of us who have to venture into parking structures.

 

[LongBallLarry]

Interesting. You are the first person that I have ever heard of that uses the auto climate. I imagine it is a fairly inexpensive feature from the manufac's side, like the push button start, but they want to bump you into the higher margin Limited.

 

[volrus7]

Interesting. You are the first person that I have ever heard of that uses the auto climate. I imagine it is a fairly inexpensive feature from the manufac's side, like the push button start, but they want to bump you into the higher margin Limited.

Really? I just assumed everybody did. The way I use it is just setting at the temp I feel like I need and leave it alone because it keeps it at that temp. In the summer I keep it at 68 to 70 and in the winter I keep it at 70 pretty much. Others don't use it?

Until you guys mentioned the antenna I had never even noticed it! Now of course it'll be the first thing I see...thanks a lot! :redbrick:

I don't understand why in the world they would have it standard on the previous SR5 for 6 model years and then drop it for the new one. Isn't that a step backward instead of forward? Just doesn't make sense to me.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Interesting. You are the first person that I have ever heard of that uses the auto climate. I imagine it is a fairly inexpensive feature from the manufac's side, like the push button start, but they want to bump you into the higher margin Limited.

I love the auto temp and do not want to buy anoher vehicle without it. A deal killer for me.

 

[dbjasper]

The auto climate control is all I use as well. It works extremely well in the balmy NC summers...

 

[453030]

To each his own. My two previous Infinitis and LR3 all had auto climate and I never used them once. I like operating the system manually, every time. And on the 4runner, it looks better to my eye with the 5th round knob as opposed to all the buttons on the Limited anyways. But if it means that much to you, you'll have to spring for the Limited. You get a lot of other upgrades over the SR5 (and, I don't think OEM Nav is available on the SR5, so that is maybe another deal breaker for you), but you do get the 20" rims.

 

[volrus7]

To each his own. My two previous Infinitis and LR3 all had auto climate and I never used them once. I like operating the system manually, every time. And on the 4runner, it looks better to my eye with the 5th round knob as opposed to all the buttons on the Limited anyways. But if it means that much to you, you'll have to spring for the Limited. You get a lot of other upgrades over the SR5 (and, I don't think OEM Nav is available on the SR5, so that is maybe another deal breaker for you), but you do get the 20" rims.

If the nav is basically the same as my wife's, I don't really want it and I definitely don't like the 20" wheels so I guess I'll have to buy the SR5 the way it is or perhaps wait until Toyota decides to the logical thing and add climate control to the SR5!

 

[TTown]

I don't use my climate control either. I keep it on the Lo setting and adjust the fan depending on how hot it is.

The selling point for me is the dual climate control. It is good for married people!

As for the nav, I don't know if it is the same as your wife's. It was a feature I wasn't looking for, but have enjoyed it more than I ever thought I would have. My last built in nav was on my 2001 GS, and I didn't see paying extra $$ for it. I like many new features on the new nav including traffic and dual screen. I think he blutooth is implemented better in the nav as well. I have two phones and can easily change phones while driving. If you are unsure, play with one on the lot and make your own decision.

 

[LongBallLarry]

I don't use my climate control either. I keep it on the Lo setting and adjust the fan depending on how hot it is.

The selling point for me is the dual climate control. It is good for married people!

Same here. Dual climate is the best thing sliced bread. Don't even need to be married because if you plan to have a wife, girlfriend, elder, etc., they thend to like it warmer than most guys.

 

[Quentin]

Have you considered the fact that the SR5 and the TE for the 2010 4R's have part time 4WD? It'd be dangerous (and expensive) to forget to take it out of 4WD when in dry pavement. The LE has a center differential which allows it to be all time 4WD with no problem. Since I'm the primary driver of my SR5, I'm not as worried about someone forgetting to take it out of 4WD and damaging my part time 4WD system! =(

That would be a bigger consideration for me if my girlfriend/parents regularly drove my car in adverse conditions than the navigation or the climate control, but that's just me =D.

Keep a sticker on the cluster that says "if the roads are dry, this light better not be on" and an arrow to the 4WD light. haha

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Did you decide on Jeep vs. Toyota yet? Sorry for crossing threads =(.

I went back to look at the Grand Cherokee again and found out it did not have the suspension that lifts the vehicle. This is a feature I really want. This is the only Grand Cherokee they have right now. I am taking a month vacation (finally retired) traveling 6,000 miles all over the united states and decided to take my 03 4runner. It only has 48k miles so it should be fine. I would like to look at a Lexus gx460 but the nearest dealer is 3 hours away. I think I will just keep what I have for right now.

 

[Quentin]

I went back to look at the Grand Cherokee again and found out it did not have the suspension that lifts the vehicle. This is a feature I really want. This is the only Grand Cherokee they have right now. I am taking a month vacation (finally retired) traveling 6,000 miles all over the united states and decided to take my 03 4runner. It only has 48k miles so it should be fine. I would like to look at a Lexus gx460 but the nearest dealer is 3 hours away. I think I will just keep what I have for right now.

Unless your 4th gen is showing pretty serious wear and tear, having so few miles would make it a no-brainer to keep the one you have. Enjoy the trip. We took my GTI to Yellowstone last summer and it was a good time. I'd have much rather had my 5th gen when we took the trip, though. Unpaved roads in the beartooth mtns + 40 series summer tires = $800 for new tires in Billings, MT.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Unless your 4th gen is showing pretty serious wear and tear, having so few miles would make it a no-brainer to keep the one you have. Enjoy the trip. We took my GTI to Yellowstone last summer and it was a good time. I'd have much rather had my 5th gen when we took the trip, though. Unpaved roads in the beartooth mtns + 40 series summer tires = $800 for new tires in Billings, MT.

I understand about the tires. That is why I run BFG all terrains and a lift. There are just so many places to explore out west that it is worth the extra fuel cost to me to use a 4runner or equivilant. I have been so many really neat places off road. I have a Jeep Wrangler and atvs for the hard stuff where I live and use the 4runner for easier far away trails. My 4runner is like new condition despite the years and off road use. Most of this trip will be all on road going to the east coast, then across the nothern boarder to Glacier national park, then back to AZ.

 

[Quentin]

I understand about the tires. That is why I run BFG all terrains and a lift. There are just so many places to explore out west that it is worth the extra fuel cost to me to use a 4runner or equivilant. I have been so many really neat places off road. I have a Jeep Wrangler and atvs for the hard stuff where I live and use the 4runner for easier far away trails. My 4runner is like new condition despite the years and off road use. Most of this trip will be all on road going to the east coast, then across the nothern boarder to Glacier national park, then back to AZ.

I didn't have an SUV at the time and my GTI held the most cargo of the cars we had available, so we were pretty much stuck with it. We're planning on going to Glacier next year. As much as I'd love to drive my T4R, it makes more sense to fly and rent to maximize the amount of time in the park.

As far as offroading, friend was telling me the laws for trespassing are quite different out west. It seems that most places are fair game for off roading unless marked otherwise. Here in the east it seems like most places are restricted unless specifically called out as public land for "exploration".

 

[fxoffroad]

It's not merely an antenna, but it doubles as a height gauge for those of us who have to venture into parking structures.

Ditto that. It's already saved my ass.

Interesting. You are the first person that I have ever heard of that uses the auto climate. I imagine it is a fairly inexpensive feature from the manufac's side, like the push button start, but they want to bump you into the higher margin Limited.

I assume the Auto Climate has a sensor somewhere to adjust the system. Definitely more expense for the manufacturer. I think every vehicle should have push button start/stop.

...and on the 4runner, it looks better to my eye with the 5th round knob as opposed to all the buttons on the Limited anyways...

Totally disagree - that center knob is a mis-step IMO.

If the nav is basically the same as my wife's, I don't really want it and I definitely don't like the 20" wheels so I guess I'll have to buy the SR5 the way it is or perhaps wait until Toyota decides to the logical thing and add climate control to the SR5!

The Navi is going to be like your 09 - its a lot like my 2yr old Lexus - but the voice recognition is excellent.

Have you considered the fact that the SR5 and the TE for the 2010 4R's have part time 4WD? It'd be dangerous (and expensive) to forget to take it out of 4WD when in dry pavement.

:fro:

Keep a sticker on the cluster that says "if the roads are dry, this light better not be on" and an arrow to the 4WD light. haha

:lmao:

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I didn't have an SUV at the time and my GTI held the most cargo of the cars we had available, so we were pretty much stuck with it. We're planning on going to Glacier next year. As much as I'd love to drive my T4R, it makes more sense to fly and rent to maximize the amount of time in the park.

As far as offroading, friend was telling me the laws for trespassing are quite different out west. It seems that most places are fair game for off roading unless marked otherwise. Here in the east it seems like most places are restricted unless specifically called out as public land for "exploration".

Most areas in the west away from the cities is BLM land. It is open to the public and goes on for miles. I live on the edge of the desert in a small city in Az and some of the trails start right across my street. My atvs are street legal and can be used like a regular vehicle on the road. It is very scenic in the mountains. There are easy scenic trails up to very hard core rock climbing trails and everything in between. I have lived on the east coast and you are right there is not much. I also lived in Texas and as big as it is it is mostly private land.
Arizona, southern california, Nevada and Colorado seem to have the most open scenic land. The problem with off roading a new vehicle out here is it gets extremely dusty and even though it is the desert there are small trees and cactus that scratch a vehicle pretty bad. Also potential undercarrage damage and constant beating on the suspension bouncing over rocks all day.
The funny thing is everyone thinks they need a trail edition with a locker to go of road out here. The biggest limitation is ground clearance. A small lift makes a world of difference. On most trails a locker would never be needed. It is amazing what a 4runner can do with just the atrac pulling it through.

 

[SeattleMike]

I didn't have an SUV at the time and my GTI held the most cargo of the cars we had available, so we were pretty much stuck with it. We're planning on going to Glacier next year. As much as I'd love to drive my T4R, it makes more sense to fly and rent to maximize the amount of time in the park.

Glacier is actually not as much of a driving experience as say... Yellowstone. Lots of hiking, but the park is intersected by very few roads and half of them are not suitable for street machines. Make sure you rent something with ground clearance if you plan on taking the Inside North Fork road.

As far as offroading, friend was telling me the laws for trespassing are quite different out west. It seems that most places are fair game for off roading unless marked otherwise. Here in the east it seems like most places are restricted unless specifically called out as public land for "exploration".

There are vast swaths of places with trails, forest roads, and open range. But don't assume any place is "fair game" without making damn sure you know where you are; the lack of trespassing laws is balanced by the number of gun-toting land owners. The sporting goods store in Kalispell, MT is better stocked than most SWAT divisions. :50cal: