Potential New Owner

[mturnerua]

I've changed my mind on the SR5. See my post on pg. 2 for the new setup.

Ok so I need some feedback on a new 4Runner I'm looking at. Its a gray SR5 4x2 with leather and the JBL sound system. I guess what I'm hung up on is only getting a 4x2 in such a capable SUV? Now I will rarely go off-road but I could see some usefulness in mountain snowy vacations. Do any of you have thoughts on the 4x2 vs 4x4? Also it doesn't have a sunroof and that would be nice. Are there any other options that you would suggest or stay away from? Thanks

 

[BrianLSU]

Get what you want, don't settle.

I'm surprised it doesn't have a sunroof, usually it comes together in a package, leather and sunroof.

I made a list of everything I wanted, I did a cost/benefit for the options, I made my choice and didn't wane at the dealership. They had to order it, it was on a boat coming in. I'm happy as hell with no regrets. It helps when you order everything though, lol. So much for the cost/benefit analysis.

 

[SQ.MD]

I currently don't have a 5th gen (but I will in the near future ) but I do own a 97 4R. The biggest mistake I think I made about purchasing this vehicle was not getting 4x4. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love my runner, but I think it would have so much more potential if it did have 4 wheel drive.

Even if you aren't going off-roading all the time and aren't going to mod-up your 4R to be a rock climber, just knowing that your vehicle can perform some sort of off-roading adequately, if need be, would be a nice feeling. Plus, getting the new 4R without 4x4 is like getting an m3 with automatic transmission: purchasing a vehicle without being able to take full advantage of its awesome heritage would definitely be a kick in the pants in my book

$0.02

__________________
2008 Camry SE V6 Mag Gray with Black leather (daily)
1997 Toyota 4runner oldschool green with yakima rack n lights (my camping rig.)

 

[Hawkdog21]

Coming from a 4runner owner for a long time. I had a super capable 3rd gen, and I decided to get a new one in 2001 for a daily driver and I went with a 4x2 because I already had a giant 4x4, but after about a year I regretted it everyday not getting the 4x4. It just made life harder thinking about not being able to drive somewhere because I only had 2wd. It was only a few times a year that I really missed the 4wd, but it was those times that made me vow to never buy a 2wd SUV again.

Just my personal story, feel free to ignore if need be.

 

[westwind77]

Ok so I need some feedback on a new 4Runner I'm looking at. Its a gray SR5 4x2 with leather and the JBL sound system. I guess what I'm hung up on is only getting a 4x2 in such a capable SUV? Now I will rarely go off-road but I could see some usefulness in mountain snowy vacations. Do any of you have thoughts on the 4x2 vs 4x4? Also it doesn't have a sunroof and that would be nice. Are there any other options that you would suggest or stay away from? Thanks

Surprised at the no sunroof yet leather, wonder if it is aftermarket. Also, JBL system is only available in the TE & LE not the SR5, make sure the sales man/women is not telling you the wrong thing!

As far as 4WD, my vote would be yes, you never know where you will be 2,3,4,5 years down the road/trail

 

[AMRose]

Get the 4WD! There was no question for me that I would get 4WD, but I didn't think I would use it until next winter. Surprise, surprise, picked up my new 4Runner last week and the next day I needed the 4WD! Was heading somewhere new & my GPS took me straight to HORRIBLE gravel roads (we had flooding that must have damaged the roads). Never expected to need 4WD so soon but was glad I had it. Just a thought...

As to options: I really love the bluetooth hands free phone option. I have the sunroof and leather and wouldn't want it without. The other thing about options is that I would rather not have the sliding cargo tray (I didn't want it in the first place, but dealer brought one in with it by mistake). It might be nice for tailgating or loading gardening items a few times a year, but I haul my dogs in mine and would prefer the flat cargo area instead. Probably depends how you would use yours.

 

[peter78]

In the forum you will get mostly 4 X 4 answers. It also might depend on where you live and of course what you do. I have 2 4Runners, both 2 wheel drive. I tow, carry a lot of stuff, do a lot of camping, but I don't go off road. I also live in Atlanta. About 80% of 4Runners sold in Atlanta are 2wd.

If you can swing the cost, especially if you consider how much more it would be in payments, (maybe just a few dollars per month), it might be worth it to go 4 wheel drive. One thing for sure, once your decision is made and you get a 2 WD, you can't change your mind.

 

[M1911]

If you are going to drive up to the mountains to go skiing, then you are really going to want 4x4.

 

[Ryan_S]

Consider resale value of the 2x4. You can hardly give those away around here.

 

[mturnerua]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I guess I should say that the one I was talking would be ordered so maybe that's why some of the setup seems a little different. Also I might have misspoke on the the JBL system, what I'm getting is the XM ready stereo with the steering wheel controls. I live in Alabama so snow is not really a problem but I was wanting a 4x4 anyways so your confirmations help.

 

[chiefadrian]

Welcome all! I was previously the owner of three Jeeps over the last 10 years. On March 3rd, I jumped the tracks into the 4Runner family and picked up my 2010 4R SR5, 4X4, Blizzard Pearl, XM, Bluetooth... and a couple of other goodies. INCREDIBLE VEHICLE!!!

If it makes your decision any easier mturnerua, after finishing a few days of test driving various mid to full size SUV's, the Toyota dealership was last on the list. After completing my test drive of a Gray SR5 4X4 4Runner, the only thing I could say was "They Got It Right". All the shortcomings I had with the other manufacturers, Toyota figured out and corrected.

I'm an Army guy, and for those of you out there that are in also, we occasionally hear the phrase "Pack Light, Freeze At Night". In other words, its better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

My recommendation, definitely get the 4X4, Bluetooth, XM,and maybe heated seats depending on where you live.

 

[dbjasper]

Hey man. I had a 4x4 Tacoma for 15 years and never worried about where I could go or what I could do in it. I didn't use it often tho. When it died on me (transfer case) a few months ago, I didn't think I would miss it. WRONG. I didn't realize how much I considered it a "comfort" option. Once it died, I didn't feel comfortable going on some of the trails for camping, backpacking, fishing trips, etc in my car. Also, I couldn't take it in the backyard anymore where it can get really muddy without tearing up the yard.

So, I bought a '10 T4R for a future family vehicle and 4x4 to allow me to "be able to" do most of what I wanted.

...Just my $0.02. Good luck!

 

[tx 4runner]

Definitely get the 4x4

For only about a thousand dollars more, I would suggest you definitely get the 4x4 option. Also, I would for-sure get the moonroof. I don't have a great basis for comparison, but the moonroof seems especially huge on my 5th gen, great for letting in some more natural light. And, when it's a great day, and you can open up the roof and the back window... doesn't get any better than that.

You can always get NAV and/or leather aftermarket that will be better quality at a lower price, so I wouldn't get those options unless you really want them.

 

[sevenstorydrop]

It's more than $1000 more. You also have to weigh the cost of tires, gas and additional maintanence. I'm about to buy a 4runner and this is a decision I will have to make as well. I'm just north of Dallas, and I dont' even know of a place that I couldn't get with the clearance of the 4runner and 2 wheel drive. Texas is flat, and it snows maybe 2 times a year and it lasts only a couple of days if any. I'm pretty sure I'm leaning toward the 2wd model, but that's just me, and my local talking.

 

[dbjasper]

Its all about the possibilities the 4x4 opens you up to... It gives you the ability to go and do what you want, or could ever want (within reason ). Sure, you may never use it, but you may want it sometime and not have it with a 4x2.

It's the "man syndrome"... I can do it if I want!

 

[hoeftm2002]

Ok so I need some feedback on a new 4Runner I'm looking at. Its a gray SR5 4x2 with leather and the JBL sound system. I guess what I'm hung up on is only getting a 4x2 in such a capable SUV? Now I will rarely go off-road but I could see some usefulness in mountain snowy vacations. Do any of you have thoughts on the 4x2 vs 4x4? Also it doesn't have a sunroof and that would be nice. Are there any other options that you would suggest or stay away from? Thanks

I agree I would hold out for what you want - I had a 2 4th Gens - the first was 4x2 without leather - had it for about 9 months and traded it in for another one with leather but still 4x2 not 4x4 (I was being cheap) - I owned my 2nd 4th Gen from 2004 until I traded it on my 2010 - the whole time I had it I wished it was 4x4 - this time I got everything I wanted and I am so much happier - you will always have those regrets if you don't get what you want the first time around!!

 

[mturnerua]

I'm in Mobile, where in Alabama are you located?

I live just outside of Birmingham in McCalla. I work in Tuscaloosa though and I'm using Tuscaloosa Toyota.

 

[mturnerua]

Ok change of plans. After looking at everything I've decided to just spring for a metallic gray Limited 4x4 with black leather. I really like the XRES suspension, backup camera, dual climate, and the key-less entry system on the Limited. I'm staying away from the Nav I think. So you guys with a Limited how do you like it?

 

[dbjasper]

I love mine. The options are great and even the nav isn't too bad. It's nice having it in the dash, despite it locking things out while driving. It's not as bad as it seems. It's definately what I wanted and more. Very plush interior and ride quality is very good.

I tried the 4x4 for the first time this weekend. It did great pulling up a steep trail with large rolling mounds across it. Didn't hesitate at all. The access trails were torn up by a bulldozer and were basicall a washboard. My Tacoma would bounce all over the place and you could easily lose control. The 4Runner's suspension and weight made it a dream to drive and very easy to control.

The only thing I don't care for on the Limited is the 245 tires. With the height of them, they look like wagon wheels from the front and back. I'll be putting on wider tires when these are worn out and solve that problem.

 

[mturnerua]

I love mine. The options are great and even the nav isn't too bad. It's nice having it in the dash, despite it locking things out while driving. It's not as bad as it seems. It's definately what I wanted and more. Very plush interior and ride quality is very good.

I tried the 4x4 for the first time this weekend. It did great pulling up a steep trail with large rolling mounds across it. Didn't hesitate at all. The access trails were torn up by a bulldozer and were basicall a washboard. My Tacoma would bounce all over the place and you could easily lose control. The 4Runner's suspension and weight made it a dream to drive and very easy to control.

The only thing I don't care for on the Limited is the 245 tires. With the height of them, they look like wagon wheels from the front and back. I'll be putting on wider tires when these are worn out and solve that problem.

I was thinking the same thing on tires. I like the 20" rims but the tires look too narrow. I'll probably not get the Nav but glad to know that its ok.