Prospective Buyer Questions

[mideastbeast61]

Hey Guys,

I am finally in the market for a new 2015 4Runner. I had a few quick questions about trim levels and things of that nature. First off, I wanted to know the difference between the rear view mirror between the Premium and non-premium models. I know auto dims in the premium, but how much better is that than the base trim. Secondly, I wanted to know how much better it is to get 4x4 rather than just RWD. I live in Texas and weather does not get bad over here and am trying to see how capable the RWD is compared to the 4x4. Obviously the 4x4 can go through some pretty crazy stuff. Appreciate the responses.

MEB

 

[wfo9]

4x4 will have much better resale value. Most people on the forum go looking for what you would probably consider crazy stuff. But even for soccer moms... the 4x2 has no re-sale value in areas that get snow.... It would be fine on-road in most of Texas.

 

[Carolina Roscoe]

Hey Guys,

I am finally in the market for a new 2015 4Runner. I had a few quick questions about trim levels and things of that nature. First off, I wanted to know the difference between the rear view mirror between the Premium and non-premium models. I know auto dims in the premium, but how much better is that than the base trim. Secondly, I wanted to know how much better it is to get 4x4 rather than just RWD. I live in Texas and weather does not get bad over here and am trying to see how capable the RWD is compared to the 4x4. Obviously the 4x4 can go through some pretty crazy stuff. Appreciate the responses.

MEB

I just bought a new a 4r myself. Being sorta old and Southern, 4wd is like breathing, you just do it automatically. As far as the difference in trims, it is a balance between what you want and what you can afford, at least in my case. Buying a 4Runner without 4wd is like buying a van (minivan really). If you plan on only driving on paved roads with no foul weather, I would not spend the extra money. If you think you may want to have fun, get 4wd. Just my humble opinion.:wave:

 

[c350z]

You will never regret getting 4x4, but you will regret only getting 4x2, trust me.

As far as trims, make a list of the options you want and the price you are willing to pay for them, then see what the best deal you get.

 

[Bad_Influence]

if the rear view mirror dimmer is an issue, maybe u can put some extra tint on the rear window instead? I did and headlights behind me are much easier to deal with (my 2 cents).
As far as 4x4 vs Rwd.... if you really think you won't off road this thing, then stick with rear wheel drive. Once upon a time insurance rates used to be less if your SUV didn't have 4wd, maybe that's still the case?? I am not a fan of people recommending minivans or the infamous highlander if you don't plan on using 4wd. If you like the 4runner for its looks and don't plan on offroading it, who cares? Get it anyway, it's what you want right? I wouldn't be caught dead in a highlander as i hate ALL crossovers personally!

 

[Will816]

Seems wrong to get a 2WD 4Runner. Or 2Runner, as I like to call them.

I've lived in parts of the country where dealerships did carry 2WD vehicles like that but I still could never bring myself to consider it as an option.

 

[BenSD]

I have a '14 Trail Edition Premium which has the auto dimming mirror. I didn't even realize this was a feature on the truck when I got it, but I really like it. It seems there are many clueless people that drive around with their high beams on as soon as the time change happens, and the auto dimming mirror makes a big difference. It's one of those features that once you have, you won't want to have a car without it.

 

[cd121082]

You will never regret getting 4x4, but you will regret only getting 4x2, trust me.

As far as trims, make a list of the options you want and the price you are willing to pay for them, then see what the best deal you get.

I can speak to the RWD and 4x4. I had a RWD Dodge Ram that I got when I lived in Texas but when I move to the northwest it was ok unless it snowed. So when we had our daughter I couldn't risk not having 4WD anymore. So I would suggest dropping the extra change if u can n get the 4wd.

 

[NoDak]

I have a '14 Trail Edition Premium which has the auto dimming mirror. I didn't even realize this was a feature on the truck when I got it, but I really like it. It seems there are many clueless people that drive around with their high beams on as soon as the time change happens, and the auto dimming mirror makes a big difference. It's one of those features that once you have, you won't want to have a car without it.

personally, I wish they would bring back the manual flip. sometimes the sensor cant make up it's mind to dim or not at times or doesn't dim fast enough.

 

[Jernik]

If you're asking how capable the 2WD is, then I assume you will be doing at least some time offroad. In that case, my motto is "Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it".

Plus, if you're in the northern part, ya'll do see some snow/ice occasionally. Add to that the resale value (already mentioned) - if nothing else when you're done with it you can advertise it as a perfectly clean base for a build. I'm sure there are a lot of guys here who would find that attractive in a classified ad. Should be a quick sale when the time comes.

Also, if you don't have one already... the Toyota website will mail you a brochure for free (you can probably download it online too). Seems dealers tend to run out of those these days.

Good luck!

 

[adam2562]

4wd or go home! i'm just playing.. but really though.. a 2wd highlander might suit you much better rather than a 2wd 4runner.. at least your drive wheels will be upfront for a little bit more traction than a rwd vehicle and you'll have the same amenities, if not more!

 

[Mooney]

Hey Guys,

I wanted to know how much better it is to get 4x4 rather than just RWD. I live in Texas and weather does not get bad over here and am trying to see how capable the RWD is compared to the 4x4.

MEB

Why do you want a 4Runner?

 

[Marcocopuffs]

Hey Guys,

I am finally in the market for a new 2015 4Runner. I had a few quick questions about trim levels and things of that nature. First off, I wanted to know the difference between the rear view mirror between the Premium and non-premium models. I know auto dims in the premium, but how much better is that than the base trim. Secondly, I wanted to know how much better it is to get 4x4 rather than just RWD. I live in Texas and weather does not get bad over here and am trying to see how capable the RWD is compared to the 4x4. Obviously the 4x4 can go through some pretty crazy stuff. Appreciate the responses.

MEB

So my good friend has a 2 wheel drive FJ. For all intents and purposes it is very capable, stock even, on fire trails that are groomed and well kept and dry. But that's not saying much as I saw a prius on the same trail traversing fine (sort of). In the rain I found the 4runner to be kind of twitchy when in RwD, but 4hi seemed to make the car much more stable. With a RWD You'll be able to do fine in dry trails, but you might have a tough time in slippery situations, minor rock crawling, and in moguls.

 

[The Waco Kid]

Hey Guys,

I am finally in the market for a new 2015 4Runner. I had a few quick questions about trim levels and things of that nature. First off, I wanted to know the difference between the rear view mirror between the Premium and non-premium models. I know auto dims in the premium, but how much better is that than the base trim. Secondly, I wanted to know how much better it is to get 4x4 rather than just RWD. I live in Texas and weather does not get bad over here and am trying to see how capable the RWD is compared to the 4x4. Obviously the 4x4 can go through some pretty crazy stuff. Appreciate the responses.

MEB

Fellow Texan here. And I'll say that it makes no sense getting a 4runner in 4x2. Sure it'll handle 90% of what Texas has to offer (freeways, city streets, and forest roads), but a CUV (see highlander) would perform much better in that scenario. If you're looking to do anything more than what I listed above, opt for the 4runner in 4x4, other wise I think you're looking at the wrong vehicle entirely.

To me, when you buy something like a 4runner or FJ in 4x2, you're really telling Toyota you wish it were a CUV. Just my opinion.

 

[mideastbeast61]

Thanks for the great input. First off, I want a 4Runner because we used to have one in the family (01 SR5 2WD). It was built like a tank and nothing broke and I was able to sell it a few years ago after it was my first car. I hate crossovers because they look like minivans for soccer moms. lol. I'm leaning towards a 4x4 for the reason that in the 01 I could not lift it the way I wanted. You guys are right, getting s 4x4 would be better so if I decide to wheel down the road I have that ability. Now time to harass dealerships on their overpriced inventory.

 

[The Waco Kid]

Thanks for the great input. First off, I want a 4Runner because we used to have one in the family (01 SR5 2WD). It was built like a tank and nothing broke and I was able to sell it a few years ago after it was my first car. I hate crossovers because they look like minivans for soccer moms. lol. I'm leaning towards a 4x4 for the reason that in the 01 I could not lift it the way I wanted. You guys are right, getting s 4x4 would be better so if I decide to wheel down the road I have that ability. Now time to harass dealerships on their overpriced inventory.

Good luck! Gulf States Toyota sucks. If you can't find exactly what you're looking for (specifically a TE with KDSS), some fellow Texans have had good luck with buying out of state and having the vehicle shipped to your house or place of business. Arizona seemed to be the consistent state of purchase from the thread(s) I've read. But on any other model, I'm sure you can find what you need in state at a reasonable price.

But that's a whole other can of worms. :deadhorse:

 

[ben550]

4x4 will have much better resale value. Most people on the forum go looking for what you would probably consider crazy stuff. But even for soccer moms... the 4x2 has no re-sale value in areas that get snow.... It would be fine on-road in most of Texas.

You will never regret getting 4x4, but you will regret only getting 4x2, trust me.

As far as trims, make a list of the options you want and the price you are willing to pay for them, then see what the best deal you get.

I would not recommend considering any 2WD models. I bought a 2WD in GA, my thoughts were I don't need 4WD down here. Well I recently moved North, and my 2WD had no resale value, and I wish I had bought a 4WD the first time round. Now its fixed but I lost money...

Buy the 4WD. You never know where you'll have to trek to for the holidays... Christmas at the in-laws in Maine...? haha

I

 

[1000MPH]

I dunno, I think I could have some fun with a 4Runner Pre-Runner.
Something set up like this?

 

[FrontRange4Runner]

Just get the 4WD. You never know when your situation will change and when 4WD will be handy. A few of my friends moved from Texas to Oregon a few years back. One day it snowed a ton. Oregon had very poor snow clearing so none of the roads were plowed. They were both stuck in their 2WD pickups. Nothing funnier then watching 2 big guys trying to fit into the back of my tiny Subaru, because their big trucks can't make it out of the driveway. Always better to have and not use than to need and not have.

 

[Will816]

I gotta be honest, the fact that you mention "capability" in your original post leads me to believe that it's something you gave thought to. If that's the case, there's no question. Get 4wd and if you honestly regret it, I'll eat my hat and you'll have a better trade value on the 4wd when you trade it in for a 2wd. And you also said you want to lift it... Maybe I'm in the minority but a lift kit on a 2wd is like me having abs airbrushed onto my gut. It may look like one thing, but underneath it's not. Get 4wd.

I don't know why it bugs me so much that manufacturers even make 2wd variants of vehicles like the 4Runner, but it does. Or not so much that they make them (can't blame them for making a product that someone wants), but that there's even a market. Mind blowing!