Purchasing a late model 4Runner - Where to start

[jziran]

I thought I was getting a 4runner Trail Edition only to find out that the dealer made a mistake on the listing (yeah, right).

It got me thinking....I AM going to get a 4WD/AWD 4Runner 2011-2013 with <30k miles is a must have.

What is the best platform to start with? I am going to rule out the Limited b/c there is too much money in things I don't want or need

I am partial to a nice clean/aggressive look that maintains/enhances winter performance. Car will be used from Oct to Apr.

Here is something close to what I will do....no stickers, less aggressive tire/wheel lift.

I plan on a few upgrades out of the gate

1: New Wheels/Tires
2: New Rear Bumper with swing out spare tire
3: Would consider a lift/suspension work if the tires and wheels mandate the change (although this is expensive and I would prefer not too)
4: New Stereo headunit/Bluetooth/CarPlay
5: New roof rack.

I am thinking the base SR5 but when i look at those models, i find all this extra body trim pieces and chrome strips hanging off the bumpers and side skirts.

Like this

Am I forced to go to the trail edition to get the nice clean look of the picture above? Is there aftermarket replacements or delete kits for all that extra plastic on the SR5?

Gut feel is go with SR5 but I thought I would ask incase I am missing something.

On a more advanced topic, do I gain/lose any serious 4wd capability between the SR5 and Trail? I DO NOT want push button 4WD (i think this is on the limited).

Thanks in advance all!

-jz

 

[4FL]

To make it look like a trail: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/81939-te-parts-needed-convert-sr5-limited-exterior.html

Along with general mod info: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/92594-modifications-write-ups-quick-links-faqs.html

The SR5 is a very capable 4x4, nothing wrong with it. I think the main thing that separates it from the trail is the trail as the rear e-locker and the availability of the KDSS which I heard improves on-road handling as well (I have a trail, but have only put eight miles on it since I got it last week).

There are two thoughts in my head;

1. If you are going to pay that much for something, you should get what you want.

2. For pure capability purposes, the SR5 is great, and you can add the locker and trail trim if you want to, along with some suspension mods.

I went with the trail because I do not plan on modding mine any more than some personalizing, so I picked the trail so I can have the best stock 4x4 around. If I was someone looking to mod, the SR5 would have done well because I would throw ARB lockers front and rear, a mild lift, etc.

 

[sn_85]

Why do you need a rear bumper? If you get a rear bumper you might as well get a whole new suspension system. The stock springs are not meant for the extra weight of a rear bumper.

There was some thread not too long about top 5 mods but I can't seem to find it. Basically the majority agreed to something like this:

1) Wheels/Tires
2) Sliders
3) Skids
4) Roof rack
5) Suspension

Adding a rear bumper first thing seems kind of assbackwards to me.

 

[blakjack23]

FYI....the Limited is the only model with FT 4WD (AWD).

It got me thinking....I AM going to get a 4WD/AWD 4Runner 2011-2013 with <30k miles is a must have.
-jz

 

[wfo9]

I am thinking the base SR5 but when i look at those models, i find all this extra body trim pieces and chrome strips hanging off the bumpers and side skirts.

Like this

Am I forced to go to the trail edition to get the nice clean look of the picture above? Is there aftermarket replacements or delete kits for all that extra plastic on the SR5?

Gut feel is go with SR5 but I thought I would ask incase I am missing something.

On a more advanced topic, do I gain/lose any serious 4wd capability between the SR5 and Trail? I DO NOT want push button 4WD (i think this is on the limited).

Thanks in advance all!

-jz

Pretty darn easy to change the look of an sr5. My truck looked exactly like the one above. And you can see the changes here. Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum - wfo9's Album: My Build

Just removing the chrome can cost you nothing if you are handy. A few things are worth swapping with the trail version. I did buy the trail door handles since those don't last if you try to paint them.

4x4 capability is basically the same with the sr5 and trail. The trail does have a rear e-locker (the only real difference) and some have a dynamic swaybar control system called KDSS. The trails also have some auto craw and terrain dials that are not really useful.

Most sr5s have a manual transfer case like the trail, although they went to a dial like the limited sometime around 2013.

For winter driving be aware that all 5th gens (except the limited) are part time 4 wheel drive only. It is a locked center diff. If I was on snow and ice high speed roads everyday I would probably want an awd system.