School Me on Trail Editions

D

drew944

New member
So I was browsing some listings looking at 4th gens for sale and one thing I always keep an eye out for is an 09 Trail Edition. Well there's one for sale, price is too steep for me, but what is odd about it is the leather interior. I thought one of the selling points of the Trail Edition was the "waterproof" FJ style interior. Am I wrong or is this just an odd ball?
2009 Toyota 4Runner Trail, $26,990 - Cars.com
 
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Probably just aftermarket leather. Other than that it looks all original. $26,9 is a bit steep but thats just an asking price. On the other hand, '09 was the only year for a 4th gen trail, not many were made, the only 4th gen with an OEM locker, plus more. It looks great on my phone but I'd still have to see it in person.
 
Yes Trail Editions come with a weather proof stain resistant seats made out of some synthetic material. Those are probably aftermarket skins or a switch with a Limited interior.

Usually Trail Editions sell for more because they are rare and they are the most capable 4th gen 4runner ever made stock wise.

I have a TE and I love it. It's basically a camouflaged FJ cruiser with the more aggressive ATRAC and it has a rear electronic locking differential. Add this package and put on some bigger tires and a lift and you have one capable vehicle.

I paid 25k OTD for mine 6 months ago with 50k miles on the clock.
 
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When I ordered a spacer kit( years ago) they stated can't be used on the trail ed.

So there are some differences that need to be looked at before purchase.
 
having fun said:
When I ordered a spacer kit( years ago) they stated can't be used on the trail ed.

So there are some differences that need to be looked at before purchase.
Click to expand...

I think that is false.

Trail editions have the same suspension as the non TE. Only difference is oem Toyota branded Bilstein shocks. This should not make any difference.

Trail Editions are so rare that when ordering after market suspensions for it, its better to say you have a "SR5" than a "TE" because people will look at you funny when you say you have a Trail Edition for the 4th generation 4runner. They simply do not know they exist.
 
First I've heard of these.

So you can buy a 5 year old TE 4Runner for $27K... or you can buy a brand spanking new Jeep Wrangler for $27K that'll spank it's *** on the trail and basically do everything better with a full 100K factory warranty? Hmm.....

I suppose if you're a die hard Toyota guy. But I'd never pay that for a used SUV. Ever.
 
I think your in the wrong place to be talking like that. I think to be truly fair you have to compare a 4 door Wrangler with a locker. And to do that you have a base price of about 33K. Plus other things that the runner has like rear air and leather and then the Wrangler price goes up more. And you'll need a 100K mile warranty with a Jeep. Would I buy a used runner for that much.....no. But I wouldn't buy a new Wrangler for that. Just my .02.
 
WXman said:
First I've heard of these.

So you can buy a 5 year old TE 4Runner for $27K... or you can buy a brand spanking new Jeep Wrangler for $27K that'll spank it's *** on the trail and basically do everything better with a full 100K factory warranty? Hmm.....

I suppose if you're a die hard Toyota guy. But I'd never pay that for a used SUV. Ever.
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I know it sounds nuts but you'd be crazy to pass up an 09 Trail in favor of a new Wrangler at equal cost. I wouldn't take a new 5th gen over an 09 Trail.
 
Well I have owned both and while I do love this 4Runner a lot I guess I just disagree with those statements. But anyway... didn't mean to pollute the thread just wanted to point out the facts. I don't see how the addition of a rear locker could make my ride worth 14K more, and even if it had a front locker to go with it my '12 Wrangler would stomp it on the trail. Rear air conditioning? Who needs that when the top comes off?

Anyway.. I learned something new today. Didn't know there was a 4th gen trail edition. I'll have to check one of those out sometime.
 
WXman said:
Well I have owned both and while I do love this 4Runner a lot I guess I just disagree with those statements. But anyway... didn't mean to pollute the thread just wanted to point out the facts. I don't see how the addition of a rear locker could make my ride worth 14K more, and even if it had a front locker to go with it my '12 Wrangler would stomp it on the trail. Rear air conditioning? Who needs that when the top comes off?

Anyway.. I learned something new today. Didn't know there was a 4th gen trail edition. I'll have to check one of those out sometime.
Click to expand...

What are you talking about?

You cannot compare your 2004 to a 2009 4runner price wise. 2009 4runners with less than 50k miles are going for $25k and with CPO certification even more.
 
A brand new Wrangler for $27k is a bit sparse when it comes to options that you'd find in the used 4th gen 4Runner and yeah,the Jeep probably has the edge off road but once back on road the 4Runner would just be a more comfortable daily ride and more utility than the Wrangler has,it depends on what you really are going to use the vehicle for.
I'd rather have the used Toyota than a new Jeep anyday but that's my preference but you do pay a premium to get a Toyota new or used.
 
hikenbike said:
I know it sounds nuts but you'd be crazy to pass up an 09 Trail in favor of a new Wrangler at equal cost. I wouldn't take a new 5th gen over an 09 Trail.
Click to expand...

It all depends on your needs. If you wanted an off-roader, then Wranglers are hard to beat in terms of capability and aftermarket support. If you want an all-arounder, then yeah, 4runners do well.

If you take money out of the equation, 4th Trail vs. 5th Trail is a tough choice. Personally, I would get 5th gen Trail KDSS for the KDSS, stronger front frame, stronger axles, but I surely will miss full-time 4WD. But, that's OK since there is VSC and traction control to help out on the highway.
 
Trail editions have the same suspension as the non TE
hu7b.jpg
 
Just got a 09 TE today. How do i use all the offraoding features (atrac, center diff lock, rear diff lock) Any Mod ideas. New to the offroading scene but cant wait to get my wheels dirty
 
I didn't know they had a TE 4th Gen, good stuff. For THAT much of a price different, I rather just add ARB lockers and gearing to a trim that is more common, nice suspension, and be ahead of the game in cost and capability.

It's nice to have rare things, until you get into an accident have to hash it out with your insurance company.
 
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