Shopping for a 2012/2013 4Runner Limited...

[PatC]

Hey guys...newbie here. I'm shopping for an SUV for my wife. We've looked at the Pathfinder already. The 2012 just looks too dated inside and out...and the 2013 looks like a mini-van. I have to be honest and say that I've never considered a 4Runner or any Toyota for that matter, but I drove by a local dealer today and I gotta say the new 4Runners looks great! We'll probably go for a test drive this weekend.

My question is, is there anything I need to be wary of before purchasing/leasing a 2012 4Runner? Any issues with them? Cosmetically it doesn't look like there are any significant changes for the 2013, but is there anything that makes it worth getting a 2013 instead of a 2012. I'm sure dealers are willing to make deals on the 2012s to clear them off the lots.

One thing I didn't lie about the 2012 Pathfinder is that because of the poor headlight design, HIDs don't work well (owners report that the light beam from HIDs is too scattered and blinds other drivers). I'm sure many of you have installed HIDs in your 4Runners...how are they working for ya?

Thanks in advance for any input and advice fellas

 

[1engineer]

No there is nothing wrong with the new models of 4Runners. They are fine vehicles. Just make sure to test drive one thoroughly. Pay particular attention to the brakes and make sure you like them. Accelerate quickly. Does it seem like there is enough power for you? Take it around corners. Does it lean too much or when it stops does the front end dive too much for your liking? Again, test drive it a lot.

I mentioned these items above because even though there are very few complaints about 4Runners when there are it is usually about acceleration, brake dive or brake pedal feel. Actually the 4Runner accelerates well, brakes and handles well. The few who complain did not notice these things during test drive. Enjoy but pay attention!

 

[jspagna1]

My 2 cents, I totally agree with you on the Pathfinder. The 2012 is outdated and looks like a delivery truck (box truck). They ruined the 2013 as now it looks like the Saab 9-7X SUV.
The 4Runner is a much better truck imo and the quality of the Toyota more than speaks for itself.
You mentioned that this is for your wife. With that being said, you really need to have her drive it and see how she likes it. It may not be her cup of tea. I know my wife likes my 4Runner but it is not her daily driver.
If she ends up not liking the 4Runner, I have heard good things about the Mazda CX-9. Very different vehicle from the 4Runner. But you know what they say: Happy Wife,Happy Life!!

 

[BobsTrail]

2012 - 2013

I have a 2013 Trail and the only difference I can see from a 2012 is the location of the USB plug for music playback. A 2012 may be a good way to get a better price.

 

[fraggy]

The Nissan will have more bells and whisles then the 4-Runner. I just looked at the 12 and 13, and I own a 11 Limited. The previous person's comment is right on, the only difference is the placement of the USB port. The biggest choice to be made is between the Entune and JBL sound systems. Check them out thoroughly when you test drive, since each of them has major limitations. The 4-runner is a good vehicle (have 50K on my 11 Limited) but Toyota did skimp, just in a different way then Nissan did. Example are given in many thread here to include no locking gas cap, no LED rear lights, no V8, no memory seats in limited, and a fix antenna. While the 4-runner looks good, it is not for everyone, so do a thorough test drive.

 

[Digitalwiz]

I feel i need to point out that the common complaints people are usually solved with the Limited grade. Nose dive being the most prominent. I noticed it on the sr5 i test drove. So i bought the limited. I also wanted leather, nav and heated seats. I like the 20 inch wheels as well.

I came from a 2007 BMW 5 series with premium and sport package and i'm totally happy with the 4R Limited.

I'll probably never change a thing on it.

Entune vs JBL: I wanted JBL but that "package" isnt available in northern California. Its Entune Nav or no nav. You may not have the option.

Find a 2012. I purchased mine in early august for 39k. Limited, Entune Nav, 3rd row seats, crossbars for top rails and carpet mats.

GL on your search.

 

[Zeke013]

I was in the same boat and went with a '13. There were more '12s on the lot - but the price wasn't much to move on. I paid $250 over invoice on a '13 - so it was worth it to me to have the extra model year.

Get one.

 

[SgnDen]

As you have heard here, test drive with a critical eye toward the overall "feel" of the driving experience.

The Limited does take care of whatever nose 'dive' issue there may be (I would NOT call it an issue though) and it's the ONLY model with the Torsen center differential (full time 4WD vs part time like all other models). With XREAS (only available on the Limited) you will also feel less body roll than the other models...I found this very noticeable. Of course, tomorrow I am rendering the XREAS obsolete with a ToyTec Ultimate lift and new wheels/tires! :hungry:

The larger nav screen on the JBL system is nice too. The leather is nice but you can add that to any of the models of course.

This thing drives and feels more like a "truck" (because it really is - body on frame etc) compared to the Mall-runner soccer mom feel of the Pathfinder. Nissan makes a fine vehicle, it's just not at all going to feel like the 4Runner.

BTW - I bought my 2013 Limited with JBL, no running boards, and a few basic options for $40k even. For me, there is NO way I would buy a 2012 just to save a couple thousand that I'd likely give away in value if I ever sold it. Obviously, if you are going to lease do NOT lease anything but brand new 2013 (look at residual values and you'll get it). If you're gonna keep it 'forever' and in the scheme of things $2k-$2.5k would help you (e.g. paying cash)...but in a loan not that big a diff in payment of course and you won't be buying a year-old vehicle (if it matters in your case).

Good luck and don't forget to give it some gas to get 'er rolling (will feel a lot diff than the Datsun!) and get a feel for the heavy hydraulic brake feel.

Have fun!

 

[PatC]

Thanks guys...I really appreciate all the insight and advice. We're going to the dealer this weekend for a test drive, so we'll see what happens.

 

[haquegiftshop]

accessories for the home

2013 Toyota 4Runner SUV Overview

The standard features of the accessories for the home Toyota 4Runner SR5 include 4.0L V-6 270hp engine, 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), side seat mounted airbags, curtain 1st and 2nd row overhead airbags, driver and passenger knee airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, air conditioning, 17" aluminum wheels, cruise control, ABS and driveline traction control, and a stability control.
:spam2:

 

[philsey]

You've gotten good advice about the usual nits that get picked around here. All the 4Rs are great trucks (read "trucks"). To generalize, I suspect 'most' women would not favor them as DDs, especially shorter ladies. My wife prefers her CRV, for example.

Pay attention to the different 4WD types; the SR5 & TE being manually operated, and the LE is full-time. IIRC the A/C is the same too, manual vs automatic.

Having said that, my advice is for you to have your wife do most of the testing. Perhaps compare it to a Highlander and a Pilot - they are less truck-like.

Where do you live - any snow?

 

[M1911]

Pat:

I suggest that the first thing you consider is whether you need a truck-based SUV like the 4Runner. The 4Runner is a body-on-frame, solid-rear-axle truck. It isn't a tall station wagon. Unlike a cross-over, it doesn't drive like a car.

The 4Runner handles pretty well, for a truck. It rides pretty well, for a truck. It brakes pretty well, for a truck. But you will never mistake it for anything other than a body-on-frame truck.

I put up with the drawbacks of my '03 because I need the offroad capability. But if I didn't need the offroad capability, I would likely be driving something else.

Don't get me wrong, the 4Runner is a very good vehicle for what it is. But you'll read a fair bit of criticism now and then from new owners saying that it doesn't ride that well, or it leans too much in corners, or it has too much nose dive. Well, what did you expect? It is an offroad capable truck and it handles like one. If you want a tall station wagon, get a crossover.

 

[jfdallas]

Pat-
I have a 2012 Limited 2WD and the ride is great. I don't do any offroading thus I didn't get 4WD (2WD costs less and less maint as well for me). All my driving is highway/city and I couldn't be happier with my 4R. I didn't drive the TE or SR5 so I can't speak to the "nose dive" or braking issues that others have mentioned. I knew I wanted a Limited and got one...and the XREAS apparently eliminates these issues and the cornering problems also noted. Overall, it does ride like a truck bc that's what it is, but I didn't want a crossover (or station wagon) and the 4R fit my wants/needs/desires and on top of that is an awesome vehicle.

Also, get the 2013 unless there is a significant savings as the extra year's depreciation will eat up most of the savings by getting a 2012 vs 2013.

I think you can't go wrong with the LE so that's my $.02. Good luck with your search!

 

[tamerunner]

Pat:

I suggest that the first thing you consider is whether you need a truck-based SUV like the 4Runner. The 4Runner is a body-on-frame, solid-rear-axle truck. It isn't a tall station wagon. Unlike a cross-over, it doesn't drive like a car.

The 4Runner handles pretty well, for a truck. It rides pretty well, for a truck. It brakes pretty well, for a truck. But you will never mistake it for anything other than a body-on-frame truck.

I put up with the drawbacks of my '03 because I need the offroad capability. But if I didn't need the offroad capability, I would likely be driving something else.

Don't get me wrong, the 4Runner is a very good vehicle for what it is. But you'll read a fair bit of criticism now and then from new owners saying that it doesn't ride that well, or it leans too much in corners, or it has too much nose dive. Well, what did you expect? It is an offroad capable truck and it handles like one. If you want a tall station wagon, get a crossover.

I agree with this. If this is not what you want or need then search elsewhere. Me personally, my wife doesn't care much for anything but looks and the runner hit it right on for her. I on the other hand wanted the runner hands down because of everything mentioned above. Its a body on frame truck based suv, not some puss mobile. If I wanted a car ride, get a car. But if this is what you want you should be pleased.

 

[Hellamatic]

The Pathfinder should be called a "Mallfinder"

Buy a T4R. They're a great little truck and chicks dig 'em.

 

[barbdawson]

You probably already have one, but don't make the mistake I did by not checking for that third seat. I was so excited to find a black one with low mi I did not take the time to operate the third seat. It really limits your cargo room in the back by 5-6 inches in height. Wish I had never bought this car with those seats. Could not get a dining room table in....or hardly my golf clubs and my electric cart. Otherwise stellar car!!!