Ok, so I am currently a 3rd gen owner, but I've stumbled across a very nice, certified preowned '11 TE that I'm looking at as a more family and wallet friendly (in the long run) vehicle. My question is this...they don't have it advertised as KDSS equipped, but it has the controls up in the overhead console. Does this mean that it is in fact equipped?
TE KDSS question...
- Thread starter McFly2003
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jbstrd
New member
The easiest way to tell is to look under the front end. Look for a thick swaybar that attaches to the front lower control arms. The non-KDSS swaybar attaches to the spindle.
The KDSS will work the exact same whether lifted or not. So, having it lifted will not take away the benefits of KDSS.
The KDSS will work the exact same whether lifted or not. So, having it lifted will not take away the benefits of KDSS.
KCcarguy
New member
KDSS allows a thicker swaybar, so it improves on-road handling. It's off-road benefits are debatable.
A good quality lift and LT tires will improve the handling to the point that I don't think KDSS is a must-have. KDSS also reduces ground clearance. BUT, it might improve resale and I'm sure KDSS plus a lift would handle awesome on the street. It just depends if you want to pay for it (on the purchase price and possible repairs later).
Huh, good to know. This leads me to my next questions: is KDSS really that worth it? How does it effect the handling characteristics of the truck? I'm more into the exploration aspect of offroading, nothing too gnarly. Finally, what would y'all consider paying for an '11 TE, salsa red, 30300 miles, good shape, just a few scrapes here and there, no nav. It's in Colorado springs so I know 4x4's go for a bit higher than in some other corners of the country. They're asking $35k which I know is a bit high and I'm pretty sure they (the dealership)probably payed in the ballpark of $28k for it.
oly4runner
New member
OP,
As another has already stated, there is no knob, badge, or indications of KDSS in the interior, only exterior from below can you tell. If you are still interested in KDSS (I personally would only buy a TE with it), NY2LA has a nice pictorial shot on what to look for below the rig to verify it is equip with KDSS: click here
As another has already stated, there is no knob, badge, or indications of KDSS in the interior, only exterior from below can you tell. If you are still interested in KDSS (I personally would only buy a TE with it), NY2LA has a nice pictorial shot on what to look for below the rig to verify it is equip with KDSS: click here
KCcarguy
New member
Thank you for the link! Dealership is closed today but I'll swing by on my way home from work and check under.
I got the same findings on price, but while it is certified preowned, it does have a small but noticeable dent in the driver door as well as a small hole in the black plastic of the rear bumper. I'm hoping to be able to get them down to $30k
I got the same findings on price, but while it is certified preowned, it does have a small but noticeable dent in the driver door as well as a small hole in the black plastic of the rear bumper. I'm hoping to be able to get them down to $30k
Mijfwb23
New member
Not sure if you only get the Multi-terrain select on KDSS equipped vehicles or not but if you do I highly suggest it. It allows you to adjust how much the front wheels slip, its almost like having a front locker but not quite. If you watch my front tires in the video I posted you can see what I mean. I have it set at mogul and the tires "almost" spin as if locked. I would get it for that alone.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/124409-evans-creek-orv-wa-my-trail.html#post1169975
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/124409-evans-creek-orv-wa-my-trail.html#post1169975
BigredTEX
New member
Multi-terrain is standard on all TE's.
Mijfwb23
New member
Good to know, wasn't sure if it was or not.
Did you test drive the vehicle? Did you like the way it drove? If so, go for it. Either way you get the locker, but 35k seems way high. I got mine cheaper than that new.
I did test drive it and I loved it, granted it was only a quick jaunt a few miles down the highway with a surface street here and there. It was the comfort, size and quiet of my mothers 4th gen with the truck feel of my 3rd gen.
I stopped by today on my way home from work to take a quick look under the front end and suspicions have been confirmed, the truck does not have KDSS. while this is a slight bummer, I dont intend on it being a serious off roader for many years and not until it is rocking a proper suspension setup underneath. Until then, It should do nicely for day trips through the local trails and the occasional weekend camping trip, even without the KDSS, right?
As for the price, I do really plan on trying to talk them down a good bit. I do realize that 4x4 season is fast approaching out here in CO, but I still think that its a bit high. upon further inspection this afternoon, it not only has that small dent on the drivers door, but some scuffing on the driver rear flare and a very slight, almost un-noticeable misalignment of the rear bumper. It's almost as if the previous owner sort of side swiped a stationary object or something. It's minor and doesn't bother me, but should still be a good bargaining chip. Carfax is clean and cert. one owner, all body panels/paint appear to be original. There are a few very small areas where you can tell that someone tried to touch up the paint, but didn't do a very good job (again, barely noticeable and doesn't bother me). Finally, a slight bit of fluid staining around the seal on the rear differential. Doesn't appear to be a leak, but still something to look at.
all of this I plan to bring to the table to try and get the price down. My goal is to get them to at leat $30k so I can put $10k on it and finance 20. OH, and if anyone is interested, my 3rd gen may be on the market here soon:biggrin2:
I dont know, man......Im gonna lay it on the line and be honest.
Even at $30k, it sounds like a lot of miles and a lot of little bumps here, little dent there, scuffed here, scratched there, and a bumper slightly out of align.
They MIGHT fix the seeping rear diff under warranty. It sounds like a truck that has seen its fair share of offroading and it shows. Oh yeah, and 30k miles too.
You know you could get a brand new TE for about 35k? Is it worth 5K or so to you to have a brand new truck with zero miles, zero wear and tear, and zero history? For abt 5k.
Think about it.
If you insist on buying used to save 5k, I would find something very clean without an apparent history.
Just my advice/opinion, my heart is in the right place. You do what you think is best and let us know.
characterzero
New member
+1 that is high!
I paid about $33k +ttl for a 2010 TE KDSS/NAV with Toyota CPO certification just 5-6 months ago.
evo, you bring up good points. Being as it is TE and from CO, with the few scuffs I wouild not be surprised if it were wheeled a few times. I would look into a new truck, however, I would probably end up paying $35k after negotiations. My goal is to have it out the door for as close to $30k or less as possible.
Also (and this may seem like a stupid reason for jumping on this), while I like almost all of the colors offered on the trail, I do really prefer the salsa red.
I have an appointment today with the dealer to check it over/test drive it again with the wife. While I'm there I intend to have any and all issues brought up.
Also, is 30k miles really a lot?
edit:::a link to the add. if I do go through with this, the wheels will be gone as soon as possible...http://www.libertytoyotascion.com/u...-springs-534d5c880a0a00020027e9057275f8ef.htm
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