TEP w/ KDSS or TRD Pro?

Vrrooom

Vrrooom

New member
I've been looking at T4Rs for a while and I'm about to pull the plug on a purchase this week. I found 2 vehicles that are exactly what I want, but I'm having a hard time deciding which way to go.

Both are Super White and available in my area. So help me decide which one, price is off by $3800 but if I were to buy the TEP, I'd get rid of the crappy stock tires and buy new ones, bringing it closer to $2800.

Couple things about the uses-
- I will never modify the suspension after buying it, biggest thing for a mod would be replacing tires, maybe rims (TEP) and a few appearance.
- It's a daily driver, about 20k miles/year
- Since it is a DD, there will be a lot of highway stuff too including long trips. So a nice ride is important and going through PA mountains at 80mph needs to be confidence inspiring and not rolling like crazy
- Longevity is important- not sure how that KDSS will do with 100k on the clock in 5 years; the TRDP seems more simple (really just shocks)
- Offroad wise - I won't be going to any offroad parks, just some local back log roads, sand driving at OBX, and maybe some sand dunes.

I'm so torn between having the smoother ride, uniqueness and 'ready to go' setup of the TRDP (maybe even fairly flat handling) to the TEP's reviewed flatter handling, cheaper price tag, heated mirrors (which will come in handy in the winter) and sunroof (which I could go either way about).

So what would you do?
 
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A few people, including myself, weighed in on the TRD Pro thread. If you read posts from roughly the beginning of September forward, you'll have a few different viewpoints.

I'm opting for a TEP with KDSS, as have a few others. Eventually I decided that anyone not familiar with the TRD line wouldn't know the difference, and those familiar with it know that it's mostly window dressing. ("Expensive Floor Mats" from the running joke in the TRDP thread.)

But enough TRDP owners are reviewing that the ride is fine that you'll probably be happy either way. I think there's a strong argument for having a somewhat rare, OEM model that should hold its resale value better than an aftermarket modified vehicle is a better choice.

Good luck.
 
to continue on what [MENTION=109391]st8rocks[/MENTION] posted... get a freaking hybrid.... no where in your uses did it say you need an suv to haul anythng and at 20K miles a year your gas bill in a 4Runner would be astonomical.... if money is no option, good on you and I can give you my address so you can send me some. Prius C would be my vote, maximum mileage for minimal price.

all sarcasm aside, if I had to choose between the two ( and I was going to keep it for at least a decade and unmodified).... I'd get the TRDP. If you're gonna modify it, you might as well get the TEP (put the TRDP wheels on it) and a better offroad suspension than is found on the stock TEP when the TEP OEM suspension fails, if it ever does.....
 

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nguyenn said:
you mean like me lol ;-)
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I already have a 4Runner so I'll take the one on the left... Looks minty.

To the OP, go test drive both then test drive them again then another time. Only you'll know how the ride feels for you. As for KDSS, they've had it on the Prado for a while now and I haven't heard of any major issues with it on that platform or on the 4Runner.
 
It was an easy choice for me; I wanted the sunroof.

I also had my mind set on a trail for a few years, so the pro coming out did not sway me at all.

I got the trail because it has all I desire in a 4x4, and I do not plan on modifying it. If I planned on modifying something, I would have probably gotten an sr5.

As for the pro, for some reason it just does not interest me, but I think it is either because;

- it is not radical enough difference between a normal 4r, it is not quite a Ford raptor in comparison to an f-150 difference.

- my historic avoidance and lack of interest in factory modified cars.
 
Thanks for the replies so far.

I thought I covered it- but I certainly need an SUV. Midsize works and out of everything out there the T4R is the one. I frequently do trips that need the space, haul a bunch of stuff, have a 115lb dog that hangs out in the back, etc. I'm just trying to decide between the TEP wKDSS and TRDPro.

I have read all of the TRD Pro thread and many of the others talking about KDSS, etc., but between the two choices and my scenario, I was curious as to what people would recommend.
 
I have a 14 TEP w/ KDSS. Its really nice. TRD pro is nice as well but if you're planning to mod it then it may not be worth it. Just my 2 cents ;-)

Vrrooom said:
Thanks for the replies so far.

I thought I covered it- but I certainly need an SUV. Midsize works and out of everything out there the T4R is the one. I frequently do trips that need the space, haul a bunch of stuff, have a 115lb dog that hangs out in the back, etc. I'm just trying to decide between the TEP wKDSS and TRDPro.

I have read all of the TRD Pro thread and many of the others talking about KDSS, etc., but between the two choices and my scenario, I was curious as to what people would recommend.
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Supra is original 6 speed TT. May be selling her soon ;-(

Intruder said:
I already have a 4Runner so I'll take the one on the left... Looks minty.

To the OP, go test drive both then test drive them again then another time. Only you'll know how the ride feels for you. As for KDSS, they've had it on the Prado for a while now and I haven't heard of any major issues with it on that platform or on the 4Runner.
Click to expand...
 
Vrrooom said:
Thanks for the replies so far.

I thought I covered it- but I certainly need an SUV. Midsize works and out of everything out there the T4R is the one. I frequently do trips that need the space, haul a bunch of stuff, have a 115lb dog that hangs out in the back, etc. I'm just trying to decide between the TEP wKDSS and TRDPro.

I have read all of the TRD Pro thread and many of the others talking about KDSS, etc., but between the two choices and my scenario, I was curious as to what people would recommend.
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A Highlander? Not trying to get you out of a 4r, but it seems you are looking for functionality more so over genuine interest in the 4r...do I have the wrong conclusion?
 
4FL said:
A Highlander? Not trying to get you out of a 4r, but it seems you are looking for functionality more so over genuine interest in the 4r...do I have the wrong conclusion?
Click to expand...

Why are you suggesting a Highlander? Seems like he's reiterated a few times that the 4Runner is "the one". Everyone has a reason (or many) for buying a certain car and it could be functional, aesthetic, performance, etc etc. His intended use is probably what 99% of the 4Runners on here are used for. If he wants a 4Runner then it's what he wants.

From your sig it says you're leaving your 4Runner stock. Could a Highlander have suited you fine as well? Just sayin...
 
sn_85 said:
Why are you suggesting a Highlander? Seems like he's reiterated a few times that the 4Runner is "the one". Everyone has a reason (or many) for buying a certain car and it could be functional, aesthetic, performance, etc etc. His intended use is probably what 99% of the 4Runners on here are used for. If he wants a 4Runner then it's what he wants.

From your sig it says you're leaving your 4Runner stock. Could a Highlander have suited you fine as well? Just sayin...
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I just mean I got the impression the OP seems to be looking specifically for functionality, over genuine interest in a 4r, if I mis-interpreted this, then fine and the OP will clarify...just offering options.

As for me, leaving stock does not mean not using it, the 4r is more than capable in its stock form. I also have a genuine interest in the 4r past functionality, I joined this forum years ago and only got my first 4r this month. I also have been involved in off-roading to some extent for a couple of decades, so the whole 4x4, off-road thing is not new to me. A Highlander could have functionally suited me great 99% of the time, my previous CUV did just fine except the leg room and the lack of 4x4; but I have an interest in cars past functionality.
 
sn_85 said:
Why are you suggesting a Highlander? Seems like he's reiterated a few times that the 4Runner is "the one". Everyone has a reason (or many) for buying a certain car and it could be functional, aesthetic, performance, etc etc. His intended use is probably what 99% of the 4Runners on here are used for. If he wants a 4Runner then it's what he wants.

From your sig it says you're leaving your 4Runner stock. Could a Highlander have suited you fine as well? Just sayin...
Click to expand...

You would be surprised how many people come here thinking they want a 4Runner and figure out real quick they would be better off with a CUV. A lot have no clue the difference between a 4Runner and most other SUVs much less AWD vs 4WD. I don't think it applies here but there have been many times it has and the people left with much more knowledge than they came here with. Its not an insult or a degradation to suggest a vehicle like the Highlander. Heck, they are nice vehicles!
 
Vrrooom said:
I've been looking at T4Rs for a while and I'm about to pull the plug on a purchase this week. I found 2 vehicles that are exactly what I want, but I'm having a hard time deciding which way to go.

Both are Super White and available in my area. So help me decide which one, price is off by $3800 but if I were to buy the TEP, I'd get rid of the crappy stock tires and buy new ones, bringing it closer to $2800.

Couple things about the uses-
- I will never modify the suspension after buying it, biggest thing for a mod would be replacing tires, maybe rims (TEP) and a few appearance.
- It's a daily driver, about 20k miles/year
- Since it is a DD, there will be a lot of highway stuff too including long trips. So a nice ride is important and going through PA mountains at 80mph needs to be confidence inspiring and not rolling like crazy
- Longevity is important- not sure how that KDSS will do with 100k on the clock in 5 years; the TRDP seems more simple (really just shocks)
- Offroad wise - I won't be going to any offroad parks, just some local back log roads, sand driving at OBX, and maybe some sand dunes.

I'm so torn between having the smoother ride, uniqueness and 'ready to go' setup of the TRDP (maybe even fairly flat handling) to the TEP's reviewed flatter handling, cheaper price tag, heated mirrors (which will come in handy in the winter) and sunroof (which I could go either way about).

So what would you do?
Click to expand...

Is there test a drive you already took that ruled out a non-KDSS vehicle?? I wouldn't rule out the non-KDSS 4Runner until you get behind the wheel of one. Just because you read that you need it, doesn't mean you really do. Coming from my 2011 Limited I thought I might be "upgrading" to a KDSS after reading a few things on the net... but I have absolutely no complaints with my TP not having KDSS. Maybe Toyota changed something in the last year or two (??), I think this thing rides nearly as well as my Limited did (and maybe equal to). If you get something in your head, you'll never get it out! I'm starting to think my TP has way more power than the Limited I had... it's gotta be the hoodscoop! :D

And to answer your question above... I chose a TP over a TRDP and have thought about the missing TRDP in my garage now a total of ZERO times since purchase. I'm sure the TRDP owners have no regrets as well. I chose the TP over a TRDP for a few reasons but like most car buyers when 2 vehicles are so close, it comes down to price. My TP could be had for well under MSRP and a TRDP's in my area couldn't be had for $1.00 under MSRP. It sounds to me like you're already leaning toward the TRDP... Buy the one you can justify getting, post pics and get it off road! :)
Best wishes!
 
I have driven a non KDSS 4R and it drove fine. However a small test drive doesn't come close to replicating the hundreds of variants we deal with while owning the car and I feel that owners that have the experience would be the best to suggest.

The reason I'm looking at the 4R is because im a genuine car guy. I've had everything from low 10 sec daily driven cars, drag racing to the mid 8s, to purpose built trail rigs, mostly Jeeps... Where I've done full axle swaps, lockers, long arm suspensions, etc. I love that the 4R is a body on frame with the offroad heritage, I want something that's very capable stock. Because although I don't plan on taking it offroad, one curse of being a car guy is that the bug can bite at anytime. That and i want a lot of functionality and I look at most CUVs like minivans. No thanks.

My main reason for the trdpro is its ready to go with a daily driver friendly setup for miles and years to come. I like that it's different as I've modded all my cars to be different. If it came with KDSS that wouldn't be an issue. However the TEP has KDSS and I've heard so many great things about it that I don't want to overlook a great system for the benefit of some shocks and tires, which can be done myself. But then that's getting the bug - throwing some shocks and then wheels and tires... then a bumper, winch, so forth. I don't want to get down that path as I want to keep it 100% reliable and keep its driving dynamics. Many times have I gone down that path and even though the ride is acceptable, it's not as comfortable, quiet and convenient as it should be due to lifts, offroad tires, height, not going into parking garages, etc. and something will always be an issue.

This is a lot of rambling but I hope it gives an idea of why the 4R and why I'm between these two choices.
 
no offense to pro owners but aside from the wheels there is nothing on that truck that warrants anything more than an SR5. Pros suspension? I dont even know why anyone would want that with the plethora of aftermarket options. OP of the 2 vehicles you listed I would go TEP w/KDSS. I personally dont see KDSS as being worth the money either though.
 
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