Trade my '14 TE for an '09 TE Unicorn?

[m85476585]

If it is actually no different than any other SR5 4th Gen with 100k miles than it's a bland discussion that really is no more than a financial priority conversation.

Toyota 4Runner History 2009

New Trail Edition Package for 2009
The 2009 Toyota 4Runner full-capability sport-utility vehicle adds an optional Trail Edition package. Available exclusively for the 4Runner SR5 with V6 and 4WD, the Trail Edition package combines enhanced off-road capability with unique design. For better off-road performance, the package adds a locking rear differential, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Bilstein shock absorbers and unique 16-inch alloy wheels with 265/70R16 tires. Externally, the Trail Edition package distinguishes the 4Runner with color-keyed grille, door handles, rear license plate garnish and “Trail Edition” badging, as well as black tubular side steps and tubular roof rack.

The Trail Edition package is available in three exterior colors: Titanium Metallic, Natural White and Shadow Mica. The Trail Edition package also features seats covered in water-resistant material and charcoal fabric bolsters. A perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel integrates controls for the unique AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and a detachable TomTom® personal navigation unit. The system offers WMA/MP3 CD capability, Bluetooth® wireless connectivity, satellite radio capability and available iPod® connectivity.

Trail Edition Package (Available on 4x4 V6 models)
- P265/70 R16 tires on 16-inch five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with full size alloy spare
- Locking rear differential
- Active Traction Control (A-TRAC)
- Color-keyed grille, door handles, and rear license garnish
- Bilstein shock absorbers
- Black painted tubular side step and roof rack
- Water resistant seats with Charcoal fabric bolsters
- Perforated leather steering wheel with integrated audio controls
- Trail Edition badging

There's nothing that special about the Trail Edition, other than the fact that they didn't make very many.

• Wheels: who cares
• Locking rear diff: People say this tends to break on the Tacoma. Aftermarket air lockers are stronger.
• A-TRAC: All 4th gens have ATRAC. They just don't have a button for it. Maybe this adds a button or a more aggressive mode, I don't know. Normal ATRAC works well on my 2007, and I've never gotten stuck (so far). Crawl control would be better if your 5th gen has it.
• Color keyed stuff: Limited has this, I think.
• Bilstein shocks: Probably worn out by now, anyway. Probably a worse ride than regular Toyota.
• Black painted tubular side step and roof rack: You can add stronger metal rock sliders and a roof rack that are probably better anyway.
• Water resistant seats with Charcoal fabric bolsters: maybe nice, but not necessary
• Perforated leather steering wheel with integrated audio controls: I think all 4th gens have integrated audio controls for the factory head unit
• Trail Edition badging: Bragging rights I guess
• A detachable TomTom® personal navigation unit: Probably as bad as anything else

4th gens are good and reliable, but most of them will need regular maintenance now. If you do the maintenance yourself you could save some money compared to owning a 5th gen.

 

[JustinB]

I would call it personal preference on this one.

The only real thing the '09 trail is good for is the locker. The rest of the "rare" options are of little concern from a comfort or performance perspective. Yes, trails have gone for pretty money, but there's also a handful on here people acquired for near normal 4th gen pricing.

If you're buying it as an investment/banking on resell value, I'd pass (takes time to find the right buyer willing to pay a lot of money for something that's just a rare trim package and by no means a rare model).

If you're buying to get rid of your car payment but don't have a problem with your current payment, I'd pass (as stated previously regarding the end result between the 2 cars over the next 4 years or so).

If you really like the 4th gen vs the 5th gen, and just want a 4th and would probably get one anyway, THEN I'd buy it. What you've described sounds like a good deal on a 4th gen 4Runner. But not some steal that someone with no real vested interested in a 4th gen should drop everything to jump on.

 

[WallyT4R]

I would not trade a very new, uber reliable 2014 for a NOT rare 2009 4Runner especially a V6. Any modern 4Runner is not a rare vehicle at all. Immaculate 1985 4Runner is rare. 2009? Not rare. Anyway do what you want but if it was me, I would not trade down like that.

 

[SirBarton]

It wouldn't be rare with the V8 from the factory, it would be a one-of-a-kind. The V8 was not an option on the '09 Trail 4Runner.

Yeah that was kinda my point... It would be a real Unicorn. I.E. Doesn't exist.

 

[SirBarton]

I think I'm going to pass on trading. I was thinking about outright buying the 4th Gen in addition to my 14 if it is indeed that desirable.

Just because one guy tells you it's super special, doesn't mean it is. If you are looking to buy this 4th Gen because you think it's so unique that it's going to hold value better or be some kind of special truck that will increase in value, I suspect you are going to be bummed in 10 years when it's basically the same value as any other 4th Gen of the same year.

It's not a unicorn. It's not that special.

If you want to look for rare gems, get in to the Land Cruiser world.

 

[Hitman]

Just because one guy tells you it's super special, doesn't mean it is. If you are looking to buy this 4th Gen because you think it's so unique that it's going to hold value better or be some kind of special truck that will increase in value, I suspect you are going to be bummed in 10 years when it's basically the same value as any other 4th Gen of the same year.

It's not a unicorn. It's not that special.

If you want to look for rare gems, get in to the Land Cruiser world.

I kinda agree and I kinda disagree at the same time. Back in 2009, the 4th gen was wrapping up on it's lifecycle. Very few '09 models were produced, not because of a lack of demand, but rather because of the 5th generation expectations. So the fact that Toyota even made a "Trail" version in the '09 model year only makes it somewhat special. Equipment-wise, the only thing that makes it special is the fact that it was the ONLY 4th gen 4Runner to come factory equipped with a rear locker. So maybe it's a half-assed attempt on Toyota's part, but at least it's more than just a badge and wheel package...

For comparison, Jeep made a Trailhawk version of their Grand Cherokee back in 2013 that was basically just some stickers and some red painted tow hooks. It had nothing mechanical that gave it any kind of offroad advantage. Of course that's not true of today's Trailhawk, but the point is that back in '09, the Trail 4Runner had that rear locker, which is really what made it unique and also the fact that so few of them were produced.

 

[good2go]

I think I'm going to pass on trading. I was thinking about outright buying the 4th Gen in addition to my 14 if it is indeed that desirable.

Throwback, good to hear you didn't go backward, or do a throwback!