Trading my '14 KDSS for a '14 non-KDSS: Opinions?

I agree if they were the same mileage my KDSS should be worth more.

KBB shows a $1k difference in favor of the non-KDSS.

NADA shows $100 difference in favor of the non-KDSS.

I know I have a few handicaps on value, with the big half-repaired dent in the roof being the main one. I never had it repaired but the body shop quoted me $1400 to fix and repaint.

I didn't pour over their truck yet so not sure right off if it has any defects.

Obviously the mileage difference is the big factor.
 
When I bought my house I immediately measured all 4 corners then began worrying when I'd have to replace the roof.. lol

Seriously, as stated before if your system were actually broken it would be fixed..whether you want to pay for that fix is entirely your call but it seems the slight lean bothers you and since they won't address it you no longer want the vehicle rationalizing that since they won't remedy the lean this means they also will not be able to fix a real issue should it arise.

It's your money get what you want but blaming KDSS and the dealer as a way to talk your way through it seems a bit...off.
 
You have stated you want to keep this truck for many years, yet you are willing to trade it for another one you will keep for many years?

My only advice is to test drive, extensively, before you buy. I have had both and much prefer my current KDSS equipped vehicle. I am not worried at all about the durability of the KDSS system. It's extremely simple design and few moving parts mean it will be as durable as anything else Toyota builds.

This forum has a way of "magnifying" obscure problems people have. Truth be known probably everyone who has had a problem with KDSS (right now I count 3 that have posted here) has posted here. My logic is that when most normal people have a problem they post it on the internet. This is the biggest 4Runner forum so they come here. Even though this is a popular forum, it is but a small microcosm of the general Toyota 4Runner population.

All in all, I wouldn't worry about KDSS and I don't. Neither do several other knowledgeable people here like [MENTION=118321]Jetboy[/MENTION] or [MENTION=96008]Engineer[/MENTION]. I guess what I am saying is don't get caught up in the hype lol. But hey, if you want to trade, go for it. Life's too short .

I don't think your opinion counts here since you get a new 5th gen every year... Try keeping one for a few hundred thousand miles and your opinion might change ;-)

I'll let you talk to my buddy who is a Toyota master tech and he will tell you all about KDSS. Admittedly, he ends up getting pretty much everyone in the region since he is the only one who has the experience with it. His advice is to avoid it if you plan to keep the truck for a long time.

It is a good system for the avg 4runner owner who plans to keep it for 100k.... maybe even 200k if lucky. Or if you are very savvy DIY, but just not worth the hassle if you ask me.

Even simple maintenance with KDSS is problematic. Ask how many KDSS swaybar bolts are ordered at the dealer... It's crazy how every shop that touches a truck with KDSS (including Toyota) strips the bolts out. It's just an oddball in the world of trucks.

It has big pros for sure... It's just not the best choice for everyone. Based on the OP intentions... I would trade if it was a good deal. If not a good deal.. don't worry too much about it.
 
Last edited:
At the end of the day I want out of the KDSS. I wasn't educated enough when I bought it and that's on me. I am absolutely looking for confirmation bias on trading in a fine vehicle for another fine vehicle and spending money on that.:redface:

I am huge on simplicity and I'm also very risk averse. The long term potential issues of the KDSS system aren't well known (talking 15+ years out on a 5th Gen). It would probably be fine but nobody knows.

I have an unmolested 1966 CJ5 that is all original minus a leaf spring lift and wheels/tires. One day I would love to see my 4Runner in the same position. Classic, simple, not molested, and reliable.

I have a few things that I want to do to my 4Runner and I'm thinking the non-KDSS rig is the better platform for a long term vehicle.

- Proven lift - All new components, no spacers.
- Rock Sliders



I'm having a friend go review that rig and then give me an unbiased opinion of the conditions of the two trucks. If it looks better than mine I'll probably go ahead and make the swap.


Yes, I'm extremely peculiar. Yes, I could write a check for the other 4Runner today. Yes, I'll continue to finance at a very low rate so I can continue to accumulate liquid cash. Yes, I'm extremely risk averse.

:third:

The next question is whether to have them swap my KO2s out with white letters out or in? They're in on my silver rig. :llama:
 
Last edited:
The white letters tend to grab rocks and are a sidewall ripping magnet. Just a problem waiting to happen with unnecessary complexity

:jk:
 
They will try to hide you, they only do these things to make money.

The other thing to think about is you are trading for anused vehicle, why did the other individual trade it in? I assume you bought your tail new. So to me you are taking on a risk at least you know your current vehicle



What? Dealerships are in the business to make money??? Why would they want to do that?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Your mind was made up before you even posted. Do the trade and get on with it.
 
Last edited:
KDSS is not some new system, it has been around forever, it is just new on the 4r. At that, it is not even new anymore, we are into the 7th year with this thing, and it seems issues are rare, as does any issue with the 4r.


If a dealer has issues working with KDSS, I do not even want them working on anything else, not even an oil change. It is not new nor unique to the 4r, and Toyota's prized LC even has it. As for private shops, it is hit or miss because I cannot expect them to be expert in everything, but hopefully they are truthful up front about it.
 
I guarantee if the TRD Pro came with KDSS there'd be post about how it's the best thing since sliced bread.
Keep your truck another year and trade it in on a new one. What ever make you happy.
 
If I could pay 2k to have 15k miles less on my truck and be more content on the long range reliability I would do it.
 
Trade it in if your worried, go long travel and 35s.

What makes you specifically think the system is going to be a issue in 15years?
 
So I had my buddy go pour over the truck with me and what we found is that it was a lease, and the interior was treated as such. The headliner looked like it may have been pulled at some point. Something was stuck out the back window and rolled up in the window to secure it (piece of lumber, etc). There were dog scratches throughout the interior on the plastic trim pieces.

They had washed it up and all the scratches were very visible on the MGM paint. I didn't realize how much that color shows damage in the bright sun. There was a broken clip on the front bumper to wheel well attachment also.

Overall cosmetically the truck was in worse condition than mine (minus my roof dent) but didn't appear to have been off road at all. Still more wear than I would've expected for 23k miles.

As I stated, this initiated last night when it was dark and all I did was look under the front to verify the suspension before leaving.

I'm disappointed but I'm afraid I'd regret the trade, and I'm not keen on taking on a lease vehicle as I'm sure they're not well cared for.

I'll keep a casual eye out for another deal, and will eventually mentally get over my fear of KDSS and the lean, or install adjustable coil overs.
 
If my car has been trouble free, I would trade up not side ways but hey its your money.

Same.

The lower mileage is nice. ..only if the previous owner didn't drive it like a maniac. You just never know.

Kdss vs lower mileage used unknown driver. Sorry but I would just keep your kdss since it's purring like a charm.
 

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
278,316
Messages
3,554,123
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top