Trading my 4th for a 5th, owners please chime in

[veloindy]

Wow, It's been a while since I've posted to the forum, can't believe it's been that long! I haven't been able to close the forum all weekend!

New truck bug has bitten, and I'm in the process of shopping for a new Trail Edition. My current is a 06, Sport (see signature) with 97k, 100%, trouble free mileage. It only makes sense to replace with a new 4Runner.

I was able to spend some time behind the wheel of new Trail Edition this week. The truck rides so nice! Of course my 4Runner has 97k miles on it, so it was hard to climb back in mine and go home. I'd like owner feedback on the observations I made, and a few minor questions.

1. The looks are just now starting to win me over, especially with upgraded wheels / tires. The build threads are amazing. Keep in mind, I keep my trucks mostly stock. I will do wheels tires, and maybe a slight suspension lift, nothing crazy.

2. I'm not sure about the interior. The seats felt kinda hard and scratchy. There also seemed to be A LOT of plastic, especially for a truck in this price arrange. I'm sure this is nothing to worry about.

3. Is Nav worth it, how do you update? I have no clue what etune is. I do know that I prefer the dash with the nav unit installed.

4. How are the headlights? They don't appear to be as nice as the 4th gen, but I'm not sure.

5. The oil change looks much more complex. I can literally change the oil in my work clothes (business casual).

6. Are there zerk fittings to deal with?

7. Any reason to NOT get a 12 over a 13?

Anyway, I'm looking for some feedback from owners that have been living with their truck for a year or two.

 

[diverscale]

Wow, It's been a while since I've posted to the forum, can't believe it's been that long! I haven't been able to close the forum all weekend!

New truck bug has bitten, and I'm in the process of shopping for a new Trail Edition. My current is a 06, Sport (see signature) with 97k, 100%, trouble free mileage. It only makes sense to replace with a new 4Runner.

I was able to spend some time behind the wheel of new Trail Edition this week. The truck rides so nice! Of course my 4Runner has 97k miles on it, so it was hard to climb back in mine and go home. I'd like owner feedback on the observations I made, and a few minor questions.

1. The looks are just now starting to win me over, especially with upgraded wheels / tires. The build threads are amazing. Keep in mind, I keep my trucks mostly stock. I will do wheels tires, and maybe a slight suspension lift, nothing crazy.

2. I'm not sure about the interior. The seats felt kinda hard and scratchy. There also seemed to be A LOT of plastic, especially for a truck in this price arrange. I'm sure this is nothing to worry about.

3. Is Nav worth it, how do you update? I have no clue what etune is. I do know that I prefer the dash with the nav unit installed.

4. How are the headlights? They don't appear to be as nice as the 4th gen, but I'm not sure.

5. The oil change looks much more complex. I can literally change the oil in my work clothes (business casual).

6. Are there zerk fittings to deal with?

7. Any reason to NOT get a 12 over a 13?

Anyway, I'm looking for some feedback from owners that have been living with their truck for a year or two.

1: I love the look

2: all the front dash is plastic, but not ''cheap''. Doors and center console is made out of a spongy material that is confortable for the arms. Interior does not look cheap at all compared to competitors models IMO

3: I think it's worth it if you use it. Works well, but as any GPS programs, soemtimes the routes are not the very best. I rarely use it but I am glad I have it. You upgrade by buying the MAP DATA DVD from toyota.

4: Light up well for halogen headlights (as much as my tacoma). fog lights will probably need aiming from factory as they were way too low on mine. Once adjusted I say that they light OK but if you off-road much, you will need auxiliaries.

5: See the ANTMAN thread about oil change (well worth it). I have not done it, but as I can see, it will be a ''long'' job but not a ''hard'' job.

6: with 4x4 yes. 2X4, I don't know.

7: resale value.

 

[Jeremy556]

2. I came from a 07 Taco, but looking at pictures, my old seats look the same as yours. I wasn't in love with the seats to begin with, but much prefer them, now. What do you think your 4th gen dash is made of?

3. If I was buying a 12-13 model TE, I would not get Nav, and do aftermarket instead. Entune is useless, IMO.

4. They are not projector beams, but they look a hell of a lot better.

5. Yes, the oil change sucks compared to the old one, which I assume is just like my Taco that has a spin on filter right on top of the engine bay with a nice little drain spout.

6. Thankfully. Spending a few minutes with a grease gun every 15K miles beats the hell out of replacing components every 50K miles.

7. No

 

[fraggy]

Trading Up

I traded an 04 sport v8 with 200K miles for a 2011. Except for more inside room, I wish I had the 04 back. 4th gens just have more raw power, better seats, and handle better in the wind. That said, I still have the 2011 which does get slightly better gas milage.

 

[rigtec]

Hi veloindy,

I've owned a 3'rd Gen, and now I own a 5'th Gen 2012 Limited. Each generation has it's own particular....approach to doing things the way Toyota designed the truck to do them.

I know for me, I usually don't like to see things change; kinda set in my ways!
But I've learned, at my age, that nothing stays the same whether I approve, or not!

I promise you, Toyota has really out done it's self on this one!!! I mean, just the build quality alone, promises to keep the "4Runner", at the top of the heap (of the long list of S.U.V's), provided that they don't start to compromise, as so many others have already done.

Now they're getting negative reviews from us, the consumers, as well as the "Big Brother Reporting agencies"; Motor Trend, Car and Driver, Edmunds, etc...

I'm not here to try and sell you on what I like, instead, maybe hoping that you'll just take another look at the new 4Runners, and the enthusiasm around here on these forums, before you decide.

P.S.: I'm sure it took a min. to get used to the 4'th gen, if you were in another S.U.V. before that, so perhaps you could look at the 5'th gen with a minimum comparison, just to be fair; wouldn't want anyone to miss out on a fantastic vehicle like this one!

Greg, (rigtec) Cheers

 

[Duke_ON]

I just got my 2012 T4R so here is what I think:

1. Best looking 4Runner to date I think
2. Get the leather if you can. Will help you with the resale and looks better/easier to clean
3. I got the one without Nav. Not missing it so far since I rarely used it. You can always get an indash GPS/Stereo as an after market solution. $1000 will get you a very good unit with better abilities.
4. Headlights are not HID. I had a Benz before and the HID were super nice. But I've driven T4R at night in back roads and all I can say is headlights are pretty deceant. You can always do the HID retrofit down the road.
5. Can't comment on oil change. I will let Toyota do that for me.
6. Don't know what that is.
7. There are crazy good deals out there right now for left over 2012s. For me it made more sense to get 5k off the MSRP than get the updated NAV in 2013. Shop around.

Good luck.

 

[BigredTEX]

1. The looks are just now starting to win me over, especially with upgraded wheels / tires. The build threads are amazing. Keep in mind, I keep my trucks mostly stock. I will do wheels tires, and maybe a slight suspension lift, nothing crazy.

2. I'm not sure about the interior. The seats felt kinda hard and scratchy. There also seemed to be A LOT of plastic, especially for a truck in this price arrange. I'm sure this is nothing to worry about.

3. Is Nav worth it, how do you update? I have no clue what etune is. I do know that I prefer the dash with the nav unit installed.

4. How are the headlights? They don't appear to be as nice as the 4th gen, but I'm not sure.

5. The oil change looks much more complex. I can literally change the oil in my work clothes (business casual).

6. Are there zerk fittings to deal with?

7. Any reason to NOT get a 12 over a 13?

Anyway, I'm looking for some feedback from owners that have been living with their truck for a year or two.

1. Looks are very subjective. It does look much better with wheel and tire upgrade and a lift really completes the package.
2. I love the seats. I don't recommend leather in a TE if you plan on doing any off-roading. The factory material is water repellant and grab your back side to hold you in place. Plus, if you live in a warm climate they breath much better than leather (speaking from many years of experience).
3. As has been mentioned in other responses, the nav is OK, but I don't really use it too often for turn-by-turn navigation. I do use it to get my bearings and to see upcoming intersections.
4. Headlights are OK, but also as has been mentioned above, if you go off road you will want to augment.
5. Haven't done an oil change my self yet, but it is more involved than the average vehicle.
6. Don't know about this one either. I only have 7,000 miles on my TE so far.
7. '12 and '13 are identical. I'd say if you can find a '13, get it.

 

[homeyclaus]

1. The looks are just now starting to win me over, especially with upgraded wheels / tires. The build threads are amazing. Keep in mind, I keep my trucks mostly stock. I will do wheels tires, and maybe a slight suspension lift, nothing crazy.

As stated by others, it's subjective. I put Nitto TG's on my TE, a front trailer hitch, and sliders (and Bilstein 5100's as of Saturday) but the height is stock. Did any of it improve the look? Well, not unless I hit you with the truck and stop on top of you, no, you won't see the shiny 5100's.

2. I'm not sure about the interior. The seats felt kinda hard and scratchy. There also seemed to be A LOT of plastic, especially for a truck in this price arrange. I'm sure this is nothing to worry about.

If you want fake wood paneling in a truck ... get the Lexus GX.

3. Is Nav worth it, how do you update? I have no clue what etune is. I do know that I prefer the dash with the nav unit installed.

I hate the JBL/TomTom of a nav system. It makes a kid with Downs and four year old map sit up and say that it's stupid. Unless you want the longest, most convoluted way there, don't use it. The nav function is outperformed by a 2005 vintage Garmin, and the Garmin has clearer instructions too.

If you really want to bother with the map update, Toyota will grace you with a new data DVD for $110 - $150 bucks.

4. How are the headlights? They don't appear to be as nice as the 4th gen, but I'm not sure.

They light up the road so you can see where you're going. Did I miss something?

5. The oil change looks much more complex. I can literally change the oil in my work clothes (business casual).

This is a much more lift-service friendly design. That being said, after the first time, it's not bad at all. 4 bolts drop the front skid, 2 the oil drain protector, and you're everywhere you need to be. If your dealership grease monkey did not bollox up your oil filter drain, it's the cleanest oil change you can do when you're lying on the ground.

6. Are there zerk fittings to deal with?

4 U joint zerks, and one on each drive shaft extension slider thingy.

7. Any reason to NOT get a 12 over a 13?

Nope.

Anyway, I'm looking for some feedback from owners that have been living with their truck for a year or two.

Done.

 

[vicpick58]

To answer your question number 6, yes there are zerk fittings on the u-joints and driveshafts. I have found that it is best to get all four wheels off the ground so you can turn the driveshafts into the best position to access each zerk, otherwise there is always one or two that are on top and cannot be reached.

As for your question number 5, don't let it scare you away, I almost did not buy one because of this, but after doing it 3 times now, it is not really that bad. Just takes a little more time, but I would not try it in nice clothes.

The biggest thing that I have had to get used to (coming from a Grand Cherokee) is the brakes and nose dive. Other than that, I love this vehicle. I like having the navigation in the dash so I don't have to fuss with taking it off and hiding it whenever I park. But the entune is still not clear to me as to the usefulness of it.

 

[Intruder]

4: Light up well for halogen headlights (as much as my tacoma). fog lights will probably need aiming from factory as they were way too low on mine. Once adjusted I say that they light OK but if you off-road much, you will need auxiliaries.

4. Headlights are OK, but also as has been mentioned above, if you go off road you will want to augment.

Really? I do plenty of off roading without any auxilliary lights with no problems. I upgraded the low-beam and fog bulbs to PIAAs and they work great. On the last night run I did the driver in front of me asked if I could turn off my HIDs because they were too bright. Did the rest of the run with only my DRLs on.

 

[veloindy]

Thank you for the responses!

My best deal right now is on a 2012, without Nav. Is it possible to replace the stock radio? Would the entire plastic center piece need to be replaced? Just trying to figure out the best way to approach. I don't want a Garmin in the windshield. We don't use a GPS often, but it would be to have it right there when needed.

Again, all of my concerns are VERY minor, and I'm nitpickinig. My 06 is the first car I've owned, that I'm not chomping at the bit to trade, which is shocking to me.

The 5th gen almost feels more like a Land Cruiser to me.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

Thank you for the responses!

My best deal right now is on a 2012, without Nav. Is it possible to replace the stock radio? Would the entire plastic center piece need to be replaced? Just trying to figure out the best way to approach. I don't want a Garmin in the windshield. We don't use a GPS often, but it would be to have it right there when needed.

Again, all of my concerns are VERY minor, and I'm nitpickinig. My 06 is the first car I've owned, that I'm not chomping at the bit to trade, which is shocking to me.

The 5th gen almost feels more like a Land Cruiser to me.

I just bought a base SR5 4x4, and my 2013 was within $700 of the best deal I could get on the same vehicle 2012...

 

[homeyclaus]

My best deal right now is on a 2012, without Nav. Is it possible to replace the stock radio? Would the entire plastic center piece need to be replaced? Just trying to figure out the best way to approach. I don't want a Garmin in the windshield. We don't use a GPS often, but it would be to have it right there when needed.

Metra and some other company make a dash kit, and a control integration kit. Someone posted a mod to wire in the backup cam feed into your stereo screen too. After that, it'll be like with the stock nav, but you'll have one that works.

 

[veloindy]

purchase made

With all the minor complaints I had, I pulled the trigger today on a 13, TE, KDSS, and Nav. It also has running boards, which I don't want. Is there a market for those?

The truck got it's VIN today, and is delivering on 10/1. So hopefully next week I'll be in the truck!

First stop, tire store! BF's or Duratrac's? Sticking with stock size for now.

 

[SgnDen]

With all the minor complaints I had, I pulled the trigger today on a 13, TE, KDSS, and Nav. It also has running boards, which I don't want. Is there a market for those?

The truck got it's VIN today, and is delivering on 10/1. So hopefully next week I'll be in the truck!

First stop, tire store! BF's or Duratrac's? Sticking with stock size for now.

Congrats! Which dealer did you buy from? My 2013 LE just landed at the port today equipped exactly as I wanted it (no running boards, etc).

I've got a solid list ready for the basic mods the first week I have it (Tires, wheels, N-fab step nerf maybe, Weathertechs, Shorty antenna, etc).

Oh Tires - Look at Cooper A/T3! However, with a trail, maybe you are going for a more hard-core aggressive look.

Have fun!!

 

[rigtec]

...My 2013 LE just landed at the port today equipped exactly as I wanted it (no running boards, etc).

I've got a solid list ready for the basic mods the first week I have it (Tires, wheels, N-fab step nerf maybe, Weathertechs, Shorty antenna, etc).

Oh Tires - Look at Cooper A/T3! However, with a trail, maybe you are going for a more hard-core aggressive look.

Have fun!!

The Best of joy to you SgnDen,

So glad that you shared your good news with us all; looking fwd to hearing all about it (details)!!!

BTW, when you went to order your new truck, were you wearing your "NEON YELLOW VINYL JUMPERS??" hehehe...hahaha!

Much success, Greg, (rig)

 

[rigtec]

With all the minor complaints I had, I pulled the trigger today on a 13, TE, KDSS, and Nav. It also has running boards, which I don't want. Is there a market for those?

The truck got it's VIN today, and is delivering on 10/1. So hopefully next week I'll be in the truck!

First stop, tire store! BF's or Duratrac's? Sticking with stock size for now.

Best wishes to you too, veloindy!!!

rigtec

 

[AnthonyMV]

not to damper the mood here

be cognisant of the steering wheel shimmy or flutter as lexus calls it.....
55-70 mph.....i changed my dunflops to kumhos kl61's and the shimmy is back,still there......cant imagine the kumhos are worse than the dunflopers......
gonna make another appt at another dealership or maybe wait til 10k service is due and then bring it up.....sorry for the hijack brother
wish u well on ur purchase
Anthony

 

[veloindy]

Congrats! Which dealer did you buy from? My 2013 LE just landed at the port today equipped exactly as I wanted it (no running boards, etc).

I've got a solid list ready for the basic mods the first week I have it (Tires, wheels, N-fab step nerf maybe, Weathertechs, Shorty antenna, etc).

Oh Tires - Look at Cooper A/T3! However, with a trail, maybe you are going for a more hard-core aggressive look.

Have fun!!

SgnDen, I ended up going through a broker to get this one. I was happy with deal Mountain States was giving me, but they couldn't deliver a 13 until the end of Oct. The broker was able to intercept this one for next week, and his price was "slightly" better. What about you, and what color?

I'll look at the Coopers for sure, BF AT KO's, and maybe Duratrac's. I'm not sure how aggressive I want to go.

Weathertech's are being ordered for me too.

What is the shorty antenna?

 

[veloindy]

be cognisant of the steering wheel shimmy or flutter as lexus calls it.....
55-70 mph.....i changed my dunflops to kumhos kl61's and the shimmy is back,still there......cant imagine the kumhos are worse than the dunflopers......
gonna make another appt at another dealership or maybe wait til 10k service is due and then bring it up.....sorry for the hijack brother
wish u well on ur purchase
Anthony

Thanks, for the info! I'll leave the stock tires on a week or two, just in case this pops up. Is there anything else to be on the lookout for? Anybody, please chime in.