hey guys, first thread. im about to buy a new 2012 4runner, but am stuck between whether to get the trail or limited? i know the trail is the better off roader, but since this will be my only car, is it worth the tradeoff to get more creature comforts, since i will spend the majority of my time stuck in traffic on the 405 freeway here in so cal. also, which one is easier to modify? i already know im gonna mod it as soon as i get it. are the tires on both models the same just different sizes? thanks a ton. look forward to posting here more often soon. :biggrin2:
trail or limited?
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Bay33saw
New member
If the first mod your going to do is put different tires on get the trail. The LE's 20" wheels make it difficult to get tires.
If your like me an like the look of the stock LE's wheels get the Limited, the "Only" thing I do not like about my Limited is the cruise control, apart from that I love every single creature comfort it gives me.
If your like me an like the look of the stock LE's wheels get the Limited, the "Only" thing I do not like about my Limited is the cruise control, apart from that I love every single creature comfort it gives me.
bofa
New member
When I was looking I ended up getting the SR5 AWD with the moonroof pkg and added the alarm and leather... very similar to the LTD minus a few unneeded features (imo) and a lot cheaper. Plus I preferred the smaller wheels/ higher profile tires. It's still capable offroad, but not to the extent of the TE. But the fact is that I know I'm not taking ours on any crazy trails anytime soon. At the time though I didn't have use for the full time AWD of the LTD and figured part time is sufficient for our uses.
Now, 6 months later I figure out we are moving to an area where the full time AWD would be much more useful and there are a lot of areas that could make good use of the trail's features.
I'm thinking of trading for a LTD next year when we move, for the AWD system and X-REAS. My wife drives it a lot and she will be new to cold climate. If we get a second vehicle I may consider the TE just for me though. :hungry:
I think it really comes down to what you will realistically use it for and what you prefer. All are great vehicles and quite capable as one of the last body-on-frame true SUVs.
Now, 6 months later I figure out we are moving to an area where the full time AWD would be much more useful and there are a lot of areas that could make good use of the trail's features.
I'm thinking of trading for a LTD next year when we move, for the AWD system and X-REAS. My wife drives it a lot and she will be new to cold climate. If we get a second vehicle I may consider the TE just for me though. :hungry:
I think it really comes down to what you will realistically use it for and what you prefer. All are great vehicles and quite capable as one of the last body-on-frame true SUVs.
philsey
New member
You'll get better help by answering this:
"Mod it for what"....
1. Looks / rare, very mild off roading
2. Mild off-roading
3. Serious off-roading
FactoryRide
New member
I'm a little biased but I'm going to say trail. But that fit my needs(moreso wants :naughty
When I got my trail I was a little bummed about not being about to get leather from the factory, but I have since fallen in love with the cloth seats in the truck. They suit my needs, and I absolutely love that they are water resistant.
If you're not going to get KDSS with the trail, then I'd say go for the limited. That was one of the things that swayed me towards the limited, but again I still loved the look with the black trim. Both can be just as easily modified though so I wouldn't worry about that.
17s as already mentioned make it easier when shopping for new tires. You generally have more choices and better prices.
But a little more info on your intended purposes will help the T4R guys to help direct you a little better.
When I got my trail I was a little bummed about not being about to get leather from the factory, but I have since fallen in love with the cloth seats in the truck. They suit my needs, and I absolutely love that they are water resistant. If you're not going to get KDSS with the trail, then I'd say go for the limited. That was one of the things that swayed me towards the limited, but again I still loved the look with the black trim. Both can be just as easily modified though so I wouldn't worry about that.
17s as already mentioned make it easier when shopping for new tires. You generally have more choices and better prices.
But a little more info on your intended purposes will help the T4R guys to help direct you a little better.
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I was also going back and forth with the LE and TE. A lot depends on your preferences. Eventually I decided on a TE.
1) Leather seats are bad for me as I sweat a lot, even in very cold weather.
2) My daily commute has lots of tight turns at higher speeds so the added stability of KDSS was a must. If I was unable to get the KDSS I probably would have gone with the LE for XREAS.
3) I love the look of the TE.
As for moddability, from my research on these forums it doesn't look like there really are many difficulty differences. If you are willing to put in the time anything is possible.
1) Leather seats are bad for me as I sweat a lot, even in very cold weather.
2) My daily commute has lots of tight turns at higher speeds so the added stability of KDSS was a must. If I was unable to get the KDSS I probably would have gone with the LE for XREAS.
3) I love the look of the TE.
As for moddability, from my research on these forums it doesn't look like there really are many difficulty differences. If you are willing to put in the time anything is possible.
Skeletor03
New member
Have you seen the new FIAT commerical in the parking garage? Best car our there...So Gay
Jaker
New member
I think the creature comforts of the Limited are worth it (especially if you're using it as a daily driver stuck in traffic).
If you plan on modding the truck, a Limited can be just as capable as a Trail in my humble opinion.
The real question is how much money you want to spend.
If you plan on modding the truck, a Limited can be just as capable as a Trail in my humble opinion.
The real question is how much money you want to spend.
DannyLlama
Elite Member
Those uncertain about TE vs LE should get the LE. LE suits all but the hard core offroaders. TE suits a very narrow demographic of hard core offroader and you are either in that demographic or out of it. Buying TE over LE just because of exterior aesthetics is misguided in my opinion.
I was honest with myself regarding what I would actually do with a $40K vehicle offroad despite being surrounded by lots of offroad opportuities. LE is best of all worlds. Going to moab? Rent a Rubicon.
I was honest with myself regarding what I would actually do with a $40K vehicle offroad despite being surrounded by lots of offroad opportuities. LE is best of all worlds. Going to moab? Rent a Rubicon.
adio3x
New member
I would honestly just get a SR5. You'll have the comfort of the limited and a clean pallet to start modding. Not saying that you can't do the same with the limited or trail, but the SR5 is the stripped down version of all the models.
As you said its your daily, so you probably won't be in situations where you'll actually use your locker. My SR5 can follow guys that do have lockers on some trails rated at 7-8 (scale of 1-10, 10 being the hardest). Aslong as you get the 4x4 and not the 4x2, you should be good to go.
If you're not into the whole modding thing, I'd get the trail.
As you said its your daily, so you probably won't be in situations where you'll actually use your locker. My SR5 can follow guys that do have lockers on some trails rated at 7-8 (scale of 1-10, 10 being the hardest). Aslong as you get the 4x4 and not the 4x2, you should be good to go.
If you're not into the whole modding thing, I'd get the trail.
As others have suggested, you need ask yourself how your going to use your truck (once you get off the 405) and why and how you are going to mod it. The LE and the TE are intended for nearly opposite demographics. Once you aswer those questions, you know which to get or even whether to opt for an SR5.
As far as I am concerned, however, my TE is not wanting for any really necessary luxury. I've owned Landcruisers for nearly 20 years (an 80 series and 100 series) and all the TE lacks in comparison to an LC or an LE are: (1) all wheel drive, which I think is a positive due to the increased efficiency; (2) heated leather seats, heated seats would be nice, but that's what the heater is for; (3) climate control, I can work the dials to adjust the temp; (4) third row seats, don't need them; and (5) automatic headlights, which is the only thing I really miss as I am so spoiled by them that I often forget to turn on my headlights.
As far as I am concerned, however, my TE is not wanting for any really necessary luxury. I've owned Landcruisers for nearly 20 years (an 80 series and 100 series) and all the TE lacks in comparison to an LC or an LE are: (1) all wheel drive, which I think is a positive due to the increased efficiency; (2) heated leather seats, heated seats would be nice, but that's what the heater is for; (3) climate control, I can work the dials to adjust the temp; (4) third row seats, don't need them; and (5) automatic headlights, which is the only thing I really miss as I am so spoiled by them that I often forget to turn on my headlights.
diverscale
Member
Looks like in your case you have to make a choice and I won't choose for you, but if this is your primary car, and you spend most of your time doing highway and traffic, you will definitely like the added features of the limited. You will love the heated leather seatings (heat up quite fast) and climate control (you can choose your temperature and forget about it instead of constantly playing with a dial, dual zone also), and I love the X-REAS suspension so far. You will get some more features but I don't think they are a deal-breaker in your case.
UFG8R Runner
New member
Here's the good news: I don't think you can go wrong no matter what decision you make.
I bought the Limited for 3 reasons:
1) I liked the stock wheels better than the TE's stock wheels
2) I wanted Leather
3) I wanted the 12 speaker JBL
The 12 speaker JBL is definitely NOT a reason to buy the Limited— it's exceedingly mediocre if you're used to even average quality aftermarket audio.
Although, realistically, I will never take my 4Runner off road to the extent that it is truly challenged (because in Florida this requires sinking it in mud), I DO wish I had bought the Trail.
The wheels on the TE have since grown on me, I could have swapped leather in, and I really, REALLY envy all of you jerks with KDSS and the awesome Diff Lock button and grey wire mod. (HAVE I MENTIONED I HATE YOUR COLLECTIVE GUTS LATELY? WHY DO YOU AND YOUR F*!%#^$ 4RUNNERS HAVE TO BE SO MUCH COOLER THAN ME AND MINE?:ybrick
OK, I'm joking. But a really do envy TE with the KDSS / diff lock. Even if I wouldn't have used the off-road toys that much.
It's kinda like my AR-15 and my FN AR— even if you don't use them, at least you know you HAVE them. :AK47:
Your choice doesn't have to make sense to anyone but you. Just remember, you can't go wrong.
I bought the Limited for 3 reasons:
1) I liked the stock wheels better than the TE's stock wheels
2) I wanted Leather
3) I wanted the 12 speaker JBL
The 12 speaker JBL is definitely NOT a reason to buy the Limited— it's exceedingly mediocre if you're used to even average quality aftermarket audio.
Although, realistically, I will never take my 4Runner off road to the extent that it is truly challenged (because in Florida this requires sinking it in mud), I DO wish I had bought the Trail.
The wheels on the TE have since grown on me, I could have swapped leather in, and I really, REALLY envy all of you jerks with KDSS and the awesome Diff Lock button and grey wire mod. (HAVE I MENTIONED I HATE YOUR COLLECTIVE GUTS LATELY? WHY DO YOU AND YOUR F*!%#^$ 4RUNNERS HAVE TO BE SO MUCH COOLER THAN ME AND MINE?:ybrick
OK, I'm joking. But a really do envy TE with the KDSS / diff lock. Even if I wouldn't have used the off-road toys that much.
It's kinda like my AR-15 and my FN AR— even if you don't use them, at least you know you HAVE them. :AK47:
Your choice doesn't have to make sense to anyone but you. Just remember, you can't go wrong.
harper7
Senior Member
Limited FTW!
Don't let all the TE fanboys sway you. You can have your cake and eat it too. A Limited with the right parts will go anywhere offroad a TE will go,bar none.
Here are just some of the Limiteds on the forum and they have been offroad more miles then most TE's except for maybe Intruder's or Joneseyyy's TE.
These are all modded Limiteds,!...and there are many more on the forum
Don't let all the TE fanboys sway you. You can have your cake and eat it too. A Limited with the right parts will go anywhere offroad a TE will go,bar none.
Here are just some of the Limiteds on the forum and they have been offroad more miles then most TE's except for maybe Intruder's or Joneseyyy's TE.
These are all modded Limiteds,!...and there are many more on the forum
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As much as a like to rib the Limited folks, the added comforts of the Limited are worth strong consideration unless you plan to use the hell out of the KDSS. If I liked leather seats, I'd probably have gone with a limited. The big negative I see with the limited is the wheels, but it sounds like you'd probably change them anyway. Think about where you will actually be spending your time versus where you would like to be spending your time (i.e. urban environs versus the great outdoors).
I think the points that Harper7 makes are spot on; that and he really is getting in sync with his feminine side in his Limited. Soon he will be a real SNAG (Sensitive New Age Guy).
Don't share this post with those tea-sipping Limited guys. I'd hate for them to think I envy their 4Runners.
I think the points that Harper7 makes are spot on; that and he really is getting in sync with his feminine side in his Limited. Soon he will be a real SNAG (Sensitive New Age Guy).
Don't share this post with those tea-sipping Limited guys. I'd hate for them to think I envy their 4Runners.
