TRD Pro due in soon (questions)

[DrDubzz]

It's 'one of those threads' but I have questions and would like some candid discussion. I put a deposit on an Inferno TRD Pro last month and it's due in next week. This was prompted due to the vehicle history I will touch on in a moment and that my car is newly paid off.

I had all but decided to not buy it in favor of: Not buying a new car and enjoying only having one payment (the wife's sienna), a pick up (probably a RAM if I can get the price I want), or something a bit easier on the wallet like an Outback. After test driving many vehicles in the meantime, loving the truck but realizing I'm just not going to get the price I want, I've come back to the 4Runner. We have had a 2010 SR5 and a 2014 SR5 before the van and I really miss my rugged vehicle, but I have a few reservations:

1- the stereo system is bad, poor sound clarity, no dynamic range, decent bass at high volumes, but not a good listening experience versus the standard stereo in my VW.
2 - MPGs... I'm willing to accept that this is the price of doing business with an SUV, but it's still a consideration
3 - no sunroof. I don't NEED a sunroof, but it's nice to have in concert with the rear window down.

So I'm going to test drive it, and that'll be about it because I'm familiar with the vehicle other than the slightly altered suspension. But the stereo is hard to accept for the price and I'm not sold on not having a sunroof.

TL;DR - are there ways to make the stereo acceptable? new speakers? different head unit? etc. I really don't want to spend 40K to turn around and have to replace the electronics, but if I love the rest of it I'd be ok with making changes eventually

 

[Toyota-Tech]

Hello, I'd suggest the trail edition over the pro as the suspension is better with the KDSS. Are you sure you'll get an inferno as Toyota discontinued it? As for the stereo, I have a '15 SR5 and used to build custom vehicles for Sema and CES and I don't think they are that bad but we all hear differently. That said I really don't think it would take much to improve it like replacing speakers to start.

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

You already answered your own question with a question. You will need to replace speakers and probably throw in amps to properly power them. Then probably a new head unit since I am hearing the Toyota entune is no bueno.

 

[SKP-4R]

Look at the Trail. Much better value. Our the door you'll be way under 40k

 

[DrDubzz]

Hello, I'd suggest the trail edition over the pro as the suspension is better with the KDSS. Are you sure you'll get an inferno as Toyota discontinued it? As for the stereo, I have a '15 SR5 and used to build custom vehicles for Sema and CES and I don't think they are that bad but we all hear differently. That said I really don't think it would take much to improve it like replacing speakers to start.

It's definitely an inferno, and I like the inferno, but I'm intrigued by the Quicksand and possible sunroof for the 2016 model.

Bottom line, I'm incredibly indecisive about getting a new car, which is odd because I was so decisive and zeroed in on previous car purchases. Part of what is giving me pause is that the dollar amount has increased and I don't feel as willing to compromise on certain things (sound system being one of them).

I haven't driven a trail with KDSS, but I would want a premium for the sunroof and pleather, so I know I could get it a couple thousand cheaper, but I'm willing to accept that cost difference for the wheels alone, plus getting tires nice enough that they won't need immediate replacing (I only drove a few hundred miles on the 2014's stock tires before buying Rotiivas)

:smash: The smartest thing is to keep my paid off car and that weighs heavily on me, but I really want something a tad more grown up than my Golf (though I love it).

 

[SKP-4R]

Here's my Attitude Black T4R Trail (non premium) with NITTO Terra grappler's and TRD PRO rims. Just installed an ICON stage 2 kit as well plus sliders. All in, I have less $$ into it than a TRD PRO out the door. Sure I don't have heated leather seats or a hole in my roof but I'd rather put that cash towards off-road mods anyway. I also have KDSS which makes a huge difference. Trust me. I've driven both and it's night and day.

 

[Bevo]

It's definitely an inferno, and I like the inferno, but I'm intrigued by the Quicksand and possible sunroof for the 2016 model.

No sunroof for the 2016 Pros in case that helps your decision.

 

[spencenasty]

I like my turd pro. The stereo sounds fine to me.

 

[DesertCanyons]

No sunroof for the 2016 Pros in case that helps your decision.

@Bevo

Where did you get that info? I haven't heard anything other than color changes for the 2016 4Runner TRD Pro.

Next year's model probably won't have the 30th Anniversary Discount of $500 (or more on the Pro?). That increases the purchase price. The Quicksand color would be a nice option.

If you could find a 4Runner Trail Edition with KDSS and added any ICON or Bilstein lift you'd have a better car for less money. You could get the Trail Edition Premium and have the sunroof. Best of luck finding the Trail Edition of your choice. The availability of 2015 4Runners is dwindling.

 

[LawnDart]

Other than the color I'd have gotten a TEP and upgraded from there. The only TRD parts I have left are the skid plate, badges, and shift knob. lol.

 

[kapp_badbloodz]

OP:

The common opinion of the pro is that youre paying for trim. There is no mechanical difference between any 4runner and the pro besides the bilsteins EDIT: besides 2wd SR5s and the 4x4 options between SR5 and Trail. They are non adjustable so if you want something slightly better out the door and don't plan on lifting much higher then the pro is for you.

I got my Trail Edition for 33ish and it comes with KDSS instead of Billys. The TE premium has a sun roof so if you want that option the pro currently does not offer that. The stereo is quite clear and hits pretty good stock. I'm not a huge audiophile but its clear and is loud. Its an SUV so its going to suck a little in the mpg region. Its a necessary evil I guess.


1) go with the pro of you want something unique and don't plan to mod much

2) go with the TE/P if you plan to do some suspension mods and want everything the pro offers minus TRD Trim. Also the premium has a sun roof.

 

[Bevo]

@Bevo

Where did you get that info? I haven't heard anything other than color changes for the 2016 4Runner TRD Pro.

From this forum. [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] and others have confirmed that the only real changes for 2016 were the colors. It has been discussed ad nauseam.

 

[aweaver65]

Consider Resale

It's 'one of those threads' but I have questions and would like some candid discussion. I put a deposit on an Inferno TRD Pro last month and it's due in next week. This was prompted due to the vehicle history I will touch on in a moment and that my car is newly paid off.

I had all but decided to not buy it in favor of: Not buying a new car and enjoying only having one payment (the wife's sienna), a pick up (probably a RAM if I can get the price I want), or something a bit easier on the wallet like an Outback. After test driving many vehicles in the meantime, loving the truck but realizing I'm just not going to get the price I want, I've come back to the 4Runner. We have had a 2010 SR5 and a 2014 SR5 before the van and I really miss my rugged vehicle, but I have a few reservations:

1- the stereo system is bad, poor sound clarity, no dynamic range, decent bass at high volumes, but not a good listening experience versus the standard stereo in my VW.
2 - MPGs... I'm willing to accept that this is the price of doing business with an SUV, but it's still a consideration
3 - no sunroof. I don't NEED a sunroof, but it's nice to have in concert with the rear window down.

So I'm going to test drive it, and that'll be about it because I'm familiar with the vehicle other than the slightly altered suspension. But the stereo is hard to accept for the price and I'm not sold on not having a sunroof.

TL;DR - are there ways to make the stereo acceptable? new speakers? different head unit? etc. I really don't want to spend 40K to turn around and have to replace the electronics, but if I love the rest of it I'd be ok with making changes eventually

Considering the fact that you've had a '10 and a '14, you seem to trade in an out a bit more frequently than average. I do it myself.

In that situation, resale is much more worth a look. The TRD Pro will hold value better than a modified Trail. Up to you, but I have 1800 miles on my Pro and I smile every time I see it and even bigger every time I drive it.

 

[NoDak]

well if you want a better stereo, either op for the JBL system or go aftermarket.

there is a thread around here in the 5th gen where someone did a swap out for kappa and sub from the base speakers.

entune really has no bearing on the speakers.

personally, the JBL speakers/setup is a hell of a lot better than the base speaker setup.

 

[jkb505]

Isn't the JBL system on the limited only?

 

[NoDak]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/133129-how-replace-your-factory-speakers-lots-pic.html

 

[DrDubzz]

Considering the fact that you've had a '10 and a '14, you seem to trade in an out a bit more frequently than average. I do it myself.

In that situation, resale is much more worth a look. The TRD Pro will hold value better than a modified Trail. Up to you, but I have 1800 miles on my Pro and I smile every time I see it and even bigger every time I drive it.

We'll, my wife has been the primary driver. I've only had three cars in 15 years for myself. Partly why I agonize, I would not be extensively modding anything I buy, which is part of the Pro appeal.

 

[Veet Skeet]

I put in Alpine speakers, 2 Alpine amps, and 2 10 inch JL Audio subwoofers with the stock head unit and it sounds great! A HUGE upgrade over stock, but still retaining the factory head unit and entune. If that helps your decision at all... And it cost me $1150.