Well decided to buy a used trail edition, but...

[chmura]

Its a 4th gen.

I really wanted a 5th gen TE but I did not want to spend the money on a new one.

So I bought a used 4th gen TE. It is a very capable and rare rig with rear differential e-locker and fj cruiser atrac.

I love the 5th TE so much that I bought some 2013 4runner TE wheels that had 200 miles on them for $220 on Craigslist. I powder coated them matte black.

I spent no time modding it.
Icon 2.5 extended coilovers
Rear icon springs plus icon 2.0 rear shocks
Total Chaos UCA
2013 4runner rims powder coated matte black
255/75/17 BFG MT KM

Future mods: ARB or shrockworks front bumper

This might be a pointless thread over in the 5th gen section, but I still admire the 5th gens even though I have a 4th gen!

Stock form.

 

[redkaz04]

Its a 4th gen.

I really wanted a 5th gen TE but I did not want to spend the money on a new one.

So I bought a used 4th gen TE. It is a very capable and rare rig with rear differential e-locker and fj cruiser atrac.

I love the 5th TE so much that I bought some 2013 4runner TE wheels that had 200 miles on them for $220 on Craigslist. I powder coated them matte black.

I spent no time modding it.
Icon 2.5 extended coilovers
Rear icon springs plus icon 2.0 rear shocks
Total Chaos UCA
2013 4runner rims powder coated matte black
255/75/17 BFG MT KM

Future mods: ARB or shrockworks front bumper

This might be a pointless thread over in the 5th gen section, but I still admire the 5th gens even though I have a 4th gen!

nice looking rig.....you saved some money and you still have a great truck.

 

[sandcrawler]

a rare, rare bird—nice grab! :bravo:
congrats and looking really good, really fast. :cheers:

 

[AnthonyMV]

Dude!

Very very nice!
Jealous.....beautiful ride....and you saved money on new vehicle .....plus insurance has got to be cheaper....
Win,win,win I say

 

[Fiona]

Looks sharp already! Congrats on your new rig!

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

Awesome looking truck for sure. Love the silver on black.

 

[tacobill]

Beautiful find.......looks new, plus you saved a ton of dough so you can mod it.

 

[Thai]

I hate you! Nice find!!

 

[crunchcity]

Nice, would never see something in that condition here unless it was garaged every year in the winter.

In fact I was in the south or west I would be much more likely to buy used because of that...

 

[MacRunner]

I didn't know Toyota offered a Trail model prior to 2010! So for others like me who like to know the Toyota 4Runner history here is some info:

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.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

I didn't know Toyota offered a Trail model prior to 2010! So for others like me who like to know the Toyota 4Runner history here is some info:

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.

Thanks for finding that, I too did not know they made a Trail Edition before 2010, very interesting!

 

[crunchcity]

The Trail Edition package is available in three exterior colors: Titanium Metallic, Natural White and Shadow Mica.

So they offered white on a trail edition in the past, bastards...lol

 

[tjnaples]

Sport Ed. for pre-fifth gen I thought, then was called a TE. Interesting the rebranding.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

Sport Ed. for pre-fifth gen I thought, then was called a TE. Interesting the rebranding.

From 4Runner WIKI:

"In early 2003, Toyota added an optional Appearance Package for the SR5 model that included color-keyed cladding, bumpers, and liftgate trim. In April 2003, Toyota made the Appearance Package, along with the previously optional fog lamps, running boards, and 16-inch aluminum wheels, standard on the SR5. The Sport Edition also added black running boards and color-keyed trim, replacing the grey cladding and silver-painted grille, door handles and liftgate trim.[6][7][8][9]"

"In 2008 (for the 2009 model year) the 4Runner remain unchanged. A Trail Edition package offered an electronic locking rear differential, Advanced Traction Control (A-TRAC) and Bilstein dampers."

Sport Package and later Urban Runner package was mainly appearance. Looks like the Trail Edition was legit with similar upgrades at the 5th minus KDSS.

 

[chmura]

Thanks everyone for the kind words!

Yeah the 2009 4runner Trail Edition is the real deal. It is basically an FJ cruiser in disguise. It is the most capable 4th gen out there. The only thing that limits it is the stock ground clearance and that has been taken care of.

I really like the "trail edition" badge on the sides of the 4th generation 4runner. Toyota should of made a trail edition badge for the 5th gen. I'm sure it was a cost savings thing to leave it out.

I am going to Death Valley this weekend, this would be my first overland trip in this vehicle. Pretty excited.

Maybe in 4-5 years I will buy the last year 5th gen with all the updates! I like to buy the last model year. That way you can choose and pick which year/updates you want and just wait and find the right rig and buy it.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

Thanks everyone for the kind words!

Yeah the 2009 4runner Trail Edition is the real deal. It is basically an FJ cruiser in disguise. It is the most capable 4th gen out there minus the stock ground clearance.

I really like the "trail edition" badge on the sides of the 4th generation 4runner. Toyota should of made a trail edition badge for the 5th gen. I'm sure it was a cost savings thing to leave it out.

I am going to Death Valley this weekend, this would be my first overland trip in this vehicle. Pretty excited.

Maybe in 4-5 years I will buy the last year 5th gen with all the updates! I like to buy the last model year. That way you can choose and pick which year/updates you want and just wait and find the right rig and buy it.

I post this again and again but so jealous of the California board members on here. A year ago we took a trip to LA and stayed in Manhatten Beach and went up through the San Gabriel Mountains, Calabasas, down to Newport... and the whole time I was thinking have a 4WD SUV out here would be a blast. This past October my wife and I travelled to San Francisco and went to Monterey, Carmel, Santa Cruz, and then around the Bay area (SF, Tiburon, and Sausalito) then north to Napa and Sonoma. I again realized just how lucky you all are. Enjoy the Trail Edition and def. put it through it's paces out there!

 

[chmura]

I post this again and again but so jealous of the California board members on here. A year ago we took a trip to LA and stayed in Manhatten Beach and went up through the San Gabriel Mountains, Calabasas, down to Newport... and the whole time I was thinking have a 4WD SUV out here would be a blast. This past October my wife and I travelled to San Francisco and went to Monterey, Carmel, Santa Cruz, and then around the Bay area (SF, Tiburon, and Sausalito) then north to Napa and Sonoma. I again realized just how lucky you all are. Enjoy the Trail Edition and def. put it through it's paces out there!

Thank you sir! Southern California is a nice place to live. The beautiful weather here attracts people from all around the world (I came here from Europe myself as well). As with anyplace it has its pluses and minuses.

I will definitely put the trial edition through its paces. Next month going to Anza Borrego, Mojave Road, and then in May going to the Overland Expo 2013 in Flagstaff AZ. After the expo driving to Utah for a 1 week overland exploration adventure!

 

[MacRunner]

Nice find chmura!

It's definitly nice to have some extra money to throw at mods.

Here is a link to a great website to learn more about the 2009 Trail Edition and all other years - Toyota 4Runner History.

It would be interesting to know how many 2009 Trail Edition 4Runners were sold - they sure do seem rare!