What to look out for on a 2014 Limited

[Jay Nice]

In regards to the OP's original title, I believe you were looking for a list of items to be cautious of when looking for a new (to you) 2014 limited?

1) There are limited tire options for the 20" rim. If you're content with an everyday, highway, all season tire, then this won't concern you. However, if you’re looking for an all-terrain tire, then you will be looking into available rim options for your limited.

2) With having the heat/cool seating option in the front, the material seems to be a bit thin. I’m now questioning how long the material will last over time & extended use. It’s seems really thin/soft to me.

3) This isn’t limited specific, but if you’re looking into a rig that offer’s a Nav unit, there have been previous concerns with the unit freezing at times. Also, map updates are not cheap & offered only through the dealership.

4) Not really a concern but more of an fyi. You will have limited front approach angles with the factory front bumper. However, you can swap out to a SR5 front & rear bumper trim or you can purchase aftermarket bumpers for the limited that will provide the approach angles you desire.

Otherwise, I'm happy with my LE T4R & have no other concerns to address. All minor details & I'm not aware of any common problems one should look out for before buying.

 

[hammerfang]

Thank you very much, this is exactly the sort of thing I am looking to read. I doubt I would ever do any hardcore off-reading, but if I did I would certainly swap the stock wheels and tires.

Your comment on the seats is interesting, the one place my parents LC falls down in terms of quality to their BMWs is the leather. It hasn't torn on the LC, but it certainly has not aged as well or feels as nice.

The point about the nav is a concern, but honestly I think it applies to all new cars, technology moves so fast these days that what is new quickly becomes outdated. In some ways I wish the truck didn't come with a nav/infotainment system at all, as I would much rather use my phone which will realistically be updated every 2 or 3 years.

Again, I probably won't be worring about approach angles too much, but if I did I would certainly swap out the stock LE bumper

 

[Jay Nice]

Thank you very much, this is exactly the sort of thing I am looking to read. I doubt I would ever do any hardcore off-reading, but if I did I would certainly swap the stock wheels and tires.

Your comment on the seats is interesting, the one place my parents LC falls down in terms of quality to their BMWs is the leather. It hasn't torn on the LC, but it certainly has not aged as well or feels as nice.

The point about the nav is a concern, but honestly I think it applies to all new cars, technology moves so fast these days that what is new quickly becomes outdated. In some ways I wish the truck didn't come with a nav/infotainment system at all, as I would much rather use my phone which will realistically be updated every 2 or 3 years.

Again, I probably won't be worring about approach angles too much, but if I did I would certainly swap out the stock LE bumper

No problem! The seats are not an issue yet, but I do question the longevity of the material being used. In the long term, I could always purchase new seat skins if needed. The NAV applies to all cars/trucks. They have a life span of so many years. If & when my quits (knock on wood) I'll go aftermarket for the head unit (with NAV) & receive map updates for free. Also, I didn't think you would be to concerned about the bumpers but it's nice to know that there are options out there so you're "not limited". Oh, & there have been some reports of the sunroof making a rattle noise. I don't have this issue personally. Again, all minor details! Good luck with your purchase!

 

[hammerfang]

Theoretically if you condition the leather frequently that should help prevent cracks and tears.

Interesting to hear about the sunroof rattle. Come to think of it my uncles 2003 lx470 and my mother in laws 2006 is250 had sunroof rattles, hopefully it's just something Lexus owners pay more for! Joking aside is it an expense/difficult thing to fix?

 

[bcolts]

I found a nav update disc online for about $25 including shipping. Loaded and seems to work fine. With the exception of the version number, the label, etc looked identical to the disc it replaced.

 

[hammerfang]

How often does Toyota update the nav maps?

 

[hammerfang]

I've been searching for a truck again and found a few certified pre-owned GX460s (similar years and miles as the Limiteds) for not that much more. Did anyone chose a Limited over a GX460 or vice-versa?

The GX is obviously way more luxurious and has the V-8, but given the extra weight doesn't appear any quicker, it just gets worse mileage on more expensive fuel. The swing out rear door is also not as desirable (IMO) as the 4Runners lift gate.

Besides those differences, is there any reason to get a Limited over the GX? I would think the 4R should a bit more reliable for no other reason than it is less complex, however Lexus makes some high quality trucks so I doubt the difference will be that much.

 

[tm965]

I've been searching for a truck again and found a few certified pre-owned GX460s (similar years and miles as the Limiteds) for not that much more. Did anyone chose a Limited over a GX460 or vice-versa?

The GX is obviously way more luxurious and has the V-8, but given the extra weight doesn't appear any quicker, it just gets worse mileage on more expensive fuel. The swing out rear door is also not as desirable (IMO) as the 4Runners lift gate.

Besides those differences, is there any reason to get a Limited over the GX? I would think the 4R should a bit more reliable for no other reason than it is less complex, however Lexus makes some high quality trucks so I doubt the difference will be that much.

i got a new limited over a new gx--the differences between the limited and a relatively low trim gx didnt warrant the extra cost imo. That and i hate the 3rd row seats on those things.

 

[blakjack23]

How often does Toyota update the nav maps?

I think every year.

I just purchased the 2016 nav disc on Ebay for like $12. Take out the old one, put in the new one, and you're all set.

 

[LandCruiser]

Unless you want to buy a 100k mile heap, anything with "lo miles!" will cost you 2-3k less than a NEW one. The used prices on these things are criminal.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I've been searching for a truck again and found a few certified pre-owned GX460s (similar years and miles as the Limiteds) for not that much more. Did anyone chose a Limited over a GX460 or vice-versa?

The GX is obviously way more luxurious and has the V-8, but given the extra weight doesn't appear any quicker, it just gets worse mileage on more expensive fuel. The swing out rear door is also not as desirable (IMO) as the 4Runners lift gate.

Besides those differences, is there any reason to get a Limited over the GX? I would think the 4R should a bit more reliable for no other reason than it is less complex, however Lexus makes some high quality trucks so I doubt the difference will be that much.

I would take a GX any day. My problem is there is no dealers less than 3.5 hours away. Test drive the Limited a lot to see if you will get tired of the harsh ride with the xreas suspension. The softer ride and V8 of the GX would win me over. I could care less about the back door.

 

[crankycodger]

I would take a GX any day. My problem is there is no dealers less than 3.5 hours away. Test drive the Limited a lot to see if you will get tired of the harsh ride with the xreas suspension. The softer ride and V8 of the GX would win me over. I could care less about the back door.

Harsh ride on the Limited?

Jeez, something else I gotta worry about. I thought mine rode pretty good, and I'm an OF with a bad back. Maybe I need to give it more time to sort itself out. Hopefully after a while my cruise control will start acting up too. Hate to think I got a lemon.

 

[Georgiadrifter]

I haven't read the whole thread but....

4Runners don't depreciate as fast as other vehicles. As previously mentioned....get a new one for just a few thousand more. Are you financing?

A couple of times a year...Toyota offers 0% APR on the 4Runner. If you're financing....you might come out cheaper in the long run buying new...depending on your down payment.

Good luck.

 

[Georgiadrifter]

......Would love to see the old 6-speed or new 8-speed transmission from the LC/LX570 and perhaps direct injection hit the 4.0 v6.



If Toyota were to make those changes I could consider a new one over a used one. But so far that is just my dream.

I wish they'd market a diesel-powered 4Runner in the States. I'd be all over that!

 

[Martyb]

I generally always buy a few years old since I hate depreciation and like keeping my vehicles for a long time. However...I made an exception this time due to my good friend's brother who works for Toyota (he didn't sell it to me) and educated me on the following:
1. I could get my lease rate down to .44 %
2. With Unhaggle dot com, a reverse auction could get me a discount of 4k off retail. Dealer made about 1k over invoice.
3. Let Toyota take the risk of any major accident in the lease term (car proof will kill re-sale value with accidents).
4. He googled price for 2-3 year old 4runners and I have never seen a vehicle hold it's value like that.
5. The dealership has been giving 5k+ for lease returns. Maybe the v8 will come out in a few years!
6. You can easily buy it out after the lease (which is what I plan to do) and you know exactly what you have and the market value is much higher than residual for 4runners.

 

[Miguelon]

I've never quite understood pointless obnoxious responses like this....

Literally carries no value and doesn't contribute to the conversation at all.

What? No value??? Id disagree, because w/o comments like this, I wouldn't need to submit pics like these to refute the pointless obnoxious responses. And anyone who has been on this site for a while KNOW how much I love showing off my Unlimited. eace:

 

[hammerfang]

I generally always buy a few years old since I hate depreciation and like keeping my vehicles for a long time. However...I made an exception this time due to my good friend's brother who works for Toyota (he didn't sell it to me) and educated me on the following:
1. I could get my lease rate down to .44 %
2. With Unhaggle dot com, a reverse auction could get me a discount of 4k off retail. Dealer made about 1k over invoice.
3. Let Toyota take the risk of any major accident in the lease term (car proof will kill re-sale value with accidents).
4. He googled price for 2-3 year old 4runners and I have never seen a vehicle hold it's value like that.
5. The dealership has been giving 5k+ for lease returns. Maybe the v8 will come out in a few years!
6. You can easily buy it out after the lease (which is what I plan to do) and you know exactly what you have and the market value is much higher than residual for 4runners.

Didn't really think of leasing one as I thought 4Runners (despite strong residuals) don't lease well. To get the 0.44% did you have to put down multiple security deposits (I know BMW let's you put up to 7)? Also, if you don't mind me asking, what are the terms of your lease?

 

[hammerfang]

I wish they'd market a diesel-powered 4Runner in the States. I'd be all over that!

I love modern diesels (as long as they don't come from VW!), would be pretty cool to see something like the 4.5L Cummins I-4 (basically 2/3 of the engine in a RAM) in a 4Runner. Those engines are pretty indestructible and could easily make ~270hp and 600 ft. lbs.

 

[Martyb]

Didn't really think of leasing one as I thought 4Runners (despite strong residuals) don't lease well. To get the 0.44% did you have to put down multiple security deposits (I know BMW let's you put up to 7)? Also, if you don't mind me asking, what are the terms of your lease?

Rate was 1.49 and I reduced it to .44 with 5k security deposit for a 39 month lease with 21k km's per year. Residual is 27k. MSRP is $50,450 CAD and dealer invoice was $44,870 CAD. I paid 1k over invoice.

 

[Toffees]

Thank you very much, this is exactly the sort of thing I am looking to read. I doubt I would ever do any hardcore off-reading, but if I did I would certainly swap the stock wheels and tires.

Your comment on the seats is interesting, the one place my parents LC falls down in terms of quality to their BMWs is the leather. It hasn't torn on the LC, but it certainly has not aged as well or feels as nice.

The point about the nav is a concern, but honestly I think it applies to all new cars, technology moves so fast these days that what is new quickly becomes outdated. In some ways I wish the truck didn't come with a nav/infotainment system at all, as I would much rather use my phone which will realistically be updated every 2 or 3 years.

Again, I probably won't be worring about approach angles too much, but if I did I would certainly swap out the stock LE bumper

I've never been satisfied with a stock nav product, so I'm probably with you here. Your phone navigation will be (if not already) more useful over the life of this car than the stock nav.

If you can find an apples-to-apples used for $8k less, go get it looked at by a third party and sign the paper. That's a great discount and you know that 50k does nothing the to value and reliability of this product. I couldn't find anything used in the LE/3rd row/FT4WD given the colors I liked and seriously contemplated flying to Milwaukee for a $41k used 2014 before I ended up buying new locally for $44k. If you can get something like this for mid-30s (if you're more flexible than me...) you'll enjoy it very much.