Which deal should I take on '05 Sport V8

[RaysMD]

So, I'm about to replace my 1990 4Runner (1st gen?) with a new one. I've been shopping around and got a few deals, but these two are probably the best.


A) 2005 V8 Sports Edition with sunroof, JBL stereo, and roof spoiler... $30,400 before tax, tags, title, and registration


B) 2005 V8 SE, only roof spoiler. $29,000



I'm about to pull the trigger, so all input is welcomed. I'm kinda leaning towards option A, but B is very tempting

 

[slyangel9]

i have the sunroof and NEVER use it. BTW, I think that it's kind of loud since the roof opening is quite large. And it makes a weird noise when closing.

I wish I didn't have it.

My 2 cents

 

[sharp4runr]

Do you want a sunroof? Its nice to have and I love mine, but if you're tall you may want to opt for one without to get as much head room.

JBL System isn't that much better if you ask me. It lacks bass and definitely needs an aftermarket amp/sub. If you are the type to get an upgraded headunit and speakers, stick to the one with the stock radio...

 

[RaysMD]

I'll tell you that I never use the sunroof on my '90 4Runner or my car. It's just nice for the lighting, no?

Nice sunny day, just pull back the sunshade.


hmm, tough choice.

 

[ToyotaDoodz]

My first 4Runner did not have a sunroof. When we'd go wheeling in the high mountains, it was hard to see everything because the roof was in the way. After that, I made sure my 2nd and 3rd Runners had them and it's been much nicer, particularly in vertical environments like that.

Also, I've found the vent setting to be "air flow stingy" compared to other vehicles, so I crack the sunroof open 1" and the rear hatch window 2" and it pulls the air through nicely.

Sharp4runr is right. Listen to the JBL and one without. If you intend to mod the stereo system later, stay away from the JBL because you'll have to remove it anyway.

PS, welcome to the forum.

 

[Bluto]

I took B. 3 Reasons:

I did not want a sunroof due to past experiences and less structural integrity.

With the JBL system you do not get the two cargo area backup mirrors. I park in the city a lot. They are great for parallel parking.

You can replace the non-JBL unit with a Scion headunit, members claim it sounds great. The Scion has more features than the JBL. Plus I already have a quality amp and sub to add, no point in the JBL system.


Also, my truck did not come with the double-deck cargo system or Homelink. I don't need the the cargo system, I'll add Homelink.

 

[ToyotaDoodz]

With the JBL system you do not get the two cargo area backup mirrors. I park in the city a lot. They are great for parallel parking.

I did not know that. I also use mine a lot. Takes a little practice but they work great.

 

[RaysMD]

what about if you want to retrofit a oem NAV unit. Does the JBL system help?

 

[Luxury]

Pretty simple scenario.....Is the sunroof worth $1400? That's a personal decision. You can do quite a few mods for $1400.....I think even get very close to adding NAV, like several people have.

- I use mine quite a bit for light and air
- I have had problems with mine making noise when actuating
- I could see where someone taller than me (6') would have trouble with the head clearance. The height adjustment on the power Limited seat helps this some. I sat in the passenger seat of an '05 SE w/ moonroof and I had less head room than in the driver's seat of that same car......just something to quickly consider.
- Sunroof can thunder a bit (while open) if you don't crack another window.


That stereo wouldn't be a big factor in my book. Good luck with your decision and don't be afraid to try for an even better price. It never hurts to try!

 

[Northof49]

I would never buy a vehicle of this price without a sunroof, but that's me and, well, I really like sunroofs

The things I like best about the JBL are the steering wheel controls and 6 disc in dash changer, if that's not important to you, I wouldn't say the JBL sounds much (if any) better than the standard boom box....

 

[Luxury]

what about if you want to retrofit a oem NAV unit. Does the JBL system help?

You beat me to the idea. That's a good point about the JBL helping. I think the JBL uses the same 10 speaker "surround" sound speakers that my NAV/JBL uses. Mine came factory, so I'd check with someone that has added it to be sure.

 

[Sac State]

I have the sunroof because in my 3rd gen I had to have a sunroof because of claustrophic conditions. In the 4th gen, I find that I don't have it open very often. I am taking it in Friday to have three rattles repaired on the sunroof alone.

I would not get a sunroof again. Use the $720 on a Borla cat-back.

The JBL is fair to Midland. I would not buy it again. But then again, I only have the radio on maybe 1/10 times I drive.

I like listening to the Borla, it makes beautiful music.

 

[ZonaT4R]

I love my sunroof and wouldn't want to be without it, but thats obviously a personal choice. If you don't really care about it, get the one without. The JBL system isn't worth the extra dough...

 

[Mark86]

I chooose optinon A. I have a sunroof on mine and use it all the time on nice days. I have had a few problems with mine, but now it works fine. I don't think I would take a vehicle without a sunroof ever again but that is only personal preference. Even when I don't have it open, I use it for light. In addition, you could leave it tilted on those hot summer days to keep the truck a little warmer. My opinion is that if you don't get it, you may regret not getting it and it would not be an easy and cheap mod after you have the truck. If you have it, I doubt you will regret it. The radio is not a big issue because that is an easy upgrade and you could get a better one for cheaper than the JBL.

 

[sharp4runr]

The things I like best about the JBL are the steering wheel controls and 6 disc in dash changer, if that's not important to you, I wouldn't say the JBL sounds much (if any) better than the standard boom box....

You can get steering wheel controls on any model, JBL or not. Steering wheel controls are standard on SE/Limited and optional on SR5 I believe...

 

[Greenbowl]

Option A. I love my sunroof and the tilt up option as I use it to blow my cigarette smoke out of the cabin and air out my car... It's nice to open it up fully when it's a nice sunny day too.

In the end it's all about if you don't regret it after whether you get it or not.

 

[Northof49]

You can get steering wheel controls on any model, JBL or not. Steering wheel controls are standard on SE/Limited and optional on SR5 I believe...

Ahh shit, your right, sorry.

In Canada you can't get a JBL and/or steering wheel controls in a base SR5, and both come standard with the Sport (but no 6-pack).....that's why I'm all eff'd up.

 

[RaysMD]

probably going with option A (sunroof and JBL stereo). The dealer is closer to me and I could later upgrade to the NAV easier.

 

[aamills]

I think everyone ignore what additional options the sport has.
Bigger brakes
6-spoke alloy rims
X-suppension (I love how my handles around high speed corners)
dark fabric (better quality my opion, hides dirt)
hood scoop???
sunroof is nice to have (lets sun in during the dark days and lets air in during the hot days)


Price wise I would check out MSRP/invoice difference and see if there is a better deal.

My opinion, I went with the sport because of the above additional options.

 

[Bluto]

probably going with option A (sunroof and JBL stereo). The dealer is closer to me and I could later upgrade to the NAV easier.

Buying from the dealer you'll use for service or warranty work can be a benefit.

If Nav was available on the Sport, I would of got it. You can check out threads on installing the factory Nav. Having the stock look and features is not that important to me. I'll probably go with a portable system.