Which T4R?

[Franky]

Originally posted in new members section, so I thought I should move it here:

Hi everyone. Great forum! Got a question for the seasoned 4runner owners...

My wife and I were setting out to test drive a new Highlander the other day as this vehicle suits our family well and has a 3rd row along with the AWD. This will be primarily her vehicle/family. However, at the time we arrived at the dealership, the salesman pulled up with a 2010 4Runner (Trail) which peaked her interest to say the least: she always wanted a true 4x4, not a wimpy awd... She actually wanted the Tacoma!!:boink:

Needless to say, after test driving the trail we were working out a deal with the salesman: she was in love and a happy wife = happy life for me! We haven't yet signed, but she wants the 4runner, and I know it's a great vehicle. She has sacrificed driving vans for the last 10 yrs when the kids were growing up and now she wants her 4x4:iagree:. Besides, I can't wait to take it into the woods!

My question is this: the trail edition or the upgrade version? I don't know if we will use all the 4x4 options (although extremely cool – crawl etc…) offered in the trail edition on a regular basis. Besides, I think that at base the upgrade has all the off road we'll need anyways. The upgrade has all the comforts for the family - 3rd row included! But I must say the Trail was mean looking! Finally, I know Toyota is a good product, but how does it stack up against the Pathfinder and other competitors (US makes included)?

Thanks in advance for any input.

BTW, nice to see so many people still have 4runners that are over 10 yrs old...

Franky

 

[philsey]

Well, my first answer is to give her what she wants. But, to your questions:

* the trail edition or the upgrade version? What do you mean by "upgrade" version, the LE? Are you considering the SR5?
* I don't know if we will use all the 4x4 options (although extremely cool – crawl etc…) offered in the trail edition on a regular basis. Besides, I think that at base the upgrade has all the off road we'll need anyways. The upgrade has all the comforts for the family - 3rd row included! "At base" and "the upgrade" are confusing - don't know what you mean.
*Finally, I know Toyota is a good product, but how does it stack up against the Pathfinder and other competitors (US makes included)? This will open up lots of commentary - suggest you be specific. As to Pathy, I owned 2 prior to the 5G 4R, and they were bulletproof to 100k each (others here are going to disagree). Nissans do not hold value as well as Toyotas. In the 4R's niche (price, size, features, resale) I do not think there is a better choice, period. I wanted -non American made, -selectable 4X4, -body-on-frame, ----doesn't leave much. Sequoias/Luxus'/Armadas are cool imo, but I just can't quite bring myself to spend that much. You'll find some carping on the forum, but overall, I, and most others here are pretty-darned pleased with the choice. I've owned mine since April, and would make the same choice over again without hesitation. I'm only @ 5K, but at this point it's 100% trouble-free.

EDIT: Both the Trail and the LE have features I don't need, don't want, wouldn't use, so the SR5 was my choice.

 

[Koz]

Living in Canada you will need the center diff for bad weather, get the Limited!

Koz

 

[chaz]

:iagree:

 

[Franky]

By the upgrade : I mean the SR5 with upgrade package as apposed to the Trail edition.

At base: I mean even just the SR5 without any upgrades - the simple body on frame 4x4. The only driect competitors I know are the Pathfinder, Explorer and ... ummmmm... can't remember the others...

Will look into limited, but substantially more $$$. at that $$$ I would look into the Sequoia or Armada... Both nice in their class. I think we will go with the SR5 with upgrade package: leather and 3rd row. Unless she sees something else....

Thanx,

 

[gptoy96]

Living in Canada you will need the center diff for bad weather, get the Limited!

Koz

In Canada we have different drivetrain options than our southern neighbours. I know for sure all we get are 4x4's, but can't say which system we get. Maybe check with the dealer?