Which used 5th gen 10-13 Trail or 14-16 Sr5?

[Trialrun]

So my wife is insistent on me getting an "newer" 4runner, we've talked about it in the past but I've really enjoyed my 3rd gen and not having a car payment. I proposed to her getting the cladding paint matched on my 3rd gen, adding a hood scoop and installing armor, she incurred some sticker shock at the cost and said absolutely not. (go figure). To my surprise, she told me to take that money, buy a 5th gen and in a few years when we move to a place with a bigger garage, I can get an older land cruiser that I've always wanted as a dedicated trail rig...sounds like a good compromise.

So my question to the 5th gen owners. I still want to keep my total purchase price under 28k and must have 4wd and a hood scoop (yes, i'm OCD about the hood scoop since I always wanted one on my 3rd gen), To that end, I've found the following in my budget locally.

• 2010-2013 4runner Trails from 24-28k w/ under 40k miles
• 2014-2016 4runner Sr5's or base Trail certified for around 28-30k w/ under 40k miles

If you were in my shoes, which would you go for and why?

On a side note, I already bought the TRD Pro suspension and stashed it in my garage since they were being cleared out at a massive discount.

 

[msp]

So my wife is insistent on me getting an "newer" 4runner, we've talked about it in the past but I've really enjoyed my 3rd gen and not having a car payment. I proposed to her getting the cladding paint matched on my 3rd gen, adding a hood scoop and installing armor, she incurred some sticker shock at the cost and said absolutely not. (go figure). To my surprise, she told me to take that money, buy a 5th gen and in a few years when we move to a place with a bigger garage, I can get an older land cruiser that I've always wanted as a dedicated trail rig...sounds like a good compromise.

So my question to the 5th gen owners. I still want to keep my total purchase price under 28k and must have 4wd and a hood scoop (yes, i'm OCD about the hood scoop since I always wanted one on my 3rd gen), To that end, I've found the following in my budget locally.

• 2010-2013 4runner Trails from 24-28k w/ under 40k miles
• 2014-2016 4runner Sr5's vertified for around 28-30k w/ under 40k miles

If you were in my shoes, which would you go for and why?

On a side note, I already bought the TRD Pro suspension and stashed it in my garage since they were being cleared out at a massive discount.

hood scoop = Trail

I also prefer the look of the Trail over the SR5. Wish I had kept my 13 Trail.

 

[alico268]

If it were me, the 10-13 Trail all the way. I don't hate the face of the 14+ years like many seem to, but the 10-13 Trails just make me extra giddy when I see them on the road. They don't wear an expression, they just have a good, honest look to them and the black bits don't make it look so monochromatic. If you go with the Trail, try to keep it to years 10-12 as they added the air injection pump system in 2013 and cluttered the engine bay up a little more.

On the other hand, the interior refresh on the 14+ is nice too. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[Trialrun]

hood scoop = Trail

I also prefer the look of the Trail over the SR5. Wish I had kept my 13 Trail.

Oddly, there are a few Sr5 premiums in my area with hood scoops

 

[Trialrun]

If it were me, the 10-13 Trail all the way. I don't hate the face of the 14+ years like many seem to, but the 10-13 Trails just make me extra giddy when I see them on the road. They don't wear an expression, they just have a good, honest look to them and the black bits don't make it look so monochromatic. If you go with the Trail, try to keep it to years 10-12 as they added the air injection pump system in 2013 and cluttered the engine bay up a little more.

On the other hand, the interior refresh on the 14+ is nice too. Good luck with your purchase.

wow, you read my mind. I actually prefer the look of the early 5th gen trails (front end and the black flares) but the 2014+ interior is my favorite. Wish I could have the best of both worlds

 

[T4R2014]

You're supposed to chase cars and replace women. Oh wait.



I think the 14+ feels nicer overall, but the Trails get you the hood scoop and more importantly the rear locker. But, if you rarely off road then I think the locker is useless. I'd get the 14+ in that case.

 

[msp]

Oddly, there are a few Sr5 premiums in my area with hood scoops

Interesting. I've never seen an SR5 with a hood scoop up here. My disdain for the hood scoop has been recorded elsewhere....but it comes with everything else I do want.

As others have said, the 14+ interior is a bit of an upgrade. Go sit in one of each and decide for yourself...if you haven't already. I really liked the orange/amber lighting in the old interior.

 

[ColoradoToyota]

i own a 2016 sr5 premium which i love but have considered trading down to a 10-13 trail just because i like the look (and it is effectively the same truck but a little less plush inside) and i could probably make $10k+ in the move (and free up cash for a new weekend toy in the garage).

Therefore, I must cast my vote for 10-13 trail

 

[Jimmy_D]

I have a 2013 TE and I've been VERY pleased with it. I do light to moderate wheeling in it (it took daily driver duties away from my 2007 FJ which I had SAS'd and is my serious trail rig now). I can't really think of any complaints that I have with it.

 

[progress4m]

I am obviously biased (see my signature), so my vote is 100% on 2010-13 Trail (if you can find one- it took me more than a year to locate one in silver).

Versus SR5 , on trail version you get: rear locker, manual 4x4 shifter, better quality seats, better ride -on and off road (if you get one with KDSS) and possible sliding tray (cargo floor is not flat without it)… and this is an addition to arguably the best looking 5th gen 4Runner. :behindsofa:

Also, black trim on Trail is a lot more utilitarian vs. painted bumpers and fender flares.
Of course, resale value will be higher as well- Toyota produced less 2010-13 Trail additions vs. any other 5th gen models.

Good luck with your search!
:cheers:

 

[Engineer]

there is nothing to debate here

10-13 Trail = 4x4 Lever

 

[00Sebby]

I would go with the nicest one you can find that has all the features you want... even if a bit older. In my case, a 5th gen 4Runner had to be a Trail with the early front end and had to be silver. I looked at them when they first came out in 2010 but couldn't afford them at the time. I wish I had bought one because I spent a lot of money on different vehicles since then and it would've saved me $$$. Regardless, I bought my '10 Trail back in December of 2015. It had about 20k more miles than you are looking at but was only $25k. I slapped a set of BFG KO2s on it to replace the crappy OEM tires and replaced the front valence (license plate holes) and have never looked back. I've put almost 70k more miles on it and have driven to the west coast, Key West, New York and lots of points in between. It's a great vehicle.

 

[RUNTHAT]

I'm here to convince you to go with the 10-13 Trail, as well. Plus, it has a closer resemblance to your 3rd gen than the 14+. :guitar3:

 

[Trialrun]

You're supposed to chase cars and replace women. Oh wait.



I think the 14+ feels nicer overall, but the Trails get you the hood scoop and more importantly the rear locker. But, if you rarely off road then I think the locker is useless. I'd get the 14+ in that case.

Lol, being married might prove more difficult. She'd cut my car collection half

I like to get out and play in the wood, wish I had more time now a days but every so often.

 

[philsey]

So my wife is insistent on me getting an "newer" 4runner, we've talked about it in the past but I've really enjoyed my 3rd gen and not having a car payment. I proposed to her getting the cladding paint matched on my 3rd gen, adding a hood scoop and installing armor, she incurred some sticker shock at the cost and said absolutely not. (go figure). To my surprise, she told me to take that money, buy a 5th gen and in a few years when we move to a place with a bigger garage, I can get an older land cruiser that I've always wanted as a dedicated trail rig...sounds like a good compromise.

So my question to the 5th gen owners. I still want to keep my total purchase price under 28k and must have 4wd and a hood scoop (yes, i'm OCD about the hood scoop since I always wanted one on my 3rd gen), To that end, I've found the following in my budget locally.

• 2010-2013 4runner Trails from 24-28k w/ under 40k miles
• 2014-2016 4runner Sr5's or base Trail certified for around 28-30k w/ under 40k miles

If you were in my shoes, which would you go for and why?

On a side note, I already bought the TRD Pro suspension and stashed it in my garage since they were being cleared out at a massive discount.

You've said nothing about your use of the truck.

OTOH, everything you have said revolves around esthetics. Hard to make serious recommendations other than who-likes-what-look-best.

Oddly, there are a few Sr5 premiums in my area with hood scoops

Odd, this. Unless someone's putting TE hoods on SR5s, I'm more inclined to think the dealer is wrong.

wow, you read my mind. I actually prefer the look of the early 5th gen trails (front end and the black flares) but the 2014+ interior is my favorite. Wish I could have the best of both worlds

You can change the look easier than the interior.

I admit to preferring the LOOK of the TE, but practicality brings me down on the side of newer for similar money. Some purists like the 4WD shifter ... I hated it - it buzzes, catches dirt in the boot, is in the way, obstinate to shift, bah!

 

[Trialrun]

Interesting. I've never seen an SR5 with a hood scoop up here. My disdain for the hood scoop has been recorded elsewhere....but it comes with everything else I do want.

As others have said, the 14+ interior is a bit of an upgrade. Go sit in one of each and decide for yourself...if you haven't already. I really liked the orange/amber lighting in the old interior.

Right on, I like the 14 interior. I would change out the orange lighting if I went with the 10-13 Trail

 

[Trialrun]

I have a 2013 TE and I've been VERY pleased with it. I do light to moderate wheeling in it (it took daily driver duties away from my 2007 FJ which I had SAS'd and is my serious trail rig now). I can't really think of any complaints that I have with it.

Good to know. I've always toyed with the idea of an FJ, but an older one

 

[Trialrun]

I am obviously biased (see my signature), so my vote is 100% on 2010-13 Trail (if you can find one- it took me more than a year to locate one in silver).

Versus SR5 , on trail version you get: rear locker, manual 4x4 shifter, better quality seats, better ride -on and off road (if you get one with KDSS) and possible sliding tray (cargo floor is not flat without it)… and this is an addition to arguably the best looking 5th gen 4Runner. :behindsofa:

Also, black trim on Trail is a lot more utilitarian vs. painted bumpers and fender flares.
Of course, resale value will be higher as well- Toyota produced less 2010-13 Trail additions vs. any other 5th gen models.

Good luck with your search!
:cheers:

Great feedback! Seems like the group is making this decision easier. Funny that, I found 4 10-13 Trail editions in my area. However, not all will make the cut, given the rust belt I live in

 

[Trialrun]

I would go with the nicest one you can find that has all the features you want... even if a bit older. In my case, a 5th gen 4Runner had to be a Trail with the early front end and had to be silver. I looked at them when they first came out in 2010 but couldn't afford them at the time. I wish I had bought one because I spent a lot of money on different vehicles since then and it would've saved me $$$. Regardless, I bought my '10 Trail back in December of 2015. It had about 20k more miles than you are looking at but was only $25k. I slapped a set of BFG KO2s on it to replace the crappy OEM tires and replaced the front valence (license plate holes) and have never looked back. I've put almost 70k more miles on it and have driven to the west coast, Key West, New York and lots of points in between. It's a great vehicle.

Great to hear, yours look mint! Yes, it wouldn't stay stock for long, all my vehicles have a way of making me work more hours to buy them parts. Funny how that works

 

[comtn4x4]

Hands down 10-13 Trail. I love mine and I prefer the shift lever as was stated above. Plus the 10-13's look way better