Toyota 4Runner

[mooretitan]

Well I have been doing as much research this week and have decided that I do not need a full size SUV. Price is to high and gas mileage to low. For a DD I don’t think it will work.
So I am taking a serious look at a 4Runner. It doesn’t get the gas mileage I want but checks off all the other boxes. My question is the difference between the SR5 and TDR models. I know the on paper difference but looking for real world experience. The TDR model is the one I would like but it doesn’t come with a 3rd row seat. While not a complete deal breaker it would be nice. The SR5 has the 3rd row but doesn’t have the same off road package. For those who have experience is the SR5 enough 4*4. I drive a Z71 and I have never needed more 4*4 than it has and don’t ever plan on needing more than that.

I am also looking at a Nissan Pathfinder and a little lower on the list a Ford Explore

Thanks

 

[Kootenay Hunter]

When I was looking, I was disappointed in the 3rd row of the 4runner. If it's up, hopefully nobody is bringing anything along because there's no trunk space.....but when you're loaded with 7, you're probably going out to do something so....maybe go with the TDR if that's what you want.

I can't imagine the 4x4 options really making a huge difference offroad, it's a toyota 4x4 either way, it will go where you want it to.

I wanted to buy a Toyota, but between the price and the limited options/configurations I couldn't find anything that ticked all the boxes for me.

 

[mooretitan]

If I am using the 3rd row it would be on a family trip so I would either have a small cargo trailer or use the roof top.
If the TDR model had a 3rd row I would be good.
Just seeing how much the TDR and SR5 really differ in off road performance

What was the Toyota lacking for you

 

[N2TRKYS]

I went with the TRD OffRoad over the SR5.

 

[Norm555]

I have a 2019 Off-Road version which I love. Has quite a few off-road features that I really enjoy having such as crawl control and locking differential. My favorite is the crawl control which is like cruise control for rough patches. It's a big help on steep, loose, rocky desert roads I drive frequently so you don't have to feather the brakes. I bet the SR5 could go pretty much anywhere the off-road version can, but I sure like having the extra off-road features.

 

[Kootenay Hunter]

If I am using the 3rd row it would be on a family trip so I would either have a small cargo trailer or use the roof top.
If the TDR model had a 3rd row I would be good.
Just seeing how much the TDR and SR5 really differ in off road performance

What was the Toyota lacking for you

I thought the creature comforts (some advocated by the wife) we're not there and the interior was kinda small. Also not a big fan of the 4.0l engine, sure it's bullet proof, but that's about it. I drive 95% on the road so that mattered more than getting into the last on-frame 4x4 suv unfortunately. Also, the salesman was pushy and wanted a downpayment when they didn't even have an unsold model on the lot to test drive. He told me that you pay more upfront for the resale value later, which wasn't a good enough excuse since I plan to own it for 10+ years, the time value of money doesn't make sense to me.

I also have a 4-5mo of winter driving where I live, so an awd option seemed better for the wife than rwd or 4x4.

 

[CorbLand]

He told me that you pay more upfront for the resale value later, which wasn't a good enough excuse since I plan to own it for 10+ years, the time value of money doesn't make sense to me.

HAHAHA pay 10,000 more now so you can get 7,000 more in the future? I understand wanting more resale value but buying something for 30,000 to sell it for 15,000 later versus 20,000 for 10,000 later is a concept that has never made sense to me but you would be amazed at how the general public eats it up.

 

[N2TRKYS]

I thought the creature comforts (some advocated by the wife) we're not there and the interior was kinda small. Also not a big fan of the 4.0l engine, sure it's bullet proof, but that's about it. I drive 95% on the road so that mattered more than getting into the last on-frame 4x4 suv unfortunately. Also, the salesman was pushy and wanted a downpayment when they didn't even have an unsold model on the lot to test drive. He told me that you pay more upfront for the resale value later, which wasn't a good enough excuse since I plan to own it for 10+ years, the time value of money doesn't make sense to me.

I also have a 4-5mo of winter driving where I live, so an awd option seemed better for the wife than rwd or 4x4.

Why would you pay more upfront? The 4Runner was cheaper than anything else I looked at. That's one of the reasons why I bought it.

 

[Kootenay Hunter]

Why would you pay more upfront?

Don't know, but up in Canada, that's what Toyota dealerships promote and justify why their prices are higher than comparable models with more options, the actually promote resale value as a feature. 4runners up in Canada aren't exactly cheaper either, US has much lower prices for vehicles.

 

[Danny Hoey]

Have you looked at the Subaru Ascent?

 

[ZMT588]

There is no justification in Higher prices now for resale value later. Though it is sorta true... In certain places there's what Toyota enthusiasts call Toyota tax. Certain regions across the nation will pay more for a Toyota, thus creating a higher resale value. I bought my Toyota out of Sacramento Ca for 9k. In Billings Mt the same car would go for around 6k. Toyota knows its street value and puts into their price tag on the lot.

As for your question regarding the TRD and the SR5... I am probably going to piss off a few Toyota guys here, but I think your paying for the TRD emblem they slap on the side of the car that just looks cool. I have had multiple Toyotas and none of them were the top end TRD model and my truck/SUV still made, and still makes it near everywhere a TRD sport or TRD pro go. Sure you get crawl control and the little dial up on top to let your truck know what terrain your in, or a electronic locking differential. But at the end of the day, off road capabilities are only as good as your off-road driving abilities. The SR5 and TRD sport share the same gear ratios in the front and rear diff. Even same gear rations in the transmission. If it were me I would go with the SR5. Save your money.

 

[Ronb]

Get a TRD off-road premium with KDSS. You can get a 2019 right now with Costco pricing for 40k. Maybe even cheaper, if you’re a good negotiator.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Nick Muche]

What kind of negotiating are we talking? Anyone have anything they can add with regards to that? My wife and I are getting a new 4Runner tomorrow.

 

[Billinsd]

HAHAHA pay 10,000 more now so you can get 7,000 more in the future? I understand wanting more resale value but buying something for 30,000 to sell it for 15,000 later versus 20,000 for 10,000 later is a concept that has never made sense to me but you would be amazed at how the general public eats it up.

Probably my most useful engineering class was Engineering Economic Analysis!! Cost/Benefit Analysis is so useful in my life!!! Knowing how to calculate present worth and future worth, using interest rates is very useful. When I have mused getting solar panels, or been curious about hybrid cars I've calculated the break even point, which is very useful too. Then there is always the do nothing alternative : ). The only way I could imagine paying more upfront for higher resale later, would be, maybe buying a more expensive, and popular model, versus a cheaper and less popular model. However, it still "seems" like you would be money ahead buying a cheaper model and selling it later, most if not all the time. I virtually NEVER listen to salesmen or rather am EXTREMELY hesitant to believe a word they say, and even more skeptical!!! I'm not openly rude to them, they have a job to do and probably have a family to feed. However, long before I'm talking to salesmen I have done all my homework and they are a necessary middleman for me to negotiate the car price with, rarely anything more. Unless, they talk to me about the car sales business, AFTER the sale, which has only happened one time, then I am all ears. Cheers, Bill

 

[Overwire]

I have a TRD off-road. IMO the only thing of value on the TRD package is the rear locker. Unfortunately it is not nearly as easy to modify the locker controls to work in 4hi or 2wd as it was on the older generation Toyotas. From the factory it only works in 4low. For the price difference between sr5 and TRD you can get an aftermarket locker without limitations ( but you will void your warranty on the rear diff). I think the crawl control and multi-terrain select on the TRD are gimmicks but some people like them. I think the sr5 is going to be more capable off-road than your z71 if you put decent tires on it. Ground clearance is a bit lacking on the new 4Runners but that can be improved easily. Interior features are way behind the times and gas mileage is worse than 1/2 ton pickups. They are solid, reliable vehicles though.

 

[Billinsd]

What kind of negotiating are we talking? Anyone have anything they can add with regards to that? My wife and I are getting a new 4Runner tomorrow.

Find someone in your state that will offer you a lower price. That's what I did on my last 2 cars I bought. I used, I believe, Truecar.com and used the function to get bids out to 150 miles away from me. I'm in San Diego, and there was a dealership about 150 miles north that made a lowball offer. I brought the offer in and the salesman of course said that the offer was bogus, that if I drove up there they would change the offer, bait and switch. I said "BALONY!!!" I'll drive 150 miles to save $1, 500. The guy went and talked to his manager and came back and offered me the car for $150 over the other dealer 150 miles away. I said "DEAL" I ain't driving 150 miles each way to save $150. Cheers Bill

 

[N2TRKYS]

Find someone in your state that will offer you a lower price. That's what I did on my last 2 cars I bought. I used, I believe, Truecar.com and used the function to get bids out to 150 miles away from me. I'm in San Diego, and there was a dealership about 150 miles north that made a lowball offer. I brought the offer in and the salesman of course said that the offer was bogus, that if I drove up there they would change the offer, bait and switch. I said "BALONY!!!" I'll drive 150 miles to save $1, 500. The guy went and talked to his manager and came back and offered me the car for $150 over the other dealer 150 miles away. I said "DEAL" I ain't driving 150 miles each way to save $150. Cheers Bill

I emailed different dealerships for their best out the door price. My best price was at a dealership 200 miles(one way) away. I called my local dealership and told them I was buying a new 4Runner tomorrow (which I was). They told me that they matched prices everyday. I told the salesman that if he matched it, I would drive to the dealership whom gave me the best price first. I told him that he would have to beat it. He came back with a lower price, so I bought it from them.

 

[MattB]

Great vehicles: crappy gas mileage, a bit underpowered, and dated interior but I love them. Unless you really want a locker, the SR5 if fine. I strongly dislike the traction control and crawl features but to each their own. Bullet-proof and great resale.

I do love the KDSS suspension though, really limits body roll on the road but provides for articulation off road.

 

[eltaco]

I have owned a Tacoma for 11yrs now, and am also looking at a 4Runner for my next vehicle.

Since my experience is with the Tacoma, I’ll comment on a couple of relevancies. I have a TRD Off-road with the rear locker. I can say I’ve honestly used it twice in 180k miles to legitimately try get me out of bad situations. In one of those scenarios, it was amazing, I was easily freed from my situation. The other time I locked it up, man, I’ve never been more stuck than when both rear wheels dug in at the same time...

The resale comments are sort of interesting. I bought at $24k (1yr old with 7k mi) 11yrs ago and it still shows a retail price of $14.5k. I don’t know many other vehicles that hold value like that, and it’ll absolutely matter to me when I go to sell. Unfortunately, I see the same for used 4Runners, they’re very tightly priced to new ones, and chances are you can negotiate a new with better financing to a better out the door price on holdovers.

 

[duchntr]

Id go SR5 over the trd, a stock sr5 is more capable than your current rig fwiw.