Another new 4Runner owner

About a month ago I started looking for an SUV to take place of a 2001 Pathfinder The old reliable pathy still runs great after 16 years and, but has serious frame rust issues. A 4runner was a close ‘runner-up’ back when I was shopping in 2000. I keep my vehicles 10+ years, and was hoping to get a rugged SUV that would last even longer than the old Nissan. Original plan was to get something used, 1-2 yr old to avoid the usual depreciation. After looking at recent SUVs, the search/decision quickly went from “which SUV” to “which model 4Runner”. Just about all new midsize SUVs have the same cookie-cutter look, from the side I can’t even tell a Pathfinder form a Highlander or a new Pilot. All have that mini-minivan look and feel, while the 5th gen 4R is unmistakable, especially with that angry looking front end. Definitely not a soccer mom daily driver

So I figured it would be a simple “go to dealer, test drive, haggle for 3 hours and drive home” experience. Wrong. Visited a few dealerships, was much more shocked at prices on used 4Rs than the new ones. Test drove a new Trail, and was told no discounts on Toyota SUV’s, also found out no 2017s until year end. Since the used vs. new savings weren’t as much as I expected, decided to get a 2016. Magnetic Gray was my color choice, mostly because of this awesome build tread https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/swaggyveets-2014-toyota-4runner-trail-edition-build.387690/.
Was a bit confused with the options and differences between 4R trims, and found this forum to get more info (https://www.4runners.com/threads/new-2016-4runner-factory-options.2546/)
Other than a moon roof and 3rd row seat, TRD Pro had what I wanted. But after actually sitting in a 3rd row seat it was no longer that important, and I haven’t used a moon roof in my Pathy in years. I was also impressed by the off-road upgrades on the TRDP, even though I already have a Jeep YJ. So gray TRD Pro was an easy choice, until I actually tried to find one None of dealers I already visited could locate a gray one, told me 2016 run is finished, none are available, and I’d need to order a 2017. But it doesn’t look like MGM color will be offered, the Cement looks cool but just not for me. So I was on a mission to find a new/used 2016 TRDP in MGM.

Found out quickly that used TRDPs are usually over MSRPs, which wasn’t a good sign either. I used different websites to find TRDs on dealers’ lots on most of the east coast, a bunch gave me BS “sold that one yesterday, or someone just, put a deposit down, come in so we can sell you something else”. Found a quicksand one in PA, made a potential phone deal to get a gray one at sticker price if he could do a dealer swap. He tried but he could not fine one, or dealers would not do a trade. One dealer in MD actually had a gray one, but was asking almost 50K, a hefty markup over MSRP, and would not budge. No thanks. Finally found another gray one in Newport RI, 4+hrs away, made a phone deal directly with their sales manager for 1k+ under MSRP and just over 2% financing. I was ecstatic to find my holy grail at a good deal. But, a day before I was going to pick it up I saw a discrepancy in some numbers, and quickly found out the dealer accidentally sent me a sheet for a gray one that sold a while back, and he was looking at a quicksand one they actually had. To say that it was a serious buzz kill would be an understatement of the year. But to make up for his mistake, the guy offered to drop the price another seven hundred. I had my mind set on the gray one, looking at online pictures just wasn’t sure the military looking dessert tan was for me. But decided to take a drive anyway to check it out, combine the 4+hrs trip to hook up with old friends. Did not sleep worried I'd settle for the color I did not want. Left at 5am, and ended up loving the color. Just to make sure I compared the colors with a gray SR5 they had on the lot, and drove the quicksand TRDP home.

Thanks for reading my long story, hope it's a beginning of a much longer one Now let the search for a nice rack begin.

 

I’ve read in a bunch of threads about the quicksand color must be seen in person to appreciate and I couldn’t agree more. It just doesn’t photograph well, and looks different in every light. I also like the rarity factor of the color since quicksand is only offered in TRDP, and that it won’t be available on 2017s.

In case anyone is looking, Langhorne Toyota is still showing the quicksand in stock, and can probably be had for MSRP of about 44K. IIRC, it has extra options like running boards, remote start, and crossbars, probably why it’s still there.

 

Wow. That was quite an ordeal. Glad you were able to get your hands on one. I have he same TRDP. Love the color. We ordered a Gobi rack with the rear ladder. I'll post pics as soon as we get it installed. Post pics on your mods. Thanks for sharing the story.

 

Thanks Mark. Currently the only planned mods are a full length safari rack with a ladder, and interior LEDs. No lifts, with a rack I'll be just under the clearance in my garage.

 

I love my Quicksand Tacoma every time I walk up to it. It's such a rare color and makes it special on the 4Runner.

 

Thank you for sharing your story. Finding a TRD Pro on the West coast has been grueling.
Mike

 

Did you find one? What color did you get?

 

Well, we looked at a beige one and my wife did not like the color. It will be my wife's driver and she really wants white so we are at a stand still right now.

 

White is a great color. You will love the TRD. Great vehicle.

 

Our choice of colour was red, but the only Trail on the lot was a grey demo, only 1200km on it, with Goodyear Duratrac knobbies. Canadian Trails come with all the bells and whistles, from KDSS to heated seats, nav, moon roof,etc., so how could we resist? We didn't, and we love it! - Ted

 

How do you know the 2017s won't be available in quicksand?

 

The reps at Toyota says this is only a 2016 color and can only be purchased on TRDP. I haven't seen this color on any other vehicle except 4 runners Tacos and Tundras.

 

If the 4Runner follows suit with the Tacoma, 2016 Quicksand is exclusive to TRD Pro. It should be available on all models except TRD Pro for 2017. Not to take away from your badass 4Runner because I love the color. I'm hoping it's an option when the 2017 releases. I like the Cement Pro too!

 

You may be right, just noticed a Tundra TSS that was in quicksand on the new truck lot. I like the cement color as well. May have to order one.