What to buy

Looking to buy my first 4Runner . Was thinking about the TRD just because I like the looks . I will not be doing any off roading. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks .

 

If you are not off roading the SR5 is just as good. But to spend the extra 5-6k to have something you like the looks of (rims and emblems) that you will have for 500k is fine, but you can buy those rims and the TRD emblems cheap for an SR5.

 

If you're not planning on going off road at all I'd look at what I wanted to spend and then look for the model that had the features I wanted/needed in that price range.

 

I'm should have said I'm looking at used models ( 2016 - 2020 ). I'm finding the TRD in the same price range as the other packages like the SR5 and Limited. My concern was more like is the TRD going to be a much harsher ride , different gear ratios and things of that nature.

 

I don't believe so but will let others chime in. I love my TRD OR but wish I would have got the ORP (Off road premium) as it would have had a couple comforts my wife would have appreciated. If you're used to creature comforts thought I'd look at one of the limited or premium models. Suspension wise, I believe they are all pretty similar minus the PRO

 

I bought my first 4R in March. A TRD ORP with the off-road upgrade package (TRD wheels and larger Nitto Terra Grappler tires, etc). Mine is still stock and frankly, I think it rides really well/smooth and absorbs bumps in town great. Now, I normally drive 3/4 trucks with solid front axles, so my metric for smooth is likely different than most. However, my wife has a 2019 Ford Expediton Limited that has been an exceptional car for us. It’s at roughly 119k miles, but rides extremely well (even though it’s AWD). I’d say the 4R TRD ORP rides almost as good as that larger/heavier full size SUV.

 

Brand new is always going to be the best option. No abuse and full warranty.

Buy as new and low mileage as your budget will allow. If you have to have a special TRD Pro color, check for offroad trims that may have offered that color. You can add the cosmetic pieces and suspension later. Most important if you buy used, pay to have your mechanic do a full pre-purchase inspection, and don't buy a rental or rebuilt title.

 

They all pretty much feel the same, except for a TRD with KDSS (better handling and better off road) and the Pro (better off road). Just go with the best used one you can find, SR5, TRD or Limited will basically all feel the same.

 

I say get what you really want (and can afford) even if it cost a little more than budgeted. In the long run you will be happier and more satisfied, but maybe a little less in the bank account. If I were you I would get the TRD ORP model. Good luck in you hunt!

 

Are the Nitto Terra Grapplers really any larger than the 265/70-17 size found on every other 4R model except the Limited & Sport? I can see Toyota upgrading brand, but I have not heard of them changing size, unless it was the dealer who did that.

Changing to a larger tire would most likely involve modifications to the fender liner and/or mud flaps.

 

KDSS and XREAS suspension systems give good ride when they work but expensive to repair or delete.

 

I would suggest test driving the model(s) on your desired routes and picking one based off of your requirements and likes.
Pick one based one your needs and options you need.
Rock on!

 

Lol, had to laugh at this because it true. My vehicle is a 3rd gen Cummins. The gf's runner feels like a Caddy to me. Going 60 feels like we're going 30

 

This is the best advice so far. Since you are buying for looks rather than capability, let the trim level take a back seat to the mileage and condition.

 

@glwood54 No, they aren’t. I’m glad you asked. I went and checked and they are in fact 265/70R17. So that package just changed the wheels, “type” of tire and added a couple of other goodies.

 

No offroading, don't need the capabilities...other than wanting it for looks, do you need a 4runner? People buy these mostly as tools for mountains and adventure rigs. There are a LOT of vehicles out there more budget and economy friendly as far as fuel mileage goes. What will the 4runner do for you that something else can't? Have to ask yourself these questions

 

Buying a 4Runner is a big investment so you should get whatever trim and options appeal to you regardless of your planned utilization. IMHO, an SR5 is just as capable off-road as the other models with a driver possessing average skills.

 

Like others have previously stated, buy what YOU like. For example, I specifically went for an ORP because I wanted the all black SofTex interior, didn’t want a limited, and it had to be Army Green.

 

If you like the TRD off-road, and there doesn't seem to be a price premium for it, go for it!

Some of the TRD off-road models had KDSS, it was a somewhat expensive option. I haven't driven one, but supposedly makes it handle much nicer on road.

The shocks and springs will be the same between the TRD off-road and SR5 models, the TRD Pro and limited models had different suspensions.

The TRD pro suspension can be added after the fact, the limited is fairly complicated and cannot.

Most people don't care much for the SR5 or TRD off-road suspension, it's not that much to upgrade it to new shocks that ride better. Depending on the mileage of the used one that you buy, you might want to do that anyway. A 2016 is 7 years old now, and is likely to have around 100k miles on it. Low mileage for one of these, but you probably would want to think about replacing shocks anyway.

If you don't care about off-roading, I would suggest taking a look at the Limited if you're in their price range. They don't look as cool, but they have a lot of nice luxury features that aren't available on the other models.

There's also the Lexus GX 460 model, which is essentially a V8 4Runner.

 

To buy it its extremely cheap right? If I'm not mistaken its just $1500/$1750. It only cost an arm and a leg when they leak. IMO stealerships are giving unfair prices for the repairs.

Very good options for when not taking off-road. Especially the GX460.

But more than those if not taking off-road I would seriously look at a Toyota with 2.5L i4 Hybrid powertrain. On of my buddy got a Rav4 Prime and after months it still has gas given at the purchase of the vehicle. He is mostly utilizing the electric range.

 

The RAV4 is actually a really good suggestion. I think most people that drive 4 runners would actually be better suited by the rav, at least where I live. Hardly anybody takes them off-road here, because there's really no off-roading anyway.

 

It’s a great option. Actually considering the prime for the gf/future fiancé

 

Much better tires than the standard Dunlop or Bridgestone, however - good choice.

 

We bought a used SR5 as a dependable beater for occasional winter extreme cold and ice road conditions here and happy with that choice, heater works great and with correct tires truck doesn't swap ends on black ice.

 

What dealership is this at?

 

Found it in March at Toyota San Marcos. No markups or shenanigans. Was pretty straightforward. They also took off the dealer sticker during make ready with no fuss after I asked them to.

 

Buy the new TRD Sport if you do not want to do any off roading. They are really nice.