Prices...buy now or wait?

To quote my 80 year old Dad....."It Depends. Maybe So, Maybe No!"

I will play the part of a fool and predict there will be somewhat of a buying frenzy on the 5th Gen's that are still around once the dust settles on exactly what the 2025 models look like, how they are equipped and what the price points are. But my prediction isn't worth 2 cents! If you don't "fear" the changes to the 2025 models that are being discussed then you are in the catbird seat and can work "your deal" on either model.

Best of luck and to quote my Dad again...."buy what you want not what they want to sell you. After all it is your money!" Then get it in there and make it happen!!

 

You're unlikely to see any huge markdowns for the 5th Gen. I agree with you, the general public (most people) like all the gadgets, new styling and having the latest. You said you like the simple reliability and want a 5th Gen 4Runner.

It seems like you know what you want and if I was in your shoes I wouldn't wait. Find the model 5th gen you want and enjoy. That's what I did several months ago and have no regrets.

 

You will get a better deal on the limited selection of leftover 5th gens after 6th gens begin showing up on dealer lots. However, the opposite will be true if you want a specific color or trim level.

 

People have been asking this question for a couple years. They'll still be asking a couple years from now. Even after the sixth gen comes out, people will be asking whether some expected change in next year's vehicle or some other macroeconomic fluctuation will differentially affect prices of incoming stock, current inventory, and used vehicles.

 

Yes, though the lending rate is high now and fluctuating more than the decade+ before Covid.

Of course the other consideration is what you'll be using the vehicle for. We aren't getting younger and the off-roading/overlanding places aren't getting more open. Is it worth saving an extra $1k or $2k and missing out on a year of use?

 

No turbo engine would ever be as reliable as NA. Gas savings are also illusionary, if you are on boost, you are not saving gas. If you drive off boost, then why do you need a turbo?

 

This is absolutely true. I have a Bronco Squatch with the turbo 4 and it is very fun to drive. I also would subjectively feel better if it was a Toyota engine and platform. Reenforced by the fact my Bronco transmission went out at 187 miles from new. Obviously a manufacturing defect there. So far 10k without any other issues. Ford gave me a 100k mile warranty, otherwise I'd have moved on.

My 24 4Runner on the other hand is so much more satisfying to drive. As I get older, I'll take satisfying over fun. I do think Gen5 is the rare classic you can still buy brand new. It's a keeper. Hopefully the new turbo Toyotas will eventually have that status.

 

I sold my 2016 4R Trail and my civic to buy a 2023 Tundra LTD ORP for towing our 18ft trailer. When we needed another vehicle, we testdrove certified pre-owned BMW X5 and X3s, brand new Pilot and CR-Vs, and a Rav4, but we still gravitated to a 4R so I bought my wife a 2023 ORP.

I love the drivetrain on my Tundra. It tows my trailer effortlessly. But build quality is so much better on the 4R. The 4R just feels like a tank.

If I get the itch in a few years to upgrade the wife's vehicle, I think that I'll have to look at either the GX or the LC to get the fit and finish that I expect from a Toyota.

Having the 2023 4R gives me better options on what to do in the future, while letting me enjoy the vehicle I want right now.

 

This. All turbo'd engines show ridiculous MPG on the window sticker. Had a 2015 Ford Escape 1.6 turbo. I drive very conservative. I got 16.5mpg 50/50 city/hwy. Sticker said 23/31. Now, once up to speed-65mph, at steady throttle, on flat ground, it got 33mpg. But having to stop and get back up to any speed even light footed, turbos gulp gas like there is no tomorrow.

 

Shop around and you can locate yourself a great deal on a 5th gen. once the new models are released.

 

Good question. Prices are crazy high at some dealers. I found an SR5 Premium with a sticker price of 60K the other day at a local dealership...

It's hard to tell anyone to buy a new 4R with those prices. Good dealers are out there, but you'll have to look for one.
If you want to buy used, try to find one with low mileage and/ or good maintenance records. This might save you a little more money once the next generation hits the streets.

Don't get FOMO if you're okay with buying used.
With that said, idk how long the 2024's are gonna be in dealerships. So if you want a brand new one I'd start shopping around and establish a relationship with a dealer that won't screw you over. They might be able to provide you with a time frame and you can make a more informed decision.

 

No. Prices won't be dropping enough to make any difference. Don't pay any dealer markups. Drive or fly to a dealer if need be. There are no bargains, but you can get one without getting it in the rear.

 

The other possibility is once the 6th gens start getting delivered, Everyone's who's been on the fence about getting a 5th gen will scoop up all the remaining inventories. Once they're gone, they're gone. I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility that instead of 5th gen prices going down, they could actually see an increase.

The more I think about it, that's my prediction.

 

You may find yourself in a fast-moving line for a shrinking Gen5 supply by then. Happiness with a decision like this won't ultimately be defined by how much you saved, or how good a deal you got. It'll be defined by how much you enjoy the vehicle. Don't always shop based on budget or 'the better deal', especially if you're not financially strapped. A lot of vehicles' values can be reduced to a number. I think the 4Runner isn't one of those. So I say buy now if you are going to eventually buy anyway.

 

I bought my taco and 4runner out of state. Highly recommend you travel to save money. Buy one and don't look back. Lots of great deals on used trucks with low miles. With tax returns coming soon, they will have lots of deals to get that uncle sam money

 

That's not been my experience we have almost 7k on our bronco and have averaged 20mpg with sasquatch package which is lifted with 35's. I take it easy most of the time but when I need power it's there!

 

More units are hitting the dealerships, they need sales.....maybe you can work dealer pricing against one another.

 

I've seen lots of SR5's being sold at a discount. ORP and TRD Pro are less available it seems. I bought a ORP Solar Octane over the holiday in NE Ohio and my BIL got a great deal ($3500) off a Nautical Blue ORP last weekend at Carlsbad Toyota . If you're looking for a higher trim and if color matters, I would buy before summer as the pickings may dry up. Who knows though. I don't know when Toyota stops production. My friend is looking for a leftover '23 Tacoma right now and all he can find is base model white or black locally.

 

Nice truck. Looks good in the snow

 

It's the age old question of weekdays going to happen in the future.....no one knows.

It boils down to what you THINK is going to happen to prices. But it is your money and your truck. If you see what you think is a massively great deal......hop on it if you want a brand new 5th gen. If used then it will still be used later down the line no matter what time. A deal is what you consider a deal.

 

The main reason I bought T4R the 5th (again) is to NEVER visit dealership.

 

Personally I don’t think there will be a 6th Gen in 2025. Look at how many years wolf had been cried. Hell I bought mine new 21 and this was the same story back then oh this is the last year.

From a business model why change it they sell like hot cakes the tooling is paid for years ago and all the money is profit on these things. They can sell this without many Cafe issues also because toyota has plenty more 4 banger efficient cars in their line up.

 

That's what I did. I pitted the two Toyota dealers in the metro area where I'm at against each other. The one I bought it from matched the price of the one I was looking at that didn't have KDSS from the other dealer, so I got an even better deal that way as it has KDSS.

 

Just my opinion I would not buy the first year. Unless you don’t mind taking it in for service all the time. Crap shoot!! Next unless you want to pay over msrp it’s going to happen for the new model. Toyota is still doing it with the 5th Gen unless you shop around. That’s why I bought a 23 Pro and staying with it. I don’t need all the bell and whistles. But there are so many out there that need the newest and greatest thing out on the market. And it don’t matter what it cost.

 

I'm curious if Toyota will move the 6th gen manufacturing over to Mexico where the Tacomas are built. That's another thing I like about my 4Runner being built in Japan with the Lexus vehicles; you know the quality is top notch.

 

Has there been issues with builds in Mexico, our Tacoma came from Mexico so I'm a little concerned now?

 

I don't think so. I don't know of any quality issues in the Mexican plant. Everyone has said the quality coming from Toyota Japan has been top notch. GM and Ford have plants in Mexico and they have had some quality issues there but I would assume Toyota being who they are have been better about that.

 

Like you I was concerned when I heard that's where our Taco came from but couldn't find any info on issues is why I asked. We have almost 30k on it and it's been perfect so knock on wood!

 

My opinion and limited experience with manufacturing is that there isn’t anything “wrong” with the manufacturing in Mexico. More often it’s actually quite good. It’s really the quality standards in place by the company. Toyota products made in Mexico, or like the Tundras made in San Antonio, wouldn’t give me any hesitation or concern over general reliability. They have higher standards than say a GM, Ford, etc. Do I believe the 4R, LC, and Lexus GX/LX coming out of Japan are better built? Yes, but that is more a testament to the Japanese manufacturing and track record of vehicles built at that specific plant and not a knock on the Mexico plants.

I also have an F-250 built in Kentucky. We’ve had Super Duty trucks since I was high school (farm/ranch family). My current one is a ‘22. I’ve had exceptional luck with our Ford trucks (and two half ton Silverados). Very few problems with them and all tow/haul very well and at high mileage. But, as I was thinking last night while washing my ‘23 4R ORP, that 4R is just built ‘that’ much better than those trucks. Not even close, really. The fit and finish of this 4R is exceptional for a mass produced vehicle.

 

From what I have heard the new 4runner will be build with the taco in Mexico

Look at this... https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xiWH1ekRAVw - I say buy one!!