First 4runner, deciding between a 2018 SR5 and a 2020 SR5 with mods

Hey everyone! I will be purchasing my first 4runner this week (finally moving on from a German car), and am hoping I could get some of your input on what you think the better move would be between the two that Im looking at! Both are 4wd

**2018 SR5**

* 44k miles, 2 owners, 1 minor accident but no damage. All services are up to date
* Toytec 2" Lift/Leveling Kit
* Fuel Wheels
* BFGoodrich K02 A/T Tires
* Prinsu Roof Rack
* Katzkin leather seats
* Price - $35,000

**2020 SR5**

* 36K miles, 2 owners, no accidents. All services appear to be up to date
* Icon 1"-3" lift 2.0 Aluminum series rear shocks with internal reservoir
* Icon 0"-3.5" lift V.S. 2.5 Series coilovers with internal reservoir
* Yokohama Geolander G003 M/T tires (LT295/70/R17)
* Leather seats (noticed during test drive, but nothing noted on listing)
* Pinsu roof rack
* Price - $40,000

My plan with this car is to use it as a daily driver, as well as overloading, camping, ski trips, and minor off roading. I do know that with the 2020, I get the safety sense features which would be nice to have, but not necessary for me by any means. Both cars felt good during the test drives, although the 2020 did feel somewhat bumpy at low speeds, and had much more road noise (Im guessing this was due to the M/T tires).

I guess where im most wanting some help, is that Im not familiar with off road tires, as well as suspension mods and the values/benefits/cons of each. In your opinion, does the 2020 with the extras listed seem worth the extra $5k to you? Which would you pick?

Thanks everyone!

 

Your guess about the tires is probably right. Larger tires are heavier and thus create more road noise. It's the trade off that you have to deal with when you go bigger. They also impact MPG's. Not by a lot, but they do impact them.

In the end, it's your money, do what works best for you financially and makes you happy.

Inspect them both thoroughly (check the service history, the frame, suspension parts, etc..). The 20' model has a few more safety features that many people do want, not all want it, but most.

 

thanks for the input! Do you have any knowledge as far as the difference in suspensions (toytech vs icon), and if one is known to be more reliable?

 

Welcome!

 

I voted for the 2020 since CarPlay and whatnot but I’m not sure I’d want to spend that much on something already modded unless you plan on getting those anyway.

Of course look at rust, other things, does the 4WD engage, etc.

 

Welcome to the board. Did you crawl underneath both vehicles? An inspection of the underside can reveal whether the vehicle was off-roaded ardently or gingerly.

I’d choose the one in better condition.

 

I would plan on doing some mods down the road anyway (lift, suspension, tires). So if either of these setups are decent, I wouldn’t mind just buying a vehicle with those mods already done assuming they are in good shape. I will definitely be having an independent mechanic take a look at whichever vehicle I find my self leaning towards as well

 

The factory powertrain warranty is 5 year/60,000 miles.
The 2020 might still be covered?
If buying thru dealer are either or both Certified Used/preowned? Can you get a gold extended warranty so its covered while you learn about condition?
My 2017 SR5 needed a new tranny at 48,000 miles and just over the 5 year powertrain expiration. But I had a 7/100,000 platinum warranty which covered : first incorrect diagnosis of Torque Converter $3,000 paid by Toyota. Second the accurate diagnosis of new tranny another $5,000 paid by Toyota. Thats $8,000 dollars in drivetrain repairs to fix a faulty Flex Lock Torque Converter component failure in tranny valve body. The drivability issue was TC shudder or chatter. Our A750 tranny is also used tn Tacomas. TC shudder is well known and their are TSB's on them across many Toyota models for many years.
I exploded the 4Runner reliability myth.

 

Neither. IMO overpriced. For those mods you should be at or below KBB in today's market. Icon is great... so is toytec, but both of these have the budget kits so they are not worth paying extra for.

 

Welcome. I'm biased on the 2018. But if you want the newer stuff like pretty dash etc. Just be mindful of buying other people's problems and mods. And I'm talking about the accident. There's a reason these people are selling after spending the time and money to mod them.

 

welcome