[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Help Me Build a New 4Runner (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 9/20/2016 11:04:14 PM EDT
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It's time. A kid and maybe another, the ridiculous VW TDI buyout offer, the increasingly bad flooding.... I think we're ready. We really like the 4Runner, so we're in the market in the next month or so. The only caveat is that we want the 3rd row seats, so the TRD is out the window. What options and trim level should we get? What's not worth the money and what should be done aftermarket?
This will be a daily driver, limited towing, light off road (ranch land). |
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Well the trail doesnt have the third row so thats out. Not sure about the trdpro. Dont get the limited because nothing fits on those stupid 20 in rims. So that leaves the SR5. Simple.
Wife drives a 10 with the third row. Its cramped but usable by kids and adults you hate. Also there are no ac vents back there so long trips may be uncomfortable for the third row passengers. Of course with the third row up almost all the cargo room dissapears. That being said we love the 4runner and the third row has been useful on rare occasions. Check out the t4r.org forums for more info. Hope that helps |
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The TRDPro is just an appearance package with a slight upgrade to shocks, and the Trail/TRD has no third row option. I think the limited it fucking ugly with that huge ass chrome bumper and you can get a decently optioned Sequoia for not much more.
So I guess that just leaves you the SR5 Premium. |
Here's how I built mine 34" MTRs, rear Elocker, ARB front locker, 4.56 Nitro gears, Shrockworks front, CBI rear bumpers, shrockworks sliders, Bud's skids, Baja rack, on board air, self spotting cameras, lots of cutting and welding, a constant work in progress. 3rd row is for midgets you don't like, only. Otherwise, look for a LC200, Suburban, or minivan |
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Hmmmm, good points here. Unfortunately the 3rd row WILL be used for kids since our first is 1 and we're currently practicing to make the 2nd. I'll see if a dealer visit can't talk her our of that option.
I liked the options on the limited, but hadn't heard about the oddball wheels. Is that really an issue? I think the sequoia is fugly. I'd almost just go to an Expedition if that was the option. What dealer extras are worth getting and what is better to just go aftermarket? I appreciate the help. |
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Got to compare side by side a Sequoia that had a V8 ...these actually look pretty nice...
I prefer the 4Runner TRD Pro but if you aren't going to really off road with the thing anyway...and need the room for an expanding family...it ain't that bad. You can always lift it...put better rims and tires on it...rack it up...skid plates...make it your own.. |
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SR5. Limited doesn't get you much to justify the price increase in my opinion. Stock suspension is too soft, you bottom out on the bump stops going over speed bumps and it will stand on its nose if you stop fast at a light. You can put a Toytec lift for ~$900 and it fixes most issues and puts the vehicle where it really should have been from the factory instead of a mall cruiser. |
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Nobody wants to hear this, but I am telling you that you need a minivan.
You and/or your wife may not "want" one for your own self image, but that is what you need. Be an adult, not a hipster. You are bringing kids into this world. Do you really think anyone gives a shit that you are driving a minivan other than others that are caught up in the image. Nothing hauls people and crap better and easier than a minivan. With that said, a 4Rnr is a cool and awesome vehicle. So are Tahoes, Suburbans, and a variety of other land yachts, but trust me when I say that having kids is easier in a minivan. When your wife has to lift that baby seat carrier up into any tall vehicle, she will be wishing she had something shorter(you know, like a minivan). I am partial to Toyotas, but any of them really fit the bill. If you want a little "cool" factor, buy one a little fancier than standard. But, after 5-6 years of baby puke, nasty diapers, and dirt, it really doesn't matter. ETA: MVs can do light towing. Of course, you must define light. Pop up campers are fine while a 20' travel trailer is not. Hauling a 4x8 trailer with your lawnmower is ok while hauling the tractor is not. See what I mean. Also, as far as dirt roads, I let my 11 yo daughter take our 10yo Sienna down the woods trails on our property to practice her driving. And I do not mean smooth motor graded dirt roads, but also not Jeep rated trails either. |
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Quoted:
Build it as close to this as possible. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1660/24128130262_93250cdf68_h.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1532/24236207075_90388236a2_h.jpg That is bad ass.. |
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Quoted:
Here's how I built minehttps://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/7660835/offroad/061916/DSCN6592.jpg 34" MTRs, rear Elocker, ARB front locker, 4.56 Nitro gears, Shrockworks front, CBI rear bumpers, shrockworks sliders, Bud's skids, Baja rack, on board air, self spotting cameras, lots of cutting and welding, a constant work in progress. 3rd row is for midgets you don't like, only. Otherwise, look for a LC200, Suburban, or minivan That is bad ass. I would love to live out in CO. |
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For a third row in a 4runner, the only trim you can get that in is an SR5 or Limited.
Beyond the third row of seats what else do you want in the vehicle? SR5 is base trim. SR5 premium gives you sunroof, lighted side mirrors, softex faux leather, power front seats, heated front seats. Limited gives dual climate control, sunroof, real leather, auto head lights, 20 inch rims and tires, lots of chrome-like plastic on the outside, power front seats, heated front seats. So that is a quick rundown. All 3 of those trims are available in 4wd. If you want the third row then get it, yes they are for small kids, but the kids wont mind. From there it is just options. You can make the vehicle as high speed, off-road capable as possible if you have the money to put in it. |
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Quoted: I bought used and from a jeep dealer that I have used for 15 years so I got a pretty good deal. Quoted: Quoted: For any folks that have purchased a 4Runner lately, I know they don't budge much on price. Any luck getting accessories thrown in for free? I bought used and from a jeep dealer that I have used for 15 years so I got a pretty good deal. No such luck around here. A 2014s are going to $5k less than new. Thinking of buying an older one as a toy though.  |
| Picked up a 2015 4 runner about a year ago. Love it, got the limited with the third row seats. The space in the rear is not that bad at all, my 11 year old fits just fine. If both the third row seats are up, the rear space behind is very tight, however if one is up the other down no issue at all. It is a absolute beast in the snow and ice, we get lots and it doesn't stop at all. I paid 41 for it brand new and it has all options. My favorite option is the automatic running boards. The dealer also sold me the Toyota platinum warranty for 1100, so I got 8 years/ 100 miles of bumper to bumper factory coverage. I did also look at the sequoia but it was an additional 10 grand so wasn't really a option. |
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Quoted: Hmmmm, good points here. Unfortunately the 3rd row WILL be used for kids since our first is 1 and we're currently practicing to make the 2nd. I'll see if a dealer visit can't talk her our of that option. I liked the options on the limited, but hadn't heard about the oddball wheels. Is that really an issue? I think the sequoia is fugly. I'd almost just go to an Expedition if that was the option. What dealer extras are worth getting and what is better to just go aftermarket? I appreciate the help. Wife has and has had a 3 row SUV 10+ years and throughout our kids' whole life. I can count on 1 hand the times we actually used it and it was when family or friends were visiting. Also consider access to 3rd row is a PITA, especially with a toddler and infant carrier. You won't be putting them in the 3rd row on a regular basis if you can help it. |
| I bought a 2016 SR5 with third row seats about two months ago. I have three kids ranging in age from 2-9. I wanted the third row seat in case we were running around town and wanted to take my in laws with us. The middle row can slide so you can adjust the leg room on the third row. There is zero cargo space with the third row seats up. All three of my kids typically ride in the middle row and fit fine. I really like the 4Runner, I plan on buying one for my wife soon. Mine stickered for $37,5xx and I ended up getting it for $34,000. |
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Quoted:
Build it as close to this as possible. https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1660/24128130262_93250cdf68_h.jpg https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1532/24236207075_90388236a2_h.jpg Damn it Toyota. Why u no sell here. |
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Only 2 kids, what are you planning to use the back seats for then? Wife has and has had a 3 row SUV 10+ years and throughout our kids' whole life. I can count on 1 hand the times we actually used it and it was when family or friends were visiting. Also consider access to 3rd row is a PITA, especially with a toddler and infant carrier. You won't be putting them in the 3rd row on a regular basis if you can help it. Quoted:
Quoted:
Hmmmm, good points here. Unfortunately the 3rd row WILL be used for kids since our first is 1 and we're currently practicing to make the 2nd. I'll see if a dealer visit can't talk her our of that option. I liked the options on the limited, but hadn't heard about the oddball wheels. Is that really an issue? I think the sequoia is fugly. I'd almost just go to an Expedition if that was the option. What dealer extras are worth getting and what is better to just go aftermarket? I appreciate the help. Wife has and has had a 3 row SUV 10+ years and throughout our kids' whole life. I can count on 1 hand the times we actually used it and it was when family or friends were visiting. Also consider access to 3rd row is a PITA, especially with a toddler and infant carrier. You won't be putting them in the 3rd row on a regular basis if you can help it. Ya I don't get the whole 1 possibly 2 kids and wanting the 3rd row. i've got 3 kids, they all fit fine in the back seat of my 3rd gen(which is smaller) . My wife has a newish Yukon XL with the 3rd row for when we take trips and need room for my mom and the kids to spread out. |
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Quoted:
Hmmmm, good points here. Unfortunately the 3rd row WILL be used for kids since our first is 1 and we're currently practicing to make the 2nd. I'll see if a dealer visit can't talk her our of that option. I liked the options on the limited, but hadn't heard about the oddball wheels. Is that really an issue? I think the sequoia is fugly. I'd almost just go to an Expedition if that was the option. What dealer extras are worth getting and what is better to just go aftermarket? I appreciate the help. I like the looks of the limited. There are more and more tire size options for the 20" wheels, so IMHO, tire availability isn't really an issue (price maybe, but getting the size you want, not a problem). You could always hit up craigslist and pick up a set of sr-5 or TRD takeoffs from the bro who changed his wheels out for something aftermarket, if the 20" wheels are too big for your liking. As far as OE options vs. aftermarket... not sure what options you are thinking about. Stuff like floormats maybe you can get the dealer to throw in for free? Running boards - I like OEM as well. Suspension? The answer you seek is Icon Vehicle Dyanmics. eta: or buy a TRD Pro Sequoia! This one-off SUV is running around here in town. 
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I use 3rd row seating all the time and I only have 2 kids.
-Have you ever had kids? Sometimes they dont get along and need seperation. -If there are 4 people in your family and any more than one person extra needs to ride, you have room. Perfect for family of any size or shape since the kids automatically get the 3rd row. The rest of the time, the 3rd row is down and used for storage. However, in the van, when the 3rd row seat are up, it leaves a very deep storage area. There is a use for 3rd row. |
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Op have you thought about the Highlander? Not as cool as the 4runner but solid suvs with decent ground clearance, a 3rd row and space behind it. Our 4 person family currently has a Highlander but looking to go towards the 4Runner next. The Highlander is a GREAT travel vehicle for trips. We have never used our 3rd row seating in 3 years though. |
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Hmmmm, good points here. Unfortunately the 3rd row WILL be used for kids since our first is 1 and we're currently practicing to make the 2nd. I'll see if a dealer visit can't talk her our of that option. I liked the options on the limited, but hadn't heard about the oddball wheels. Is that really an issue? I think the sequoia is fugly. I'd almost just go to an Expedition if that was the option. What dealer extras are worth getting and what is better to just go aftermarket? I appreciate the help. Why do you need a third row for 2 kids? |
| Im not sure which models currently have the 3rd row as an option but I know for sure the Limited can be had with it. The other half currently drives a '16 Limited 4WD/AWD. My complaints with it are the rather crappy turning radius due to the Limited being a full-time 4WD or AWD system,. I like that she doesn't have to think about which mode to be in should she encounter some questionable road conditions but it does lead to faster tire wear and a slightly lower fuel efficiency. Prior to the '16 Limited she had a '15 SR5 Premium 4WD which has a part-time transfer case. I personally preferred this setup as it has less drag on the drivetrain but it's not as user friendly for those that aren't 4WD savvy, i.e. SO's. I will say that the part-time setup felt less planted or more twitchy at speed which we weren't keen on obviously. If I could do it all over again I would have searched for a TRD Pro, there are far fewer of them produced and they have the more advanced drive modes beyond the standard A-Trac and it makes for a better platform to build from should you be into the off-road scene. I just might trade her Limited in on a '17 TRD Pro if I come across one. |
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http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah32/308toyota/IMG_20160524_1528272_zpspgsgqsow.jpg I need to buy bumpers for mine, but I'm too busy getting a house. Dets man, we need them? |
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For any folks that have purchased a 4Runner lately, I know they don't budge much on price. Any luck getting accessories thrown in for free? I bought mine thru a Credit Union/Autoland buying service: No haggle/No hassle discount of about 5%. Once the dealer had it brought over from another dealer, I went it with my check and the credit union's "voucher" and drove off. FWIW, I specifically ordered one WITHOUT the 3rd row seats for all the reasons stated by other folks here. We needed it for vacations, and with the third row seat, we would have zero room for luggage. Got an SR-5, in silver, with only one upgrade package: The "Keep it Wild" Navigation and Audio package. So far, so good: This is our third 4Runner. 1986,1995,now 2016. Had 160,000 on first, 212,000 on second truck. Bold sold with engines and transmissions in 100% working order. Pretty much just great, indestructible trucks. |
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Does the TRD still have the latches in the floor? Maybe you could buy a seat and put it in the TRD. If not get the limited. You'll appreciate having the optioned out model when you sell it. Resale is king. From what I understand the floorpans are completely different for the third row equipped models. |
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Nobody wants to hear this, but I am telling you that you need a minivan. You and/or your wife may not "want" one for your own self image, but that is what you need. Be an adult, not a hipster. You are bringing kids into this world. Do you really think anyone gives a shit that you are driving a minivan other than others that are caught up in the image. Nothing hauls people and crap better and easier than a minivan. With that said, a 4Rnr is a cool and awesome vehicle. So are Tahoes, Suburbans, and a variety of other land yachts, but trust me when I say that having kids is easier in a minivan. When your wife has to lift that baby seat carrier up into any tall vehicle, she will be wishing she had something shorter(you know, like a minivan). I hear you, and we did look at some of the minivans. The problem is that we actually DO need the ability to drive off-road, at least on hog wrecked ranch land. Not a chance that'd happen in the minivan. We currently have 2 sedans and will always have 1 sedan, so we can switch to whatever fits the bill better. We're actually not 100% on having a second, and our first is just over a year. Really just like to be able to haul 2 kids and a dog and stuff with the option to occasionally take our kid(s) and a a couple of their friends somewhere. We won't be doing much more than 4 hour road trips ever. Rather just fly for that. Also, the flooding issue in my area... we need something that can at least handle a couple of feet of water. Trust me, the minivans look awesome if all we were going to do was kid-hauling. |
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Only 2 kids, what are you planning to use the back seats for then? Wife has and has had a 3 row SUV 10+ years and throughout our kids' whole life. I can count on 1 hand the times we actually used it and it was when family or friends were visiting. Also consider access to 3rd row is a PITA, especially with a toddler and infant carrier. You won't be putting them in the 3rd row on a regular basis if you can help it. Quoted:
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Hmmmm, good points here. Unfortunately the 3rd row WILL be used for kids since our first is 1 and we're currently practicing to make the 2nd. I'll see if a dealer visit can't talk her our of that option. I liked the options on the limited, but hadn't heard about the oddball wheels. Is that really an issue? I think the sequoia is fugly. I'd almost just go to an Expedition if that was the option. What dealer extras are worth getting and what is better to just go aftermarket? I appreciate the help. Wife has and has had a 3 row SUV 10+ years and throughout our kids' whole life. I can count on 1 hand the times we actually used it and it was when family or friends were visiting. Also consider access to 3rd row is a PITA, especially with a toddler and infant carrier. You won't be putting them in the 3rd row on a regular basis if you can help it. It'll be for friends and cousins the same age. We're in a family baby boom at the moment. It's like that thing you don't need all that often, but when you need it, you need it. |