Need some advice.

[Vandy]

My wife has been on me to get her back into a truck/suv. It's taken me about 6 months to strategically steer her into a 4runner. My thinking is that I want one, she looses interest every 2/3 years, then I'll take over ther 4runner and get her what ever is next on her list.

Anyhow. I've got a line on a couple clean trucks. One is a 15 sr5 the other is a 13 limited, hard loaded. I like the look of the 15, and it's got about 30 less miles for a couple grand cheaper (asking). Seems pretty simple. But are there any

pros/cons between a 13 limited and a 15 sr5? Or a 3rd option of just buying a new one?

Thanks guys

Vandy

 

[Dalko43]

Anyhow. I've got a line on a couple clean trucks. One is a 15 sr5 the other is a 13 limited, hard loaded. I like the look of the 15, and it's got about 30 less miles for a couple grand cheaper (asking). Seems pretty simple.

The 2015 SR5 is cheaper than the 2013 Limited because it's an SR5 (the base trim level). You could probably get a much better deal by simply buying a 2012-13 used SR5 (those can be found for $24k and below if you are flexible on when/where to buy).

But are there any

pros/cons between a 13 limited and a 15 sr5? Or a 3rd option of just buying a new one?

Thanks guys

Vandy

The Limited, SR5, and Trail are all essentially the same truck. The big differences are as follows:
-Limited comes with a fulltime awd (not really a true 4wd), but also has a lockable center differential which, when engaged, acts pretty much like the traditional 4wd (with transfer case) on the trail and SR5.
-Limited has a bit more in the way of amenities (leather seats, I think ventilation for some, nav, ect.) whereas the SR5 is pretty spartan and the trail needs to be optioned up with that extra stuff.
-Trail has locking rear differential, which none of the other trims have.
-Different side steps and plastic moldings on all trims.
-Limited comes with with a larger wheel size (20" I believe) vs the SR5 and Trail which comes with a 17" wheel.
-Trail has optinal KDSS (helps to minimize body roll and keep wheels on ground in rough terrain) whereas other trims don't.

What does all of this mean in terms of pro's/con's. Well that's dependent on how you plan to use the vehicle.

I'd say if you plan on taking this 4runner onto a lot of rough roads and trails for exploring/camping or work, you'd be better off getting a SR5 or trail. These trim levels have a traditional 4wd with transfer case which are great for dirt/gravel roads and tough terrain, but you have to be careful about not using it when you're making tight turns on dry pavement. SR5 and Trail wheels are also sized more appropriately for offroad use.

If all you want is a traditional BOF SUV for daily driver use with slightly better interior and amenities, the Limited would make more sense. The Limited's awd is also a lot easier to use on the road since it's always on. Limited wheels are really meant for on-road tires...you'd likely have to switch to a different wheel size to get a good A/T tire.

 

[Martinjmpr]

-Limited comes with a fulltime awd (not really a true 4wd), but also has a lockable center differential which, when engaged, acts pretty much like the traditional 4wd (with transfer case) on the trail and SR5.
...
I'd say if you plan on taking this 4runner onto a lot of rough roads and trails for exploring/camping or work, you'd be better off getting a SR5 or trail.

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LOLWUT?
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The limited has a transfer case so I don't know what you mean about "not really a true 4wd." It has a transfer case with a high and low range, just like a "true 4wd" and it can be locked just like a "true 4wd."
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Here is a picture of the 4wd control on the 2013 limited (from a Google search.) Note that it has both H4L (High 4wd Locked center diff) and L4L (Low 4wd Locked center diff) exactly like a "true 4wd."
.

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Don't know what your definition of "true 4wd" but the 4runner Limited should meet it.
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Since this is for his wife, if he lives in the snow belt the limited might be better since it's always in 4wd (not AWD, 4WD.)

 

[toyotech]

I think he means traditional 4wd. The limited is AWD with no ability to go 2wd. AWD means all 4 wheels can spin at different speeds. Not good for true off roading. Once you lock the center diff. You have your traditional 4wd where only the front and rear diff are open and atleast one front and one rear wheel will spin at the same speed.

I rather have the trail mainly for the locker and ability to go 2wd.
Still comes down to what the users needs are.



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[Vandy]

For the 1st part of our ownership the truck will be a pavement pounder on mall duty. Once wife gets tired of it then it will be mine. At that point it's going to see more trail time. Sounds like the trail edition may be a happy medium. I've got one local with the 3rd row moon roof back up cam etc that keeps her happy. And the offroad set up that will keep me happy. The truck will see a bit of snow, but we are in okc so not as much as most. We will use it for trips to Colorado and new mexico. The 4wd will mainly be used by me unless she gets stuck at work. Even at that knowing her, I'll be headed to get her in my Ram 3500 or durango.


Anyway. Thanks for the input on some of the different packages. Ad much as I'd love a new TRD, I can't justify it for her to dd. I think a trail premium should work well

 

[toyotech]

The trail is a great option which will give you many features right out the box for your needs when the time comes.


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[Applejack]

Find a trail premium if you can, they don't offer leather but a leatherette soft-tek interior but quite nice and supposedly better wearing. I had to buy a new one to get a decent price, go figure.

 

[Vandy]

There is a used trail premium down the road for about 35k. It's a 15 iirc. Hard to justify 35 for a used with 20 miles when I've been tossing numbers on an sr5 fairly loaded, asking 40700 and we have been talking 34500.

I may go look at it and see if I can weasel my way in at a better price.

I've got the bug now though. I might have one by the end of the week.....i mean *cough* my wife might*cough cough*

Lol

 

[Dalko43]

.
LOLWUT?
.
The limited has a transfer case so I don't know what you mean about "not really a true 4wd." It has a transfer case with a high and low range, just like a "true 4wd" and it can be locked just like a "true 4wd."
.
Here is a picture of the 4wd control on the 2013 limited (from a Google search.) Note that it has both H4L (High 4wd Locked center diff) and L4L (Low 4wd Locked center diff) exactly like a "true 4wd."
.

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Don't know what your definition of "true 4wd" but the 4runner Limited should meet it.
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Since this is for his wife, if he lives in the snow belt the limited might be better since it's always in 4wd (not AWD, 4WD.)

I should have done a better job of explaining myself.

But as toyotech said, the Limited's system is more akin to an AWD system, until the center differential is locked. The SR5 and Trail's 4wd is of the traditional sort; when you engage it, the front and rear drive shafts are automatically locked together and spin at the same rate. That traditional setup, when complimented with a locking rear differential, is definitely much more desirable for offroading. Conversely, the Limited's AWD fulltime system is definitely much more practical and easier to use for daily driving on the road (when the center diff is unlocked, you don't have to worry about drivetrain binding like you do in the trail or SR5).

 

[texascrane]

I should have done a better job of explaining myself.
That traditional setup, when complimented with a locking rear differential, is definitely much more desirable for offroading.

You better go tell all the landcruiser guys that they've been getting an inferior offroad 4wd system for the past couple of decades.

If I have a "traditional" 4wd system and engage 4wd, exactly how is it any different than Toyota's full-time 4wd system when the center diff is locked? Honestly, the only downside I can see to a full-time 4wd system is that in theory you're going to take a mpg hit since you can't run in 2wd (although I don't think that shows up in the official mpg ratings so YMMV).

 

[Dalko43]

You better go tell all the landcruiser guys that they've been getting an inferior offroad 4wd system for the past couple of decades.

If I have a "traditional" 4wd system and engage 4wd, exactly how is it any different than Toyota's full-time 4wd system when the center diff is locked? Honestly, the only downside I can see to a full-time 4wd system is that in theory you're going to take a mpg hit since you can't run in 2wd (although I don't think that shows up in the official mpg ratings so YMMV).

You seem really eager to turn this into an argument, which I have no interest in. If you had my whole post, you'd see that I said the limited's fulltime awd does in fact function like a traditional 4wd once the center diff is locked.

I do think a traditional 4wd is advantageous on rough terrain because it eliminates the need for another diff. It reduces the complexity of the drivetrain and so there is less stuff to break on the trail....but that's all subjective. I have no doubt that most land cruiser owners have had good experiences with their 4wd.

 

[PaintRock]

I really wish Toyota would put a transfer case in the new 4runners like they put in the 2000 limiteds. With that case you had 2wd, awd, 4hi lock, and 4lo lock. That was a good setup if you live in snow country. If your wife mainly drives it and isn't mechanically inclined, you can just put the case in awd until Spring, lol.

 

[Vandy]

Well im working a deal now on a 14 trail. Nice rig. Set uo about how I would do it my self. Has 19k miles on it. Not new but no one locally has any trails avail. This one has a lift/ wheels/tires aux lights etc. Feel like I'm watching fast and loud with all the back and forth negotiations. But it looks like mama might get a new car today

If I do I'll post pics in a bit

 

[Dalko43]

Well im working a deal now on a 14 trail. Nice rig. Set uo about how I would do it my self. Has 19k miles on it. Not new but no one locally has any trails avail. This one has a lift/ wheels/tires aux lights etc. Feel like I'm watching fast and loud with all the back and forth negotiations. But it looks like mama might get a new car today

If I do I'll post pics in a bit

What is the seller asking for it?

 

[toyotech]

You better go tell all the landcruiser guys that they've been getting an inferior offroad 4wd system for the past couple of decades.

If I have a "traditional" 4wd system and engage 4wd, exactly how is it any different than Toyota's full-time 4wd system when the center diff is locked? Honestly, the only downside I can see to a full-time 4wd system is that in theory you're going to take a mpg hit since you can't run in 2wd (although I don't think that shows up in the official mpg ratings so YMMV).

Lol the land cruiser stuff is a league of its own. Their stuff it's built 2x better than what the runner gets. The LC is the benchmark for Toyota and is 1st to get the newest Gadgets. If you actually knew the difference you would know the LC and limited runner with AWD also run a different ratio so MPG isn't affect. The LC is overbuilt compare to the runner.

The trail has the elocker and that alone is better than any limited. If the limited was geared for real off roading it would have came with 20 inch rims and street tires.


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