Purchasing Decision - Why avoid the 4WD sr5?

Currently driving a 2WD 4runner(big mistake), looking to trade in.
I've been watching every car sales site, as well as Clist and ebay for good deals.

Found a really nice SR5 4WD with loads of extras (icon 2.5 coil over up front w/upgraded King 14inch coils, aftermarket UCAs, Old Man Emu Rear suspension and more).

I was pretty set on getting a Trail premium, mainly for the KDSS and multi terrain. However this SR5 seems like it should be able to get me just about anywhere. No plans to do any crawling.

So I guess overall - is anyone just not happy with the SR5 4WD performance?

 

I’ve been impressed with my SR5 2wd performance. Stock everything.

Recently was at the beach and had to pull my friends 4x4 Subaru out of the sand. It was nothing for my SR5.

This thing does way more than I expcected. I’m sure the 4x4 will treat you nicely. Also, can’t go wrong having a truck bed.

 

You've had better luck than me with your SR5 haha. I tried to pull a buddy out down at Big Bend, made no difference - a stock 4WD Tacoma pulled it right out.

I've also gotten stuck twice in the sand with my 2WD SR5 haha.

 

We went Trail Premium on our new one a couple months ago. But actually wanted to specifically avoid KDSS and Sunroof. Largely for the Leather in just black and not 2-tone and manual tcase.

New, there really isn't a huge spread in pricing from SR5, SR5 Prem, Off Road, and Off Road Prem.

I don't expect to actually use the electronic features beyond the e-locker.

 

When it comes to the Trail premium vs Sr% premium, the cost difference is definitely noticeable - especially when you're a brat like me who wants(needs) leather/sunroof. Another problem in the Used dept is finding not only the options I want, but in the right color and in good shape. This will definitely be my daily driver, and Im hoping to be hitting trails at least 2x month. The extent of those trails I guess is what I need tor really figure out, or what Im hoping some other SR5 4WD owners can give me some good feedback on.

 

Once you learn to use the 4wd system in these Toyota’s they are exceptional. Once you find the limits of the 4wd system, add a rear locker. Find the limits again and then add a front locker... then basically point and go...

I am about to purchase an SR5 4x4 because we absolutely need the rear 3rd seat. Adding lockers later will be no big deal I head you can even add crawl for about $2k but once you add f/r lockers idk why you would need crawl, ever...

 

Thanks for the feedback! Yeah ive been looking into lockers as well, I think with all of the aftermarket parts this SR5 has + those I should be good for anything.

 

Yes the t4r with all that wil probably be more capable than what you would be willing to use it for lol. Keep us updated with what you get.

I’ll just throw it out there. When I shopped for my tundra and my tacoma I thought I could not afford new. But truth is these vehicles hold value so well that buying new was not much different on the monthly payments (~$100) when you factor in the better APR when buying new.

Dealer just lmk that my vehicle arrived and the deal is for $36,500 out the door. Brand new SR5 4x4 with 3rd row.

 

Yeah I even looked at biting the bullet on a 2018 trd trail premium. A brand new ride would be nice, but I think id rather pay more for an older model that has all the goods I plan on doing myself anyways. I know a lot of people frown on those who buy vs build.. but I could give a shit less what they think haha. Just want a ride Im happy with!

 

It comes from does the rig have everything exactly like you want? Or are you still going to be swapping stuff out? Was it done correctly? Or hacked together and hiding underneath? Do you know the whole history?

Obviously stay within budget first.

 

There isn't a single reason to avoid the SR5. Absolutely love my mine. I wish it had a locker, but I can add that later. I'm beyond impressed with how it performs off road, and it's just fine on the pavement without KDSS.

I haven't yet found the limits of the ATRAC. That system is pretty remarkable!

 

I've had both a '14 TE and a '17 SR5. I liked having a locker on the TE, but beyond that, the SR5 is every bit as good. I personally found the various multi-terrain modes on the TE to be a gimmick, if you know how to drive a 4WD then the terrain selection you use most often is "off". I've had my SR5 all over North America and done trails in Alaska, Yukon, Colorado, Utah... hasn't choked on me yet. Since you specifically state you have no plans to "crawl" then I see no reason you would need a locker, ergo, the SR5 should be fine.