School me on the 120...

[gregnash]

Ok well we went to look at the one in Reno and they had actually sold it this weekend. It was more on a whim that we went up there but the 2008 was gone but they did have a 2006 with 55k on it that they didnt even have on their website yet. Took that for a test drive and it was nice, there were a couple things that worried us about it, one being that a wheel seemed out of balance and was giving a good shimmy to the drive. The other was the suspension, in Comfort, seemed to be very bouncy.

So the first seems to be a pretty easy fix, basically they will have to rebalance the tire. The second though, will the suspension stiffen up significantly as it is adjusted. We were running short on time and couldnt play with the "ride".

Conversely we went to our local Toyota dealership and took a 2013 limited 4Runner for a ride that had all the fixings. It was nice, seemed to ride just like our Highlander (good firm suspension but not overly hard) and it had the v6 instead of the V8. Luxury wise we liked the GX but both seemed very capable for what we are looking for and the salesmen told us that the V6 has about 300hp and a 6500lb towing capacity.

The other bummer about the GX was the 2006 does not have audio streaming. This is actually a must for us as we DO NOT listen to the radio ever. We 99% of the time either listen to our playlists or Pandora so that is something that is a bit of a deal breaker for us. With that said, what year did the audio streaming come in (mind you the 2006 had blue-tooth, nav, and the high-end audio system)?

 

[KLF]

With that said, what year did the audio streaming come in

2007 was the first year with the AUX plug in the console up by the seat heater switches. Big upgrade in the NAV software as well.

 

[gregnash]

Ok so either I need to look for at least a 2007 to get the Auxiliary port or go with a much older one, lose the VVTI and allow myself the ability to replace the stereo with one that I like.

 

[SouthernSS]

I think it might serve you best to forgo the aux port and just replace the oem audio for a snazzy new double din nav system.

 

[GXO]

Amen. It is MUCH easier to swap without the factory NAV. Here is the base unit I got before the iPad mount was in:

This gave me parrot BT that supports phone, streaming, etc. I have NAV on the iPad (head unit can be used for that if you get the next model up). I also added a backup camera and a killer set of aftermarket speakers, amp., etc. No stock stereo sounds this good.

With the iPad mounted. Looks like it takes up all the space but it does not, just the angle. Head unit supports pass through audio for iPod, Pandora, etc. Nav on iPad (MotionX) works through stereo. I also have offroad GPS with MotionX. NOTE: the faceplate in the bottom pic looks like crap because it wasn't done. It is now clean and factory looking

 

[gregnash]

Is that one of the JVC units? I was just looking at the units available on crutch field to get a starting base. Looks like around $400 will get us a nice touchscreen unit with everything we want.

 

[GXO]

Mine is an Alpine.

 

[SouthernSS]

crutchfield will rape you on their prices. I usually use them for research and then hit up ebay for the product I decide on.

 

[GXO]

I got mine from a local shop (I like to shop local).

They did the full install, warranty everything, and did the custom faceplate.

It was only a few bucks more than buying everything and doing it myself (and way more professional)

 

[gregnash]

Yeah I know that crutchfield rapes you but I use the for research and the customer reviews. They are actually the ones that recommended my JVC KDX-80BT HU for my 60 and I love it.

If we go with this 2007 then I will go to a good professional local shop (not bestbuy) and have it installed.

 

[gregnash]

Ok well due to family emergency this has to be put off until around the end of the year. However, I have a favor to ask... can someone measure the distance between the wheel wells inside the rear cargo area. For some reason the newer 4Runners seem like the wells come in much further thus creating less room in the back. Can someone please confirm/deny this!?

 

[gregnash]

Well a couple weekends ago the wife and happened by our local Toyota dealerships that had a 2010 Limited 4Runner with 36k on it and it was LOADED with every conceivable accessory. After doing some negotiation we were not able to get to an agreement with the dealership we walked away.. We have had good luck with them in the past and were in no hurry so we told them our wishlist and went on our way.

This evening while doing some halloween decorations we get a call from the guy we had worked with and he said he had just gotten in a 2011 SR5 as trade. It had most of what we were looking for and he was wondering if we wanted to take a look. It just so happened that the wife and I were both home with nothing going on (a rarity during the week) so we said we would come down and take a look.

What we found was a 2011 SR5 with V6, backup camera, tow package, sunroof, bluetooth and heated leather seats. Took her for a test drive and looks like we are picking her up on Thursday morning! So looks like we are the new owners of a 5th Gen 4Runner!!!

With that said, what are some things that I need to look out for? What are some easy, cheap(ish) upgrades? The wife is only 5' tall so one of the first things we will be looking at is nerfbars/sliders to make it a bit easier for her to get into and, more importantly, be able to get the paddleboard on top. It will be getting certified in the next couple days then we head in to sign the final paperwork and will be trading in our trust 2008 Highlander for her.