To buy or not to buy-that is the question

Clearly new here, looking for some pros and cons. I'm considering the 2020 4R TRD Pro or Premium, mostly because I can get a lifetime warranty on it. All the SUV 4x4's I look at keep whispering "lifetime warranty trumps features" to me and I do like the 2020 specs. I wonder if any current owners would steer me towards something else, or is it as hot a buy as it seems.
I don't offroad, but I do ride canyons and mountains fairly regularly, including fire roads and such that are considered offroad, I just don't go play.....yet . I need a good mix of city and country driveability with the balls and teeth to do whatever i want. Thanks in advance for any comments.

 

I don't think you'll find anyone here who would advise you NOT to get one. They are fantastic machines. The only downsides I have are the gas mileage (and that's relative--I took it on a 500 mile trip last weekend and got 22 mpg). I find it difficult to park in city parking garages, but I guess Id be better at that if I did it more often.

 

I hadn't thought of the parking garage thing, is the 4Runner over 7ft high? If that's the only drawback I hear by the time I buy, I'll sacrifice a garage and walk my fat a@@ from the long term lots. Thanks for your input, I'm watching what existing owners have to say carefully and I appreciate the help.

 

It’s not over seven feet stock (though with the pro rack it’s close) I just find it difficult to park in tight spaces

 

More interested in this "lifetime" warranty.

 

Yea, so was I. I battled with it for a while, "knowing" it had to be BS, but I kept thinking about it every time I looked at another car. I finally broke down and talked to the dealership, which is like rubbing a razor blade sideways on a chalkboard to me, and asked them what the "fine print" is. I got the whole thing in writing. Lifetime warranty on every new car. Period. Covers everything the 3/36k factory warranty covers for as long as you own your car. The only stipulation is you have to follow the manufacturers recommend maintenance schedule in the vehicle manual, and keep records of doing so, OR, do all the maintenance at that dealership and they'll keep the records for you. So, long story longer, I'm pretty decided on the 2020 4R TRD Pro from this particular dealership. (Keith Pierson Toyota in case anybody is in Jax). This is the extent of my knowledge about it, but considering its in writing, I'm no longer worried about it.

 

Curious how much they charging you for this. I'm guessing you need to take it to them for service and no one else.

Their website says they sell service contracts. If they are telling you no fine print that has to be a load of shit and I see a salesman saying that without blinking.

 

The lifetime warranty comes with any new toyota and is free, no charges, nothing, and that's also in writing. No contract to sign, just the declaration of what they cover. The service contracts are for used cars or other types of service, etc. but the lifetime warranty is just one of those things that boggles the mind but it is what it is. Unlimited miles too. I put them through the wringer with hypothetical questions and they just kept saying, "yup, covered, nope no hidden or any other type of fee" Now, when I actually buy the 2020, if anything changes or is different, trust me, I'll be blasting them all over the net.

 

This is the FAQ printout, the other side shows the items covered and clearly states "we offer lifetime power train warranty at no extra charge on all new vehicles"

 

This Lifetime Warranty seems fishy to me.

How much are you buying the vehicle for?

Ask them what happens to the warranty if you modify the vehicle at all (ex. you want to put larger tires on). Will that void the warranty?

 

Yup, that was one of my concerns too, and "fishy" is an understatement, but based on the Magnuson/Moss act and the fact that I plan on being particularly careful not to mess up my warranty chances, I think it'll be fine. My biggest concern are things I can't fix myself, and honestly, with Toyos dependability, I don't think it's going to be a super big issue, but it's definitely going to be addressed. As for purchase price, I won't know until the 2020 comes here locally, but I don't intend to pay more than I would without it. Judging from the prices they have on their current stock, it's not hidden in the purchase price or added on in some sketchy manner. Also, they've been doing this for many years and the claims are in writing and well documented. So even though I'm not going to be convinced until I actually drive away, it does tend to seem that's it's one of those things that is what it claims to be. That being said, it's still a dealership, so I'll be combing through it with a magnifying glass before I give them a penny.

 

Good luck man. Sincerely. It sounds like a great deal........just too good, you know.

Have you checked reviews on the dealer yet, or reviews on this particular warranty?

By the way, if this warranty is what they claim, I would try for 1 million miles on the 4Runner and beyond!

 

Yea, I've got my little voice on one shoulder saying BS and the other one saying Go For it. Truth be told, I'm not a patient or forgiving person, so if it's not legit, EVERYBODY is going to know about it. On the reviews, yes, I've checked local online and BBB and other than the usual expected disgruntled stuff, they are very well rated and I've not seen any complaints on the warranty so far. I think this is a major selling point, so I will absolutely make sure that any forum I'm on knows the real details after (or if) I do it. I also like the fact that I went in looking for the 2020 and they didn't have it, but instead of trying to convince me to buy a 2019, they gave me the warranty info, contact info, and said they'd keep me informed of delivery dates. So that's a plus in their favor too. The sales guy actually said they've had customers put a million miles on a toyo and the dependability is one reason they can offer a lifetime warranty, but it's there when you need it.

 

Whats that * for on the last section?

If its true good luck.

 

The * points to the second page that lists all the components covered. I didn't scan the list page because it's just a list of what's covered that's pretty much the same as the faq list.

 

Well if you not signing anything no harm done.

How much you getting your 4R for.

Everyone near that dealer should just drive there if this is true.

 

They're pretty much the biggest game in town, I think we have 3 in the immediate area and KP is the one that you hear about first. I'm not sure on price, they haven't gotten any in yet, but their prices on the 2019's are right in line with anybody else. I guess too, these trucks aren't exactly known for breaking down, so even though I'm a toyota newb, I think I'm pretty safe comparing to the POS GMC I'm coming from.

 

I am a little over a year into my first Toyota TRD pro 4runner. It wasnt my first choice, but I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to buy one. My first choice was a Range Rover sport, which I had already ordered. When the TRD pro came up for sale, I cancelled the order, with some regret, but knowing the TRD pro made more sense. I am now thrilled that I ended up with it! I couldnt be happier. I love everything about it...it looks sporty, it hauls and carries a LOT, I like sitting up high, I feel safe in it, my bike fits in it easily, it’s reliable...the only downside is the gas mileage, but all in all for a car this size, it’s not terrible. Lastly, now that I have driven it for a year, I can say that it handles pretty darned well in city traffic. I’m very happy with this truck. I think I will be driving 4runner’s for life!

 

thanks for that, a year is a pretty decent time to gauge driving. I've looked at a lot of SUVs, including the new Kia Telluride which is a better value and has more options than just about anything, and yet here I sit, waiting for my local dealer to get the darn 2020 4Runner in stock so i can go drool, and probably buy it. I really hope Toyota puts in some relevant tech though, I gotta feed my trail monkey and my nerd.

 

It looks like they did update the tech: https://www.motortrend.com/cars/toyota/4runner/2020/2020-toyota-4runner-trd-pro-review/

I think army green is the TRD pro unique color for 2020.

 

Pro is a nice truck but take a look also at the other offerings. Each has its own useful features.

 

Absolutely. The dealer will probably have a party when I leave. Even if I don't buy one. heheh.

 

I took delivery of my 2020 this weekend and the new tech is absolutely worth the wait.....the screen is huge and beautiful and very intuitive. I'll probably turn off the nannies (lane departure especially) but the new screen is worth the wait.