New, beginning research on how to buy - Assistance VERY much appreciated

Hi All!

I'm just starting my research, so I haven't reviewed the forum overall yet. Just asking for any input y'all have on how to narrow my search, and also...of course, getting the best deal. I can travel to any state in the lower 48, if they're significantly less expensive. My first leg of the journey, as it stands now, is to head south (of course). I'll be going through the following states:

• Minnesota
• Iowa
• Missouri
• Kansas
• Oklahoma

Then, probably I'll catch Route 66 west, and cut up to Death Valley, so I think also:

• Texas
• New Mexico
• Colorado
• Arizona
• Nevada

I know ain't nothin cheap in Cali, so yeah.

Any tips on finding deals much appreciated, but I'm also a little baffled by the trim choices.
As you'll see below, I've come to realize I really, really want a sun/moon roof. I think I get less claustrophobic when that's a feature.

Must haves/close to deal breakers:

1. 60,000 miles or fewer (drift as high as even "technically under" 65k.
2. 4X4 - not negotiable
3. OEM CarPlay - must have (I think). I believe that if a vehicle is OEM CarPlay ready, one can get a wireless adapter. I HATE having to mess with plugging in a phone just to drive away. If I settled, the vehicle would be required to accept an aftermarket head unit (which shouldn't be a problem, I'd guess if it doesn't have OEM CarPlay, it's not gonna have a proprietary media system that's not replacable, still...I want the OEM so i can get the wireless
4. Sun/Moon roof (retractable): I kinda overlooked this, but I had a removable moonroof on my Pathfinder 20 yrs ago, haven't had a sun/moon roof since. I miss it powerfully. After consideration, I'd be willing to give up lane assist (don't actually want, but I do want:/blind spot/front collision mitigation to get this. I've already seen the truck that hits all marks, except this one, and I'm not feeling it, so I think a retractable moon/sunroof is a must have. It just make for a much more comfortable drive...and i'm going to be living out of my truck some...

Really want:
I'm struggling between spending another like 4k to get everything (around 36,900 - 37,900). I think i can get roughly 2k for my trade in. I"d like to get out of there without spending more than 32-33k out of pocket. The more I think on it, the less inlined I am to go above 31-32 out of pocket.

I know it's a stretch, but it seems like a deal on a particular truck will just float by every week or so...no good reason why it's $2,500 under market that I can see...but it seems to happen.

1. Blind spot detection
2. front collision
3. heated seats
4. wifi (?) is this worth it? what do you get out of it, and what's the monthly subscription...if any?

I did a cursory review of 2020 trim levels, it looks like maybe you gotta get up to the Limited trim and above to have a moon roof...is that right?

 

I realized, there's a different sub for those of us looking to buy. I can't figure out how to delete this...unfortunately, I'm going to need to duplicate it on the correct thread.

Thanks for your patience!

 

Don't agree with a lot of your "wants" and "Must haves". However, two we have found to be really nice are (1) heated seats. Actually good for my back; (2) Navigation. Never used it and now it's a must; (3) lumbar adjustments!; (4) Sirius, if you travel a lot.

Good luck! We found ours on the net at a local dealer they morning it came out. $42K with 17K miles; 2019 SR5 Premium. No moon/sun-roof (don't like them and never use them=wife has one on her RAV4 and we've opened it less than 6 times!). Nautical Blue.

 

Here you go: https://www.mazdacentral.com/used-i...-4Runner-c1c7a8040a0e081d6bd1a3a52000b056.htm

 

You aren’t going to get your “needs” and “really wants.” BSM is 2022+. If you can drop that, you should be fine with any premium option 2020+. As @Borracho Loco linked, it shouldn’t be too hard to find an SR5P that meets most of your criteria

 

Welcome, I hope you find what you’re looking for

 

I'd go for it and I don't like red!

 

Hey, thanks for the advice! I think we’re probably using the vehicles for different purposes. I’m going first to the desert, then (if my stomach can handle it the mountains, off roading, adventuring.
Sun/moon roof is as you say, a personal preference. I wouldn’t describe myself as “claustrophobic “ but, I’m going to be living in this vehicle. Especially if I have the windows covered whole at rest, being able to open the moon roof might be the safest ventilation solution. So, if it’s one or the other…that’s my choice for me. CarPlay takes care of the music and nav.

Thanks again!

 

Oh man, I really hate to be on the other side on this…but yeah, not with the red. It’s perfect otherwise

 

Thanks! Much appreciated.

 

Awesome, yep, that was the conclusion I was coming to. That’s ok. They’ve have a couple 2022s close to, or in my price range. But I think you’re saying, maybe, that a 2022 with the trim level that would include a moon roof would exceed either my mileage or price preferences.
Yeah, o can check my mirrors twice…been nigh on 34 years…haven’t swiped someone in my blind spot yet

yeah, sun/moon roof (just for me and those traveling/utilizing the truck in this way…o been living without all those gadgets.
So, a premium option, 2020/21 say…that would have the JBL system, correct?

 

You know, this is a really good question to highlight. I had a Pathfinder, an explorer, and an Xterrra. 4WD has always been just like 4hi/low. You could be in 4hi and shift into drive, no matter what gear the transmission hit.
Then, I get this Honda Pilot, with “4WD”, but only on the column to 3rd gear. They told me it was 4WD…wtf. Not completely. The AWD surprised me, it’s decent..so far as it goes…last time I drove a Honda with AWD was probably 15 years ago, give or take. It’s gotten better, but I need 4hi (to OD/5th, and 4LO (likely rarely used).
So, I don’t now how to answer your question gomiami.
4HI/LO (the only way I’ve ever personally seen it, with 2WD an option for everyday in town stuff and decent weather.
As I’ve always understood 4WD, I don’t want it on full time, that’d just burn through gas. Please advise, and thanks so much.

 

Yeah, the 2022+ premium options around me are going for more than your price range or mileage acceptance. So you can get everything on your list with a 2020 or 2021 except the BSM. I went from a vehicle with it to a 4R without it and was actually kind of glad. It used to say there were vehicles in my blind spot but I could see the vehicle in my mirror so it just irritated me. Get some Suma mirrors and save the money not getting a 2022+.

JBL is Limited and Pro only.

 

No hate=just taste!!

 

Fantastic, so all the others are like 4 HI/LO like I've seen everywhere ever (this century), not like the Pilot.
the other super weird/sus thing about this Pilot, 2008, it just doesn't have an OD off switch...it should be there, right on the end of the stick on the right of the column. I told my mechanic (he and his partner, the two most senior mechanics at the local Honda dealership. This guy, all he saw for YEARS was Hondas...he had to go look for himself.

so, with the Limited, I will have to study up more...why would it ALWAYS be in 4(HI I'm assuming lol)...what's the benefit? not asking you to spend your time explaining it...I'm sure you're busy. but if you know of any where I can read up on it, I'd be obliged.

No way to shut down overdrive? huh uh. not in the mountains and stuff, not towing anything...potentially no more 5th gear. That, and the 4WD only available until 3rd gear...color me unimpressed.

To confirm then, the following versions have standard old 4WD HI/LO like most trucks:

• SR5 Premium
• Off-Road Premium
• PRO

2020 or newer. Yes?
Thanks again!

 

Brilliant. Yeah, I think the only "here, let us over-engineer something you didn't ask to be over-engineered, but then it actually works is Adaptive Cruise Control (in the one rental car I ever drove that had it). Cruise control is just a completely different experience if you can trust your ride to figure out the basics, while on cruise.

Yeah, I hear the JBL system is great, if I happen upon one to hear it. I'm sure you'd save money, but I really like assembling my entertainment capabilities with care.

 

Adaptive cruise control is awesome. We take mine on road trips just because it has that and hers doesn’t.

Seen some other replies here and I would not overlook the Limited. It’s not 2WD with the ability to lock into 4WD, but it is full time 4WD with a Torsen center differential that allows it to also be locked into 4WD. It’s effectively the same in terms of driver input but better than 2WD because you are engaging all 4 corners every time. You still have the option of locking into 4WD and still have 4Lo, so don’t think of it like your Honda. It’s not the same as AWD on most modern cars/crossovers. The gas mileage difference between part time 4WD and full time 4WD is so small Toyota lists both at the same MPG

 

so weird, I was thinking 2 min ago "it all makes some sense, but the Limited, it can't be that goddawful on gas. I need to research it more to understand what's really involved

thanks for standing up!