2015 Toyota 4Runner

Late in 2014 we tradded in our 2006 4Runner for a new 2015 4Runner. We were planning on doing this, but pushed up the time-line because the 2006 still had decent value as a trade-in. We ended up getting basically the same truck, just newer.

For 2015, the color selection is almost the same as it was for 2006 so we went with the same color, Nautical Blue. But mixed it up by getting the Sand Beige interior. This also meant that the selection of available vehicles was, again, small. The 2015 Limited model has 3 factory installed options:

  • Third row seats
  • Automatic running boards
  • Sliding rear cargo deck

After some thought we decided the sliding rear cargo deck would be handy, but since I wanted to add rock sliders, the automatic running boards would be a waste of money. We have no need for third row seats, they take up space and are incompatible with the sliding rear cargo deck.

No Nautical Blue, Sand Beige, Sliding rear cargo deck 4Runners were currently at any dealer within trading range. Nor were any currently allocated to any dealer within trading range. And in fact, none were found doing searches within a 1000 mile range. We asked the dealer to order one, or in Toyota speak, put in a preference to get the next one like that that gets scheduled to be built. Well, after 5 weeks, the closest Toyota got was a Natuical Blue, Black interior, with sliding rear cargo deck and automatic running boards. We could try again, but it would be a minimum of 12 weeks, likely longer.

Could we live without the sliding rear cargo deck? Well, probably. And there actually was one (and only one) in Northern California. After some mis-communications between the dealers a trade was made and we'd have our new vehicle in about 4 hours. Well, 2 hours later we get a call from our salesman, the driver backed into a pole and wrecked it.

The next morning we go to the dealer to see how badly it's damaged. Turned out to be not so bad. Some scrapes on the bumper and a broken backup sensor. All fixable. So we took it.

Now the mods begin. For this one, I want to outfit it the way we want up-front. No waiting for the warrenty to run out or other excuses. It came with carpet mats, all-weather mats for the front/rear seats, and mud flaps. Already ordered are:

  • Husky cargo mat.
  • OPOR rock sliders (power coated black)
  • Chrome exhaust tip
  • Cross bars for the roof rack
  • Cargo cover

On the list are:

  • New tires (Cooper AT3's or Goodyear Wrangler Adventers)
  • Spacer lift
  • Awning
  • Drabbits or Gobi roof rack

Side view back view Side view back view