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Toyota 4Runner - 2003

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  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,145
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  • dianadgdianadg Member Posts: 3
    I am planning on buying a new or certified Limtied, in black or white.
    Does anyone have any idea how difficult it would be to locate a 2002 (new) LTD in either colors? Are they probably already sold out?? The problem is that I will not be able to buy for another 3 weeks or so. Also, is it really worth the extra cash for a used "certified"??
    Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
  • intmed99intmed99 Member Posts: 485
    I have the Golden Pearl, which is a pearly white color only available on 2002 4Runners. It is relatively hard to find. However, the dealership that i got it from had another one on the lot. But, in the other city dealerships, there was none.

    This white color is different from the previous years, when it was a natural white color.

    I have no idea about black.
  • jeffjeffjeffjeff Member Posts: 54
    The 2002 4Runner is nice very nice. After work on Thursday, I went to the local Toyota dealership because I thought I was ready to buy this Blue/Silver Limited 4Runner which is a rare color. My dad and I arrived at the dealership and spoke to a salesman and he gave me the keys to the truck and told my dad and I to go have fun. We had fun alright. This truck is nice, the color combination is sweet, it rides smooth and has adequate pickup on the highway. We rolled down the driver and passenger windows, opened the sunroof, rolled down the rear seat windows (which retract all the way down) and finally rolled down the tailgate window. The effect was nice, open air and smooth. It felt like a convertible sitting up real high. The price on the truck was $36 grand. Not bad, this included all of the incentives and deals. After the ride was over, it was time to talk numbers. Everything worked out well and I was just about to buy the truck but then I started thinking about the 2003 which had so much more to offer like, bigger engine, more interior room, HID's (I think), more air bags, and just about any other new things imaginable. Here's what threw me off, the salesman told me the 2003's would not be at the dealerships until:

    --------FEBRUARY 2003 RELEASE DATE--------

    Everyone has been talking about an October release of the new truck to the public and at least a demo model on the lots by September sometime. Now, everything is thrown back to Early 2003 according to the salesman. Well, just before signing the final papers, I looked at my dad and told him that I want to see what the 2003 is going to be like. We've only seen pics on the net, but I have not seen it in person, so it would be good to give the new truck a chance at least before getting an older model design right now. Is it just me, or does the interior of the truck seem a bit narrow in the front especially for the driver and passenger? I'm not a big guy but my dad is around 6ft or so and he kept bumping his head while trying to get into the truck. In the end, I think I'll just wait on the 2003's before making a decision on which model year to buy. Just because the color I want is rare shouldn't be the deciding factor on whether I get the truck or not. Color is not too important when compared to interior dimensions, engine specs and new features on the new model.

    PS-- A representative from the local Toyota dealership emailed me this week with information on the 2003 Runner. He said, it will definitely look better in person than it does in the pictures on the web. He even included links to pictures of the 2003 4Runner and they were the same 6 or 7 pictures that we have all seen on the net lately, the blue Limited shot from different angles and the green and silver SR5 model. So, I guess the pictures are without a doubt the new 4Runner since a salesman sent me a link to them.
  • highlander7highlander7 Member Posts: 177
    What a dilemma, purchase the 2002 Runner of your choice now at a very good price or wait less than 2 months and decide on the new designed 2003. Being this close to the new release I would wait and check out the 03.

    I have a 02 Sport Edition in Thunder Cloud. Purchased last November, now have 18500 miles on it. Have not had one complaint, best truck I even owned. Because of all the accessories I have put on, I will probably keep it for at least 3 years but will look very hard at the new 03.

    I like your comparison to a high convertible. With all the windows down, sunroof open and tailgate window down, it is a pleasure to drive. I sold my Miata because the Runner has become my choice to drive. It is fun!!

    Good luck on your choice. Buying a left over 02 or the new 03, either way you will have one of the best SUV's ever made, the 4Runner's are bullet-proof.
  • kbteachkbteach Member Posts: 15
    I posted a message yesterday and it never showed up. Where did it go? Kbteach
  • kbteachkbteach Member Posts: 15
    I am buying a 2002 four runner 2wd limited pearl four runner with tax title and drive out at32,030 witb several options. am I doing ok or am i getting worked over. Kbteach
  • superleggerasuperleggera Member Posts: 74
    Here's the latest shot of the 4Runner:

    http://community.webshots.com/photo/48752686/48752826LQDxln
  • fordnightmarefordnightmare Member Posts: 40
    Looks like too much plastic. They mucked up it up.
  • whothemanwhotheman Member Posts: 169
    from the AMI Auto World Mag picture in October's issue.

    I ain't sweatin' it. The car, in production form, will look bad-[non-permissible content removed].

    No doubt.

    whotheman
  • superleggerasuperleggera Member Posts: 74
    I've been following many of the boards, including YotaTech and 4x4Wire. There are lengthy discussions about the sheetmetal and mechanical components. I think both will prove to be just fine. The rig will probably look better in person and it will be vastly improved mechanically, which is saying alot. But overall, I think Toyota interiors (aside from being well built) are among the most uninspiring. The third gen interior is downright archaic. Looking at the new Sequoia and even the RAV4, there is some hope, but I would really be impressed if the new Runner had a sleek, utilitarian interior that was a pleasure to climb into. This is the only thing I'm waiting to see, otherwise, I'd buy a V6 Sport right now.

    Any thoughts on what we might see in there?
  • sbell4sbell4 Member Posts: 446
    I have seen the interior in some pictures taken at a preride and drive for the 4Runner that was in San Fran about 3 weeks ago taken by a guy here at the dealership that was fortunate enough to be invited to the show.

    Myself and another salesperson will be at the national dealer meeting for Toyota in LA in a few days and we always get to see and climb around the upcoming vehicles and I predict the SCION, 2004 Sienna and doublecab Tundra will be on stage.

    Every other line in my information speaks about added security and no type of recording device of any type is allowed so I wouldn't think of taking a camera inside.

    If you guys have any specific questions I will ask the "product specialist" that is always standing by the vehicles, let me know and I will see what we can find out.
  • falcon74falcon74 Member Posts: 67
    What did your fellow employee think of the 2003 4Runner from the predrive and drive in comparison to the 2002 4Runner? When will the V6 SR5 be available for sale and will we be able to buy the Limited with the new V6 engine? Thanks
  • superleggerasuperleggera Member Posts: 74
    "I have seen the interior in some pictures taken at a preride and drive for the 4Runner that was in San Fran about 3 weeks ago taken by a guy here at the dealership that was fortunate enough to be invited to the show."


    Thanks sbell4 for the response about the interior. You are lucky to be able to get a preview and anything that you can share with us excitable car buffs is greatly appreciated. Any chance you can post those pics of the interior? I am very curious about the following:


    1)The fabric on the seats. If you compare the interior of a Pathfinder or even Xterra to a 4Runner, the Runner's fabric is less attractive (don't know about durability).

    2)General look. Since we've seen the interior layout of the GX470 < http://www.edmunds.com/future/2003/lexus/gx470/4drsuv/photo_3.html>, I'm guessing that it will be a de-contented version, but with similar architecture. This is a good thing, IMO.

    3)Special features. Someone asked about airbags. Maybe optional nav system?

  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    What other '03 Toyota trucks/SUVs will the new 5-speed automatic come in?

    Also, will full-time (permanent or selectable) 4WD be available in more Toyota trucks/SUVs for '03?

    Bob
  • sbell4sbell4 Member Posts: 446
    falcon74 - What did your fellow employee think of the 2003 4Runner from the predrive and drive in comparison to the 2002 4Runner? When will the V6 SR5 be available for sale and will we be able to buy the Limited with the new V6 engine? Thanks

    He said that he loved it. They take them on the test tracks and these guys have more fun tearing up the track then paying close attention to detail of interior and such. He did say that the 4Runner will have two mirrors located in the back that will help you backing out of a parking spot if you are between two other SUV or trucks. The mirrors are deleted with the upgrade audio system. I don't know anything for certain about the engine.

    superleggera - I have seen the interior in some pictures taken at a preride and drive for the 4Runner that was in San Fran about 3 weeks ago taken by a guy here at the dealership that was fortunate enough to be invited to the show.

    We were disappointed by the pictures that he took. They look like they were taken from distance and it is hard to tell alot except the gauges are round and the heating and cooling gauges are large and round and it has a metallic dash. The cupholders are side by side and and are adjustable for the size cup you are using like in the Rav. Under the heating and air unit there is a large closable console and the auto up and down rear window control is on the right side of the steering wheel on the dash. This vehicle does have the JBL upgrade.

    rsholland - I have no idea

    The dealer meeting is for owners, dealer principles and GM and the product preview is really just for show and they do not go into any type of detail about specs and availablity. I know I am lucky to get to go to these things and I remember seeing the 2002 Camry and the Matrix up on stage a few years ago. The reason I go to the meeting is for good fun, entertainment and to see the new products before anyone else. I wil try to pay closer attention to detail and will share anything I learn with the board but I don't think we will learn anything that we do not already know.
  • superleggerasuperleggera Member Posts: 74
    and can it be revived?
  • philly2002philly2002 Member Posts: 41
    I currently own a 1999 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Sport and love it! Well, to be quite honest I think I'm ready to move on to something with more substance. I would like to stick with the Toyota team since they have served me very well over the years. The new 4Runner is a great vehicle(according to the prereleased specs available online), but the styling is just plain ugly--at least in comparison to the new Lexus GX470. The GX is a beautiful SUV with all the amenities of the LX. I can't wait until Lexus releases some prices for me to compare.

    I wonder why Lexus didn't increase HP of the GX's V8 vs the '03 4Runner's V8??

    Oh and the Toyota campaign to promote the use of the new Toyota for off road use is a joke. First off, the use of a vehicle off road in the US is virtually nil these days. State regs and such have curbed the use of trucks, jeeps and SUV's on private and public land. States and certain environmental agencies have banned motor vehicle use in many parts of the country.

    Is Toyota promoting destruction of the natural land by encouraging people wihtout any 4 wheel drive knowhow to ride deep into the woods tearing apart trees, grass, etc?? Just think about it for a minute--how many new owners actually know how to drive a SUV in a REAL off-road situation?? Its a little more difficult that driving across the soccer field at the local high shcool I'll tell you that.

    Toyota should set up shop just like the boys at Jeep and their yearly Jeep Jamboree to educate new owners. BTW, Toyota should allow more space across the US for open land use of SUV's while they're at it too.
  • neb5neb5 Member Posts: 5
    http://www.thecarconnection.com has a good picture of the lastest review on the 2003 4Runner exterior and interior shot.
  • 4runnerpilot4runnerpilot Member Posts: 18
    Just wondering if anyone knows when the 2003 4runner Motorweek episode is going to air in the Seattle area. Possibly on the Speedchannel? Anyhow, keep me posted.
  • goltgogoltgo Member Posts: 54
    Someone on the regular 4Runner board here on Edmunds posted a message that said the Motorweek episode will be broadcast in Seattle on Channel 12 (KTBC? KBTC?) at 2am on the morning of Monday, Sept. 30.
  • rentschlrentschl Member Posts: 69
    So I was thinking that it was good that Toyota was offering a powertrain that gave you alot of

    advantages on the '03 4Runner. If I remember correctly from what a Toyota dealer had posted there is:

       -2WD mode for good gas mileage.

       -Full-time 4WD mode (center differential NOT locked)

       -Off-road 4WD mode

      -Off-road 4WD low range mode


    Alot of modes covering all conditions.


    It sounded great. Then I found out that it's only available on the V6 as per the paragraph below

    from Edmund's review. The V8 ONLY comes with a full-time 4WD only.


    Does anyone have any ideas why they would do this?


    It makes it hard for the person "who want it all."


    Also why is the V6 more powerful than the V8 (245 HP vs. 235 HP)?


                              **********************************************************************************************

    Building on the 4Runner's reputation as a capable off-road machine, all 2003 4WD 4Runners

    get redesigned transfer cases and a new Torsen limited-slip center differential &#151; the first of

    its kind used in a midsize SUV. This differential can alter the bias of the available engine

    power between three different settings depending on which wheels have the most traction.

    Four-wheel-drive models with the V6 engine come equipped with a shift-on-the-fly multimode

    system that offers both two- and four-wheel drive, while all V8-equipped models feature a

    full-time four-wheel-drive system. Both systems use dash-mounted switches for activation and

    both offer a fully "locked" mode that locks the center differential for maximum traction in

    difficult terrain.

                              *********************************************************************************************

    Excerpted from:

    http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/firstdrive/74756/article.html

  • rentschlrentschl Member Posts: 69
    So I was thinking that it was good that Toyota was offering a powertrain that gave you alot of

    advantages on the '03 4Runner. If I remember correctly from what a Toyota dealer had posted there is:

       -2WD mode for good gas mileage.

       -Full-time 4WD mode (center differential NOT locked)

       -Off-road 4WD mode

      -Off-road 4WD low range mode


    Alot of modes covering all conditions.


    It sounded great. Then I found out that it's only available on the V6 as per the paragraph below

    from Edmund's review. The V8 ONLY comes with a full-time 4WD only.


    Does anyone have any ideas why they would do this?


    It makes it hard for the person "who want it all."


    Also why is the V6 more powerful than the V8 (245 HP vs. 235 HP)?


                              **********************************************************************************************

    Building on the 4Runner's reputation as a capable off-road machine, all 2003 4WD 4Runners

    get redesigned transfer cases and a new Torsen limited-slip center differential &#151; the first of

    its kind used in a midsize SUV. This differential can alter the bias of the available engine

    power between three different settings depending on which wheels have the most traction.

    Four-wheel-drive models with the V6 engine come equipped with a shift-on-the-fly multimode

    system that offers both two- and four-wheel drive, while all V8-equipped models feature a

    full-time four-wheel-drive system. Both systems use dash-mounted switches for activation and

    both offer a fully "locked" mode that locks the center differential for maximum traction in

    difficult terrain.

                              *********************************************************************************************

    Excerpted from:

    http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/firstdrive/74756/article.html

  • intmed99intmed99 Member Posts: 485
    Every information you quoted is right. With a V8 Limited model, you only get FULL-TIME 4wd. Only the V6 model can be driven in 2WD.

    Why? Only God knows. Maybe with a V8, Toyota can just transplant the GX470/LX470 drivetrain over. Maybe the transfer case on the V6 (same ratio though) cannot handle the torque of the V8.

    The V6 has more HP because it is a more modern engine...a more high-reving engine (with VVT-i). More like a car engine (all-aluminum) with good displacement.

    The 4.7 L V8 is a classic truck engine. It is ultra-smooth. It is also iron-block. It produces tons of torque at low-mid RPMs, something that the V6 cannot touch. It is more of a torque-biased engine when compared to the V6.

    For me, i prefer the V8 because it is torquey (good for off-roading) and is proven. The V6 is too new.
  • ceewdeeceewdee Member Posts: 1
    Compared to other SUV's in it's class, the current generation ('02 and earlier 4Runner)had a unique and definitive style. Few folks disliked it. Excluding the Limited, the new ('03) 4Runner with it's gray plastic cladding would look more at home in a Pontiac car lot next to a Vibe. A mini Chevy Avalanche with a topper - flat top fender wells and all. Maybe there is some functionality in all that ugly. Sad because the rest of the Toyota fleet are visually appealing - an exception to some, sure. I hoped for something a bit easier on the eyes - different at least. Think I'll keep my '01 4Runner for the time being.
  • tbcreativetbcreative Member Posts: 357
    I went to the location where Toyota was conducting the seminar for sales reps and saw the new 4Runner first-hand! They even let me sit in it and play with all the new gadgets!

    First off, let me say this truck looks FANTASTIC in actuality. They had a silver Limited parked next to a 2002 silver Limited, a 2002 silver Sport Edition, a black Grand Cherokee Overland, a blue Trailblazer, and a red Exploder. The new 4Runner easily blows the others away, with looks, ergonomics., and functionality.

    The rest were 5 SR5s and 6 Sport Editions. They were made up of one green, one white, 5 silver, and 4 dark gray. The darker colors definitely look the best with the cladding, but I thought the white looked better than the silver for some reason. The silver speckles in the cladding make it look better than, say the Grand Cherokee Laredo or the Avalanche, and the Toyota rep told me that the paint is blended into the plastic to give it a more finished look, so it doesn't look like Rubbermaid, and it's chip and scratch resistant. He said they hadn't actually tested that, but he's heard nothing but positive feedback from people who have. I thought the cladding looked great, on the darker colors, but looked cheap on the silver. For some reason, that's just a bad combination.

    Now, here's the biggest relief for me. I always carry a tape measure in my truck, so I measured the rocker height and compared it to the 2002 Sport Edition 4x4, sitting right next to the 2003 Sport Edition 4x4. THEY ARE EXACTLY THE SAME!!! So my issue about ground clearance with the rockers is a non-issue. Granted this is a slightly longer truck, but as long as they didn't lower the rocker height like GM did on the mid-size triplets, I'm happy! 18.5" is only half an inch away from the height of a ZR-2 Blazer, which is the best stock rocker height of any mid-sized SUV, that I know of.

    The interior is great, with lots of nice feeling materials, and I like the new "dials" for the temperature controls. They seem very logical and easy to use. The GPS and stereo systems are phenomenal! The shelf is very cool, and the motor assist for the liftgate is really nice.

    In short, this WILL BE my next SUV.

    -TB
  • intmed99intmed99 Member Posts: 485
    Why didn't you crawl underneath to measure from ground to rear differential housing??!! Come on, man! :)

    Rocker is a non-issue because the frame will get hit on a rock BEFORE the body will!

    Looks like a really nice truck!
  • tbcreativetbcreative Member Posts: 357
    crawled underneath! I really wanted to confirm that measurement, but I didn't want to push my luck with their hospitality and allowing an outsider to take such a close look in the first place. ;o)

    I'm well aware of the frame getting hit first, but I really don't care too much about scratching my skid plates or chassis. I do care about gouging my rockers, though. My truck has lower ground clearance than the 4Runner, and the only damage my undercarriage has suffered on rough trails has been scratches and a small dimple in my muffler. But I have had to get a dent taken out of the rocker (due to my electronic shift malfunctioning and not allowing me to go into 4Lo and slipping on a rock, which is one of the many irritations that are causing me to not buy GM any more).

    I know that if I would have had a 4Runner, even if the 4Lo wasn't working, the rocker would have cleared it due to it's height. So, I'm much more concerned about protecting the rockers than my shields and frame.

    I know I could have added rock rails, but as I have stated in the 4Runner discussion thread, I think they look stupid on my truck unless you put a lift on it with bigger tires, and I didn't want the added expense, knowing I was going to wait for the new 4Runner.

    Maybe I'll go back tomorrow (the last day of the seminar), take a blanket, and crawl underneath with my tape measure! =o)
  • philly2002philly2002 Member Posts: 41
    Is it still possible to pick up an '02 for cheap?

    I'm thinking like 26-29K for a fully loaded 2002 SR5 Sport??? Any thoughts?
  • intmed99intmed99 Member Posts: 485
    I think you can get a fully-loaded SR5 Sport for around $30-31 OUT THE DOOR...however, selection is few and you have to haggle a lot!
  • derolandderoland Member Posts: 1
    ...when you go to the all wheel drive you eliminate driver error in the use of all that torgue!
  • mjohnr99mjohnr99 Member Posts: 193
    - read the main board; I have a lot of posts over the last 3 months about the pros and cons of '02 pricing, with actual numbers. Worth it to read through the few hundred posts - let us know what you decide to do?
  • bulychbulych Member Posts: 10
    according to my source it appears that the towing capacity of the new v6 is 5000#.my question is why has the towing capacity not increased when the hp has increased 34% and the torque by 30% over the old 4runners.could someone provide an explaination.i would like to purchase a v6 but the towing capacity is too low
  • sbell4sbell4 Member Posts: 446
    It is called Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Just because a vehicle can tow 8,000 pounds doesn't mean that the brakes can stop that much weight!
  • runnerfanrunnerfan Member Posts: 7
    Believe it or not, the only reason why the towing capacity is 5,000 pounds is because of the spare tire. They are supposed to design a new trailer hitch wich will be attach to the frame so the truck can tow more than 5,000 pounds. But for now, with the spare tire under the truck, they cannot. (Source: Toyota University)
  • intmed99intmed99 Member Posts: 485
    My hitch for my '02 is attached to the frame. All hitches should attach to the frame! Spare tire should NOT affect anything.

    I don't understand that.
  • fishingguyfishingguy Member Posts: 34
    What a waste of all that 8 cyl torque to only be rated for 5k lb towing capacity? Hitch attachment sounds like tying a string to end of a heavy rope. In some ways the way this 4runner is being rolled out (8cyl with 4wd only buy only limited towing cap) it seems like the Sequoia is going to be a better value. Wonder where the Sport version pricing really comes in.
  • tbcreativetbcreative Member Posts: 357
    My Toyota guy called me today to let me know that they'll be getting their first 2003 4Runners in on Thursday, and that he'll call me "as soon as they hit the ground!" I can't wait to FINALLY get to test drive one!!!
  • tbcreativetbcreative Member Posts: 357
    Strange about the hitch issue...

    Here's a quote from Truck Trend about it:

    "The full-length boxed section frame rails are connected with nine fully welded crossmembers, while a Class III tow-hitch receiver is built into the rear-frame crossmember."

    So, where is that quote from Toyota University? I'm curious to get to the bottom of this.
  • fishingguyfishingguy Member Posts: 34
    I would like to hear some thoughts regarding the 2003 4runner vs GMC Envoy. I am reluctant to buy an Envoy due to the American car unreliability but it strikes me that with the 4runner Limited coming in around $34k-ish, a comparably equipped Envoy is probably going to go for $29ish. This assumes $4k off the Envoy MSRP and little off the 4runner. The Envoy may not be as wirey as the 4runner but excellent towing, nice features. Just looking for thoughts I know very few have driven the 4runner yet.
  • world_travelerworld_traveler Member Posts: 153
    The 4Runner Limited is more likely to be in the 40k range. Like many others I have not seen the new 4Runner but I went to see the Envoy out of curiosity two weeks ago.

    It looked very cheap, GM quality interior and even the demo in the showroom had imperfections like glue smudge (that was holding a molding).
    It also felt very cheap making you wonder if it will hold up the duration of the lease.

    I did not even bother to do a test drive.

    Obviously the 4Runner will be more expensive than the Envoy, but if you have that kind of money to put on a SUV do not hesitate and go with the 4Runner Limited. It will be worth the extra bucks.
  • fishingguyfishingguy Member Posts: 34
    ok maybe Envoy sacrifices some quality but $40k vs $30k can buy alot of extended warranty. jeez for $40k you could get a pretty nice Sequoia, at least leather seats and alot of trimmings.
  • tbcreativetbcreative Member Posts: 357
    If you do any off-roading at all, DON'T BOTHER WITH THE ENVOY! It's rocker and front bumper height and ground clearance don't compare to the new 4Runner. And it doesn't even have tow hooks! The Trailblazer is the only one of the "triplets" to have tow hooks.

    I was all set to trade my '98 Jimmy in for an Envoy when they first came out, but I was really disappointed with the lack of attention to off-roading. I would never take one on any trail over a "2" rating. My dad loves his, but he doesn't do any rough 4-wheelin'.

    Also, the Envoy/Trailblazer/Bravada triplets are plagued with electronic issues. My dad's Envoy, my uncle's Trailblazer, and a friend's Trailblazer have all had to go back for electronic issues, like the engine dying when pulling out into traffic, and all of the gauges lighting up, then shutting down, for no apparent reason. Also, there were issues with the seats and side mirrors not functioning properly. Supposedly, it was a computer glitch issue that's been resolved with an upgrade to the on-board software, which you can get taken care of at the dealership, but my uncle isn't convinced it's taken care of all of his problems. He's wishing now that he would have waited for the new 4Runner, not only because of the electronic problems, but because he wishes he had more clearance too.

    According to one of the posts about pricing on the Limited, you should be able to get a 4x4 with some extra goodies on it for around $35K. My Toyota guy has confirmed that as well. I think it's worth a little more $ to get a lot more truck.
  • tbcreativetbcreative Member Posts: 357
    While I got to see the 12 new 4Runners at the sales seminar at the Sky Harbor Marriott in Phoenix, I didn't get to drive one. But I will tomorrow! My Toyota sales guy called again today to tell me they'll be getting 2; one to sell and one for demos. I'll be back here to share my feedback.

    &#150;TB
  • intmed99intmed99 Member Posts: 485
    I think you probably can get a 4Runner cheaper than $40K if you went with 2wd.

    If you are BUYING, than $10K is not that big of a difference, considering the resale value, time spent at dealerships, etc. If you were leasing, then it may be different.

    Towing is better in Envoy for sure. Nice features?? The new 4Runner has MANY nice features, some of them better than Envoy's.
  • doudoudiddoudoudid Member Posts: 76
    if you buy the Envoy for the money factor, you are following the footsteps of a lot of GM owners here in this forum...

    keep coming back to the toyota forum hoping people say something bad about the 4runner, once you see some problems, you will try to post some more to prove that people are crazy paying extra for nothing, despite the fact that you are the one who are struggling.
  • fishingguyfishingguy Member Posts: 34
    I am really just trying to make a purchase decision as my 94 Explorer is fading and lacks the towing power I need now. My sense is that I will be better off with a Toyota (Sequoia or 4runner) over a GM over the 10 years I typically keep my vehicles. It looks like the Envoy thread is really not too happy. It will be interesting to see if the towing of the 4runner compares to the Envoy since that is my biggest need. I am not an offroader except with some tricky boat ramps. I guess the 5k limitation (with such an awesome V8) and some of the comments here have me a bit squeamish about the 4runner's capabilities. Maybe towing was a secondary factor. We'll see in the next few months.
  • fishingguyfishingguy Member Posts: 34
    Wonder why the GX 470 (rich sister to 4runner) is rated for 6500 lbs while the 4runner is rated for 5000 lbs? It sure would be nice to get a Toyota product person to answer that one. Maybe there is nothing different and it's a bit of a marketing gimmick for the higher price tag. The following is from Edmunds own review...

    "The GX 470 is powered by a double-overhead-cam 4.7-liter V8 that generates 235 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, producing 80 percent of its peak torque at just 1,100 rpm. (This power will no doubt be especially valuable to those who plan on using the ute for towing. It's capable of hauling up to 6,500 pounds when outfitted with an optional towing package.) The GX 470 is a Low Emissions Vehicle, and its power is governed by a five-speed automatic tranny."
This discussion has been closed.