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Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Can't you get a limited Sequoia for $42K? Sheesh. Other than weight/slower acceleration/1-2 mpg lower...It seems a better buy for a Sequoia. I am wondering where the 4.0 V6 4runnner will range on price. I am definitely a fan of the limiteds (like my current 4runner), and WAS contemplating an '03 LTD V8.
I can't stand the plastic flares/panels. My 2 cents: The two-tone body color IMO will die out in out 2004. Just look at the 2002 Sequoias. Toyota will put out the 2nd year (4th generation)4runners and the SR5s/Sports will have a monotone, color-keyed flares/panel option. They will do this especially for the '03 SR5/Sport buyers who couldn't wait. I know because my buddy bought a 2-tone Sequoia SR5 in '01 (black/tan), and what happened in 2002---->Monotone was available in the SR5s. He went crazy.
Anyhow...I am now going to wait until the V6 arrives in Dec/Jan. Then depending on price, maybe I might factor an SR5 Sequoia Leather/moonroof for the same.
Dealers can sell them for whatever profit margin they and the consumer agree is fair to both parties.
I remember the very first Highlander I sold was to a couple that offered a figure that was just above invoice. We sold it to them and went on to the next case.
Some of the new 4Runners will go at MSRP and some will go for less.
It scares me that we blanket what we feel what a dealer will or not do by the posts we see. If you like the vehicle I suggest you go and drive it and let your local dealer work a few figures for you to consider. I do not think anyone would expect you to buy a 40k vehicle if the price and value was agreeable to you.
I assure you that if you want a new 4Runner you will be able to buy one at a fair price.
Damn Toyota.
Just a little aggression.
Also it would be difficult to find the exact same color.....
Unless you buy a bunch of touch up bottles !!!!!!
One big touch up.......
The manual says I suppose to drive in 4 wheel drive mode at least 10 miles per month to keep front wheels proper lubricated. Drive on dry road will destroy the system. What should I do ?
Thanks
Bruce
I'm not sure if they would be able to paint plastic with the same type of paint.
It might end up not very nice.
Again, a 800$ paint job on a brand new 2003 33K vehicle is crazy.......
I'm not positive but I think I have been following this 2003 4runner and all the rumors since around April 2002. I have been pretty enthusiastic about getting a new vehicle and was initially very disappointed with the original spy pictures taken by Paul S. I have grown to really like the new looks, but still have a few disappointments such as SR5 bumps on the fender flares, the two tone SR5, and the "skunk stripes" on the Limited.
Between the few things I don't like,the news embargo nonsense, this being a brand new vehicle, and the port problems , I really couldn't care less at this point if I'm able to get my hands on a new 4runner or not. Spending $30,000 to $40,000 plus should not be this frustrating. Plus most of the dealers will no less about the vehicle than the customer does (present board members who are dealers excluded of course).
Anyway, I am looking forward to test drive one. When someone gets to drive one would you kindly post which model you drove. I have been interested in the Limited but it has been posted here that to get the X-REAS suspension on the Limited it would have to be a factory order and I would like to hear how everyone likes the Sport's suspension.
We all waited this long and I hope everyone sticks to their guns and refuses to get burned during negotiations. Good luck on whatever you decide.
I guess either way you slice it offroad, you'll get paint chips on metal or plastic body parts.
I wish they would have stuck with full metal body panels. Unlike metal, those plastic parts not only have to be re painted but filled in as well, when scratched up a bit. The plastic is softer than metal and gouge quite easily.
Also, I'm really looking forward to do some rock climbing with my brand new 2003.
Serious off-roading and rock climbing is done with customized older vehicles. This plastic we are complaining about will be useful in 2007.
Serious off-roaders have no time to waste in a new vehicle forum.....
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
For the other 1% of buyers, they will probably wait a couple of years, buy a used model, save $5-8K and take the full advantage/capabilities of the 4runner.
bruces: there must surely be one place nearby where you can get that truck onto some dirt! If not, driving in a straight line on dry pavement is not a problem, with 4WD engaged. Maybe you could find a long street nearby with a really long straightaway??!!
I dunno - I have never had this problem - all I use mine for is offroading, so 4WD is engaged more than half the time...helps to live near places where you can get it into the dirt.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Like you, I've been reading here and waiting a long time - since DECEMBER 1999! :> Man, back then people were screamin' about when this new Runner would debut. First it was 2001 maybe, then 2002, then 2002.5, and here we are now as a LATE 2003 (V6s still months away!). Like now, everyone back then was praying that Toyota would keep the same rugged lines and mean lookin' monochromatic schemes - they thought no way Toyota would pull a Subaru Outback two-tone on us . . .
WRONG. Ok, what to do? Turning Point.
I too think they will probably come out with monochrome options on the SR5/Sports for 2004. Unfortunately, I can't wait as my 10 year old terrarium with wheels is shot . . . just found out it won't pass VA inspection without ~2 grand in repairs and registration is up. So, I have to buy something like right NOW, hence, my Plan B over to the Dark Side of the Edmund's Town Hall.
Buttttttt, I am guessing that a lot of you can afford to hang out a bit on the sidelines and see what happens here. Given this year's "two-groan" looks with silver ornaments, the MSRP prices that supply and demand will most likely set the first year (remember the 1996 debut!), the first year out on the new aluminum V6 engine, the fact that most will want the V6 engine which won't be available until Jan./Feb. . . . all this should tell one IMO to wait the 6-8 months required when the 2004 comes out (maybe a 3rd row for those who seem to love that idea?) and you can get a monochrome SR5 with 17" wheels (can't believe the 16" wheel debacle . . .) or a monochrome Sport withOUT that "spoil-er" (or with a truckish lookin' spoiler befitting this machine.) [If I had my druthers, that's what I would do . . .]
This is a lot of money at stake here; although I look to be taking a little detour of my own, maybe there is at least a corner ahead in the distance for the rest of the Toyota loyalists.
Will be interested to hear how this all shakes out for ya'll . . .
P.S. Update to 4Runner vs. H2 vs. Pathfinder office poll (appearance only):
H2: 33
Pathfinder: 36
4Runner: 9
[yes, I get A LOT of visitors where I work . . .]
But that could hit their Limited sales. The two major reasons to buy a Limited is monochromatic paint and leather. It took them many years to offer the current 3rd gen flares in monochromatic tone on another model than the Limited and probably they did that only to help sales that were not that good.
As well they would make us pay for it adding at least 1000$ for that option bringing a sports close to 35k..... Hmmm it's getting expensive for a non luxury mid-size SUV.
http://www.gocrvclub.org/showthread.php?s=f23aa4064da6beed962323a3a4327242&threadid=910
Ok...so i am a bit crazy...but hey that is why i bought the 4runner, instead of GX470 (nice SUV BTW)!
When I bought my 99 I quickly realized that it was almost a mistake from an off-roading perspective. I should have bought a car then and an old suv for the fun. But I needed the SUV to pull my boat....
No matter what I'll buy in the next few days (4Runner or Pathfinder) I'm also buying an ATV (Honda Foreman 450ES). To my liking ATV are much more fun offroad. Also I prefer by far damaging my 6k bike than my 35k truck. It would take a serious accident to damage an ATV and you don't have to worry about scratching.
And to make things worst, right now payments of both the Pathfinder and Foreman are 20$ over the the payment of a 2003 4Runner sports alone. Almost two for the price of one....
Ok, I know what you'll be saying intmed99....
I hope that things won't lag too much here in Canada. I'm really eager to see and test one before making my final decision.
How many hours drive Northern VA ??? If I leave now.....
I really like this color. There appear to be three blue or gray colors that will come on the 4Runner. Is this one Galactic Gray(1E9), Stratosphere Mica(8Q0), or Pacific Blue metallic(8R3)? The pacific blue I think was in Paul's original photos (and doesn't look quite like this) and the stratosphere in those dealer lot photos appears alot darker than the post linked above.
Other colors on the HiLux Surf that may/will make it to the 4Runner: white silver black, dorado gold, and we know jade (like the '02) from Paul's photos.
1. I like the spoiler.
2. It is now confirmed that Toyota is using a new measurement system for cargo volume. If the same standards were used on the 3rd generation as they do on the 4th, you would find that the new one has about 5 cubic feet MORE cargo volume.
3. Ground clearance is noticeably lower.
4. The front seat is MUCH more adjustable and tall customers will love it.
5. Because the front seat can be lowered so much more, the back seat passenger can not get his toes underneath the front seat which makes the back seat seem a bit less comfortable.
6. This discomfort is offset by the increased width.
7. Downhill and uphill assist features are VERY cool. As a person who does occasionally go off road I am impressed. Also, those who tow boats will really appreciate the uphill assist when pulling a boat from a steep ramp.
8. Those back-up assist mirrors are not present if you have the JBL stereo which is to say we will never see them.
Just about everything else was as expected. I think we have a BIG winner here. For those of you who have been thinking about this, you owe it to yourself to check them out in person before making a decision.
So has anyone done any of these mods? or knows someone that has and the results of the mods? Thanks for ytour help.
One last note to Town Hall monitors. There needs to be a seperate and EXCLUSIVE 2003 4Runner forum.
Thanks!
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
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Anyway, sounds like some big improvements over 3rd Gen, but I was curious to learn whether there was anything that you did NOT like? What colors were they (only Galactic Gray?)? From your DM, is there any realistic chance of 2004 doing anything different? (I'm guessing that was not a big topic of conversation though! . . . ;> ) Maybe I could buy a used 3rd Gen for now and wait a bit . . . hmmmm.
Serious!
I almost flew out of my car window when I saw it. I was southbound merging into the San Diego freeway from Santa Monica when I saw a beautiful blue 2003 Limited and the license plate said "797"!!! That's the one in the spy shots (was it going to Torrance?). I drove beside it and passed it up on the left. Hey, that Limited is beeeaaauuutiful up close. If I had that cash to spend, it would definitely be a nice gift to myself (if it had a scoop and non-leather seats, that is). I wonder if they'll have any at the Long Beach auto show next week?
I don't see a need for one since '03 discussions are obviously of interest to existing 4Runner owners. What does everyone else think?
tidester
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SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
Oh... news flash! The V6 will require 91 octane gas but the V8 only requires 87.
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
More sugar please!
Im talking about a 2003 4runner SPECIFIC board. Others like me post stuff for previous year 4runners and theyre lost in all the of 2003 posts.
If