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http://www.dawgpak.com/photos/4runnerlg.jpg
We have focused on the new 4runner and it is at the top of our list. I have some questions if any of you would mind taking the time to give your opinion.
1: Any other SUV’s that we should be looking at?
We tend to like the cladding that there has been much discussion about. Our pick is the Galactic Grey Sport, with the black running a close second.
2: Is all this concern about cladding going to impact our trade-in/resale value in 3-4 years?
3: Is the Sport worth the extra?
4: How about buying the limited to get away from the cladding? worth it?
4: We live in SW MO. Is it worth extra to trade with the local dealer? Or will buying it 4 hours away cause difficulties if we encounter problems?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
dhtwalden
2. Will the cladding degrade resale value? Who knows??? Resale value typically reflects the overall quality and durability of a vehicle, and Toyotas usually do very well.
3. Sport worth the extra? Yes, if you value the improved handling the 17" tires, X-REAS suspension system and bigger brakes give you, as well as the cosmetic enhancement of the hood scoop. No, if this stuff doesn't make your clock tick.
4.Buy the Limited for its color-keyed cladding? I'm prejudiced on this issue, as we have an '03 Limited on order and I don't care at all for the contrasting cladding on the SR5 and Sport. Don't forget, the Limited package includes lots of nice stuff you don't get on the lesser models, such as leather, dual-zone auto climate control, heated seats, fog lamps, 115V. power outlet, etc., etc.
5. We live in Lansing, MI. I've bought my last three Toyotas in cities about an hour's drive away and never regretted it: The deals have been much better and the dealers' integrity has been far superior to my home dealer's. OTOH, 4 hours is a lot farther away and the current 4Runner is ALL new. Toyota seems to do as good a job as anyone of getting things right straight out of the gate, but there's inherently a greater liklihood of problems with new stuff. That said, our new 4Runner (which replaces a '98 Limited) is coming from an out-of-town dealer again. This shows you the trust I have in Toyota!
Good luck. Post back and let us know what you decide.
-Karl
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/comparison/articles/53479/article.html
2. Will the cladding affect re-sale value? Maybe? I know Chevy is now planning on offering the Avalanche without cladding. Of course you like the cladding, and like you I think it does look better in the darker colors. Galactic Grey is a good choice with cladding. If you keep your SUV as long as your Mercury the biggest part of re-sale value would be how reliable and how well it holds up. Something Toyota is very good at.
3. Is the Sport worth the extra money. The Sport has a lot of stuff the basic SR5 does not. If you don't mind the cladding I think it is worth the extra money. Of course the basic model usually has better re-sale value over what you originally paid. Still considering that I would go with the Sport, if you like the looks.
4. Should I go with the Limited to get away from the cladding. No, if you like the cladding go for the Sport or a SR5. As stated before if you keep it for a long time, the cladding will not be a big issue.
4 1/2. (Hey, you had two four questions.) Should I drive 8 hours to save money or buy from a local dealer? A local dealer is nice. They can offer some nice perks. A long trip to save money on a 35,000 SUV may not be the way to go. Of course I can change my mind. I think going over 750 bucks in difference or more may change my mind. It is a long trip, still if you buy else where, the local dealer should be able to service it just fine.
Nobody can say anything wrong about managing money smartly.
About being a 4Runner wannabee... I was driving a 99 SR5 V6 until a couple weeks ago... It was a great truck but not to the point of being religious about it.
I paid 35k CAD for it in 99 and it would have cost me 45k CAD to get a similar truck (Sports) in 2002. Ok, a 25%+ increase over 3 years .... Not a good thing but I would have been ok with if the 2003 would not have been so ugly. That got me shopping.
I think it is a wise move to shop around when you are about to spend that kind of money. And yes, there is a world out there....
Steve, Host
Being the present owner of a 2000 SR5 (which, BTW, I am completely happy with for the time being) and a loyal Toyota fan, I had completely assumed and expected the new 4runner would be mechanically and technically superior to any other SUV out there. In that respect, I was not disappointed. I like the interior, the engines, and all the techno wizardry that went into this newly re-engineered vehicle. However the exterior design (IMO) leaves me confused, wanting, and is a real deal killer for me. Perhaps some people can overlook the negatives of the exterior and elevate the technical attributes to rationalize a purchase, but I cannot at 40K. I'd rather spend 50K on something that I am 100% satisfied with rather than 40K on something I am only 60-70% happy with. I tend to take a very holistic approach to my vehicle purchasing, looking at the entire package (including design) and not just the positive technical characteristics of the vehicle. If it does not come together as such, then I don't buy.
Someone earlier posted a reference to a Wall Street Journal review that is not as harsh on the appearance of the new 4runner, but that gives a mediocre summary at best. Perhaps you should take a look at it as well in forming your opinion. IMO, I think the jury is still out.
how about a link to the Wall Street Journal article?
Do you have to get a limited to get mirrors on the sun visors?
Is it me, or can you put your feet under the front seats (if you are a rear seat passenger) on the SR5 and SE, but not the limited?
i had one salesman tell me that the premium stereo with headphones allows the rear seat passengers to listen to a CD on headphones while the front seat folks listen to the radio. correct info?
thanks for the help.
Toyota Softens Up 4Runner, Risking Losing Serious Fans
"Toyota says the changes aren't so important to the 4Runner's image -- or its target audience: single men who actually drive off-road (or want you to think they do)."
Maybe it'll get reprinted elsewhere in the next week or so.
Steve, Host
http://autos.msn.com/homepage/launchpage.aspx?idModel=10653&Make=Toyota&Type=NML
no reviews available yet... but 360-degree exterior and interior views are there. Blue w/ cladding in Gallery doesn't look too bad. Agree w/ others that cladding is ugly, but not too bad on darker colors. I'm still trying to like the new look (even the limited), I love everything else.
http://www.atlantatoyota.com/frameset4.asp?LINK=NewCars&MAIN=new_vehicle_search
Autoweek featured Tourareg on Cover this week:
http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?cat_code=coverstory&loc_code=index&content_code=03697393
After a week of negotiating with dealers I picked up my new Sport edition this weekend. Couldn't find a Galactic Gray anywhere so I settled on the Titanium Metallic. And while I still think the exterior is unattractive, this whole situation does have a bright side! Had the new 4Runner been what I had hoped for (either an untouched or only subtly revamped 3rd gen exterior) I suspect it would be such a hot seller I never would've been able to pick one up for under MSRP. (I ended up getting mine for $2600 under MSRP.)
So, after owning it for a about a day and a half I can honestly say I'm thrilled with my decision. Unbelievable driving experience. True, any new car will be a treat and it's possible that fact alone may color my perception. But I've driven my mom's '98 4Runner and the ride in the 2003 is so improved it's almost hard to believe. I got the Sport specifically for the X-REAS suspension. I live in the Bay Area so I headed over to Highway 1 yesterday just to test it out on the curves. What a fun drive. Cornering was terrific; the lack of body roll was awfully impressive. The V8 was smooth and quiet and downshifting with the 5-speed automatic was equally nice.
(While I'm still sensitive about the looks I'm willing to share a few quick pics: http://community.webshots.com/album/54267754SlNwNX ) And yes, I plan on taking this puppy off-road. Might as well put that cladding to good use!
Anyway, I thought it only fair that I post something in the forum after lurking here for almost a year. Thanks to everyone who has so kindly shared their information.
Steve, Host
However, I bought a 4Runner Sport for the driving experience and the Toyota reliability; I don't know what other car (in my price range, that is!) would have met my needs as well as this one. Since I actually go off-road on occasion I have different considerations than a lot of other SUV buyers out there.
I currently have 2 vehicles to sell to raise cash for my new 4Runner - a 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder and a 2001 Ford F150 4wd Supercrew. I love the Spyder and like the truck, but want to consolidate to a single vehicle - a truck-like vehicle that handles well (e.g. on Hwy 1) enough to make parting w/ my Spyder less painful. My Ford truck is only my 2nd American car purchase ever. I've had 9 Toyotas - 3 pickups ('77, '84, '01), 2 MR2's ('88, '01), 2 Tercels ('81, '83), 1 Van ('99), 1 Corona ('72). Needless to say, I love Toyota dependability. I've never had trouble with any of them.
To be honest, every time I buy a Toyota, I wish they looked better, but I buy them anyway. Even my Spyder's looks take a lot of getting used to -but it's so fun to drive.
So, trading my silver mr2 for a silver 4 runner.
MR2 pic:
http://www.dawgpak.com/photos/spyderlg.jpg
New 4Runner?:
http://www.dawgpak.com/photos/4runnerlg.jpg
But the greater reason why, in my opinion anyway, is that it allows them to show the actual potential of the engine. Both on documented HP and Torque ratings as well as performance numbers.
Been to 4 dallas dealers, all say regular fuel.
DL
generation of the vehicle. I agree with the majority of the previous postings as to the revolting appearance of the
grey plastic cladding on the SR5. The available color pallet here in Canada is limited to a number of shades of
grey (silver), a gold, black, Pacific blue, Impulse Red and Imperial Jade (green). If you choose the Ltd, you can
forget about red and green. I am not crazy about the look of the front end and grill or the squared off fender flares.
As far as getting a good bang for the buck, I believe that if you get past the quirky exterior, the high content of this
4th generation is very good value. The MSRP for the 2002 Ltd here in Canada was $50,830 CDN all inclusive,
The MSRP for the 2003 Ltd. V6 is $49,810 all inclusive and the 2003 Ltd. V8 is $51,935 all inclusive. For the
added features and power, these prices represent a real decrease in price.
At some point in the next 3 years, I may be interested in replace my 1996 Ltd, but I will wait to see what will happen
to the cladding and flares. Based on my experience with my 2002 Sequoia, it never pays to be in a rush when buying
a new vehicle, the content always increases as the model years of that generation tick bye.
PS the base SR5 V6 Starts at $44,870 CDN or $28,270 US
http://familycar.com/RoadTests/Toyota4Runner/Index.htm
Please let me know if I'm missing any...
http://www.dawgpak.com/4Runner/
http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/reviews/rt2203.shtml
Once again good web page, keep up the good work. By the way I also like the 4Runner pictures by "kim47" of his 4Runner by the beautiful ocean and redwood trees. The wonderful backgrounds help make the 4Runner look better.
How did you get the numbers?
peter78 - yup, I figured out that if I park my 4Runner in front of gorgeous locations then I don't really mind the cladding at all :-) And with that newfound knowledge I'm going to grab the camera again and head up to the Sierra Nevada this weekend to add to my 4Runner picture collection. As a bonus, I'll be able to try out my Sport in stormy weather.
(FYI, since it's often impossible to tell from screen names, I'm female. Maybe that explains why I like all the other nice touches beyond the improved engine/suspension: the auxiliary storage boxes, adjustable cupholders, climate control, nice moonroof, adjustable seat belts, etc.)
Road and Track:
http://www.roadandtrack.com/reviews/firstdrives/articledisplay.asp?articleid=369
Car and Driver:
http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/roadtests/2002/november/0211_roadtest_4runner.xml
And Ms. Kim, I added a link to your pictures too. Can't wait to see your Sierra shots. Looks like rain tomorrow and maybe through the weekend! Boy, we need it. I'm down near San Luis Obispo.
Steve, Host
Maybe we should start a new discussion category for "50 ways to divert your attention from the 4Runner cladding". I think the best idea so far is to just get inside and enjoy the drive :-).
Michael,
TRD has reduced the price on the 3.4 superchargers to $1932.50 delivered
Email if you have any questions.
Thank you
[name omitted]
[dealer omitted]
Internet Dept.
Houston, Texas 77373
www.eToyotas.com
http://www.4x4wire.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=13;t=014099
And for people that need even more power, you can have a Supercharger for the new V8 4Runner for the bargain price of $4,800, plus installation. Go for it.
http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?s=692a8fcde799e1061798befaa4b12d26&threadid=3110
Also, to provide 'cathedralesque headroom is part of the Lexus luxury.' Please pass the barf bag.
One last note was that the GX470 front seats are mounted higher than he 4Runner to 'provide a commanding view of the world around...the 4Runner is sportier he (the designer) says, so its driver should sit low.'
Nice website dawgpak.