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Comments
Thanks.
Logic dictates that during this period (when tolerances are most tight) there will often be a greater amount of tiny metal shavings and particles generated as these moving parts more fully mesh, settle in together, and begin to "seat" themselves with respect to one another. As this normal "abrasive" process unfolds during the first 1000-1500 miles in the life of the engine, the metal shavings and particles so generated are, of course, shed into and suspended in the engine oil, and then filtered and trapped by the oil filter. Thus, many enthusiasts feel it is often wise to change the engine oil and oil filter of a new engine after the first 1000-1500 miles have been logged, since this may very well help rid the interior of the engine of the greater amount of abrasive metal particles generated during the early break-in period.
Speaking of the effectiveness of VSC, I wanted to make everyone aware that the NHTSA has, just today, posted the "Model Year 2004 Rollover Test Results". You can see them here:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/nhtsa/announce/press/pressdisplay.cfm?ye- ar=2004&filename=pr03-04.html
These tests used a new testing method called the "fishhook maneuver", while in the past they have relied on an analysis based on vehicle center of gravity, etc. I would think the new test is more representative of what would happen in the real world.
I was disappointed to see the 4Runner received only 3 stars, while several other SUVs (Buick Ranier 4x4, Trailblazer 4x4, GMC Envoy 4x4, Olds Bravada 4x4, and Volvo XC90 4x4) received 4 stars.
Enjoy!
-- Jim
Just curious on what the general guidelines are in the manual. Thanks.
My salesman says that they can find me another vehicle just like it if I'm not happy with this one. He said that because I have not officially 'accepted' the vehicle yet, that I'm not bound to the contract I signed Monday. Is this correct? It had the VIN # and all, layed out the costs, etc.. I mean, I bought the vehicle. Am I truly able to walk away from this if I haven't yet 'accepted' it? (Note: I still want one just like it, just not one with a major transmission problem right off the bat..)
I think that only applies to purchases that are made offsite - i.e. not at the dealership.
tidester, host
If you can get these vehicles to reliably start.
Disappointed? I think you should kiss your dealer, most would have 'fixed' this problem and passed it to you with a smile and w/o a word. Get another vehicle, it is too early in the process to have doubt.
It's kinda like sitting on the tarmac in a commercial jet waiting for takeoff and having the pilot come on and say there is a hydraulic leak in the engine and they will have to check it out. Makes you very uncomfortable, doesn't it?
Your new car, buying experience should be nothing but bliss and excitement. Afterall, you are paying $40K for that feeling.
In my opinion, it's either a flaky JBL HU or the main computer needs new firmware (software).
As usual, I'll keep you posted.
--
Chris
I don't know if this would have made a difference or not but NHTSA used the SR5 trim (http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/Cars/2957.html) which isn't equipped with the X-REAS suspension set-up. It would be interesting to see if the test results would have improved with an X-REAS equipped 4Runner.
1. Gauge lights are always on no matter what when the car is running. Not only when you turn the outside lights on. Now I could just lower the interior light level to nothing during the day but that is kind of a pain when I turn on the outside lights and then have to crank the interior light level back up to see anything. Is this some computer thing that can be re-programmed?
2. The base radio speakers stink. My base radio in my 96 RAV4 sounded better. I guess this is sort of subjective but I wish Toyota would have figured out how to get the upgraded JBL in with the 3rd row seats. No free solution for this one I guess.
3. We have a rear facing child seat with a tether that you are supposed to anchor to the frame of the vehicle some place. In our other cars it was easy to find something to attach it to: either part of the back seat structure or something under the front seats. But since we have the 3rd row seats with the 2nd row seats being 'flip-ups' there is nothing to attach to there and nothing by the front seats except the 'rails' that the front seat sits on but which would interfere with moving them. I know that there are tether anchors in the rear for forward facing child seats but I can't find anything suitable for rear-facing ones.
4. An extra 12V outlet up front would have been nice. Especially one that doesn't 'hide' beneath a cover. I mean how I am I supposed to speed with a radar detector and talk on my cell phone at the same time?
5. And the final nit-pick: is adding lighted visor vanity mirrors that much to ask for? I know they come with the side airbag option which I can't really understand how those two would be related (wiring maybe?). And not have heated outside mirrors goes with this as well I guess. I guess they needed something to differentiate the Sport and Limited.
Some (most) of these are personal opinion only and I just want to say that this is truly a great vehicle if these are the only things that a world-class nitpicker like myself can come up with.
Thoughts? Solutions?
I've heard it said that during the break-in period, a good rule of thumb is to not cruise at the same speed for more than ~50 continuous miles. That said, under many freeway conditions it's unlikely one would drive a 50 mile stretch of road without varying the speed just based on traffic patterns, posted speed limits, etc.
It also goes without saying that for the first 500 miles or so, it is often wise to avoid jackrabbit starts off the line, repeated "pedal to the metal" aggressive accelerations, sustained speeds much above ~80 MPH, etc.
I have the DVD/Nav. system in my 4Runner Limited, and while I initially thought I wouldn't use it much, after taking delivery of my truck I soon fell in love with this navigation system. In fact, now that I have such a tool, I'm totally spoiled and wouldn't buy another new vehicle without such a system. I could prattle on about the many virtues of this nav. system, but I'll spare you! That said, be prepared to carefully read and re-read the separate owner's manual for the DVD/Nav. module (and keep it in the glove compartment fro quick reference). Take the time to learn this easy-to-use system, and you'll likely fall in love too, and will be astonished at just how useful and POWERFUL it really is.
My '03 4Runner Limited has an auxiliary power outlet in the right rear sidewall of the cargo bay, just forward of the rear lift hatch. Does the SR5 also have this? If so, you can easily add another cig. lighter type of outlet to the front cabin by doing what I've done: simply visit your local Radio Shack and buy a 10' extension cord that plugs into the rear "cig. lighter" type outlet. (There is an on/off switch where this extension cord plugs in to the power socket, along with a green pilot light indicating "on".) Run this cord forward, first along the side of the cargo bay, then under the rear floor mats, and then up into the front cabin, where it can be conveniently stowed in the center armrest console.
Thus, when I'm running my Escort Passport 8500 radar/lidar detector, it's always plugged into the socket on the center console near the gear shift. (One could also add a "Y" splitter here for an additional outlet, but depending on the type used, these "Y" adapters or splitters may be too bulky and cumbersome for this particular position on the center console.) I then plug my cell phone charger cord into the "cig. lighter" extension cord that's coming from the rear, auxiliary power outlet. (A "Y" splitter could easily be added here as well.) And/Or, I can use the 110V outlet inside the center armrest to power my cell phone via it's small "household" recharger.
My point here is that if one uses just a bit of imagination and common sense, this truck (or at least the Limited version) offers a NUMBER of possible permutations and solutions for DISTRIBUTED electrical power outlets in the interior of the truck.
Using the rear power outlet with the extension cord I described, along with the truck's 110V plug, etc., I'm able to quite easily power all of the following items: 1) radar/lidar detector plugged into the center console jack, near the gear shift; 2) TWO cell phone chargers, one for each front adult passenger, powered from the extension-cord feed coming from the rear of the vehicle, using a "Y" splitter at the terminus, which is stowed in the armrest console. (These small cords can easily fit between the lid and lower lip of the center armrest, since this "box" has been designed with recessed notches or gaps to allow for the passage of electrical cords while the lid is fully closed and locked shut.) 3) The 110V outlet powers a laptop for the kids to watch DVD movies in the back seat.
Now, then, stop whining about not having enough power outlets! You have plenty, just think outside of the box!
That cigarette lighter option is a good alternative, too. It is easy to install and has the two 12-volt outlets as mentioned.
Actually though I also have a 115V outlet in the center console so I guess I could just use the standard household charger for my cell phone instead of the 12V one and have the radar detector use the single 12V outlet. It sounds like that is what you are doing and it can handle the load.
One nit-pick solved!
I got the 4Runner for it's reliability, V8 power (though the V6 is probably pretty nice, too), on and off road driving, luxury (in Limited trim), and generic utility (ability to tow, good handling with X-REAS...). Subjectively, I like it's looks quite a bit, too. Yes, I'm satisfied with it and I would buy it again.
I traded my '02 Sport 4x4 Runner for a '03 Sport 4x4 Runner. Best vehicle made, period. You get what you pay for, resale value in a few years.
I traded for a more modern equipped and bigger interior vehicle.
I find this SUV to be so highly enjoyable and pleasurable to drive and spend time in. Indeed, my luxuriously appointed and solidly built 4Runner is rather like a soothing and inviting "decompression chamber" that makes my long daily work commutes something I eagerly look forward to, rather than something I would dread in many other vehicles. I'll confess that whenever I park this vehicle and begin to walk away, I can't resist the urge to turn around and have yet another look at her.
In my opinion, while no vehicle is perfect, the new 4Runner is a magnificent and remarkably sophisticated yet rugged SUV that's currently in a benchmark class of its own among mid-sized SUVs. The 4Runner is so much more than just mere "transportation". Rather, it is a high performance SUV that's so well engineered, so well built, and so comfortable that it transforms driving or "getting there" into such a pleasurable and addictive past-time that one may feel a bit disappointed when the drive is over!
2. The upgraded JBL isn't all it's cracked up to be. The only speakers that have any sort of capability are the ones in the front doors -- and maybe the center speaker.
3. You should have got a van ;-)
4. If you're not into the ashtray option, install another lighter jack somewhere convenient. They're available at most auto accessory store. 12V.
5. My Sport came with lights in both vanity mirrors. Had to pay to get running boards though. The '04 model has them standard now.
What about wind noise at both from side windows at 60+ MPH? That's one of my annoyances. In all fairness, it could be because I installed side window visors.
Low beam headlamp Part number = 9006 (55w 6000k)
High beam headlamp Part number = 9005 (65w 6000k)
Fog/Driving light Part number = 9006 (55w 6000k)
Save your money and do it yourself. Just DON'T TOUCH the bulbs! They burn very hot and any residue could cause the glass to overheat and damage may result.
The low beam on the passenger side was the most difficult to reach from below. Watch you head on the towing link too. It's harder than my head!
As for brand preference, I obviously prefer PIAA
I like the stock headlamps just fine thus far, so I have no plans to replace them at this time.
I compared the stock ones (at one side) and the 7000k ones (at the other side). Very obvious difference and much brighter on the 7000k.
I then purchased Sylvania SilverStars for the low beams and kept the 7000k Eurodezigns for the high beam and fog lamps. You can purchase them for about $16 each on sale at Pepboys. They are not as bright, but their longevity should be greater than a higher kelvin bulb.
The bulbs are very easy to install in less than 5 min. Just make sure to not touch the bulbs themselves.
HID means "high-intensity discharge" and true HID bulbs are actually bulb systems, with separate high-voltage supplies. These supplies drive light elements that are more similar to an extremely bright flourescent light or a camera flash element than they are to a filament. I don't know if conversion kits are available for the 4Runner, but these conversion kits with high voltage supplies, etc. typically cost $500-$1000.
Take a look and see what you think.
www.intellexual.net
2. I fiddled around with the speaker settings (Bass -1, Treb +2, Fade -1) and finally can tolerate it for the mix of talk radio and music that I listen to. Before it was too 'muddy' (too much bass?). Not that they are the best speakers in the world, but we have some Infinity ones in our other car (a 2001 Jeep GC) and to me that sounds a lot better.
3. Never, ever. Even if I have a dozen kids.
4. Hopefully with the 115V outlet it will be enough for what I need (a radar detector in the 12V, a cell phone charger when needed in the 115V).
5. The standard running boards are nice. The vanity light thing doesn't bother me (it does bother my wife though). I just thought it was such a simple option to include (along with the auto-defrost outside mirrors) that it would have been a no-brainer for Toyota. But there must be some wiring issue as they do come with the side airbag option.
I have noticed no wind noise with mine. I don't have any deflectors. I do have the spoiler. In fact, it seems like one of the quietest vehicles I have had, including our 2001 Jeep GC and our old 96 RAV4 (especially the RAV4).