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Comments
My car is going in for a oil change in a couple of weeks. I'll ask the service dept what they think it might be then.
Harry
HP
I'm looking for a 2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD in the Midwest region, particularly, Michigan, with either the SP or the LA package only. Does anybody know a good price and dealership in this area? The invoice price is $24,996 for LA package or $25,530 for SP package. Thanks for your help!
Also, are there any factory-to-dealer incentives available on these cars.
I have a 2000 4Runner Limited with 16000 miles. I took it in for 15000 mile maintenance and when I got it back the brakes would shudder at highway speeds. I took it back and they said the brake drums where warped. The service advisor said that the mechanic may have put the brake pads on too tight. These are covered under warranty of course but I was just wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience?
BTW, warped front rotors are not rare on the Runner.
HP
Hope you are liking your '98 4X4, I like my 4X2 even though it can get rough on bumpy roads!
Cheers
HP
I do notice that it corners much better and when I have 4 people aboard, towing my boat, the ride calms down a bit and the handling seems much better with the added towing weight. It also appears to corner pretty flat.
I'm not 100% sure this really helped my daily driving impressions. Every bump is still transmitted into the cabin and I remind myself "this isn't a car, it is a truck". So I'm a little unhappy with the results but like I said, it is a truck. I paid $280 for my set and $100 to have them installed...YIKES! So check around on install. But don't expect this to totally change your Runner's smoothness.
Yes, I know it's a truck, but this day and time many people use their SUV's as "big cars". They rarely see any off-road activity, besides that's what my Tundra Limited is for, and to ask for a smooth ride isn't too much to ask for. Any market analysis will inform the auto makers that most people want a car-like ride with the flexibility of a truck, hence, the new hybrid vehicles.
Hopefully, the '02 4-Runner will address the ride issues which I've read owners complain about since we purchased ours new in '97. If not, we'll be forced to go elsewhere. I informed Toyota of this in a couple of surveys I filled out over the past 4 years of ownership. I hope they're listening because my wife really likes the 4-Runner and I like Toyotas!
I know Toyotas are reliable but, I don't want to get into something that won't last me another 7-10 years.
I test drove a Santa Fe and a Tribute -- I know that these are not in the same class as a 4Runner but for the same price I can get brand new. I plan on testing the Jeep Liberty, Escape and a Pathfinder
Suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.
The Tribute/Escape has some first year recall issues and safety (crash test) leaves much to be desired. (check out www.crashtest.com).
The Santa Fe seems to be very well received by new owners. It has ok ground clearance for limited off road use, though with the independent suspension you will need to be careful. Their safety rating is very impressive but long term reliability is a question which only time will tell. On the other hand the 10 year 100K warranty offers some assurances.
I will not touch a Jeep especially first year- I don't want to make my mechanic rich.
I think the pathfinder is a good vehicle. I would say the reliability is close to the 4Runner.
If I can afford it the 4Runner would be my first choice. If I can't afford a 4Runner probably a Santa Fe, if I can find one (they are becoming very popular)
However, as jq3 pointed out, it's still a truck. I would point out that Toyota has listened to the surveys, and that's why their two newest 4wd offerings are both car-based SUVs; the Sequoia and the Highlander. They will likely keep the 4Runner much the way it is, because there still is a market for a legitimate off-road vehicle, as opposed to a "big car" with 4wd.
super-charger. I know the performance specs, but what kinda mileage would you get? Can Toyota also mod the suspension to handle all the power? Also heard about people installing K&N air filters and mod chips for the computer. On one board someone said they get their 4runner from 0-60 in 6.5 secs with just the filter and mod chip. WOW!! If that's true, that's gotta put some extra wear on the engine, right? Personally, I'm not looking to do 120MPH in a 3700 lb. truck, and my 4runner has plenty power for its purposes, but some extra pop would be nice. Any info/prices/websites would be appreciated.
The improvement from a K&N filter depends, in part, on how bad the original filter works. Most people say that the difference is marginal. Basically, it's probably worth doing when it's time to service your filter, not before.
Those high performance chips you see advertised typically void your warranty. Cliffy1 can probably answer that one. If you change the operational regime of the engine without upgrading valve springs, cams, etc., then you could very well be shortening the life of the engine by installing one of those things.
It's tough to drastically improve the performance of an engine without extensive modification. A new oil filter or performance chip are quick and easy, but they may either not do much, or do harm.
Regards,
Joe
I have the limited...the climate control is supposed to switch to recirculation when the outside temperature is higher than the desired temperature. It sounds good on paper...but in reality it's not as good as it sounds, as the inside temperature is usually HIGHER than the outside temperature...especially after parking in the sun. Another quirk I have is with the sport seats...when I place small items on the seat, they tend to slide off the chair so that they are on the floor between the chair and the door. Also, does anyone know why the sunroof stops in the middle when closing it? It's not as if the close function is automatic and will close on someone's hand (or anything else). Also with the sunroof...does anyone have any ideas to make the "deflector" only open halfway, because at halfway up, the deflector is much quieter and there's still none of the thumping air effect.
I turned on the A/C for the first time. The outside temperature was around 85F. There was a constant noise from the A/C that sounded like a chain. It was like the noise of road construction from far away. The noise is not loud but enough to hear it. Also, I turned the A/C off then on again and there were smoke like mist blowing through the vents for about 10 seconds and then disappeared. Is the noise and smoke normal on the 4Runner A/C? Thanks.
Jf01 try cracking open your rear window a bit.That thumping effect seems to go away since the air rushing in from the sunroof has an outlet to leave the vehicle.It worked for me.
Dhum that mist you see from the a/c is normal.I read somewhere is due to the temperature or atmospheric pressure change this will occur especially on humid days after you've shut off and restarted the ac compressor.
Abatte..my 2001 gets aot of wind noise off the mirrors above 55 mph.
Hey does anyone know what the wiring grid is for on the passengerside cargo window?I thought it was a heating element but mine doesn't heat up.Maybe the antenna for the remote?
I'm strongly considering purchasing a new 01' 4Runner Limited/4WD. I'm comparing it to other similary equiped/priced SUV's. This is truly a buyer's market and I want to take advantage of it.
Anway, I'm seeking the advice of any 4Runner owners of model years '97 - '01. I need to ask a few questions and any input would be very much appreciated.
Here Goes :
1.) What is the length of the cargo floor with the second seats folded ? Is is greater than 6' ?
What is it exactly (if anyone knows?). This is important to me as my girlfriend and I love to camp in the desert and would prefer an inflatable mattress in a 4Runner as compared to sleeping out with the scorpions. Also, like to haul things around. I think the Toyota spec is 79 inches. Is that Correct ?
2.)I'm tall, 6'5". How is the interior (with sunroof) ? Is it a good vehicle for long road trips ? Front Seats Comfy for long haul ? I've only sat in the rear seat of a 4Runner and I was comfortable. Share your feelings about the interior ?
3.) How about that engine (183 hp)? It's not a brute but is it sufficient ? How about observed MPG ? Please share your thoughts here if possible.
4.) Has it been a positive experience overall ? Would you do it again ?
5.) Anyone own a '01 with the fancy new all-wheel drive, anti-skid control device. This impresses me (at least on paper). Is there still a diff lock ? Anyone own a '01 limited/4wd ?
These are some of my questions. Any input on one or more of the above topics would be much appreciated. I understand that it is not the biggest, or most powerful of the newer SUV's but it is a "Toyota". And that counts for something I think. I'm going to buy something soon, and the prices on the 4Runners are better than they have ever been. I'm seriously considering purchasing one. I heard that there will be a new 4Runner in late '02. This current truck '01 4Runner seems like a great value.
Share your thoughts
Thank You
Regarding rear window and sunroof...I'm glad the 4Runner has a powered rear window because I usually drive around with all the windows open, if I have the sunroof open, I usually open the back window all the way too, but it's still noisy when going above 35-40 mph. Anyone know a good window height to open the back window, is opening it a bit a good idea or is it better (noise wise) to open it more? Seems like the more open, the better. I once had my front passenger hold down the sunroof "deflector" that pops up when the sunroof slides back to prevent some of the wind noise.
I don't think the 4Runner cargo space, with seats down is 6 feet. I think it's just slightly under, I think I measured it, don't remember exactly how long it is, but it's 5 feet and something inches. I once had to carry a 6 foot table, and could have had it sticking out the back window (useful feature again) or leaning against the front headrests. I chose the former. That Toyota spec of 79 inches might be from the back of the cargo space to somewhere near the windshield.
Engine power is adequate for most things, which I think you'll hear most often. When carrying 4 passengers, some cargo, or accelerating up some grades, power (acceleration mostly) seems lacking (would love to get a supercharger). Fuel mileage is not horrible, but there's room for improvement.
I think with a sunroof, headroom is also a little on the low side. I'm only 5'9" (I can't lay down straight in the cargo area with the seats down) and find the roof a little close.
I'm not sure, but I think the locking center differential went the way of the 5 speed manual for 2001. Maybe not though.
Does anyone know what that knob on the top of the dashboard does, the one thats near the windshield defogger vent.
dfordanger
1)just took a measurement rear area from closed tailgate to bottom of folded up rear seat is 5'7".
2)sorry can't help you on headroom I'm only 5'7" tall.I think the seats could use a little more cushioning and thigh support,but remember your much taller than me so you have to be the judge of that.I just took a 3 1/2 hour ride one way and have no major aches.Fit finish and materials are tops.Passengers say rear seating is very comfy,good seatback angle.
3)Hp is sufficient.My 2001 Limited w/ 5500 miles is getting about 12 to 15 city and 23 highway.Remember it doesn't require premium fuel like some others.
4)I think you'll find most owners happy with their Toyota truck.I have an affinity towards Toyotas.Compared to my 86 Blazer,wires and hoses aren't strewn all over the engine compartment,fairly easy to change oil,quiet motor,ride is very good for a truck.Every one builds a truck but your paying for the little things, like being able to close the windows after you shut off the engine,and there's that cool back window.It's a great feeling to open the moonroof and all five windows on a sunny day.The 6 CD changer is a must,no more loading a magazine for me.
5).We had a few inches of snow this past winter and went to a parking lot to purposely skid out of control.Could not do it.VSC and antilock kept me in the direction my wheels were turned,and applied the brakes when I tried to peel out from a stop.I know serious off roaders can turn off the VSC in case they're stuck in a ditch.
Hope this helps your decision
Leo
Hiluxsurf, I'm assuming you have the Rancho 9000's. I saw them in a performance parts catalog. Have you had any problems with them, or know of any with them? How easy is it to adjust the shocks to different settings? I also saw an electronic adjuster that allows for adjustment from inside the cabin, even while driving. Do you have this, or know how well it works? With 4 Rancho 9000 shocks and the electronic adjuster, the total comes to about $430 from performance products. Also, when set to a softer setting, do the shocks allow for much body roll? Are they MUCH softer at the lower settings? Does the 4Runner still feel stable at low settings? What about a 5? Does it feel "sporty"? Sorry about the multitude of questions. Thanks.
Once you started the engine, with the switch in open(off/no power) position, you can not turn the DRL back on with just closing the switch. You have to close(turn on) the switch while the engine is not running if you want to re-activate it.
Mike
Mike