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Comments
In my area (NM) the newest 4-Runners are arriving with the cladding color-matched as "standard equipment" with no separately itemized cost for an "appearance package".
I live in California in the 'burbs (since I have a "2Runner" I'm obviously one of those wussies that don't go off-roading) and I drive somewhat conservatively; I don't think I've subjected my 4Runner to any harsh road conditions. BTW, I have the X-Reas system set-up and the 17" wheels, but I don't think that would affect the ride (I do appreciate the way the X-Reas makes my 4Runner handle around curves. If anyone wants to know, the X-Reas is worth getting.) Don't get me wrong, I really like my 4Runner, but I'm concerned that it won't last as long build-wise as my previous Hondas, which were bullet-proof. I'm a careful owner who tends to hold on to my cars until they literally die.
I've noticed too since living with my 4Runner where Toyota had to cut corners with interior fixtures. The sunroof cover is flimsy as is the pivoting door to the storage compartment in front of the gearshift. Also the sides of the center console and the plastic shrouds on each side of the seat tracks flex way too much. When you spend 34K plus for a vehicle with Toyota's reputation, you should expect a certain level of quality.
Altitude - I'm told you lose about 3-4% of HP per 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Up on the top of Trail Ridge Road, you only have half to two thirds of your sea-level horsepower. However, an advantage of driving in elevation seems to be better mileage although I don't know why. After moving to Colorado, I noticed a 5-10% improvement in mileage. Anybody know why?
I do only have about 6K miles on it.
That little plastic drawer in front of the console puzzled me as to what fits in there. All I keep in there is pens.
I had a new receiver hitch put on free by my dealer. It seems some models had a receiver that was too small, and depended on build date. The new receiver does not have the piece of metal protecting the spare tire. As long as I know that, I should have no problem.
The seat squeaking on the limiteds has been brought up before. If it's the same, it had something to do with the side airbags rubbing against the seat. The fix was easy and involved a piece of felt being put in the seat. Search this discussion for seat or squeek or airbag and I'm sure you'll find the discussion.
Docralpho,
Regular unleaded works fine, my dealer said premium is only a recommendation, but not really a serious one.
Hope that helps,
Jared
I have an 03 Sport V8 and it also developed a clunk. Took it to the dealer and they said "we can't find anything worng". I started poking around and noticed that the left rear shock was leaking fluid. In fact, it was empty. Now this in itself isn't a big deal, but this is the so called X-REAS. To make a long story short, they fixed it for free. They replaced the entire system. Cost = 1,000. I didn't pay it, but by all means check yours and get it fixed BEFORE the warranty runs out. I think they actually were trying to put me off until the warranty exprired. They had "experts" going over the vehicle and I had to show them what was wrong. Other than that this is by far the best vehicle I've owned.
That seems counterintuitive. Perhaps you're just not driving as fast as you used to?
tidester, host
I wonder if you are now burning 89 octane instead of the 87 stuff most of us get in the flatlands when we get regular unleaded. If so, maybe your engine likes that better?
Steve, Host
Thanks!
I've also heard the figure of power loss of 3% per thousand feet of altitude. Does anyone have a link or documentation for this? I'm interested in knowing more about it. I've also heard that turbo and super charged vehicles experience less power loss per thousand feet as the compression somewhat compensates for the altitude.
Some other info:
bgritz "Nissan Pathfinder" Mar 22, 2001 8:33am
cebteb "Chevy Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Oldsmobile Bravada" Feb 1, 2003 2:56am
Steve, Host
Thanks much.
I may be nit picking, but the display for time and temperature, mpg etc., seems to be angled differently, and at times is not that easy to read. I probably need stronger glasses!!!
This is normal, but I'll bet the dealer didn't know why. By holding the transmission in a lower gear, it forces the engine to rev faster, and thus warm up faster. It's an emissions reduction technique. Just drive a few blocks at 50 kilometres an hour, or under, and it'll shift normally.
BTW I Called toyota they said that my vin is 2000 cars away from the recall on the gasket Vo6
I guess if anyone should know whether the new or the old was used in your truck, it would be Toyota. But you could get a second opinion from a different dealership, perhaps?
If the truck has a million miles on it, they do sometimes just go when they get really old too...
Note: if you are going to pay to have the head taken off, it will only be a few hundred more to replace the exhaust valves at the same time, which is a really good idea with this engine if you are planning on keeping it a while. They are known to burn out around 150-200K.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
The handling, ride and power of the 4Runner when towing are just impeccable, and I couldn't be more pleased. We averaged 14.56 mpg (calculated)burning premium gas. Worst tank was 12.5 mpg (heavy rain, headwinds), best tank was 15.6 mpg. This is a great tow vehicle!
The "clunk" when stopping and releasing the brake is a classic symptom of binding in the driveshaft slip yokes. This is easily fixed by liberally greasing the slip yoke fittings at each oil change. Toyota used to recommend using grease containing Moly Disulfide for the slip yokes. I used Moly grease on our '98 4Runner and it worked fine.
-Karl
Steve
V8 better on hills and from a standstill. MPG difference seems minimal, or is it? Anyone out there with advice on which way to go? My 1st reaction would be to get the 5 speed V8 over the 4 speed V6...
Steve
how did you like that track? I live about 10 miles from there. How in the world did you get on it?
-Jared
What I'm getting: galactic gray (I couldn't believe how awesome this color looks in person - blue metallic specs in it)/ V6 (I don't tow anything) / 4WD / Appearance Pkg (now std) / sunroof / roof rack / accessory pkg (mats, etc) / fogs. I think that's it. Sticker 31.5 - Price 28.8 before tax. According to edmunds this is below TMV
Great dealership, great sales guy (Burnsville Toyota in Mpls, MN).
Looking forward to picking up my new 4Runner Monday night & lots of "running" in the future
W
Steve
-Karl
Does anyone know if Toyota will offer a two tone look again for the Limited for 2004 model to distinquish it from the SR5??
As for the engine, apparently both are good. I have a V8 with the 5 speed, and I love it. It's a wonderful drive train, very powerful and smooth. The northeast, however, is one of the places I think people have complained about the sulfur smell, though, so I'd at least check out the vehicle I was buying beforehand, and be somewhat wary of it. The V6 did have a recall recently due to possibility of an underhood fire, but I hope they've gotten that taken care of. The V6 is a new engine design, the V8 is proven. However, I believe the 5 speed auto with the V8 is also a new design (or did they borrow the tranny from some other product? - not sure on this one)
jaredmsd,
Sorry, I failed to mention that the shop did show me the TSB about the creaking driver seat and they sent the truck to the the upholstery shop to apply the fix. I brought it back the second time because it was still creaking, not as much though. They sent it back to the upholstery shop but they said they already applied the fix. Someone mentioned on the earlier posts that a WD-40 would help (for frame joints I would think)but how can I remove this leather cover without cutting...and this one has an airbag.
Speaking of upholstery, what kind of material did they use on the headliner. Run your fingernails on it and it will leave a permanent mark. Now, my headliner looks like a catfight arena (just exaggerating) with all kinds of stuff touching it...I have kids you know. It is flat out poor material, IMHO.
And.. my passengers complain about how hard it is to buckle up especially when the middle seat is occupied. Anyone has these kinds of problems...sorry, annoyances too?
chesterz,
I thought when you have X-REAS, you also have air suspension. I am wrong apparently. It should be the other way around (w/ air suspension, you would have X-REAS). The display seems to be OK for me.
From my understanding, the air suspension implies and includes X-REAS, but X-REAS does not mean air suspension.
Steve
Vodgut, be glad when the seat belt slips into the seat...my middle seat belt cracked when it failed to slide into the seat when I folded the seats down...it wouldn't lay flat so I press down...I didn't use much force (I'm not exactly Hulk Hogan) and crack... I never had to worry about the seatbelts getting in the way when folding the seats in my '93...
I'm not one to change vehicles often ...planned to drive this one for a loooooooooog time (one of the reasons for sticking with toyota). But, I have to admit...I'm a little worried about the integrity of this one...just little things that's starting to add up !
Good things. Solid as a rock. Extremely quiet at speeds less than 40 - then a bit of wind noise, but still very quiet for an SUV. Nothing wrong with it in the first week. Good base radio package. Lots of storage space up front and in back seat.
Bad things. Gauges (speedo, tach) are hard to read in daylight with sunglasses on - radio and HVAC readouts are just about invisible. Need a step ladder to wash the top (and I'm 6'3"). So far, don't really like the double decker cargo system (takes up a couple of inches of height, but it may come in handy someday). Wish there was some storage below the floor in the rear (for jumper cables, tow strap, etc.). Sun visors are so thick I can't clip my garage door opener to them. Very minor complaints - really.
I also bought Weather Tech rubber floor mats and they arrived in 4 days using standard ground UPS! I had to trim a portion of the front drivers mat because I thought it interfered with the accelerator. (Has anyone used the Weather Tech Cargo Mat with the double decker system? How does it fit?)
All in all, a very nice vehicle. I'm hoping to keep it for 10 years and mostly want bullet-proof reliability. My other vehicle is a BMW so I have a no-lose decision to make every morning. It almost makes going to work fun. Enjoy!
I have a radar detector that won't clip on those huge sun visors. I have no idea why they are so fat. Maybe it's so I do the speed
limit.
For jumper cables, etc., I just put a box full of stuff in the back, then strap it in with the cargo net. Yeah, it would be nice if there were actually an area for this, though.
My other car is a 98 Audi A4. I like having the 4Runner along with a German sport sedan. Though after driving the 4Runner a lot, then driving the Audi, I feel like my butt is dragging along the road, due to the much lower seating position.
BTW, the equivalent panel on the left side of the cargo area houses the jack, jack handle, and lug wrench.
I maybe nitpicking most of the time but I still love my 4Runner. I still think that those problems can very well be categorized as just annoyances. I am very confident that it will bring me to point A to B to C and so on without any major issues. It is not like it will stall on you.....hey...wait a minute... mine stalled...when my wife was driving. It was towed to the dealer and they found that it ran out of gas. Funny, but my wife swore that she did not notice that the gas was empty. So, I did my little investigation. Found out that the supposedly warning light is just a small red solid circle. I could have missed it myself. I know we learned it the hard way. Of course, it can be attributed to user error (what we call here..Error code: ID-10T) but I would blame it partly on the design (here I go again). Why is it that they did not use a "gas dispenser" symbol, blinking and all (like most vehicle that I drove) escapes me.
BTW, the Toyota Roadside Assistance was very quick to respond.
Morry
I have the V8 Limited grade, with most every option available. It's truly an impressive vehicle, and I have absolutely no regrets on the purchase.
The virtues of this truck have been very well documented here and elsewhere, and I can't think of much to add. The ride quality is among the best I've experienced in an SUV, performance is excellent for a vehicle of this type, and I really do enjoy all the electronic conveniences.
The navigation system is excellent - I found it very intuitive to program, and the map coverage is quite good in my area. I wish, however, that Toyota did not choose to disable certain NAV and audio functions when the vehicle is moving (did you know that it's not even possible to display an RDS message when in motion?). While I appreciate the safety (and potentially legal) concerns that have driven the way these systems function, they've taken them a bit too far in my opinion. I would take advantage of any reasonable method available to defeat this functionality.
I do have some concerns, and I'd be interested to hear if others have experienced similar behavior in their 4Runners.
- The headliner rattles in the area just forward of the sunroof (common problem, I know)
- The driver's seat squeaks (again common)
- When pressing the brake pedal, sometimes I feel a single pulse. I attribute this to either the Electronic Brake Force distribution system or the Brake Assist function. Sometimes ambient noise is low enough so that I can hear a slight buzzing sound - I'm assuming it's an electronic component cycling on. It's sometimes possible to reproduce this when stopped. To see if your vehicle does this, try the following: after you've stopped at a traffic light, press very hard on the brake pedal. You should feel a single pulse, and it'll be accompanied by the sound (it may be hard to hear). This likely won't happen every time - if it doesn't happen, try again later.
- When raising the vechile with the air suspension, I hear a fairly loud pop at one point during the operation. The sound does not seem to happen at the same point in the suspension travel every time.
- I wish a rear view camera were included. However, since the function of such a camera is discussed in the owners manual, it seems likey that it'll be added in future years. I'd happily pay to have this retrofitted, if possible.
I'm going to check with the dealer on most of these (especially the brakes and air suspension issues).
My overall impression of this vehicle is very positive. I'd wholeheartedly recommend giving it a look-see if you're in the market for a midsize SUV.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Oh yea, one other comment for new owners. My tires were all inflated to over 45 psi when I picked up my vehicle. I guess dealer prep these days means washing it, and for that they charge $299! Check your tire pressure.