Toyota 4Runner

bcmalibu99ls

Javie, I drive a Chevy Malibu, and when it runs low on gas, a bright yellow light lights up, and a loud chime chimes three times - you can't miss it, unless, perhaps, you have ear-drum-busting-sound coming out of the stereo.

I think Toyota makes fine vehicles, but, I guess, sometimes they do like to cut corners

khall4

I am strongly considering a 2003 4runner and I have a few questions for anyone.
First of all, I'm only 6' 1" (if you stretch me) and I cannot sit in the any of the models that have a sunroof without my hair rubbing on the ceiling( and believe me I don't have much hair left). The non-sunroof versions fit me great. Does anyone else have this problem? Which brings up my second question. Will my resale value be dramatically hurt if I have a limited without a sunroof? I am also thinking that the V6 has plenty of tork for me because I don't pull anything, but again does this limit my resale audience by eliminating anyone who would want to buy a used vehicle to pull a boat . I know that I will have to wait 3 months to get what I want by special ordering but I also don't want to do anything foolish by special ordering a vehicle that won't be desirable to anyone else.
Here's what I'm thinking. A V6 Limited, no roof but with Navigation, side air bags, X-reas, spoiler, running lights, and the JBL 10 speaker stereo. One last thing , I was quoted a price of $35,300. Does anyone think that is an OK price or not?

rorr

Ummmm.....can I assume that these vehicles still have a functioning gas gauge? How much notification do we, the driving public, really need?

I can remember a time, way back in the dim recesses of automotive history, when we didn't have a little light come on to remind us to look at the gas gauge. Strange, but true......

pat84

I am 6-1 have a moon roof , and little hair. I have at least an inch above me. Perhaps, the manual adjusting seat in the Sport is lower than the Limited driver seat.

nippononly

agreed...I like that the Toyota design with the red light is subtle, and does not "bust your eardrums" as the other poster described in their Chevy.

My '90 Runner has a big yellow light that looks like a gas pump that comes on, and it is distracting if you have to drive with it on for very long.

vodgut

I'm also 6'1. I have a Limited with a sunroof, I usually have an inch or so above me, no problems. I still have hair, too, and it's that wavy, puffy crap. I take it seat adjustment didn't work for you?

As for resale value, obviously, with fewer options there's going to be a slight hit, but my impression is it probably won't kill the resale value. You might try asking about that in the Real-World Trade In Values forum - ask how much difference in price those options would make however many years down the road you're thinking you might sell, you'll probably get more expert opinons there if you're concerned about it.

rorr

I think that what got me going was the "they do like to cut corners" comment. I suppose if you drive a chevy you may NEED a bright light and a loud chime ringing to get your attention.

I'd probably be up under the dash with a pair of wire cutters in the 1st three months of ownership if the damn thing was chiming at me...

kjack100

Check out an aftermarket system from the most reputable independent retailer in the area. I'd take a pass on an national electronics chain, but I guess they do good work too.

Look at the Audiovox VOD806. Installed, it should run you around what the Toyota system is going to cost: $1500-$1750. You'll get a bigger screen and if it goes bad, people with experience where you bought it can fix it. This system can be installed even if you have a sunroof.

jaredmsd

Well I actually special ordered, so here's how mine happened. I guess there are boats that come over (at least into long beach) once a month or so. I got notified about 2-3 weeks from my truck hitting the lot, that it was on a boat on the way over. I was actually expecting it to come the next month, so it was quite a suprise. You only ordered a month ago, so sit back and relax.. patiently like I did, or you'll work yourself up into a frensy!

Oh and if your dealer is far from the dock, there could be a week delay from the boat hitting the dock and the truck actually being ready to be picked up at the dealer.. I got mine from a dealer pretty darn close to Long Beach, so the separation was only like 2 days.

jaredmsd

bmw323is,

what kind of crappy dealership did you go to? I don't think you should've been charged for the dealer prep, and they certainly should have changed your tire pressure. My dealer told me it's a standard part of the prep procedure. I know I didn't pay for a car wash, or prep work, and it came out spotless. It's funny, after hanging about in here for the past 5months or so, I can see a huge difference between some dealers and others. I guess that's the same with any franchise/chain... I know two McDonalds near me, one is excellent/fresh/nice and one is crap/soggy/dirty. They are like 2 miles apart.

-Jared

rentschl

I have tha Yakima system on top which I really like.

Some Considerations
-------------------
-Top: don't drive into a garage with bikes on!
 I have a little peice of plastic that I use to
 cover-up the garage door remote buttons when
 I've got bikes on top. It's cut from a
 plastic deli sandwich case. It has a
 right-angle bend in it such that I wedge it
 into the sunglasses holder right in front of
 the remote buttons. Just a reminder when I go
 to open a garage door when I get home.
-Top: worse fule economy with bike on vs.
 hitch mount
-Top doesn't interfere with rear hatch access
 like hitch mount
-Top mounts can usually get a multitude of other
 attachments for a wide-range of toys
-Good top mount systems are not cheap
 (Yakima, Thule). Not sure about hitch mount
 prices.
-The rear spoiler can interfere with bikes or
 skiis on top, depending on the front/back
 positioning of the rack. The spoiler
 protrudes up when you put the rear hatch up.
 Be carefull!
 I think the rear spoiler design is a case of
 marketing gone mad with actual functionality
 overlooked.
-Top mount makes lot of wind noise that
 is noticable when you open the moon roof.

That's all I can think of now.

Hope that helps,
Eric

claymore1

Are there any 2003 4Runner Sports (especially V6-2WD) out there that have the NAV system? The Toyota web site says it IS available. I get mixed information from my local (L. A.) dealers. Sorry if this was posted before.

Thanks!

dmmakoski

Does the rear window (lift gate) go down in the new 4Runners?

The MSN auto site has two review of the 4Runner by two reviewers, one states the rear window lowers the other states it's fixed.

It it by model or an option perhaps.

sistercrystin

I'm not sure if it varies by trim of 'Runner, but the rear window in my '03 Limited can be operated three ways: the switch on the dash (raise/lower), using the remote (just lower, I think), and with the key in the back door keyhole (turning counter-clockwise lowers the window).

Unfortunately, I can't mess with all this just yet. My temp tag is taped to my rear window, and I was warned by the dealership that if I lowered the thang, my temp tag would be lost in the limbo land of the lift gate. I've got two dogs who, methinks, would dig having that rear window down--while the car's parked...in the shade...or at least once the sun's gone down.

rorr

All 4runners, all models, all years, have a power rear window. Standard.

Note to self: don't rely solely on MSN auto reviews.....

trevor57

Good evening folks. Spoke with the internet salesman at Carmax in Laurel Md. today. He told me, and I kid you not, that Toyota is no longer making Limited V6s...just V8s. Either this guy was hallucinating or he was misinformed. He swears this is the case. He said Toyota wants to sell more V8s so they have stopped production on V6. Has anyone else heard this story?! If so, they lost a customer. Thanks!

peter78

I looked up inventory at my local Toyota Dealer. Plenty of Limited V6's and then I checked other 4Runners available in the Southeast, they are still coming in, one was to be delivered May 10th. So they are still out there and are still being shipped. So, I think we have 2 possibilities. One: Toyota has stopped making them and the last of the V6's are being delivered. Two, the salesman is lying to you.

I don't know the answer, but I do know the Limited V6 is still on the lots and being delivered, so I would say shop other dealers before giving up.

mrshenry2002

Javie, Don't get me wrong. I love my 4runner ! But, this is by far the most money I have EVER spent on a vehicle ! I just want it to be perfect...and it's NOT ! I actually broke my own rule...NEVER BUY A 1ST YEAR PRODUCTION VEHICLE ! I justified doing so by saying " but it's a 4runner"... just hope 5 yrs from now I'm not eating those words !

stever

Is just a myth, according to JD Power:

First-Year Myth Busted (KOAT-TV)

Steve, Host

bmw323is

I'm 6' 3" and have never owned a vehicle with a sunroof mostly becasue of my height. I've listened to sales people for years telling me not to buy anything without a sunroof because I wouldn't be able to resell it. Not true. I've easily sold all of my own used vehicles without ever once trading in. If you are reselling in the first couple of years, it could make a larger impact than the cost of the sunroof. After that, vehicle condition is ALL important.

Here is a old story demostrating the value of options. In 1986 I bought a sports car and didn't want to drive it in the winter. So I bought a one year old Nissan pickup privately with no options - none! It had 20,000 miles on it. I drove that truck for 6 years and 60,000 trouble free miles. It served its purpose well. I sold it for $1,500 less than I paid for it. I realize this may not be totally relevant today, but the moral is - pay for the options you want because you want them, not because of resale. Absolute best resale is had on vehciles with generally lesser options (not always true). Same with house buying, don't buy the most expensive house in the neighborhood if resale value is important.

714cut

My yellow low fuel warning light came on today. Just below the "E" of the fuel gage. Subtle but effective and noticeable. What's the fuss about?

bcmalibu99ls

I did not say that Malibu's low fuel warning chime is "ear drum busting." I said you can easily hear it "unless there's ear-drum-busting music coming out of your speakers." That was in response to one fella's words that his wife didn't notice the warning light in a 4runner, and there's no warning chime there.

The warning chime in Malibu chimes 3 times, and that's it. Then just the yellow light remains lit on the dash

As for someone taking offence at me saying that Toyota occasionally cuts corners, I appreciate your love for your car, and I like 4runner too, but not including a warning chime in a vehicle which costs quite a few thousand dollars, is cutting corners in my book.

Thank you for continuing a civil discussion

corancher

I haven't seen anything official from Toyota, but here's the latest from the 4Runner operating manual. The vehicle that provided this manual was manufactured in April and delivered 1 week ago--that's fast distribution!

I don't know what the "towing package" mentioned below is, but speculate that this is what's now on the modified hitch that's standard on the V8s and accounting for the $300 increased difference from the V6's (taking into account the new pricing and configurations a/o 4/15). The 4/15 Toyota memo mentioned that the $300 bump would apply to V8s produced in May.

V6 engine, 2WD without towing package: 5300 lb.
V6 engine, 2WD with towing package: 6700 lb.
V6 engine, 4WD without towing package: 5000 lb.
V6 engine, 4WD with towing package: 6400 lb.

V8 engine, 2WD: 7300 lb.
V8 engine, 4WD: 7000 lb.

So I suppose it's fair to say that Toyota considers the V8 capable of (because of the different transmission, higher torque, and oil cooler) towing 600lb more than a similarly-equipped V6.

nippononly

as for me, I do not need even to have a "warning light"...I just check the gas gauge and buy more gas when it gets low, for goodness sake.

Count me in the category of people who would find a low fuel warning chime in addition to a warning light most annoying.

poseidon

I have a "Sportworks" modular hitch rack ( www.bicycleracks.com ). IMHO it's about the best/easiest thing out there. Depending on how many modules you get you can haul 1, 2, 3, or 4 bikes and you don't have to remove the front wheel or struggle to get them on the roof. It tilts down to allow access to the trunk/tailgate, but I have to admit with 2 or more bikes on it, tilting it back and locking it back into place is a bit awkward. Security is accomplished with a long coated cable and locking hitch pin. The bikes are relatively out of the wind and b/c they are secured by the wheels and with a locking arm, movement is minimized. REI.com sells them online. I've seen some of the other big names in the rack biz start to copy the design, so it must have some merit. FYI I don't work for them, but I beleive in kudos for good products and customer service.

bcmalibu99ls

Nippononly, I agree that warning lights can be annoying. For example, Malibu's "low washer fluid" light comes on and stays on permanently, if your washer reservoir is less that 1/3 full. It means that at night there's a fairly annoying bright yellow light on the dash. During the day it's not that bad. I would prefer to be able to turn off warning lights, but I guess that's asking a bit too much.

As for chimes, three chimes and then complete silence doesn't sound like that much of an annoyance, but I guess you may have a different opinion on this issue

pat84

If I remember correctly, the owners manual recommends filling up when under a 1/4 full.
I have been told by a mechanic friend, who works at a local gas station, that various pieces of crud accumulate in gas stations' underground tanks. These may be pumped into your tank as the station tanks get low. Letting your fuel tank get too low, increases the likelihood that one of these pieces of crud may be ingested by your engine. He used a more descriptive word than "crud".

peter78

I am glad to see the towing numbers may be increased from 5,000 pounds to a base of 5,000 pounds up to 7,300 pounds, depending on the configuration.

I know this is from a operational manual and not the final official word, but what I find interesting is the numbers are slightly higher for the 2 wheel drive over the 4 wheel drive model. This forum just talked about 2WD vs. 4WD and some people said 4 wheel drive is better for towing. These numbers seem to tell another story.

I feel 4WD would be good for pulling a boat out of the water or any other situation that needs traction. I do wonder at highway speeds, would it be better to be in 2WD or 4WD? I would think 2WD would be better.

sovang

I read the Tundra FAQ and apparently this "clunking" problem is fairly common for Tundras as well. Since the 4runner is similar to the Tundra, is it likely to have the same problem? I have 4 thousand miles on my 4runner v8 and now I am starting to notice this problem every time I release the brake pedal.

Your thoughts?

SV

steveb84

Toyota has have not stopped producing the V6 Limited. I have one that is ready to show up at our dealership and recieved one on the last allocation. Maybe certain regions are not ordering them, but that is a region by region issue.

xchicagoan5

I own a 1996 4Runner Limited with 210K - runs great!! I enjoy driving it more than I do my 2000 X5 4.4i. We are having our third child in November and would like the third row of seats as an option. I know the GX470 and 4Runner are the same vehicle(platform). Is their an aftermarket supplier that has developped a third row seat option for the 2003 4Runner? This would solve our problem and save us about 10K.

tacoviva

SV,

Read my previous post on clunking. Also, search back through the Tacoma board. It is addressed the there as well.

SC

pg123

I have a 03 SR5 4runner with 1000 miles on it. I've got a shimmy/vibration in the steering wheel above 60MPH. The dealership I bought the car at rebalanced the tires and the vibration is still there. There is also a pull to the left/right at highway speeds. I have to constantly correct the steering wheel to stay in the lane at highway speeds. Is this a balancing issue only or a balancing and alignment issue ? Are dealers set up to balance the tires right or should I take it to a tire place ?

vodgut

I don't know if this issue is related at all, but I have the Cross Terrains on my 4Runner, and they produce a slight shimmy in the vehicle, though not the steering wheel, on highways with grooved concrete pavement. However, it's perfectly fine on non-grooved asphalt, and I don't get much of the pull to the side you mentioned. I think for me it's something with the tread on the tire interacting with the pavement grooves. Just out of curiousity, did you notice what type of pavement you were on?

climbingfoo

Hood Scoop - Yes, it is not functional BUT look what a little elbow grease will do:
http://www.geocities.com/sailbop/PICS.html

Bike Rack - I use a hitch rack and the best one I've found for my full suspension and SS is Hollywood Engineering Pro-Rider 2. Go to www.mtbr.com and look up reviews on pro rider 2. For $140, it's a fine product.

nippononly

sell tires are well equipped to align them and rebalance tires, etc. You might try having them switch the tires around and see if the pulling stops.

If they are one of the dealers that do not sell tires, then they are just sending your truck around the corner to the nearest tire dealer, and in this case you might be better off going elsewhere.

peter78: the reason the 4WD tows slightly less weight is because the GVWR is the same for both trucks, and the 4WD adds weight. So the towing capability is reduced by that same amount of weight.

pg123

the shimmy is on non-grooved regular asphalt.

peter78

Yes, I knew the difference was with the weight difference, or at least I assume that was the difference. Still, I wonder if you had the choice, would it be best to tow in 2WD or 4WD while on highway roads?

nippononly

2WD is RWD in the Runner, and since all the weight is on the rear wheels when towing, I imagine that might be marginally better, although I don't think it would make much difference on pavement except possibly to mileage.

I don't tow though...perhaps someone who does can weigh in on the 2WD vs 4WD thing.

bulych

can anyone tell me what the life expectance of the new x-reas shocks now available on the 2003 4runner is.is toyota possibly going to offer an extended warranty because it is a new system in the industry.they are very costly to replace

jeffk11

I still haven't heard confirmation that the 'new' hitch on the 03 4runner will be retrofittable on the original 03's or not.

I really don't need the extra towing capacity, but I'm P.O.ed at Toyota Engineering for the reduced length available because of the spare tire. I have to remove and drive around without the spare any time I want to use my hitch-bike carrier, as it won't fit with the tire installed.

So that begs the next question - assuming I can retrofit the new tow hitch - are the spare tire clearance issues then fixed?

And a third question - does anyone know when I'll be able to get the retrofit kit ordered through my Parts counter?

For the final question: I did just notice this:

http://www.hitchesonline.com/toyota_cl34_4_runner_03.htm

Anyone with tried this yet, or information on it? Will it 'fix' the spare tire issues too?

Thanks for any info...

bulych

to 6031
please clarify what the towing package is.is the upgraded hitch the package or does it include something else.thank you for any info

corancher

I'm doing the best I can to put together information from several sources, starting with post #5726 here.

From that post: "Beginning with May production, base prices on all V8 models will increase by a modest $300. All V8 models will receive an upgraded standard tow hitch that will satisfy most Mid-SUV buyer needs."

Adding that to what's in the operating manual, I can speculate. I haven't found a towing package option currently listed for any of the 4Runers, but stuff in the manual is not always synchronized with their public announcements and availability of actual hardware. I suspect that they plan to offer, as an option on the V6 models, a beefed-up hitch (and maybe oil cooler?) similar to what is standard on May+ production of the V8 models. I'd guess something like $300-600 for the option.

Some things puzzle me, though. The current 2" receiver is integrated into the rearmost frame crossmember and it's not clear how they'd beef this up. They might actually weld in a stronger crossmember at the factory, but it's hard to see how they'd reinforce things otherwise. Heck, maybe it's only the addition of an oil cooler or transmission programming, but I don't think so.

Anybody else got some entertaining speculation to volunteer?

trevor57

Folks....thanks for all your helpful posts. Got another "internet salesman" observation. The latest one is that the V6 needs Premium gas, but the V8 does not. Anyone know if this one is Real or memorex?

bcmalibu99ls

Congrats to 2003 4Runner for being one of the bext vehicles quality-wise in its segment (Midsize SUV)! The winner is Highlander, but, as we know, 4 Runner is way much better off-road.

For the fans of American cars - rejoice! Chevy Malibu won the Initial Quality Award among Enrty Midsize Cars for the second year in a row!

http://www.jdpower.com/news/releases/pressrelease.asp?ID=2003028

ryanarcher

Has anyone who had the rotten egg smell found it to simply dissapear after break in? My truck has over 3000 miles and the smell is still very strong. The mechanic ensures me that it will resolve itself after 8000 miles. Any experience or thoughts? thanks

kb28

I once had a new 1997 Grand Cherokee. From the get go it pulled slightly to the left and had a shimmy over 50 mph or so. Nothing the dealer or Goodyear (Wranglers) did helped, and they did it all-alignment, balance and rotation. I took it to a local mechanic and he adjusted the alignment just off center, or enough he said to counter the pull to the left. After that, all was fine. He gave me a copy of the new alignment specs for future use. He told me that in many cases alignment to absolute specs does not always work and sometimes you have to be creative. Sounds more like aligning a golf swing than a car.

dust90

I had to have my tires (Michellins) balanced right after I bought my 03 Limited. Mine has the 17" tires & it wasn't much of a vibration, but it ocurred about 62-70 mph. Dealer told me that it took a special adapter to his Hunter tire balance machine(the best in the business) to do these wheels. 1st mechanic balanced them & they were worse than when I took it in. Then the svc manager did it & they have been OK. I now have 8000 miles & am ready to rotate the tires & I have a very subtle vibration starting again, so I have an appointment next Tue for a re balance & rotate. Toyotas, because of their rather tight suspension, are very sensitive to tire balance & what is known as 'Road Force Varience'which is basicly - out of round. I got really educated on this when I had my Ivan Stewart Tundra. Its special wheels were a [non-permissible content removed] to balance.

Bottom line - your truck shouldn't pull left or right on level, smooth pavement & there should be no shake in the steering wheel. Like a previous poster stated, "the dealers that do their own tire sales & balancing is the place to go"

Good Luck

mrshenry2002

I too noticed the shimmy in the steering wheel & pull to the right (when letting go the wheel) within a couple of weeks of owning my 4runner. The steering wheel vibration is pretty subtle but noticeable ...even at slower than highway speeds. I spent time at the dealership twice...once they rotated and balanced the tires & the second time (after no change) did a wheel alignment ...claimed alighment out of spec ? I was told by 3 diff salespersons and service personell at 2 different toyota dealerships that the pull was normal...some new feature that forces the vehicle to veer away from traffic (assuming you're in the outside lane of course) if you fall asleep at the wheel. Needless to say I bought it . Can any of you toyota experts validate this claim? Was I fed a load of you know what? They allowed me to borrow another vehicle overnight...and it drove the same...same shimmy in the wheel ...same pull. I assumed it was just an adjustment process. But, my '93 held the road so well...and when it began to pull to the right a wheel alignment corrected the problem. I also have the michellin cross trainers and drive mainly VERY bad roads...asphalt, gravel,pavement...Can it be the tires ? They convined me everything was fine but, as recently as this morning I again noticed -on my drive to work - the shimmy in the steering wheel & thought "why is this considered normal"? I'm happy to see this issue finally being addressed...I thought the problem was all in my head !

Please would someone let me know if I should be bringing this vehicle BACK and INSISTING they correct both issues !

bmw323is

Have you thought about cutting a bit of length off of the hitch portion of your bike rack so it is short enough to fit without hitting the spare? I suspect any hitch or welding or metal shop could do the job. Removing the spare tire sure isn't the answer.