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Comments
<<When my '03 4Runner was new, for the first couple of weeks its windshield wipers jumped, skipped, stuttered, chattered, streaked, and generally drove me nuts.>>
That's exactly what I'm talking about! Thanks for the good info about cleaning the blades, too.
Larry
I've sure had variable luck with wiper blades. Even using the same brand, some will deteriorate and start streaking after 3 months. Some last most of a year. The poor quality ones, of course, straak from day 1.
BTW, the best rubber/vinyl treatment I've used is 303. Has anybody ever tried using this sort of thing on wiper blades, to keep them in better condition?
smg1062
Custom wheels and tires, which kind? Off road or bling bling?
I've seen pics of 4 Runners with 18" and 20" as well as off roading with 16" and 17" wheels. They all look great.
Sorry I can't post here but do a google search and you will come across plenty.
Larry
Sales person, "Great, I can offer you a better deal since you are paying all cash for this vehicle BS"
In reality, the dealership would make more money from the buyer if they financed the vehicle loan through the dealership.
Larry
Red Lense on back bumper for rear foglights not in U.S.
Heard one person added a light there connect to tail light. Bolt in back of bumper to remove lense, drill hole for a push in socket, wire to taillight
"Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
We appreciate your inquiry regarding the navigation system on your 2004 Toyota 4Runner.
The 2002 Navigation system upgrade which contains available information valid through June 2002 is what is currently installed in your vehicle. The 2003 upgrade which will contain information valid through June 2003 will be published and available for purchase in December 2003 at your local Toyota dealership Parts Department. The MSRP for the DVD upgrade is $250.00
National Customer Relations"
Finance Manager to customer:
"Can I interest you in the Nav. software update package? You'll get 5 years of updates, a $1250.00 value, for only $1000.00. What with fast food franchises changing so often, you can't be too careful! Do it for your family." Or is this already being done? :-)
Larry
My second question, can a dealer truely order one from the factory with the option that one requests. Or do they just locate them during the allocation process.
Thanks,
Tangman
Yes, but then you have to enroll in a map folding course which will run you about $1075 (including the value of your time) and then add the optional waterproofing at about $35 (for LARGE maps) so I'm not sure you come out that far ahead! ;-)
Of course, you could always ask for directions instead but that's not very masculine! :-)
(Sorry - I couldn't resist!)
tidester, host
-j
I don't if it's too far away for you, but try Carson Toyota in California, they do several build orders a year, I was one of them last year. Look em up on your favority search engine.
As for your second question, yes they order it from the factory how you want it. In my case I even asked for one without carmats because I knew I was going to get aftermarket rubber ones anyway. BTW, the main reason for me not just buying one off the floor was the sunroof issue. I didn't want to pay all that money for something I didn't want. I'm glad someone feels the same as me.
'03 Sport 4wd v-6, no options
-Jared
Same goes for the fuel type. Both engines can use different grades of fuel; it depends on whether you want HP or economy.
Just use the search button.
I have never used anything except mid-grade 89 octane and it works great, great mpg's.
You could probably do fine with regular unleaded too. If it knocks a little, just switch to midgrade. Your altitude affects this too.
1. What type of gas is required? What does the manual suggest for the V6?
2. What does the insurance run? Is it more than some cars?
3. What is the suspension like?...i.e, do all 4Runners ride firmly? Do they all ride the same, i.e. does the Sport ride firmer than the SR5 or the Limited? Does the X-REAS make the ride much firmer, etc.?
4. How does the 4Runner handle? Can it take curves at decent speeds? I know you can't throw a SUV into a curve like you can a coupe obviously.
- Additional thoughts besides those above are welcomed! Thanks for your help!!
You will love the 4Runner.
I was driving with a load to the dump today and got to thinking about cars (that and the other thing, as usual); wondering, is there any other vehicle I'd rather drive than an '03 4Runner? Yes! an '04 4Runner. Actually, I wish I had waited for the few minor bugs to get worked out in the first model year. But, that is water under the bridge.
Dmbst68, you will love an '04 Runner, in all driving situations. I don't think any other vehicle gets close to it in its class. Get the X-REAS. This feature makes it handle extremely well for its mass. I'd get a V-8. But people on here seem to like the V-6 fine and have had few problems.
A month ago, I was driving on the interstate back from a ballgame in Atlanta. A Lexus coupe and BMW M5 passed me by going upwards of 125 mph. Great time to check out the top end of the 4Runner. The limiter hits at 115. At 114, It felt like I was maybe going 80. The new 4Runner lives up to its history. It's rock solid and has the feel that it will be tight for years to come. Good luck.
If you drive twisty roads quite a bit, the XREAS is a good idea. It helps keeps the truck more firmly planted and level in the corners. I drove both, but didn't notice any big difference in normal traffis or freeway driving.
This truck (V8 Sport with XREAS) at times feels much like a car to me. When the road gets nasty, it seems to magically turn into a truck, and gets the job done well. Fantastic engineering! The last car I had was a German station wagon with a "sport" factory upgrade package. The suspension paid off in the corners, but almost always felt harsh and truck-like, even on the freeway. IMO, the 4Runner is not overly firm at all.
<<4. How does the 4Runner handle? Can it take curves at decent speeds? I know you can't throw a SUV into a curve like you can a coupe obviously.>>
You're right, it's not a sports car, but of all that I test drove, this one "handled" better than other nid-sixe SUVs. You really need to drive one; warn the dealer that a half-mile loop around the block isn't going to cut it; you'll want to try some curves, hills, hard breaking, etc...If you're looking for a truck that is well engineered for its role, (and remembering that it is, in fact, a truck) you've made a very good choice. Good luck.
Larry (no expert, but very satisfied)
Bottom line: If you can afford the V8/5-speed, it's a no-brainer, in my opinion. The slightly better fuel mileage rating (and lower cost) of the V6 will likely prove to be false economy, since the V6 will likely require more throttle or gas to perform a bit more as you might like (while the V8 delivers, big-time); and, the long term reliability of the new V6 is currently unknown and a matter of speculation.
Besides the fact I've spent time behind a V8 4 Runner and know what you say is wrong lets look at the facts:
V6: 245hp@5200rpm
V8: 235hp@4800rpm
--------------------------------
V6: 283ft-lbs@3400
V8: 320ft-lbs@3400
At freeway passing speeds where HP is an issue and you "get into harm's way" or get out, at 5000rpm's and 150 lbs less hanging over the V6 front wheels, who can get in and out of trouble faster?
I think the V8 is a fantastic engine and the tranny is geared for towing, which is great if you need to tow. The V8 setup is great.
The V6 setup is also great. I never want for power or torque.
I agree the real world MPG is inaccurate. I think the difference is MORE than published and you will consistently get 3-5mpg or better than the V8.
As for insinuating that somehow the V6 is burning up and at its limit is total bs. Also saying that it's "real world" performance is lacking is ridiculous.
I hate to post except for the fact your post is so inflamatory and inaccurate that I had to say something here. In fact the more I read your post the more pissed off I get.
At some point enough is enough. So when the V-10 Mega Force 4 Runner comes out will that be the best? I hate that mentality that infects the domestic full-size truck market.
The V6 is a great balance of power, MPG and weight. Both are GREAT 4 Runners and all anyone needs to do is a little reading at the old posts to decide for themselves what is right for them.
Larry
I don't see the above post comparing the V6 driving characteristics as inflammatory. It was his opinion. Owning the V8, and testing the V6, I agree with some of his observations. Speed vs. Torque are two different measurements and sensory inputs. It is along the same comparison of the people who have the cladding vs. the people who do not have the cladding. Many people expressed their displeasure about the cladding, I support the cladding and stood up for my opinion. So, with that said, opinion away.
I love my V8/5speed, as I am sure the V6/4speed is a good choice also.
Or you could just go out and drive both versions a bunch, back-to-back. That's what I did, several times. Then decide what you like best. I think they're both great and could afford either one, but preferred features and driving feel/response of the V6.
So read the opinions here (they really are helpful) but make sure you make yourself happy.
PS: The 2004 brochure and website says that the Stratosphere Mica exterior color does NOT come with the 3rd seat option.......whats up with that???? Thats the only color I really want and Im thinking 3rd row seats as well..........has Toyota gone GM on us????
BUT the way the salesman will look at it is an opportunity to confuse you with numbers and make twice the profit off the effort of one sale.
So get the great deal but be very careful you don't get double talked into no deal at all.
I had a Grand Cherokee V-8 and an Explorer SUV. Perhaps I'm not used to the firmer ride of the imports, my Honda Accord has a very firm ride as well.
I feel compelled to remind ourselves that this forum regularly sees posted questions from prospective buyers and/or lessees who clearly state that they are willing to assume financial responsibility for EITHER powertrain versions of this vehicle, but before they make a final decision they are seeking the experiences of other board members. And indeed, it is precisely THESE individuals for whom I felt that my own personal opinions might, just might, be of some help. And by the same token, if you feel strongly that the V6 version is superior to the V8 version, and if you are claiming that you would still have bought the V6 over the V8 even if there was no price difference, then tell us WHY you would still make that decision. It is not enough to just say, "Well, the V6 is good enough..." because that may reflect an individual's choice for well-reasoned compromise, but we're talking about trying to help those who don't have to compromise if they really don't want to.
Do I think that my '03, V8, AWD, X-REAS, DVD/Nav. (blah, blah, blah) 4Runner Limited is "perfect"? NO! I unloaded a 2002, V8, 4WD, (leather) Ford Explorer XLT (with many aftermarket features, such as power amp, custom speakers, PIAA fog lamps, etc.) in favor of my 4Runner. That said, after logging 5000 miles so far, my biggest complaints about my 4Runner would be that the 4Runner currently lacks the rear cargo space, and oh-so-clever under-the-floor and rear side wall storage spaces found in the Explorer. And in terms of handling, I've come to realize that the low-speed cornering characteristics of the X-REAS equipped 4Runner actually seem a bit less agile at times when compared to the Explorer, and the 4Runner occasionally feels a bit more top-heavy than the Explorer. This difference might well be due in part to the fact that the Explorer has a split rear axle, rather than the 4Runner's solid rear axle. (Another factor may be my 4Runner's AWD configuration, but I'm not sure here). On the other hand, my Explorer's transmission proved to be unreliable and miserable junk, and while the Explorer's split rear axle may have imparted a better ride in some situations, it likely also relegated that vehicle to being very untruck-like in terms of ruggedness and off-road capabilities. Indeed, the Explorer is little more than a suburban soccer-mom shuttle trying its best to masquerade as The Marlboro Man. Would I go back to an Explorer? God, no! I love my 4Runner (warts and all), but I certainly don't wear blinders, and I feel there are several areas where Toyota could really improve upon upcoming iterations of this vehicle. In the meantime, I'll continue to enjoy my 4Runner; I'll continue to feel secure in the choices I've made in terms of the options I've chosen; and I'll continue to invite and entertain all of this spirited debate. And, I hope you'll continue to expect the same, without feeling too inflamed.