Toyota 4Runner

rward99

Cliffy, I have a possible opportunity to get a 2001 Limited 4Runner, but it has only 2WD. In the Sequoia forum you said that the Sequoia 2WD was good enough for towing a boat. I know the current model of 4Runner doesn't have that same sophisticated transmission, but would you think that it is capable of adequately pulling my 2300 lb Ranger up those fairly steep highland reservoir ramps?

Thanks

rward99

>the 4Runner's name in Japan is Hilux-Surf,
>so it is the Japanesse 4Runner in the MagX

tbcreative had a question about that page and I guess the possibility of that being the new 4Runner. I had someone look at it for me today and they confirmed that it was the new 2003 Surf/4Runner.

It's a little confusing because Jim Press announced in a press conference that Toyota was considering 3 new SUVs, one of which would be smaller that the new 4Runner but still "body on frame" and that it would probably be on the HiLux platform. Well if the HiLux *IS* a 4Runner, how can they make it smaller? Must be some of that engineering magic, eh? :-)

khuynh

My brother just got a 2002 4Runner limited 4x4 with all options (sunroof with deflector, tow package, pinstripes, 6-disc changer indash) for $35,800 out the door (tax, tag, title included) with 5.5% APR.

khuynh

What is the watts output of this OEM 6-disc CD changer/radio that comes on 2002 4Runners???

falcon74

how do you know that those pictures were taken on private property owned by Toyota? If you work for Toyota, I guess I am puzzled about your question in your post #2251.

peter78

Edmunds has taken some of the posts down. Mr. Sylvia Marino of Edmunds sent me a nice letter saying that there is a "information embargo" on by Toyota and it put Edmunds in a difficult position. The pictures in question were taken by a Paul S. who happens to own a third generation 4Runner. Paul S. has stated he has received 6,000 hits on his site on the first day. It is still up and operating so I guess Toyota was unable to stop his site.

It is interesting to note that Carson Toyota in CA. has a web site and when you click on their site another window pops up with "the pictures" and Carson Toyota says pre-order the 4Runner now. So much for a "information embargo", heh??? I can't give you Carson Toyota's web site, due to Edmunds ban, but it won't take a genius to figure it out.

md2002

Guess what, its gone now. I be Toyota slammed them (not really) I think they are the largest Toyota Dealer in the US?

But the pics are gone or just moved to a more descret spot.

peter78

"md2002", try it again. Once you get on the site of Carson Toyota wait a few seconds, another screen will pop up. Let me know if it does not work.

bigorange30

The screen popped up when I got on their site. It is a seperate window that pops up. They are taking pre-orders for them already.

md2002

Sorry, no go. Doubt its IE6 but hey its MS so you never know. But the pop up screen doesn't happen for me.

bigorange30

Did you wait long enough?

md2002

bigorange30

md2002

Some annoying add about the internet finally popped up with a really bad photo of the new 4RUNNER. I can't wait to hear the Toyota response to this )))))

Hey do they have permission to use those photo's from that guy's website? I mean really he has the rights to those pics since he took them.

peter78

"md2002" I am glad you finally got the pop up from Carson Toyota. Good question about the rights of Paul's pictures. Maybe we should e-mail Toyota and ask them if they have permission to use those photos by one of their dealers. Boy they would love that.

I have a friend who saw the pictures today and he is going to look this weekend for a 2002 model. I think the pictures are good for people who are in the market, they can now at least have some options.

nippononly

in one of the mags somewhere that the interior of the new Runner is about the same as the old one dimension-wise, except there is more legroom in back, which would be a good thing.

I am glad it seems like they have not changed it too much, except for the huge power increases in the engine. The old Runner has certainly aged gracefully, and was near perfection already, IMO! I hope they keep this new generation even longer than the one that is about to end.

pica1

Earlier this week I changed the oil in my '99 4Runner for the first time.

I wound up removing the left front tire to get at the oil filter. Is this the right way, or did I just do it the hard way?

I'm just past the 30,000 mile mark. Toyota's maintenance schedule guide only suggests replacing differential oil and transfer case oil under "special operating conditions." I haven't taken the truck off-road yet, and won't face winter crud for a few more months. When should I replace the differential and transfer case oil? Is it something I can do in the driveway, or something best left to a shop?

The guild also breaks down maintenance into 5,000 and 7,500 mile increments. Does this mean Toyota recommends oil changes at 5,000 /7,500 mile intervals (assuming the use of dino oil)?

Thanks for the advice,

Mark

peter78

The 5,000 or 7,500 mile oil change has nothing to do with the type of oil, it has to do with normal driving or severe driving. My feeling is to change the oil in any car 5,000 miles or less. Car companies say 7,500 miles to lower the overall cost of ownership, at least on paper.

This is the first I have heard of taking off the tire to change the oil. Some people take off the skid plate. I use the Toyota filter and I bought a filter socket that exactly matches the top of the Toyota filter. I then attach the socket to a socket wrench and get off the filter. Yes it is very tight area and I go from under the car. Also the oil leaks onto the skid plate. If it becomes unbearable, I know a lot of Toyota dealers have special deals on oil changes.

cliffy1

Hey guy... don't stir the pot when it comes to Carson Toyota. The administrator of that site is VERY consumer friendly and has a long history of posting as much advanced information as possible. They slip under the radar and I don't think it is a good idea to bring it to anybody's attention. This is the last I'll mention this particular dealer or web site and I would hope that y'all would do the same until this "embargo" is over.

cliffy1

Try removing the skid plate first. Our shop does this on the Runners and all other trucks with the same oil filter location. It seems to make things easier.

cliffy1

You don't have any really bad weather in TN do you? The 2WD should do nicely with the Ranger, as long as you don't have anything too difficult. Some of the ramps out here are a complete mess, but most of that is due to the tidal ebb and flow. The 2001 had the A-trac system and should therefore handle all but the worst ramps.

Were it me, I'd still hold out for the 4WD though. I use some really bad ramps sometimes and I've just got this thing about being able to drive in the worst conditions... even if I don't need it, its nice to know I have it.

nippononly

I thought you HAD to remove the skid plate to get the filter out - that is what I have always done...saves money on special Toyota tools...

peter78

I change the oil without removing the skid plate. It can be difficult, I think having long arms help. I think next time I change oil I'll try to remove the skid plate, maybe even clean it up a little. Also I notice a little rust on the inside of my bumper, where it attaches to the frame. I will sand and spray a little paint there.

peter78

Carson Toyota removed the pictures. Also Paul S. has had over 20,000 hits on his web site. For more go to this link.

http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?s=6d5e323761c3534ddd4c120d055c50af&threadid=1035

md2002

Funny how as I was writing this post a few minutes ago and clicked post I lost my access to Town Hall and this forum. I had to close my IE pages and relog in . . . . hmmmm

Anyway. Toyota needs to come clean and release the pics of the hot new 4RUNNER. The cats out and they need to pony up. Some may not like it, some may like it, some may just buy an '02 because the price drop. Odd that they were giving $4500 off a few months ago and not its just $1500 off. Maybe they are just about out of inventory????

cliffy1

The $4500 off was dealer pricing off MSRP and that included $1000 worth of rebates. The $1500 off is the rebates from Toyota. Right now, there is a dealership offering $6000 off MSRP but there is a catch. The add freight back in ($510), the only will do that on a Limited and it includes the rebate. In reality, it is $3990 off MSRP. Still a great deal, but not quite what is sounds. I makes for good ad copy.

rward99

>how do you know that those pictures were taken
>on private property owned by Toyota?

I work for Toyota and I was told the location of the shoot; it was on Toyota property, I was told, and it was some sort of a press preview. I don't know how Peter S. got the pictures, but I know that they aren't real happy about it.

>If you work for Toyota, I guess I am puzzled
>about your question in your post #2251

OK, I'm puzzled by your puzzlement :-) Why would my question to Cliffy about the capability of the 4Runner's 2WD to pull a boat up a reservoir ramp cause you to be puzzled? Mr. Cliffy is a respected authority on Toyota transmissions. I felt he could (and did) answer my question. So what's puzzling you?

rward99

I've been wanting a new 4WD 4Runner, but I may have the opportunity at a 2WD Limited(if I'm the lucky winner of a drawing with 13 others). I'd like to have it with 4WD but it doesn't have it, and this is the first one they've offered us since '98. The price is exceptional. I guess I'll see if my name is drawn. If not, I'm still on target for the new 4WD.

The good news is, the wife is telling me to wait for the new one. Maybe I should listen, eh? ;-)

No weather in Tennessee? Of course, but mostly hot and dry or cold and wet. I live in KY, but we have the same style of lakes (and weather) as Tennessee. I have another trip coming up in October. Going to Norris in TN.

My 2WD has the power, but when the ramp is wet I can't get the traction unless someone sits in the bed. When I'm by myself it's a problem. I have to get creative with rocks and drift wood to block the right wheel, or use the emergency brake.

Thanks for the information. You've pretty well convinced me, but let's see how the drawing comes out.

peter78

"rward99" Paul S. took the pictures, not Peter S.

cliffy1

TN... KY... what's the difference? I'm kidding of course. My brain hasn't been functioning at full tilt because of the overload of work. Sorry about that. Plus, I realize you do get bad weather from time to time... bad joke I guess. Again, blame it on the work load.

From your description, I would be a bit concerned about the 2WD. The 2WD Runner with A-trac will do MUCH better than the truck with its open differential and no traction control, but if it takes that much effort, you may still find times that you wished for a 4WD.

rward99

Sorry, Peter. I meant Paul S. of course.

>(Cliffy) TN... KY... what's the difference?
TN has no state income tax, TN SUVs have dual exhausts *AND* glass packs, and in KY, gravy is considered a beverage. Otherwise, it's about the same. ;-)

>... bad joke..
We've got a sense of humor, not to worry. I've heard it all before. At least we can fish in the winter because our lakes don't freeze, so we got dat goin' for us.

My personal experience is that TN doesn't seem to care much for normal boat ramps. Theirs are usually pretty steep, where KY will almost always have a shallow one I can use somewhere.

I think you've convinced me to wait until January and get the 4WD. I was wanting a red one to match my boat anyway. I've been slipping and sliding for a long time. Better to get what I really want this time around.

zman3

>At least we can fish in the winter because our lakes don't freeze, so we got dat goin' for us.

Hey pal, it's called ice fishing!! Just because you don't need a boat doesn't mean it's not fishing.

nippononly

relative hp rating of the truck's V-8 might be for the purpose of keeping it simpler and cheaper to produce and maintain, all good trucky qualities.

The 4.3L uses all the latest VVt-i and all that to achieve its hp rating, and is higher revving for that output. It also requires premium fuel to achieve that rating.

The 4.7L in the trucks is lower revving by design. Torque is much more important in a vehicle as heavy as these, not to mention it is better suited to the types of uses people usually put trucks to.

md2002

Thanks. I haven't seen any dealer ads offering any great deals on 4RUNNER's I guess they don't have any to sell. My regular Toyota dealer doesn't have squat on the lot to sell but a bunch of camry's.

When will Toyota start to put AWD in some of their other cars even as an option. She doesn't and won't take an SUV. Unless I want to go luxo euro on an AWD (car) my only choice is Subaru. Not don't flame me here but I don't know about build quality and such on them (GM Part ownership fear).

Any Subaru guys here that can comment?

nippononly

are extremely solid - mechanically I would say they are better than Toyotas even, but when it comes to the finer details, Toyota definitely has them beat.

I recently sold my '97 Subaru with 115K on the clock, and it never needed a repair. It needed a bunch of long-term maintenance items when I sold it, like shocks and a clutch, but all I ever did was routine maintenance.

But Toyo throws an AWD car into the mix every once in a while, and right now it is the Matrix - you don't like those?

BTW, several dealers in the SF Bay Area have massive price reductions advertised right now on their Runners - with the new ones just a few weeks away, and so dramatically improved for '03, I am sure they don't want to be stuck with '02s when the arrive! This weekend, three separate dealers all have multiple trucks each for sale at $6000 below MSRP, including the incentive $$ from Toyota.

alev

I used to owned a Toyota 4 Runner limited 1999. I was the first and the last owner and used to love it, but it is total, because of an accident. Right now, I was searching for a BMW and, I noticed this news group and I wanted to share an experience with you. I think it is very important that public should know about this. What happened to me and in my personal opinion how irresponsible was Toyota Motor North America Inc. But, before I do that, I need to know if this site is only positive feedbacks or can you make a negative feedback about manufacturer and it's responsibilities. I do not want to face any legal issues. I read few mails and they were all good revives.(When I owned mine, until a month ago, I had no problems besides some little, minor problems. Like gas gage was defected or when I put my sun screen down, it would partially cover my rear view mirror. I asked my Toyota dealer and they said it was not a important thing and it did not affect my safety. That is true, I did not have a problem because of these issues.) If this is not the right site or if there is additional sites that I should know and write about my experience please let me know so I can share it as soon as possible with public. This is my first news group experience. I hope I do not sound ignorant. Thank you all. Alev

peter78

"alev" yes you can post both positive and negative experiences on this board. Quite a few people have been writing about the gas gauge problem, plus many other problems. You may want to read about your BMW also on this board to get some feedback on that. The other boards you can give your feed back on the 4Runner are:

http://www.thecomplaintstation.com/

http://www.carreview.com/defaultcrx.aspx

http://www.epinions.com/

http://carpoint.msn.com/homepage/default.asp

http://www.yotatech.com/

http://www.outdoorwire.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?category=2

alev

I always loved Toyota. I still Own a 1998 Toyota camry. I liked them because I thought they were dependable and safe. I also liked their customer service. On June 22nd I was traveling on the freeway, It had just started to rain that's why roads were slippery and the car in front of me braked. Not to hit him, I tried to change a lane and I moved to left, I was going about 45-50 miles an hour. I lost control and I hit the pillar with straight front hit. I came back and hit the guy on the right than I flipped over. I was taken out of the vehicle with some nice people's help. Not that I was lucky to be alive, I did not have any serious injuries. All I had was bruises in my head and my body all over. I still have the bum in the back of my head.
After, I got over the shock 2 days later, I went to see the car, I was very surprised that air bags did not deployed. That is when I realized that it was a defect and same day I called Toyota Motor North America Inc. I was on hold over 35 minutes. Finally I talked to somebody and I was told somebody from Houston office would get in touch with me. That is fine. I was very concern because I have some friends with children who owned the same vehicle and if this is a defect I wanted them to do a recall. 3 days later Donna Martin from Gulf State Toyota left me a message. I called her back for a day and half left her messages she did not call me back until I left her a message and politely said that I was going to take legal action. She called back in 10 minutes. This was on the 28th of June. It took them an other ten days to send somebody there. Of course, I was calling leaving messages almost everyday. They went and investigate the car on July 9th. I received a reply back from them July 24th(It was written July 19th) stating that car just operated the way it suppose to. My car is total, in front of my car is totally gone. I have pictures and they say, It did not hit the any of the sensors. They have 3 sensors in the front. All they had do is act promptly like responsible manufacturer and do recall on that series that it was defected. My next step is hiring my own engineer and seeing how accurate they worked. I was very lucky but some other people might not be. This human life not lost profit. The way they handle the situation really changed all my opinion about Toyota. Can you please tell me when I post a message do I have to post each discussion
separately or one time goes to all related discussions.

Thank you for reading and responding

bigorange30

That is a terrible story. I am glad you aren't hurt though. Thanks for sharing that story.

cliffy1

The 2004 Sienna is reported to be coming in an AWD model. It will be out in March. Beyond that, only our SUVs will have it.

md2002

Thanks for the info. I guess I wish Toyota would just put AWD in the Camry. The vive is nice, but not the upscale car my wife or I would want. Me I want a TLC, she wont look at large vehicles and isn't often a passenger in mine.

I guess it will be a long look at Subaru Legacy GT sedan and of course the others. I will try to get her into the Highlander, but that is most likely no as well.

Thanks again.

coolguyky7

Will all the Siennas be in AWD? I would imagine that would only drive up the cost and hurt fuel economy. If the new Sienna is anything like the Estima/Previa in other countries, it should be quite interesting. Hopefully the styling is a little more tame but with all the advanced features like the backing-up camera and DVD systems.

stever

My limited understanding of airbags is that the sensor(s) are inside the cabin and are triggered by G forces - no direct impact with a sensor is required to set off an airbag.

You may want to fill out a problem form at the NHTSA (link). Good luck & welcome to Town Hall.



Steve

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peter78

Alev I am sorry to hear about your accident. A few months ago I read about a similar problem with a air bag not going off, on the Lexus RX 300 board. The person had a link to a picture of his car. The biggest hit was on the side and not the front. There are so many variables in a accident it is hard to know if the bag was suppose to go off. I know the G forces are set high enough that they won't go off if you hit a standing object less than 15 MPH, (on most cars). You may of hit another car where the difference in speed was less than that, on the other hand it could of malfunctioned. I agree with our host, contact NHTSA and tell them of the problem. If it is a problem, I personally want it fixed. Good luck.

carlmoorejr

If there is a chance that an air bag will not deploy in a frontal impact, Then it should be required by the manufacturer to state that the air bag might not deploy even in a major front end high speed collision. I think most consumers are under the impression the air bag is going to work when they are involved in such a collision.The owners manual in my 01 4Runner does not state any such information.

4skinner

Are there any chip upgrades out there for the 4Runner.

jf01

There are a few chips (I know a company called JET makes some), but I think people have said that they don't work as well as they thought they would. Best thing to do would be to search the internet for 4Runner pages and see if anyone's done it and said it was worth it.

whotheman

It's about $3500, but it will give you more HP than a Grand Cherokee V8, more torque than the GM inline-6, and 0-60 in 6.4 (with a stick, Motor Trend 2000)!

mrwhipple

Do you have one in your runner?

nippononly

With its high stance, I think I would be a little worried having this much power in my Runner...a minor re-programming might be good though...