Toyota 4Runner

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Comments

  • autostartautostart Member Posts: 4
    Hi All,

    Is the 2005 Sport V8 4x4 available yet? I'm checking a few online sites for the 4Runner and all of them list the V6 models, but not one of them is selling the V8 models. Has anyone seen a 2005 V8 4Runner yet? If not, any ideas on when it's going to be available?

    Rgds,

    - AS
  • autostartautostart Member Posts: 4
    - to add to my previous post, there are plenty of "2004" V8 models available, but I'm looking for a 2005 V8 - the +35hp is the attraction to me! (2005 V8s are touting 270hp as opposed to the 235hp of the 2004 V8 models).

       - AS
  • gcmellogcmello Member Posts: 17
    According to the 2005 Toyota 4Runner brochure, the V8 version will be available in January 2005.
    If you look at the Toyota website for the 2005 4Runner in the specifications section, it also states the v8 will be available in January. I'm waiting, too ! ! !
  • autostartautostart Member Posts: 4
    Oh boy. It's going to be a loooong wait. I hope I don't succumb to a 2004 sports edition :-)

     - AS
  • newswordsnewswords Member Posts: 12
    A few months ago there were some posts from owners who noticed a rattle in the area of their defroster vents near the windshield - a jiggling noise that seemed in some cases to be temperature related.
    A similar sound has developed in my vehicle - it clears itself in warm sunlight or if I run the defroster at very warm temperature on high for several minutes. But if I start out on uneven pavement or washboard road in cold weather the rattle is very noticeable across the entire span of the windshield. Apparently, the defroster hardware (vents)contracts under cold temperature and something inside loosens up.
    Do any other owners who've experienced a similar problem have a way of dampening the hardware by inserting something into the vents or spraying something that might counteract the increased play within the parts , a method that doesn't require pulling out the dash to access the defroster vents? I'd rather live with the intermittent noise than take a chance on creating a worse problem by having the dealership tinker inside the dash. Of course, if anyone has had their dealership successfully eliminate the problem by going inside the dash, I would be interested in knowing how the technician accomplished that, as well.
  • newswordsnewswords Member Posts: 12
    Based on reports I saw of a similar problem with Toyota's RAV4 on these boards - decided to spray base of windshield with WD-40. Worked. Rattle gone. It was the interaction of the windshield with the exterior cowling - dry and cold conditions created friction.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2005

    Steve, Host
  • eltonheltonh Member Posts: 3
    DRL are NOT an option on my 2005 4Runner as indicated on edmunds.com. The dealer and the manufacture confirm this.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Please use the Contact us form and it'll get to the right department to get fixed. Thanks!

    Steve, Host
  • 05runner05runner Member Posts: 3
    Wrong , DRL Is a stand alone option. Check toyota website or a dealer that know's what there talking about.
  • slarryslarry Member Posts: 19
    You're correct!
    See 3rd bullet point on link below:

    http://toyotausa.com/vehicles/2005/4runner/options.html
  • md4runnermanmd4runnerman Member Posts: 72
    That is a safety issue. I doubt that there is any way to get the remote to automatically raise the back window.
  • kjack100kjack100 Member Posts: 133
    This was discussed a good bit a year ago or so on here. The short answer is no, the keyless cannot raise the window, period. The long answer is there is concern by Toyota that Bowser's head or little Timmy's fingers might get caught in rising rear glass, i.e., concern about passenger safety and lawsuits. Maybe it's not a bad idea. Ever had the keyless lock your car while the keys were in your pocket?

    kheintz, what's your take on the VVTi technology?
    I plan on trading in for an '06 V8 next fall.
  • 4runnerfan4runnerfan Member Posts: 6
    "kheintz, what's your take on the VVTi technology?
    I plan on trading in for an '06 V8 next fall."

    kjack100 - unfortunately due to my current job situation, I will have to put off my '05 purchase for an '06. Any ideas on the changes we should expect? Will Toyota take ideas from the new Tacoma?
  • 69mach169mach1 Member Posts: 60
    Well, I need to replace my Dunlop tires after only 23,000 miles, anybody have any suggestions?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Ask Connor at The Tire Rack

    Steve, Host
  • kullenbergkullenberg Member Posts: 283
    I replaced the Dunlops on my 04 V8 Sport, at 11000 miles, with Bridgestone Revo's in the OEM size. I didn't want to go into winter with the Dunlops. So far, I've been happy with the Revos, but we haven't had any snow to deal with yet. They seem a little more secure in the corners and the wet, but not quite so on the gravel roads; not serious though.
  • kheintz1kheintz1 Member Posts: 213
    The Michelin Cross Terrains get my vote. The Cross Terrains on my '03 4Runner have 26,000 miles on them and they look just about new. Also, my previous 2002 Explorer's Cross Terrains had nearly 50,000 miles on them when I sold the vehicle, and those tires looked like they still had another 30,000-40,000 more miles still in them before they would need replacement.
  • kullenbergkullenberg Member Posts: 283
    Cross Terrains are a great tire. I had them on the ML 430 that I had. I went thru 2 winters on them, and they never let me down, and they showed very little wear after 25k miles.
  • ohtomaohtoma Member Posts: 28
    I had the CT's put on mine at purchase, and they've been great for the 2 months I've owned them. They didn't rate well in the latest consumer reports review of SUV tires, for what that's worth.
  • jwarthmanjwarthman Member Posts: 20
    Likewise, I specified the Cross Terrains when I purchased my 2005 Limited a week ago. I'm curious, ohtoma, what did Consumer Reports have to say? Why didn't they like the CTs?

    Enjoy!

    -- Jim
  • kheintz1kheintz1 Member Posts: 213
    My '03 4Runner Limited has recently developed a new noise somewhere in the cabin, and it's driving me batty. It sounds like a click or a tap (kinda like tapping a dime on hard plastic) that seems to be coming from somewhere below the center armrest consule; or perhaps from the bottom of one of the front seats. It tends to occur when turning, when going over a bump, when the body flexes, etc. However, it is not consistently produced, and is somewhat fickle.

    I have tried removing all items from the armrest storage box, glove box (etc.), but the noise continues. Again, the noise reminds me of a coin hitting up against plastic, but there's no associated preceeding sound of a loose coin sliding or rolling along before hitting an obstacle.

    Since I have no kids and I rarely have rear seat passengers, I doubt that someone may have dropped something down one of the rear seat air ducts located at the rear of the center armrest console. I have searched high and low, but so far I've been unable to locate the source of this noise.

    I'm now wondering if perhaps the noise is coming from a plastic joint (somewhere on or within the long center console) that periodicaly pops in/out of alignment? I'm also beginning to wonder if it might be coming from something that may have come loose under one of the front seats, but again, darned if I can locate the source of this noise. Your thoughts will be most appreciated!

    Kjack: I plan on keeping my '03 4Runner for at least 5 years, so I haven't paid any attention to the new VVTi technology. In addition, I find that my truck's V8 has more than enough power and speed for my needs, so I'm pretty content and am not wanting for more power at this point.
  • autostartautostart Member Posts: 4
    I've seen numerous posts in this forum where everyone has been referring to Toyota's V8 as a very "reliable" engine. They are of course referrring to the 2004 and prior model years. (I guess it's called the iForce?).

    With 2005, Toyota is coming up with the VVTi V8 engine. Does this have a proven record? How does this engine's reliability compare to the old V8? The VVTi is already in the new Sequoia's, but is that the extent of its history? Does it mean that it does not have a history of more than a year?

    Sorry for asking so many questions, but any discussion on this is most welcome.

    Regards,

    - Auto
  • coranchercorancher Member Posts: 232
    autostart, the VVTi technology is new to the iForce V8s, but it's been used (along with variable intake geometry) on other Toyota engines previously, and it's been reliable. The new V8 will certainly be more complex, but not significantly more so than the existing 4 liter VVTi V6 in the 4Runners.

    There was a problem with early (first few months of production) V6s that involved a faulty fuel pulsation damper that could leak. That was fixed by a recall. There were also some complaints of a ticking engine noise that is apparently typical of the V6s, but which is not a reliability problem. Neither of these problems had anything to do with the VVTi technology, but together they seemed to have caused some concern with the folks at "a leading consumer magazine."

    To get the increased horsepower, I'm guessing the new V8 will have a slightly higher compression ratio and will probably rev a little higher (at least the torque curve will extend a little higher). These changes will put a little extra stress on the engine, but if I wanted a V8 I wouldn't hesitate to choose the new one. There are no guarantees, but I like the odds on new Toyota engines. They generally do their design homework!
  • beercoll1beercoll1 Member Posts: 88
    I too will be replacing my Dunlops this winter with CTs. I have been fortunate with getting 34k on these tires to date. However, they are really starting to show their wear. And they are slipping in the wet.
    I have had Michelins on my other 4-runners, and have never been disappointed. I should have insisted on the Michelins tires when I purchase my 03 V8.
  • rand01rand01 Member Posts: 75
    I've had this 4Runner for 13 years and 145,000 miles and it has been one reliable machine. Except for replacing a couple of power antennas, not much else has gone wrong with it.

    Recently, the rear window stopped working, so I tore it apart this weekend. Fuse was good and when I applied direct power to the window motor, the motor rolled the window down. Both switches, (tailgate and interior) rolled the window back up but failed to roll it down. Got to be the relay I figured. Tore the whole left rear interior panel off to get to the relay (combination rear wiper/power window relay).

    Just got back from the Toyota parts guys, $381.00 for this relay box! It's hard to believe, what should be a simple device, could be so darn expensive! Anybody else run across these kind of absurdly priced parts for their 4Runner? It's amazing that the most expensive part that I have had to replace on this rig is a relay box...but perhaps I should consider myself lucky!

    By the way, I run BFG 32 x 11.50 All Terrains on this vehicle. They are reasonably quiet on the street and give good off-road performance. I've run both Michelin LTX M&S and Cross Terrains on my Suburbans, both are great performing tires with long life.
  • raiderraider Member Posts: 12
    I've been told that I won't be able to get side and curtain air bags on a 2005 Sport 4-Runner.
    Has anyone else tried to order a Sport with side and curtain air bags?

    Thanks.
  • kullenbergkullenberg Member Posts: 283
    I can't talk to the 05 model, but I ordered an 04 V8, 4wd Sport, and the only option was the side air bags; not even a sunroof. I note that I have told you this before. E-mail me if you want a contact at my local dealer.
    Cheers
    Pat
  • 05runner05runner Member Posts: 3
    Hello all,
    Just got my new 05 4runner sport.Ordered on 7/27
    picked up 10/29 from Longo ,Just the way i wanted.
    Model: 05 Sport V6 4x4
    Options include:
    SIDE AIR BAGS
    Sunroof
    JBL Stereo
    Spolier
    115v Plug
    DD Cargo
    Floor mats
    Ec Mirror
    Homelink
    NO DRL
    I Love It
  • kheintz1kheintz1 Member Posts: 213
    I own an '03 4Runner Limited with moon roof. The owner's manual states that when the moon roof is in the open position, its wind deflector will automatically adjust itself according to the vehicle's speed. However, my moon roof doesn't do this, although on RARE occasions I have heard a slight, momentary electronic motor sound when the moon roof is fully open. When I've tried to test this, the moon roof's wind deflector doesn't move or adjust itself at all, regardless of speed.

    Others at this forum have commented on (and even complained about) how their vehicle's moon roof actually electronically adjusts the wind deflector according to vehicle speed. My dealer claims they have no evidence that my truck has this feature, and in fact they denied having any knowledge of this sort of feature in any of the newer 4Runners. However, I recently spoke with two other Toyota service shops in my area. The first said they were aware of this feature, while the 2nd said they too had no knowledge of this feature. Can anyone shed light on this conundrum?

    My questions are (1) whether my particular vehicle might lack this feature for some reason (despite what my manual says); (2) whether or not my moon roof might be defective; and (3) among those of you who own a newer 4Runner whose moon roof, wind deflector electronically adjusts according to vehicle speed; is the moon roof glass actually moving back-and-forth a bit, thus affecting the angle of the wind deflector? Or do you believe there is a 2nd electrical motor controlling the wind deflector? My dealer claims they have examined the parts diagrams for the moon roof, and they believe the wind deflector is merely spring loaded, with no parts to suggest that an electronic motor is in place to control the deflector's angle.

    Your thoughts will be most appreciated. Thank You!
  • coranchercorancher Member Posts: 232
    What is with these clueless dealers?

    kheintz1, there IS a motor to change the deflector height according to speed, and it's different from the motor that moves the glasss. The deflector moves independently from the glass.

    I don't remember the exact speeds (it might be in the operating manual somewhere) but there are two of them. The deflector stays at full height until about 55 mph during acceleration and then retracts some. Then during deceleration it extends again when speed drops below about 35 mph. Thus the deflector could either be up or down in this middle range of speeds, and wouldn't change unless you went faster or slower.

    I can't see any way your vehicle would lack this feature, but it's all too common for dealers to lack knowledge like this. And if they're so clueless about the feature, how do you trust them to repair it?
  • gcmellogcmello Member Posts: 17
    I, too, have had no success finding a dealer in the Mid-Atlantic region willing to order a Sport Edition with Side and Curtain Airbags. Nor have I found ANY models with that option, other than Limiteds, in the region. Seems the regional decision makers decided again (none in 2003 or 2004) not to have their SEs and SR5 configured with side and curtain airbags. Moving up to a Limited to have that option will cost you at least another $5000, so it seems to me they're just greedy. In an earlier post I described my experience with CARMAX in Baltimore MD. The CARMAX internet sales rep stated Toyota put the side and curtain airbags ONLY in the Limited models. I had found two 2005 SEs with the airbags in the Southeast Toyota region but they also wanted "3% over invoice", the typical response I hear when starting to negotiate price. I was hoping to buy for less thru CARMAX.

    I'm still looking ! ! !
  • mpapimpapi Member Posts: 3
    I'm currently in the market for a new suv. I'm torn between the 05 4runner and the 05 pathfinder. I've test driven both and am leaning more towards the pathfinder because it has more options for the money and seems to handle nicer. (More pickup, smooth ride, etc.). The 4Runner was an SR5 6cyl and the pathfinder was a SE 6cyl. The only thing I am worried about is the reliability of the pathfinder since it is a redesigned model and production was moved from Japan to the US. Anyone have any experience with both toyota and nissan or may have purchased one over the other for whatever reason?

    Thanks
  • alfster1alfster1 Member Posts: 273
    Ah, so there really is a motorized wind deflector? I always surmised that the deflector would just be pushed down with increased speed and would return to it's original position with lower speeds as the spring mechanism pushed upwards.
  • kullenbergkullenberg Member Posts: 283
    See my post #10279 above. I ordered mine from Toyota of Boone, NC. I was willing to pay $600 over invoice to get what I wanted and to deal with my local dealer, which means a lot, particularly when I hit him up for charitable contributions!
  • BHLBHL Member Posts: 4
    Folks,

    I'm looking at buying a SUV, narrowed my options down to the 05 4runner and 05 pathfinder. Couldn't decide on which one to go with. so I was wondering if anyone went through the same dilemma and can offer me some suggestions? Thanks!
  • qs933qs933 Member Posts: 302
    In my market (Hawaii), almost all of the Sport Editions are ordered by the distributor with the Side and Curtain airbags. I just picked up my '05 2WD Sport with the side/curtain airbags; JBL w/changer; and all of the other misc. options EXCEPT the moonroof.

    Quite a few of the SR5s also are ordered with the side/curtain airbags.

    On the other hand, we also tend to pay more for our Toyotas in Hawaii...oh well, can't have it both ways I guess. :)
  • toyotaguy21toyotaguy21 Member Posts: 9
    I'm just astounded how little some "product advisors" seem to know about the Toyota product line. Maybe it's time for Toyota to split out the truck line as there are so many car models now. The moonroof wind deflector is just the latest in a line of questions that you can't get answered by a dealer. I swear they don't drive what they sell. I have an 03 4 runner sport and ( in kph) at 90 the deflector is motor driven to a lower position. Slow down below 70 and hold the slower speed for about 15 seconds and the deflector will be motor driven up to the full height. Go back up to above 90 and down it goes again and so on. It makes a distracting little noise as it does so. So for anyone who takes a runner for a drive and opens the roof this will be as obvious as the open roof itself. Note, I have an 03 and have not driven an 04 or 05. So if a dealer is not aware of this feature then he/she has not driven the Runner.
    The same kind of lack of product knowledge still surrounds the tow hitch and weight limits. Or better still ask them about the load leveling device (limited) or the increased size of the sport front brake rotors or the new side air bag defeat switch(for off roading) and you see salesperson ask someone else who will ask someone else who will ask someone else who will promise to get back to you and never will. In Canada we have a price program called " Access Toyota" which sets the prices slightly below retail but then they are firm. No bargaining. AKA price fixing. Toyota found that dealers were competing with other Toyota dealers not so much with other brands so 2 years or so ago this came into effect. Go to www.toyota.ca and go to price your toyota and you will see the policy explained.
    My point being the "product advisors " don't even have to know how much the car/truck cost anymore let alone bargain the price. So I can't find any excuses for not knowing the line inside out. Yet on this site we constantly questions asked that can't be answered by dealers. Go figure.
    Cheers Steve
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    "Anybody else run across these kind of absurdly priced parts for their 4Runner?"

    Well, I just paid more than $300 for a replacement heater core for my '90 Runner, and that had me kind of shocked. The only other time I ever did such a switch was a long time ago on a Corolla, so maybe I have just not factored in the inflation, but whoa! In retrospect, I probably should have hit up a recycler or two to find a used one, but I just bought it from the dealer because I wanted to do it quick - it was making a mess.

    I am VERY glad my rear window is in good operating order after your story! That heater core is the first repair I have had in quite a while.

    I have run both Cross Terrains and LTX M/S's on this truck, and the extra money you pay for the CTs buys you extra quietness. Apart from that, they are both very good tires, and I am now running the LTXs to save a few bucks.

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • kheintz1kheintz1 Member Posts: 213
    Wanna hear more? One of my Toyota dealer's service advisors recently told me that he had further investigated my moon roof wind-deflector question by calling Toyota "directly" at "1-800-GO-TOYOTA". According to this service advisor, the Toyota America representative he spoke with had no knowledge or information to indicate that the moon roof on newer (2003 and onward) 4Runners has an automatically adjusting wind deflector. I was even encouraged to call 1-800-GO-TOYOTA myself, in order to hear this straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak.

    Furthermore: Another service technician I spoke with by phone (at another dealership) quipped that even though the owner's manual states that the moon roof has this feature, the manuals not uncommonly contain factual errors...

    I believe that many of these service advisors and technicians do have limited experience "driving" these vehicles, but most don't own them and live with them like we do. As these newer vehicles become increasingly more complex and equipped with newer options, I suspect that many of these advisors and technicians come to *eventually* learn about certain aspects of a new vehicle only when an owner tries to point it out to them.

    Indeed, I can tell you that on numerous occasions I have suggested to these folks that if they want to learn more about the behaviors and quirks of these newer 4Runners, they would do well to regularly monitor this Edmunds.com 4runner forum. I've repeatedly suggested that if they would do so, they might learn a great deal about these vehicles and become aware of certain issues long before Toyota issues any TSBs. Well, let me tell you, their eyes glaze over whenever I suggest such a radical idea, and they just seem to view this idea as being ludicrous.

    Furthermore, even when a TSB exists, don't be surprised if they initially claim they can't find any such documentation. You may have to provide them (i.e., spoon-feed them) with the TSB #... which YOU managed to learn about at informative sites such as Edmunds.com!
  • toyotaguy21toyotaguy21 Member Posts: 9
    I too have mentioned to "service advisors" that I learned about something on this web site or others and the typical response would be" ohhhh that seems very interesting". But they would never ask for the URL. I guess its one thing to sell cars but another to be a car enthusiast. I just thought they would have an interest in the product they sell. I suppose if you sell enough cars that a sales manager would give two hoots that you don't know what the buttons on the dash do.

    Cheers
    Steve
  • BHLBHL Member Posts: 4
    Folks,

    I just test drove a 05 Sport edition, I really like the ride and handling. But I thought the stock sound system sounds pretty bad. Anyone upgraded to JBL can tell me if that sounds better? Thanks!
  • milkbeanmilkbean Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2000 Limited 4wd, and I am planning on purchasing new tires in the next few days. Can anyone recommend any tires? The vehicle is not taken off-road (unfortunately).

    Thanks!
  • kheintz1kheintz1 Member Posts: 213
    Michelin Cross Terrains!
  • kingkapkingkap Member Posts: 9
    I only caught a glimpse of the commercial and was wondering if anyone knows the particulars of the lease. I saw $289 a month, $1999 down plus state taxes, tags, registration etc...i would like to know the exact model, options and MSRP if anyone knows! maybe our host has info? thanks in advance...Marc
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I don't have a TV antenna or cable so I missed the commercials :-)

    Try the Toyota 4Runner: Prices Paid & Buying Experience discussion for recent deals and ask our leasing expert, Car_man over in Lease Questions - Ask Here for the scoop on lease deals.

    Steve, Host
  • ohtomaohtoma Member Posts: 28
    The CT's are very smooth on the road, better than the other stock tires. However, last month's Consumer Reports rated SUV tires, and the CT's didn't rate especially high. It's worth a look anyway ...
  • slarryslarry Member Posts: 19
    The Michelin CT's rated #19 out of 22 tires tested by Consumer Reports. They received an "excellent" mark for rolling resistance; "very good" for wet braking, snow traction and ice breaking; "good" for dry braking, hydroplaning and noise; only "fair" for handling and ride. The 2 Michelin tires tested were the most expensive of the group.

    Their #1 rated tire for SUV's was the Goodyear Fortera HL edition.
  • beercoll1beercoll1 Member Posts: 88
    When I spoke to my service guy, he did tell me about the adjusting mechanism in the sunroof. I posed the question to him without reading the manual. Maybe the issue is one of education for the service people.
  • dogbreathdogbreath Member Posts: 3
    Our 1990 4R spent the first 10 years of its life in sunny California. The truck is a V-6 with the automatic and overdrive transmission. We moved to Maine in 2000 and in the extreme cold of winter when the temp is down in the single digits or below 0 the transmission will downshift when travelling on a straight and level road at highway speed for no apparent reason. The nearest city of any size is 100 miles away and we usually use the 4R in the winter to make that trip. Several times during the trip the tranny will downshift, the RPM's run up to about 3500 and it sticks there. The tranny won't respond to slowing down, it's just stuck in the lower gear. It might take it a mile or more before the transmission shifts up again to where it should be. It only has this problem in the extreme cold of winter. Anyone else had a similar experience and if so what was the fix? We love the truck, no real problems, just routine maintainance. The truck only has 103,000 miles on it and so far the Maine winters haven't turned it into a bucket of rust.
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