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I hear the newer Rovers are more reliable, but we wanted a truck we could trust pretty much implicitly to run, not leak, break down, etc. Have you been to the Discovery board here? Those guys *love* their trucks and don't find the problems they do have to be much of an issue.
Gary
As far as the 2000 Limited; No, it doesn't have the TRACS or any type of Traction Control. That is the achilles heel of the Multimode System offered in 1999 and 2000. The system has a part-time low/high range (i.e. center locker), with the rear locker available only in low range. In addition, it has a push button "full-time four-wheel drive system," which in reality, is only an all wheel drive system. By that, I mean that there is NO traction control, no lsd, or any other way to distribute torque. If just ONE of the 4 wheels loses traction, then power will go through the path of least resistance, and the 4runner won't move. I learned this the hard way traveling up a steep, snowy dirt incline in VT; One of the wheels lost traction and the 4runner wouldn't move until I engaged the center locker. With the multimode system you have, the full time system is really only useful on pavement and in slightly slick conditions; in all other cases, you need to lock the center.
pg: Only the 99 and 2000 Limited had the Multimode; it was never offered as an option on the SR5, which kept the part-time only system. Starting in 2001, they offered the Tracs system standard on ALL Runners, including the Limited and SR5.
I was shopping for my Runner in Fall of 2000, and was debating whether to get the 2001 or the 2000. I decided on the 2000 because I wanted the rear locker (which they stopped offering after 2000), and I was leery of any traction control-based 4x4 system b/c of the bad press the Mercedes ML was getting. This, of course, is not to say that the Multimode system with rear-locker is an ideal system, as per my comments above.
By the way, how does the Tracs system work offroad with the center diff locked? Is it as good as a front/rear locker? Any one with any experience with that?
Gary
The Tracs system is pretty nice I think. I know a lot of people don't trust the electronic stuff, but I have had it help out off-road. I'd categorize it as much better than open diffs, better than the limited slips I've had, not as good as the posi-traction or whatever I had on my Sonoma, not at all equal to having a true locker. With it I can get around pretty well even with the center diff open, usually that hits it's wall when the suspension is maxed out and a tire gets hoisted.
Mostly when I play I'm climbing hillsides in low and so far the tracs hasn't impeded that but there have been a few times where it just wasn't enough to get me over some ledges. I do plan on installing an air locker sometime.
Gary
When you check a site, simply click on "Search Inventory".
http://www.atlantatoyota.com/frameset4.asp?LINK=NewCars&MAIN=new_vehicle_search
While I don't have an opinion on that issue, I have followed Cliffy's postings for over a year and have always found him to be very straightforward. If I had to vote, I'd choose him.
Cliffy, with the upcoming 4Runner change, whenever that might be, I am in the market for an SUV, have narrowed it down to either a Grand Cherokee or 4Runner. I really like the Sport Edition 4 Runners.
My question is this: considering the upcoming change, what is considered a "good deal" on 4Runners right now? I have yet to try to deal with the local dealer, but I have a quote on Carsdirect.com that is approximately $1000 below invoice, which includes the Toyota $1000 rebate. I took the same equipment and got the quote based on that, so I could compare apples to apples. I would much rather buy from the local dealer, so if they are close I'll buy from them.
Also, is the $1000 the only rebate offered from Toyota right now on the 4Runners?
Thanks for your advice.
MIKEinTN
The CEO got a report from the leasing company showing overall operating costs (maintenace,resale etc) for various vehicles and the short list includes a few Toyos including the 4runner. The other 4WD choice is the Ford Explorer.
I've stayed away from the SUVs primarily due to ride/comfort handling issues during my frequent 1000-1500 mile road trips. However having a 4X4 when facing the Pittsburg/Erie/ upstate NY run in February has some appeal.
My initial impression is that the 4runner is more of a real off road truck as opposed to a high riding, "family roadster" and therefore may present a disadvantage in comfort and trip fatigue.
I'm not an offroader,at least intentionally.
I'd appreciate inputs from actual drivers as oppossed to road test journalists.
Do i turn my Lincoln LS for the Explorer, the 4runner, or just take my chances with with an Avalon?
Cliffy, when the next gen. Runner comes out in late summer, how long should I wait to buy a 2002?
If we get a big batch now (which we are) but get little else before the arrival of the 2003s, the next two months will be the time to buy. When dealers see large inventories of any vehicle, they get very motivated to sell them and you have a good selection. If you wait until stocks are lower, you will not be able to pick and choose colors and equipment and dealers will not be as desperate to move them.
Its a gamble, but not a terrible one. If you buy in March, you may loose out on an extra $500 in July, but at least you will get the model you want.
Nice truck. Have about 1,300 miles on it now. 4WD handled great in the snow. I like not being afraid to turn the 4WD on even on wet or dry roads. Feels great to drive. Can't wait until summer to use the tailgate window more. Sound system is decent, but not great. I wish they had made better use of the space near the shifter to add more storage compartments. My only real gripe is that the dash really sqeeks going over bumps in the road. Any fix for that?
Also, anyone know where to get an after-market bug deflecter cheaper than Toyota's $65 price?
You menction the Gold Plan doesn't cover a lot of important stuff....give us an idea of what sort of "important stuff" it does not cover. I would assume the Platium plan is better, could you give us a brief difference?
Also, I know the incentives are regional...but can you give me an idea as to the current $1000 (I'm in Northeast Tennessee) on the 4Runner being extended? The current one expires on February 28th, and I am not sure I will be buying before then.
Thanks,
MIKEinTN
Until I moved into the finance office and actually started to read the material on extended warranties, I didn't realize just how much was covered. About the only things that are not covered are belts, hoses, fuses, light bulbs, floor mats, seat covers and head liner. There are a couple of others, but not much. I can easily see spending more than $1500 on covered items within 7 years.
As to rebates, the current $1000 is due to expire on the 28th, but I am 99.9% sure it will be extended or improved until the end of the model year. It is possible it wouldn't, but that would shock me.
I am still trying to decide whether to get the Jeep Grand Cherokee or 4Runner. I will be driving a ton of miles each year, so I am leaning towards the 4Runner simply for their longevity.
Thanks again for the help.
MIKEinTN
I enjoy reading the posts, lots of info. I have a question concerning the extended warranties offered by toyota. Although there may be an advantage to buy the extended warranty at time of purchase. If not purchased initially, can you purchase the extended warranty at a later time before the manufacturer's warranty expires? If yes, then at what point? Before 3/36?
Appreciate the response
Will
I am in Johnson City and will most likely give Phil Bachman here an opportunity to beat their price. I also have a quote from carsdirect.com for $1000 off invoice, including the $1000 cash back from Toyota, so that is a strong deal also.
Thanks for the info!
MIKEinTN
thx.
Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely in the market for one, and I'm pleased that it keeps the same great looking exterior. Just don't expect a major redesign. (I had heard that it looked like the Mitsubishi Montero. That's an unqualified 'no'.)
Are you a dealer or how did you see a video?
The video didn't have any sound (or it wasn't turned up) but they didn't show a 3rd seat. I had heard that it would, and I really hope that it does. The runner didn't appear to be any longer, and it's hard to tell much about size from a brief video.
The new 4Runner will be available this fall for the new model year (2003). That information was provided at a public forum, and came from an EVP of Sales.
I'm not a dealership nor do I work for one. I work for Toyota, but not with manufacturing or sales.
It looks like cliffy1 was right about the availability date.
Thanks for the information.
Was it like the current 4Runner, where there is sheet metal between the rear quarter glass and the rear seat glass? The new Toyota Landcruiser Prado and the new, for January 2003, Lexus GX470 look awfully similar, and there is no sheet metal there, ala Montero.
Cliffy, is this unusual to be coming out with video of a redesign this soon, even for internal Toyota folks?
Where are you "at" now Buzz?
Looks like a rock that didn't hit my windshield did some damage anyway.....I have a hole in my left headlamp cover that I will need to get replaced...
Anyone know how much these run (if available from non-Toyota dealer)? I have a 2001 4-runner.
Also, are covers available to spare the glass in case another rock hits?
Thanks
just passed 100k miles on my 95' V6 4-Runner...and I have to say they have been extremly trouble free...the only real expense I've had was some bs the inspection service came up with when I was getting the car registered in Maryland...my words of wisdom...it can make sense to take the truck to a Toyota mechanic, not for basic stuff like oil changes but other quirky items...in almost 8 years I've had the car to a mechanic three times...be careful if you're the do it yourself type changing spark plugs, steel plugs into an aluminum head and there is not much room for error...in hindsight if you're not routinely going to have kids are people in the back than the Tocoma extended cab pick up might be a better choice...throw a cap on the back and you have a 4-Runner for a few grand less...but overall I have no complaints about this car, some say the ride isn't comfortable but I think it's fine.
take care,
Tony
I had heard of the comparison to the Montero also. I know the Lexus GX470 has a roofline somewhat like that. But the video that I saw showed a 4Runner that had the forward slanted sheet metal between the second seat and rear area. The people that saw it with me agreed that there wasn't a huge difference from 2002, and they were glad about that. (Biggest differences were the headlights, tail lights and roof rack)
It is difficult to get information on vehicles made in Japan. Pricing and detailed specs are almost impossible. This video was made for a presentation and didn't contain any voice over; that was to be provided by the presenter. There wasn't enough time to show it, since they had showed a video of the new Matrix. (The Matrix is really where all the buzz is. The 4Runner has been around for a long time, and appeals only to a smaller group.)
The V-8 is a given, and I've heard about a 3rd seat, but not mentioned in the video. The interior is definitely sportier. The delivery date is given as the new model year, available in fall 2002. I've not heard of any earlier delivery in the US market. (They'd have to be sitting on the boats in the harbor in Japan today to make it to the dealership by the first week of April.) Toyota builds cars "just in time". That's their whole philosophy. Orders must be placed; it's how the system works, at least that's what I've always been told.
I'm in the market for one, but won't be ready until this time next year. After seeing the video, unless I was waiting for the V-8, I think I'd get one now if I didn't have the Sienna payment. (Actually, I think I'd go for the Sequoia if I had my druthers :-) )