Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Thanks in advance.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
- 1998: part-time 4WD
1999 - 2000: "Limited" models available with option of full-time AWD (center diff open), part-time 4WD (locked center diff) and 2WD, locking rear axle diff also available
2001 - 2002 all 4Runners have AWD/4WD/2WD option and electronic system to prevent skidding, wheel spin, etc.
In my mind, the current system in the 4Runner is close to state of the art.
Sean
1. Increased headroom, if so, by how much
2. A power rear window that can be lowered like the current version
I work in the motorcycle industry so if I can return the favor, please let me know. I'm very close to purchasing a 1999 - 2002 and this info. would be very helpful to me in making the decision to wait/buy now.
Thanks,
Sean
It's about $250 job. The 97 says the belt should be changed at 60k, the 98 says 90k. The belts are the same, so why not use the 90k interval? I have a 97 and just changed the belt at 85k. I would have gone to 90k, but I was taking the family on vacation and had the some routine maintenance done a little early.
FWIW, my 97 w/ 87k runs better now that when new. No squeaks, rattles, etc. I'm very happy.
Good luck,
Jack
http://forums.caranddriver.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=6&t=000923
The Prado pics listed above by p_g_00 are of the current Prado, which is based on the current 4Runner chassis, not the re-design on the new platform shared by the 4Runner and GX 470.
Check out the spy shots on the bottom of the page here for the closest thing to what the new 4Runner will look like: http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/tbcreative67/vwp?.dir=/Automotive&.dnm=2003_4RunnerPrado.jpg&.src=ph&.view=t&.hires=t
Good news for all! -TB
-TB
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Thanks,
TB
Thanks,
TB
No biggie - the margins revert to normal once you hit the next screen of posts.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
The 03 is supposedly bigger and better in every way. Even if Toyota has been enjoying huge profits, it's still hard to believe they would offer that much more for that much less.
Personally, I hate the side-dropping seats they're using, like the ones in the Landcruiser. I would prefer they come up with something better, like the ones in the Durango or new Honda Pilot. Those fold flat into the floor. However, if that would have interfered with the new ride height adjustable suspension, or the excellent ground clearance, then I'll live with the way it is. I hope you can at least remove them all together, because I'd like to have the 3rd row seats, but don't like the space they take up or the back window obstruction when folded up.
I guess we'll have to wait until more information becomes available to know for sure. -TB
- ML series - i have one now -- reliability on small stuff is not very good.
- Acura MDX - feels like they entered data into a CAD machine and out popped this thing. I know it is well engineered but it doesn't have the durability of a Toyota.
- HOnda Pilot -- missing a sunroof and ugly as h*** from what i've seen -- otherwise the utility is very good
- Toy Landcruiser -- my 2 big problems are the size (bigger than i need and i don't want to fuel an 8 cylinder all day) and they are so pricey -- tho probably worth it.
i know the volvo machine is coming along but i won't go there without free maintenance. so i am left with either an MDX or the TLC, from what i can tell. ((i don't do American cars -- lousy reliability))
oh well...
If they can provide 3rd row seating, IRS and AWD, that would be interesting.
Bob
Everyone has their own impression about power, and mine is that while they've made significant changes to the current 4Runner's transmission so it shifts better and uses the power more efficiently, it's still a dog by today's standards. You may perfectly happy with it and that's great, but you should maybe test drive some other SUVs before you plunk down your hard-earned cash, to give you and idea of what you may be missing when the new 4Runner comes out. My '98 Jimmy 4x4 has more guts than the 2002 4Runner, but you may want to drive a Pathfinder with it's 240 hp, or the Trailblazer with its awesome 270 horses. But I warn you, once you do, it'll be hard to go back. ;o)
Anyway, I hope that helps, and I don't mean to knock your love for the current 4Runner, it's still a great truck. I certainly understand if it comes down to style, because I don't really like some of the changes manufacturers make to great looking vehicles. When Toyota introduced the Sport package to the 4Runner, I was ready to over-look it's short-comings, add a supercharger and trade the moment I saw one, until I found out about the redesign coming this fall.
I don't know if you saw this link, but check out the article about the GX 470 that shares the platform on http://www.suv.com, and if that doesn't get your juices flowing, then definitely buy a 2002 now. -TB
Here is a site that has a one price only and it seems to be better than your deal, of course different parts of the country sell for different prices. Still my advice is that your in the drivers seat, shop around.
http://www.jimbarkleytoyota.com/pricing/new_cars/detail.asp?stock_no=33878
I disagree. Both the new '03 IRS Expedition and the '02 IRS Explorer have better towing than previous solid axle versions. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, both lead (or are at the top) of their respective classes in towing.
Bob
On the new 2003 4Runner, I seriously weighed waiting for this but when I returned my 2000 I needed a vehicle right away. There are some short comings to the current model but I see so many older early to mid 90's 4Runners on the road that you know they will last. Also, I'm sure 2003 pricing will be a big factor so there may be an incentive in waiting for initial demand to drop. Where I live the dealers don't budge much and I went out of state to get mine because of the deal ($400 over invoice). If you like the 2002 make it your goal to get the best possible deal and of course, enjoy either vehicle you choose. I'll probably be salivating when the 2003 hits the streets too. )
With that in mind, the IRS is a must have in my book (99% of road, 1% max of light offroad) for the better ride.
It's okay, I was just hoping for a possible alternative to the Honda Pilot.
Anyway, it all comes down to test-driving and what you feel is the best for your needs, but from what I gather about the new 4Runner's suspension, based on the specs for the GX 470, I'd wait to drive one before I made my final decision. Other than the GX and spy shots, I haven't even seen one yet, and I'm 90% sold on it. -TB
I'm curious as to what you're looking for in an SUV. The Honda Pilot sounds perfect for you, but what's your hesitation? Is it styling? If so, then why not wait until the new 4Runner comes out, and see how it looks and rides? Are you in a hurry to get a new SUV? What all have you considered/ruled out?
I've spent a lot of time obsessing over all the SUVs on the market, and would like to help, if I can. -TB
Questions: Looking for comfortable ride, drive 25-30k miles a year. Other option is to buy the Subaru Outback Wagon(bigger than the Forester)the Subaru comes in at around 28k. Although it has All wheel Drive, it SEEMS that I would be getting more for my money with the 4 runner. The new 2003 4 runners I would guess would be more expensive and 29k is the max I can spend.
Test drove the 4 runner and like the look and feel. 183 horse seems a bit light for a truck this heavy, but it felt fine when I drove it.
So, anyone have any advice? I have 2 big dogs, carry stuff on the weekend(wood, house stuff etc.)
Mainly drive highway for work. Thanks for your help.
CF
I have owned a Grand Cherokee, 2 explorers, Blazer, Subaru Outback, and now the Forester.
Driving the Forester although fun does not give me the sitting up high, rough " manly feel" as crazy as that sounds. I like the feel of more Torque if you will,sitting up high,more cargo room, more room in the back for passengers.
My dilema is forfeting the all wheel drive safety that the Forester offers.
Do you think that a 2002 SR5 with sport package, sun roof, rear heater, roof rack,and hood deflector is a good deal:
Selling the 4 runner to me for $29,000.00 giving me $18k for my Forester(paying tax on 29k-18k= $11,000 @7.75% = $852 in tax. plus an additional $1300 Toyota discount. Paying off $16,660 for the loan on the Forester, getting back $700.00 for the balance of my extended warranty that I bought with the Subaru. Total cost for the 4 Runner comes to around 25K when all is said and done.
The 4 Runner 03 sounds like it will be great, when are they due out?? Maybe I should wait, sell my Forester privately (I already have 25k miles on it in 10 months though!!) and my thought is it might be better to just trade it in for the 18k and get the 4 runner.
Any thoughts??
Thanks
CF
I remember a while ago I checked the numbers and the 4Runner was about the same as the Forester in terms of passenger and cargo room (actually, Subaru has more passenger room, less cargo room). Most of the 4Runner interior numbers were within 1 inch from the Forester's (and about half of them lower for the Toyota). It sounded to me like you need a larger vehicle. In this case, the current 4Runner might not be a good choice - but better compare these interior numbers yourself (use either Edmunds or Carsdirect.com). Subaru Legacy/Outback would be a better choice, or wait for the 2003 4 Runner.