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Speaking of time, I'm with you, md2002. Waiting for the hype to die down is exactly what I'm doing before I purchase a '03. It's probably smart to wait for them to get any kinks or recalls out of their system with an all new platform too. Beside I want to drive the V6 to be sure I've made the best choice.
The automatic climate control is another option the Avalon had that I liked. None of that turn the air on, air off, air on, air off stuff. Set the temp at 72 and just listen to the JBL, cruising down the highway and pulling the Ranger on down to the lake....
Yep, that's what I'm dreaming about today. Can you tell I have a fishing trip coming up? 8 more days to zero hour
In my perfect world the new 4Runner will be proportioned just right (little larger - not too big though), will still have the same aggressively styled look it always has had, get all the techno touches it should have -- like memory seats, wheel mounted audio controls etc, and the V8 will really move. I'll drive THAT truck until the wheels fall off.
If this next generation 4Runner is everything I it seems to be (and I'm hoping for), I'm right there with you. I'll be driving this vehicle until the wheels fall off as well, which could be a very long time, given Toyota's track record. When this truck comes out, unless someone needs a huge hauler or a little run-about, I'm not sure why they'd look any further than the 4Runner or GX for their next SUV!
Hmmm... Ford really does believe in "No Boundaries!"
Bob
(heavy sigh) You don't know the half of it. Every day I pass by it sitting in the garage, gathering dust. But I'm all fired up about going to Minnesota in less than one week.
I have been reading this board for 6 months now. About 2 weeks ago, after many test drives, research articles read, deliberations...I made the decision and bought a 2002 Toyota 4Runner Thunder Cloud Silver, Sport package!!!!!! The car came with everything, including the moonroof, rear heater, and heavy duty brakes. The sticker was $33,800. With the rebate, I paid $29K (did I get a good deal???). I have many questions for this board - and will be posting all of them!
My decision came down to the 4 runner and the Pathfinder. I really liked the additional horsepower on the pathfinder - but it came down to my wife saying to me - "aren't you going to be dissapointed if you don't get a Toyota?" We have a camry and it is rock solid.
I love the Toyota dealer - no pressure, and they seemed very honest.
Rick
1. What makes the brakes on the new 2002 heavy duty? - Does anyone know the reliability of these new brakes? I should have asked the dealer...
2. When should I get the first oil change? Its free and the salesman said at about 2K - is that enought time to get the oil circulated?
Rick
First oil change according to the book is at 5000, although I personally prefer 3000.
Did you know that Toyota made and effort at boat building a couple of years ago? They made two inboard, stern drive ski boats. They had a marine modified version of the 4.0 liter V8 from the old LS400. The effort was a complete failure for a number of reasons. The primary one was the limited market for stern drive ski boats and limited distribution network.
If Toyota built a 225 HP outboard, I'd buy it in a minute. I hate Mercury.
BTW, you could always buy a Honda outboard...
Speaking of Honda: Did you know that they just introduced a 3.5L V6 outboard, which is essentially a marine conversion of the MDX/Pilot/Odyessy engine? And that they also have a 2.3L 4-cylinder outboard which is a marine conversion of the Accord engine?
Here's the Honda Marine link:
http://www.honda-marine.com/hmframeset.htm
One version of the V6 Honda outboard does put out 225 HP.
Bob
Honestly though, after all the trouble my Merc has been, I'd probably live with the slower hole shot. Say... wanna buy an outboard?
Since you used to be in sales, what do you think of all the "gimmicks" offered by the dealerships - you know - the paint sealant, fabric sealant, undercoating..I did not purchase any of it. It seems to me a good wax job twice a year will help keep the paint looking good, and the car already had the undercoating on it, and I don't allow food in my car...so why pay for all fo that?
By the way, when can I first wax the car?
I just love this vehicle!!!!!
Rick
First, I went to Florida. Florida does not have problems with acid rain and it shows. Even very old cars still had their paint. Here in VA, 7 to 8 year old cars are VERY faded. It wasn't until the trip to FL that I realized just how bad things are up here.
Next, a potential subcontractor told me something I didn't know. We were looking into setting up an arrangement with Line-X for spray-in bed liners for our trucks. I asked the guy if it was necessary to scuff the paint prior to applying the liner. His response shocked me. "No, with Line-X, we don't have to scuff the bed. The material we use is heated to 170 degrees and instantly adheres to the paint itself. It cools rapidly and is bonded in. Now, we want to do this before your guys get to it with the paint protection. That stuff is very hard and it doesn't melt. If you guys have already applied that stuff, then we have to sand the bed before applying the liner."
As to wether there is value to you depend on where you live and how much the dealer is charging. I am lazy by nature and I know wax melts at about 130 degrees. If I were a long term owner (I'm not, I lease), and if the price was decent, I'd probably get it done to my truck.
Ummm... how do I get this on topic? Well... if Toyota could take the 3.4 engine from the Runner, switch it to a direct injection 2 stroke, keep the weight under 520 pounds, not loose any reliability, attach a reliable lower unit and hang it off the back of a boat... I'd buy it.
I thought 2 strokes were on some ban list so they were going to be phased out by the end of the decade? My buddy is looking for a 4 to 6 horse outboard to push his cataraft around.
As always, watch those anchor lines....
Steve
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Give me a 4-stroke any day.
Bob
Bob
This car/truck is a dream!!!
Another possibility is the over tightening of the lugs. With those big impact wrenches, it's not too hard to get a rotor warped.
Knowing the long life of Michelins, I tend to rotate my tires at 20-30k. Less chance of a warped rotor because of over tightening. I'm on my original pads and rotors at 89k. Looked like I had another 20k when inspected at 85k.
This 4Runner is a keeper. I usually trade at 50k, but I like it better now than when new.
Happy trails,
Jack
PS - I have 42K on the 4runner and I think the Goodyears were the original set.
Dealers still are unable to "preference" this model for 2003 and that is indicative of a car for September and October. I wouldn't look for an early release of the 03 models at all. It's not in the plans.
The first week for production is around 8/20/02, meaning they are being built in Japan that week. It's at least 6 weeks before we even SEE one on the west coast available for sale.
Any word on a press release date yet?
Did I mention...I CAN'T WAIT!!!
With automatics being governed by so many advances in electronics that allow shift points to occur at the most efficient intervals, resulting in matched or bettered fuel economy and acceleration, in many cases, coupled with the fact that over-populated city highways have created driving conditions undesirable for a stick shift, manual transmissions have become really unpopular, especially with a vehicle this size.
With a manual transmission, the engine computer can't predict when the shifts are coming.
I can't wait until you find that memo!
Bob