Toyota 4Runner

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  • rdavis2710rdavis2710 Member Posts: 20
    Hey dude!!!

    You got me torqued about your 4Runner - that is all great news!!!!!!! I am glad to hear you also love yours - I have the same model as yours as well as the same color. I just love that big hunk!

    How easy is it to change the oil? Do you have to take off the skid plate? How many screws??? Explain to me the process - it seems like there is plenty of room underneath to get to the oil pan - but I could not see where the oil filter is. What kind of oil and filter do you use?

    I am getting 21 MPG - mostly highway miles. Do you put yours into 4wd???

    Rick
  • bz48bz48 Member Posts: 3
    The lease on my 2000 4Runner Limited expires in October and I'm looking to lease a 2003 Limited. The sales manager at my dealership told me today that he expects the new 2003s to start delivering sometime in 11/02 (I'm still hoping for 10/02) with the V-8s coming first. He projected cost around $41,000. Has anyone heard anything similar?
  • bigorange30bigorange30 Member Posts: 1,091
    Its been out since April. Whatever happened to him? I wonder what his explanation is for why it isn't here yet or why Toyota hasn't even officially released a picture of one yet.
  • waydewayde Member Posts: 198
    from current 4Runner owners. I'm looking at 2002 4Runner Sport Pkg, Sunroof, and rear heater, Stellar Blue Pearl color :) Sticker is 31995. The price is 26819 from the dealer, after the 1500$ rebate. I know this is a great price (well, from looking at Edmunds and CarsDirect).
    My biggest "concern" is about owning an SUV (I LOVE the look of this vehicle!) as I've never had one before. I currently drive a Protege5 (which is great) and have had VW GTI, Integra GSR and Civic in the past. I like the sporty feeling of these cars but have always loved the 4Runners. It's nice to have a commanding view of the road too I'm sure... oh, and the 4wd availability (especially being in Minnesota). I've seen the pics of the new 4Runner and don't really care for it (yes, I know it may look different in person) - and since I've always liked this model I decided to check it out now that they're clearing them out.
    Anyone else go from a sporty type car to the 4Runner? I think my biggest concern may be gas mileage - and of course it's going to be lower. I get about 22-25 city with the P5 and 30 on hwy.
    With the low interest rate from my credit union (5.49) and this being a "last chance" on this model... just wanted to get some real owners feedback.
    Also, what is maintenance really like on a 4wd toyota? Is the 30/60/90k expensive? Is there a timing belt (didn't get ahold of the manual as it wasn't in the glovebox).
    I will be making a decision by Friday... thanks for the input!
  • akgakg Member Posts: 85
    What is the new 2003 width and length? I think the old(current)width is about 66". Is that right? Thanks
  • tbcreativetbcreative Member Posts: 357
    Thanks for checking out my site, and thanks for the kudos!

    Let's hope we're not disappointed by the new design...
  • tbcreativetbcreative Member Posts: 357
    Check the Lexus GX 470 article on http://www.suv.com for complete specs that will match the new 4Runner that shares the same platform. You can also check the GX info on Edmunds in the future cars section.
  • joatmonjoatmon Member Posts: 315
    Oil changes on a 4 Runner are a pain. The drain plug is easy enough, but the filter is a bear. Many people drop the skid plate to reach the filter. The filter's on the left underside of the engine. I don't remove the skid plate and find I can reach it when using ramps. A trouble light underneath really helps. I put heavy-duty paper towels on the top of the skid plate to catch the dripping oil. You will lose ~ 6oz. when taking off the filter.

    I use Mobil 1 every 8k. Part of the reason for synthetic is to extend the drain because it is so messy.

    You need 6 qts. of oil and a good filter and you're good to go. Also, change the oil drain plug washer or it'll drip.

    Good luck,

    Jack
  • joatmonjoatmon Member Posts: 315
    My 97 has been very reliable. Maintenance needs:

    1. oil and filter every 3k w/ dino; every 8k with synthetic.

    2. every 8-15k, rotate your tires. 8k for most brands; Michelins seem to be able to go 15k.

    3. every 30-45k, change the coolant, trans. fluid, brake fluid, PCV valve and air filter. about $200 at a good independent.

    4. every 90k change the timing belt, other belts, hoses and plugs. about $400 at a good independent.

    Do brakes pads/rotors as required. I have 91k on the originals. Original Michelin tires went 74k.

    4 runners are reasonable to work on and are very reliable. Do a little PM and it should go 200-250k.

    Happy trails,

    Jack
  • peter78peter78 Member Posts: 284
    "wayde" I went from a Acura Integra 5 speed to a 4Runner. Yes it is a big difference. On curves I never braked on the Integra and I brake well before the curve on my 4Runner. I went from 30 miles a gallon to 19.5 on my 4Runner. I keep records and I write the mileage down every time I fill up. Regular driving around town I get 17.5 or 18.5 and on the Highway I break 20 usually 21 to 23 miles per gallon. After 24,500 miles I get 19.5 mpg. Now I have a 2WD and if you get a 4WD I would expect about 18 or so. I used mid-premium in the Integra and regular gas in the 4Runner so that helps on cost a little.

    I have also heard SUV's act funny in the rain, well the 4Runner hits a big puddle and drives straight thru it, no hydro planning. Great traction in the rain. My Integra acted funny in the rain.

    Maintenance can be expensive, I think a bit more than a small car, especially if you get a 4WD. If your worried about cost, a local independent shop may help on the cost. The timing belt needs replacing at 90,000 miles. I have had no trouble with the 4Runner as of yet.

    Also beware, my wife absolutely loves the 4Runner and she drives it a lot and I think she thinks it is hers now. Hope this helps.
  • beagles3beagles3 Member Posts: 132
    I love my 99 SR5 4-WD 4-Runner...I now have had 101,000 trouble free miles. Normal maintenance intervals, replaced the rotors at 91,000 mi, am on my third set of tires (I should have bought the Michelins) and it drives like the day I bought it. Now, I drive my rig like a sports car, I lean into the curves and hold on. I keep thinking about moving up to a Sequoia,but, I love the handling of the 4-Runner and I don't want to feel like I am driving a bus. A year or so ago I replaced the stock air filter with the TRD one and I am getting a little better upper range power and better gas mileage. I drive roughly 75 mi a day round-trip to work (95% fwy) and I am getting around 19-20 mpg. I am contemplating the purchase of the 2003 Limited 4-Runner,but,I am waiting to see the actual vehicle and the performance of the V-8 before I get my heart set...I love my truck:)
  • peter78peter78 Member Posts: 284
    Another big difference, other drivers pull out in front of you when your in a small car expecting you to brake, when you drive the 4Runner people think twice before pulling out in front of you.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    If your current lease is with TFS, you can extend your lease at the current payment for up to 6 months. They add the appropriate number of miles to your allowance when you do this. You might want to take advantage of this so you don't have to buy the very first one to hit their lot.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Au contrair, I drive an MR2 and those big suvs think they own the road. I'll be doing 80-90 mph and they just cut in front of me as if I weren't there. They are also talking on the phone most of the time. Very irritating!

    ; )
    Mackabee
  • doudoudiddoudoudid Member Posts: 76
    i think people are too sensitive about big car or SUV, i feel that just as many small car driver talking on the phone, cut in front of you, drive over 80... as big/SUV driver. after all, it's the man who behind it, not the car. interestingly, i found most people takes advantage of women driver....
  • rdavis2710rdavis2710 Member Posts: 20
    Jack:

    Thanks very much for the response - I do not have ramps so it would be difficult for me to change the oil myself. I got my first change at 2,300 at a good place around the corner and it cost $29 bucks (penzoil, with a penzoil filter).

    Thanks also for your summary on maint. I have printed it and will keep to it. I unfortiunately, have Bridgestone Duelers - so i think at about 40K I will need a new set of tires. What kind of Michelins do you prefer?

    Thanks again for the response.

    Rick
  • peter78peter78 Member Posts: 284
    Granted their are drivers that cut you off, both small cars and large SUV's. However I have noticed almost immediately that drivers are less prone to pull out or cut off my 4Runner than my little Integra. I notice this on the way home from the dealer. I really think drivers look at little cars like motorcycles and they just have a tendency to cut you off. "wayde" asked for the differences between a small car and a 4Runner and I think this is one noticeable difference.
  • highlander7highlander7 Member Posts: 177
    Rick,

    Post #2358 from joatmon is accurate, changing the oil is not easy. But this can be done by anyone with some mechanical ability.

    Answers To Your Questions:
    The Sport Edition has 3 Skid Plates, the front plate has 4 bolts but does not need to be dropped.
    The middle plate has 5 bolts, the back 4, all are 12mm.
    I'm not sure if you have enough clearance to remove the plates without ramps or jacking. I recommend a pair of 2 1/2 or 3 ton floor jacks. To clear the running boards, I use a short piece of a 4'x4" to place between the jack pods and the frame, you will see what I mean if you do this.
    I have never attempted to remove the filter without dropping the plates as joatman does, I will look at this next time I change the oil.
    I use Penzoil 5/30 and a Toyota Filter every 3000, I would not go past 5000 miles with any type of oil but that is a personal decision and synthetics are no doubt the best oils. Suggest you buy a filter cap to remove the filter. I purchase filters /gaskets and other parts from www.toyotaguys.com , they are a Toyota dealer and very fair. I have air tools so the removal and replacement of the bolts takes very little time. The front (middle) plate hooks under the front, like everything else, the first time is the hardest. You might ask you dealer if you could watch the mechanic do this the first time, I did and realized that doing it yourself is better!! Takes me about 45 minutes, I really do not mind doing this on my schedule but realize this is not something everyone should do. Oil drain plug is 15mm.

    My wife has a new Avalon, I just changed the oil and filter for this car last week and it is easy. The filter is right under the hood, not like the Runner where you have a reach under the bottom left side of the motor.

    Use of 4WD? I live in Southern New Jersey so the occasional 6" snow is an event. I decided that with any wet roads I would use this any time of year. This is a great system, you can use on any surface. On a steep gravel hill in Pennsylvania my rear wheels began slipping, pushed the button and no problem, no more ship.

    I'm sure the 03 will be a great truck but for the first year it probably will come at a price at or above MSRP.

    Good luck with your Runner.

    Bob
  • dchyornydchyorny Member Posts: 47
    "A year or so ago I replaced the stock air filter with the TRD one and I am getting a little better upper range power and better gas mileage."

    Can somebody tell me what TRD filter is? I have a 2001 SR-5 4WD Runner; can I get one for it?
  • joatmonjoatmon Member Posts: 315
    My original Michelin LTX M/S went 74k and were good tires. They had a stiff sidewall so it was a rough ride. My wife and kids were always complaining about the ride quality on all but the best roads. The new tires are Michelin Cross Terrains. Wow! What a difference. The sidewalls are not as stiff, but the resulting ride is smooth(for a truck) and the wet and dry handling are greatly improved. If you go off-road, I dunno. But for general highway use, they're great.

    The oil filter is best removed by a "strap" wrench. I have "filter caps", but there is not enough clearance above the filter to use them. Again, a 100W trouble light helps, especially the first time or two as you learn your way around. I like to look things over to check for leaks, etc., and the light is a must.

    Jack
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    TRD is Toyota Racing Development. There's a short-lived discussion about it over to the left in the Helpful Links box.

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • dchyornydchyorny Member Posts: 47
    Thanks Steve! I just looked there; including the TRD website. I can't seem to find a TRD filter for the 2001 4Runner. Would it be the same for say either a Tacoma or a TLC? Should I contact them? Does it void the Warranty?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Heh, you're lucky I even knew what "TRD" stood for. Stand by - a 4Runner owner or expert should be along shortly to help out!

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • kjack100kjack100 Member Posts: 133
    Check out toyotaparts4u.com. $59.00 a copy for a 6 cylinder, $48 for a four. I hope it's within the guidelines to post that link. :)
  • roadroachroadroach Member Posts: 131
    $59.00 for an oil filter?????? ARE THEY INSANE???

    What's the diff between a regular toyota filter and a TRD one?
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    That's an air filter, not an oil filter. Take a look at K&N prices before deciding if that is too high for a performance filter.
  • bigorange30bigorange30 Member Posts: 1,091
    a high performance filter. The K&N for my '02 QX4 was $44.
  • dchyornydchyorny Member Posts: 47
    I just got a price quote out of Morristown NJ:
    The TRD  Air Filter # 0602 17801 002 will cost $59.46 + $6.95 S&Hndl. What is the website for K&N? Will I really experience a little more horsepower and better MPH?   
  • beagles3beagles3 Member Posts: 132
    I bought the TRD Air Filter from a recommendation from my local Toyota dealership here in the Seattle area. The parts manager I spoke to had received good feedback back from his customers that had installed these. The comments were that it provided a little more upper end power and a 1-2 mpg better gas mileage based on the assumption that this filter is less restricted for air flow. I personally think that it has helped and was worth the money. I went from 17-18 mpg to 19-20 mpg. But, I would not say that it was an astounding difference in power...I also tried the K & N Supercharger filter kit which provided noticeable upper end jolt (and was noisy),but, had to take it off because we could not get the check engine light to go out and the dealer did not feel comfortable with the electronic bugs...
  • dchyornydchyorny Member Posts: 47
    Thank you beagles3. BTW, I meant mpg not mph. Anyway, not to sound ignorant, but is the air filter something that I can replace myself or do I have to take to the dealer? I never really look under the hood. Is it pointed out in the owner's manual? Thanks.
  • roadroachroadroach Member Posts: 131
    Sorry guys, I thought we were talking oil filters. OK, compared to K&N prices, roughly $60 is OK for a TRD filter. Are they washable/reusable like the K&N filters?
  • beagles3beagles3 Member Posts: 132
    Yes, there is a small housing for the air filter assembly unit located on the left side of the engine compartment and is easily accessible by flipping the clips that hold the cover down. I believe that the air filter is good for about 30,000 miles and can be re-oiled by purchasing the kit that is optional. Ya know, I am just going to replace the air filter when I reach the 30,000 point because it's not worth my time to clean/re-oil it!

    Yes, they are washable/re-oilable for those who want to save a little bit,but, I am lazy, so , I just will replace:(
  • 4wdisfun4wdisfun Member Posts: 55
    I own a 1999 4runner. A friend is telling that a supercharger increases 100 Hp. Anybody knows what is the new mpg and overall efficiency. Thx
  • intmed99intmed99 Member Posts: 485
    Below is the link to a person who has the TRD SC. According to him, it is not a simple thing to install and that you need to make more investment before you can get the maximum benefit from it. In addition, there are many things that can go wrong.


    http://www.gadgetonline.com/Super.htm


    Hope this helps.

  • 4wdisfun4wdisfun Member Posts: 55
    Hei thx a lot for the info, the guys at level 10 sure know their job pretty well. I'll keep this info for further reviews when needed. I wonder if you order a vehicle with SC from the dealer all those changes are done??. By the way, last week i went to the dealer (some starter problems) and i was told that several parts of the starter including the "automatic" were changed. Do you know what's that and if these replacements are normal. Thx
  • bigorange30bigorange30 Member Posts: 1,091
    I put a K&N air filter for my QX4. I did not get any additional mpg or hp that I could detect. I guess not having to buy filters from now on is the only benefit I will get.
  • mrwhipplemrwhipple Member Posts: 378
    I haven't noticed any difference with mpg's. You will notice that the engine is smoother through the midrange. Just slightly more punch. They last forever. I've had one for 12 years. The recharger kit will last quite a while too.
  • mrwhipplemrwhipple Member Posts: 378
    You will have to run super unleaded with it. I think the mpg drops by about 2, city & hwy.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Are you sure about the MPG drop? I had actually heard the opposite. On our old Previa, the SC model got 2 MPG better than the normally aspirated models.
  • jeffjeffjeffjeff Member Posts: 54
    I know many people have seen the so called pics of the new 2003 4Runner but are we really sure this is what it's going to look like. Toyota could have staged the vehicle to be seen by people to trick them into thinking it's the new Runner. It could be a prototype of some sort for all we know. In other words, are we sure the vehicle that we are seeing now is going to be the exact same vehicle on the Toyota dealership lots in a few weeks. I don't think anyone can 100% say it is, can you? The reason I ask is, I would like to buy a 4Runner within the next few weeks and I certainly like the look of the 2002 model but am unsure of the 2003 model. Now when the 2003 model comes out soon, it could be totally different than what we have seen from the secretive pictures of it. If that is the case, there may be a whole lot of upset 4Runner buyers out there or vice versa depending on how the 2003 model actually looks. I wonder if it would be even possible to buy a 2002 Limited model when the 2003 have hit the lots due to the dwindling supplies of them at this time. Having access to both model years would be the best thing so you can make a educated decision before making an expensive purchase.
  • carbittencarbitten Member Posts: 9
    I agree; I think if there is the slightest chance you might like the '03 offering better (hey, its bigger, available V8, freshened styling) I would definitely wait. If you don't like the '03, I believe there will be '02s around on the lots somewhere until at least the end of Dec.

    Galen
  • peter78peter78 Member Posts: 284
    I assume we are talking about the blue and green SUV's taken by Paul S. First off they are highly finished completely uncovered. The 4Runner emblem was on the back. It does have the look of the RAV4 in front and has become "Americanized" just like the Sequoia and Sienna. The look makes sense, if you follow what Toyota has been doing. Yes, Toyota could of made a really ugly prototype only to throw people off. Why would Toyota do that? This look, beautiful or ugly is here to stay.

    Then we look at what Toyota did. They asked Edmunds to stop showing the pictures, saying there is a information embargo. My guess is that the new 4Runners were there to be seen by the Automobile Press.

    So, I am 99.9% sure this is the new 4Runner. So get ready to have "ugly" plastic siding on certain models to show up in the showrooms in a few months. Sorry about that.
  • intmed99intmed99 Member Posts: 485
    If you order the TRD SC when you buy your 4Runner/Tacoma, it will NOT have those additional modifications. It will come with the basic stuff only (SC, hosing, etc.). TRD does NOT believe that the additional stuff mentioned on that site is needed.

    However, despite TRD's claims, the general consensus is that those modifications are NEEDED and A MUST if you want to get the full benefit of the SC and if you want your engine to last longer.
  • md2002md2002 Member Posts: 142
    Semantics do you have any info on the 2003 Sequoia?
  • intmed99intmed99 Member Posts: 485
    What is the difference?? Does my 2002 Limited have a diversity antenna?? Thanks.
  • pr23swpr23sw Member Posts: 6
    Can anyone help here? Can I get mudflaps for my 2002 Limited, even if I already have running boards?
    I presume that someone has had to look this up before. I can't be the first to ask this question and I probably won't be the last. Any advice would be appreciated and hopefully a location where I may purchase them would be great!

    Thanks!
  • 4wdisfun4wdisfun Member Posts: 55
    Any picture of the 03 toyota prado would be appreciated and Tbcreative thx for your pic but i'm looking for a different one. Thx
  • mrwhipplemrwhipple Member Posts: 378
    I not completeley sure. Some people on another forum group posted to that effect. For a ll I know, they could have "lead foots."
  • climbingfooclimbingfoo Member Posts: 11
    Howdy Folks,
    Just picked up a 2002 4Runner Sport this weekend and put over 450 miles on it already :) Since this car came with a non functional hood scoop, did any folks here mod it to make it functional? I'm sorry if this topic has already been discussed, but I couldn't find any disccusions about it on that darn search engine. Also, coming from a beater pickup truck background, I didn't have any of these fancy features as VSC, OverDrive, and ECT. Could someone please enlighten me as to when I need to use those features and when to turn them things off? I thought about turning VSC off cause we haven't had much rain down here in Phoenix, AZ.
  • beagles3beagles3 Member Posts: 132
    I believe that most all have the power antennas (maybe not base model?),but, they also have the diversity antenna which I believe is like a booster antenna that is located on the rear glass that will provide better FM reception?
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