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Toyota 4Runner

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  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    All-aluminum engines cool off faster, which might be a plus in some situations.

    That is true. And they heat up more quickly which may also be a plus. In addition, heating and cooling are more uniform than with iron.

    tidester, host
  • jimxojimxo Member Posts: 423
    The Lexus V8 (1989 LS400) started out at 250HP, my 2001 GS430 has 300HP. The Sequoia, Tundra, and 4Runner have 235HP why so low? Sure Tourqe is what gets you off the line and towing capacity, but HP helps out with heavy loads,
    hills and 0-60.
  • mrwhipplemrwhipple Member Posts: 378
    Torque is what is going to help get you uphill and also when you load up with passengers and gear.

    It's especially what you want at low rpm's for off road.

    It is a "truck", not a sports car. How fast do you really need to go?
  • sovangsovang Member Posts: 56
    If there is one thing Toyota should change, it is those deep circular gauges. Maybe I just have bad eyes, but with sun glasses on and driving towards the sun in the morning, it is really hard to see how fast I am going. I don't think this will be a good excuse if I get busted for speeding either.

    SV
  • superleggerasuperleggera Member Posts: 74
    I don't want to sound like a speed demon, because you're all right when you say that this is an SUV, and not intended to be driven like a sports car, but the 0-60 times between the two engines differ. If I recall correctly, the V8 is almost two seconds faster than the V6. Is that correct?
  • toyotakentoyotaken Member Posts: 897
    I am not positive about this, but from what I understand, the acceleration times are about the same for both engines. The V6 being lighter and higher reving along with the higher HP help make up for the lower low-end grunt.
  • 4wdisfun4wdisfun Member Posts: 55
    I appreciate some help on posting #4185.Thx
  • nhopper1nhopper1 Member Posts: 21
    Are you relying on the onboard computer calculation rather the much more accurate manual method of filling up COMPLETELY before the trip, noting beginning odo reading, then after using up most of that fuel load, refilling COMPLETELY noting the ending odo reading, then dividing the miles just driven by the fuel used? It is extremely unlikely that the figures you provided are real unless you drove down a four hundred-some mountain! (I'd be happy to be wrong..)

    Regards-
  • jcla7jcla7 Member Posts: 18
    rocksolid, Man, do I ever hope your figures are correct. I'm sitting here waiting for the six, but why should I? Would you keep us posted, and maybe try the method suggested by nhopper? Also, what has been the mpg experience for others with 8? Even if it is in the neighborhood of rocksolid, that would be fantastic.
  • rs_pettyrs_petty Member Posts: 423
    Just saw in dealer inventory list a "natural white" SR5. Are new colors coming out?
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    I saw a white one last night as I passed my local dealer...

    The V-6s are in around here, but optioned up in typical Toyota style. The one I stopped to look at was $30K base sticker, but $34K by the time all the junk had been added. That made it more than 4WD V-8 models the dealer had in stock.

    Any word on how well these things are selling? The dealer I am referring to doesn't seem to be selling very many.

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

  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Sorry, but I have no idea if the hitch from the Runner will fit the Lexus. The biggest problem that you will run into here is the cost. In the past, the hitch was an option which classified it as an "accessory." Accessory parts are very reasonably priced. Last year's hitch ran about $250 for the part. Factory replacement equipment is not cheap. I haven't priced a hitch but I would guess you are looking well in excess of $500.
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    It is not available for the Limited but has always been available on the SR5.
  • 4wdisfun4wdisfun Member Posts: 55
    Thx for the info.
  • superleggerasuperleggera Member Posts: 74
    Toyota dealership in Silicon Valley has a 4R on their lot customized by "California Concepts". Silver Sport edition was modified with cladding painted in black, chrome tip exhaust and big shiny rims. I was still attracted to the unmodified black Sport that was sitting behind it. It looked great. Still no V6s and nothing but silver and black colors except for a few Ltds in Galatic Grey.
  • superleggerasuperleggera Member Posts: 74
    You may recall my fretting in a past post: I couldn't decide whether I really WANTED an SUV. I felt I would be forfeiting some "car guy" necessity to have a sports car. Welcome me to the club, boys and girls, by calendar year 2003, I will own my first new car: A 4Runner.

    Well, I thought that I would show you my post to the Infiniti G35 discussion so you could see my final decision:

    As of today, I have driven both vehicles.

    First, about me, to give some perspective to my opinions: I am 28 and single, currently driving a Toyota Corolla. I am in the market for my fourth car, but this will be my first purchase of a new vehicle. I am shopping just about everything, from the '03 4Runner to the G35 and everything in between.

    The executive summary is this: I wouldn't buy either a G35 Coupe or an Accord Coupe for the following reasons-

    G35
    + The most lamented and commented upon fact: the quality of the interior. After all, it is the view you will be enjoying (or not), and it is just not up to par.
    + The car looks great, but after staring at the design for a long time, I don't believe the positive impression will stand the test of a few years. It begins to look more like the last generation Mitsubishi Eclipse the more I look at it.
    + It handles well and is fast, but lacks refinement: I found the cabin noisy at any speed.
    (please note that this was over the course of a 15 minute test drive)
    + The cost of ownership will be high: Between insurance (I checked: this thing would triple my insurance) and changing the rear tires every 20K (optimistically) any sports car will be expensive.

    Accord
    + Front end looks awful, while the rear is classy. Overall, lacks panache.
    + Straddles the line between practical and sporty in such a way as to be neither. The skinny tires are evidence of this.
    + The ride is harsh, not "European" as they claim, and unfortunately the harshness is not for the benefit of the handling.

    Both cars have immense strengths: The G sounds brutal and hauls a** at a price point that can't be beat. The Accord is superb to live in and is much more engaging to drive than its cousin, the more expensive CL-S.

    But as for me, I'm going to buy a 4Runner and enjoy the "utility" until I can afford a sports car that doesn't attempt to cut corners (G35) to remain affordable or fulfill all needs unexceptionally (Accord).



    Pardon my departure from the topic at hand.
  • codylabradorcodylabrador Member Posts: 18
    Just looked at this board for the first time and only scanned back 60 messages. Has anyone brought up the topic of the new 4Runner's "square" wheel opening moldings and the wide swoopy "C" pillar?

    IMHO - a Chevy Avalanche is not something to emulate as it traces its lineage back to the Aztek. There are others that see it differently, after all people bought early 1950's Nash models with square wheel wells....
  • joatmonjoatmon Member Posts: 315
    Yes, the "square" wheel opening moldings and the wide swoopy "C" pillar has been talked about. Mostly the wheel opening. It seems to have taken center stage so much that the "C" pillar discussion has vitually ceased.

    But, it drives great. It's somoothness and power make it seem, well, Lexus like.

    I'm waiting on a design tweak before I'll seriously consider one.

    Jack
  • brestlebrestle Member Posts: 22
    I've read a lot of discussion about the V6 vs V8. I don't mind too much about the reduced MPG and I liked how the V8 drove (haven't seen a V6 yet). My biggest concern is the fact that the V8 is full-time 4WD, while the V6 can shift into 2WD.

    I have a deposit right now on a 4Runner arriving at my dealer 12/15. It is a V8 4WD (4WDs are not easy to find in Southern California right now). I need the 4WD because I often drive up to the mountains and there is the possibility I will be moving to Colorado within 2 years. Even so, 95% of my driving does not require the 4WD right now.

    I'm having a huge dillema as to whether or not I just get the V8 or wait around and try to locate a V6 after the New Year. My old 4Runner drives much nicer in 2WD...I can't imagine driving it every day in 4WD. I also know they have really improved 4WD systems over the past few years. Has anyone, by chance, driven the 4WD models with both engines? Are my fears unfounded?

    Thanks.
  • khaugkhaug Member Posts: 64
    Hi Brestle. We've had a 4WD '03 Limited V8 for a couple of weeks and 800 miles now. While I haven't driven the V6 yet, I can say that the full-time 4WD system in our's is absolutely transparent. You don't know it's there until you do something that requires lots of traction, like accelerating hard on wet pavement in a lower gear. And then there's still no sensation of anything unusual happening, beyond the fact that you have lots more grip than you thought you would.

    If your older 'Runner, like our '98, was a model with "part-time" 4WD (i.e., no center differential), there's just no comparison. I have no regrets about buying this vehicle. It's purely wonderful.

    Good luck.

    -Karl
  • rstebierstebie Member Posts: 6
    Brestle,
    Just as Karl has stated. The full time 4 wheel drive is great. I traded in a 97 4x4 4 Runner and the 03 is not even close to being the same car. Or I guess it would be correct to say truck but it the ride is wonderful. The extras on the 03 are many. I've had this one for two weeks and still find goodies I didn't know it had. Give it some thought and test drive the 03 4 Runner.
    Bob
  • brestlebrestle Member Posts: 22
    Thanks Karl and Bob for the info. I have a 1996 4Runner and I KNOW when it is in 4WD. I can't imagine driving in it all the time. Sounds like the new system makes all the difference.

    Hmmm...now I just have to figure out if I can live with 2 less MPG (V8 in 4WD vs. V6 in 2WD)...

    Chris
  • nhopper1nhopper1 Member Posts: 21
    Brestle, realize that the epa numbers don't always correspond to the real world. I would actually guess that the mpg difference will be greater than the epa figures would indicate. I hope we continue to get reports by current and future owners regarding their CALCULATED mpg numbers.

    Regards-
  • pschreckpschreck Member Posts: 524
    I have a Sequoia 4WD. I am in 4WD 95% of the time. Trust me, you won't care about not being able to switch to 2WD. Full-Time 4WD does not bind up like Part-Time 4WD.
  • onyeiiionyeiii Member Posts: 25
    To date I have driven 1474 miles, using 95.79 gallons in the process. If I'm doing the math correctly this works out to ~15.4 mpg.

    At my last gas purchase (today, anticipating a price hike) I had driven 160 miles and used 10.98 gallons, for 14.57 mpg. The trip computer (reset at the last fill-up) reported 16.4 mpg.

    Other: This is a new car, so I expect the gas mileage to improve somewhat. I use premium gas - in Texas, 93 octane, in Oklahoma it's 91. About 1000 miles so far are highway miles, although I varied the speed quite a bit to aid in break-in. The highest observed gas mileage was 16.75, the lowest 12.97. I generally fill up when I'm down to about 1/2 tank, which may skew these numbers do to varying levels of "full". I do tend to drive in "4" and not "D", especially around town.

    Yes, I'm enjoying it.
  • superleggerasuperleggera Member Posts: 74
    http://www.wheelspress.com/wpautonews/rr20021024.html
  • superleggerasuperleggera Member Posts: 74
    I think Nhopper 1 is correct. There will be a greater real world difference in mpg than what is stated by EPA numbers.
  • dawgpakdawgpak Member Posts: 42
    superleggera, thanks for the review... I've added it to my 4Runner page (dated 10/24/02):

    http://www.dawgpak.com/4Runner/


    There's a Titanium 2003 4Runner Limited 4x4 at the San Luis Obispo Toyota dealer. First 4x4 Limited I've seen in Southern or Central CA. Looks great, but no x-reas.

  • buckeyedonbuckeyedon Member Posts: 46
    Carlsbad Toyota had exact same vehicle in show room last night (5Dec). I sat in it while waiting for Avalon to finish getting service. Pretty much loaded with everything. Beige leather. I suspect this is the version of limited we will see in SCal for awhile.
  • nhopper1nhopper1 Member Posts: 21
    Buckeyedon, did that 4R have the titanium/beige combo that I have been unable to get in the central atlantic region??? Usually the beige is combined with the Dorado gold.
    Thanks-
  • rstebierstebie Member Posts: 6
    My Sports Edition is getting 18.5 MPG. I live in the mts. at 6400 ft. and drive on very steep hills and always use 4 while driving up here. I drive about 75 per cent on flat land and 25 in the mts. I use 87 octane and never heard a ping in the engine. It only has 650 miles on it so the mileage should improve as the engine brakes in. One thing I like about my 03 4Runner it was built in Japan, some of you may not like that but the cars are a better quality from there. You can't beat the trade in value of a Toyota.
  • flarunnerflarunner Member Posts: 1
    Hi, I was looking at the 2003 4Runner and wanted to get your feedback on this color. I love it. The wife is lukewarm on it. Don't need the family friction. Any comments?
  • khaugkhaug Member Posts: 64
    Hi all. Here are some statistics for the first thousand miles on our '03 4WD V8 Limited w/Michelin Cross-Terrain tires:

    Total miles: 996

    Average MPG: 16.3. Gentle country road break-in miles, mix of 87 and 89 octane fill ups, no distinct advantage found so far for either fuel type. Worst tank: 15.8mpg, Best tank: 18.3mpg. All figures are calculated and corrected for odometer error.

    Odometer Error: Underreports miles traveled by 2.5%, as measured against Michigan Interstate highway mile markers.

    Speedometer error: Underreports (!) speed by about half a percent @ 70 mph. Checked by timing two three-mile stretches on Michigan Interstate.

    Trip Computer MPG: Computer overstates mileage by 10 - 15% (error isn't constant)

    Noise: Measured as 68 dBA @ 70 mph (w/cheapie Radio Shack meter)

    I've really enjoyed the first thousand miles, except for the rather dismal fuel consumption (which I expected). We'll see if Toyota can/will do anything about the trip computer mpg error.

    Best.

    -Karl
  • dawgpakdawgpak Member Posts: 42
    like the carlsbad limited, the titanium 4x4 Limited in SLO also had a beige interior... nice combo.
  • buckeyedonbuckeyedon Member Posts: 46
    To my uneducated (uninformed)witness, the 4-R Limited was "silver" paint and "camel" interior in leather. Salesman said it just arrived (1st shipment of Limited). The lot there must have 10 SR5s and/or sports in lot. This Limited was in showroom. I would have preferred black interior, but the beige looked pretty nice. Sharp look'n vehicle.
  • jere39jere39 Member Posts: 20
    I know the board is pretty busy evaluating the MPG, bodyside cladding, and square wheel wells of the 2003's but I have a question for any 97 V6 4wd owners who received the SSC 20A 1996 to early 1998 Rear suspension safety recall notice. Has anyone had it done, and if so have you noticed a difference in: ride, stance, load handling, towing, anything else. The description declares it a safety issue on 2wd vehicles, and a ride quality option on 4wd. Though I have seen several vehicles of my vintage with the obvious squashed rear stance, mine looks fine, and I hate to fix what ain't broke, for fear of have more problems introduced by service personnel.

    Thanks,
    Jere
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    '96 had this recall, and she had it done, and the ride was much firmer at the rear, which was a good thing, because even though she has low miles (about 50K) that back end would bottom out on big dips in the road and stuff where my '90 Runner would go straight through without any problem.

    Hers is a 4WD. The service people told her that for 4WD's it is unnecessary and Toyota is just covering all their bases, but I think it was worth it for the suspension improvement alone.

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

  • khaugkhaug Member Posts: 64
    The issue the recall addresses is that early 3rd generation 4Runners (96 - early '98 models)had very limited rear suspension jounce travel because of the jounce bumpers being too close to the rear axle. If you loaded the rear of the vehicle heavily, you could easily end up with "solid" rear suspension, with the rear axle contacting the jounce bumpers even at rest. This leads to oversteering handling characteristics, not something you want!

    The recall involves replacing the rear springs, spring seats and jounce bumpers, moving the jounce bumpers inside the spring coils. The vehicle ends up with a lot more rear suspension travel, a good thing. It's a pretty simple operation, one that I'd expect service departments could easily handle without introducing any new problems.

    I didn't have the recall done on our '98, but those who have seem to feel the ride quality is a little better after the conversion.

    -Karl
  • nhopper1nhopper1 Member Posts: 21
    Thanks dawgpak and buckeyedon. I now know that I can eventually get what I want. It'll take patience though, since none are in the pipeline or on order for the central atlantic region.

    Cliffy or anyone know how to expand the search beyond central atlantic region?

    Regards- Neil
  • beagles3beagles3 Member Posts: 132
    Well, I made the plunge and traded in my 99 SR5 4x4 for a 2002 Limited 4x4...My local dealer had an 02 Limited loaded with all the options available in my favorite color combo (Jade Mica w/Thundercloud overfenders) that was a demo with 2600 miles. I tried to like the 03 body style,but, the old won me over once again...

    Question? What is the standard axle ratio for the Limiteds? I think that my SR5 had 4.10's and this new one seems numerically lower? Does this make sense?
  • jere39jere39 Member Posts: 20
    Thanks, as a matter of fact I just completed a 250 mile drive through heavy snow, first couple hours on unimproved roads. I built up a significant load of snow and ice (significant weight anyway) and noticed a distinct loss of suspension travel. So, I guess I'll have it done with next service. Here in PA we are blessed with annual safety and emission inspections, I'll let the dealer handle all three this year.
    Thanks again,
    Jere
  • river111river111 Member Posts: 1
    Would anybody know if there are any leftover four runners for sale in the New Jersey area? If so please email me or call me at 908-770-2413 Shawn
  • kjack100kjack100 Member Posts: 133
    If North Carolina is close enough for you, you might want to try this. Go to buyatoyota.com. Enter a North Carolina zip code. This will give you access to all the 4Runners in the Southeast region. You can bounce around and see what's in stock at each dealer. North Carolina is part of Southeast Toyota distributors and they seem to be getting a fair number of 4wd's in a variety of color combinations.
  • bulychbulych Member Posts: 10
    further to a question about 100 messages back regarding mileage expectation from a toyota 4runner.i have a 1996 4runner ltd.with 330,000 km.(206,000 miles)i replaced the front brakes at 130,000 km. other than that i have not spent any money on it except for 2 timing belts
  • kim47kim47 Member Posts: 9
    Just to add to the collection of mpg numbers for the new 2003 4Runners. Average for my V8 Sport is 16.8 mpg (through 982 miles). That includes lots of mixed speed driving and in-town trips. All 87 Octane gas.

    The best mileage was on a 452 mile trip to the mountains, with much less "stop and go" traffic, where I averaged 19.7 mpg. As others have reported, the trip computer MPG calculation is overly optimistic (I concur with khaug's 10-15% estimate).
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    The recall was not supposed to be sent to 4WD owners anyway. Whatever the problem was, it was not a safety issue on the 4WD models. Because of Toyota's paranoia after the Ford debacle and the Camry sludge stuff, they decided to include the 4WD any way.
  • cttoycttoy Member Posts: 5
    I drive a 2000 4Runner Auto., V6, 4WD. I have an engine noise that is baffling the mechanics at the Toyota dealership's service dept. At speeds of at least 30-35mph and coasting with foot off the pedal the engine (or maybe a wheel) is squealing like something needs oil. You can not create the sound while in idle. It has been looked at twice and the drive train was removed. The problem was fixed for about 3 weeks and just today it is back. Now we're going in for a third time and this time they said they will call Toyota. The car sounds like a NYC Cab! Only 31K miles and the coolest looking car on the road, but the squeal just doesn't want to go away for good. I can even hear it with a loud stereo. Any advice?
  • flownosajflownosaj Member Posts: 4
    I just got back from another test drive and I have a question for you all.

    The SR5 and Sport had an ugly red push-button looking thing as the indicator light for the security system. It was one of the cheapest looking things I've seen on a vehicle in a long time.

    The Limited didn't have one of these lights but it DID have a security system. I asked the dealer if it was an upgraded system and if I could get it on the SR5 or Sport. He didn't know much about it and couldn't find out anything from the other salesmen.

    I like the SR5 and Sport, but right now they've got a lot going against them right now in my oppinion. I'd hate to "spring" for a limited just because of an alarm and body-clading.

    Does anyone have an idea about the alarm system or a prospective date for a clading style change?
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    the drive belt on the air conditioning compressor? That might squeal each time the A/C engages. If it were really loose, it would not engage at all at high engine speeds, than squeal at engagement at low speeds.

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

  • mrwhipplemrwhipple Member Posts: 378
    You could always go with an aftermarket alarm. It would more than likely come with more security options as well.
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