Toyota 4Runner

peter78 · January 2003

I love "Ainslb's" quote "The 4Runner has 22,000 miles and was driven by the owners daughter." Does she only drive it on Sundays? Just kidding. Actually I wanted to chime in about the extended warranties. Since it is from a dealer maybe he can give you a good deal.

From my point of view, extended warranties are great when you buy a brand known for poor reliability. I have a friend that got his Ford transmission fixed on a big pick up truck and had the warranty. A Jeep Grand Cherokee, grab a extended warranty. I decided not to get one on my 4Runner or my Honda and Acura. Now that Honda is starting to have transmission problems, maybe new owners should get one. : )

chorton · January 2003

When selling toyota's it is kind of hard for me to see the value in extended coverage because of the track record toyota has. On not-so-good brands though the coverage is a must in my eyes.

cliffy1 · January 2003

You would be surprised. In the last 18 months, I have averaged 38% warranty sales. That means that for every 100 customers I do the paperwork on (average 70 per month) 38 of them buy some form of extended coverage. Pricing and cost of repairs has a lot to do with that. For instance, those with 6 disc CD changers realize that the warranty is cheaper than the replacement deck. The same nearly holds true for sunroof cables. Then you look at things like power seats, digital climate controls, VSC systems and stuff like that and $1000 is looking pretty good for a 7 year program. These are not "reliability" issues on the vehicle. Its the little stuff that can stack up very quickly. This is also the reason to get the factory warranty as it is the only one I am aware of that covers the nitty gritty.

bigorange30 · January 2003

I would not buy an extended warranty on any Toyota, Honda or Nissan product. They are just too dependable. I would consider it on any domestic product though especially with my recent experience on my Ford.

beagles3 · January 2003

Cliffy, I was wondering if those folks who were purchasing the extended warranty, were folks that converted over from the poor reliability makes?

cliffy1 · January 2003

You would be surprised how infrequently that happens. The bulk of our buyers have owned Toyotas in the past. I'm sure some of it is domestic owners paranoia but for the most part, it is just normal folks who don't want to hassle with a broken window regulator 6 years from now. (I know a window regulator doesn't cost $1000 but many just prefer the security of KNOWING the vehicle will not cost them anything buy oil changes for the next 7 years).

beagles3 · January 2003

What part of the country are you from...Funny, the dealership here in Seattle that I bought my 2002 from, had another Limited with 20,000+ miles and it's been sitting for quite awhile?

stever · January 2003

You guys have about covered all the angles, but these articles may be of interest anyway:

Extended Warranties: Extending The Joys Of Ownership

Understanding Extended Warranties

Steve, Host

toyotaken · January 2003

I purchased one on my Corolla, myself. Mine is 72 mos 72,000 miles. That is because I plan on having it in the family for probably the tune of 100,000 miles or so. My first Toyota was an '89 Camry and the sunroof cables needed replacing and for the cost of the warranty, it would have paid for itself. With the added bonus of transferrability or credit towards another warranty on another Toyota purchase in the future, it was sort of a "no brainer". But, as cliffy has said, I think that the Toyota Platinum is definately the most comprehensive for the price.

Just my $.02

Ken

aggiedog · January 2003

There are lots of things that even the PLATINUM WARRANTY doesn't cover. Most warranties don't cover any exhaust components. Those things can be very expensive and are more likely to succumb to wear-n-tear as opposed to internal engine components.

chorton · January 2003

Toyota has a lifetime warranty on most exhaust parts.

stever · January 2003

Does that warranty cover the original muffler system (I see that one covers replacement parts if installed by a dealer)?

Steve, Host

chorton · January 2003

That is on replacement parts, My mistake. Should have confirmed that before I posted it. And I call myself a professional!! LOL. Depending on where you live,however, there is a 7yr 70k warranty on some emissions parts.

stever · January 2003

That's still a better deal than most of the franchise places since they usually charge for labor.

Steve, Host

docevil · January 2003

I kinda wonder why Toyota bothered with a V8 in the 'Runner. It has 10 LESS hp than the V6 and only 37 lb/ft (13%) more in torque. But it is heavier and thirstier. I suppose it gives them bragging rights to being the only compact SUV with a V8.

peter78 · January 2003

The V6 has a all aluminum, variable valve timing, higher revving, brand new engine that requires premium gas. The V8 has a cast iron block, tried and true engine that revs less and uses regular fuel. I would say different ways of looking at the same problem. Or if you like, a different philosophy. Having a choice is good.

I have had some sports cars in the past. I prefer a larger displacement engine over a turbo charge smaller engine. Once again, different ways of looking at the same problem.

mrwhipple · January 2003

Interestingly, at the LA Auto show, I had 2 Toyota Reps tell me the V6 runs fine on Regular fuel. They just recommend Mid or Premium for both engines to acquire the specs listed and slightly better mileage.

pat84 · January 2003

I traded an unreliable vehicle in on my 4 Runner so I bought the extended warranty. The unreliable vehicle was a 99 Honda Odyssey. The transmission went out at 67,000. Honda extended the warranty on transmissions to 100,000 miles on every year but 99. An Odyssey transmission is $5100 plus labor. That's right, $6000+ for a rebuilt transmission. I told Honda only fix it well enough to get me to the Toyota dealer 3 blocks away. The Odyssey stereo sucked, too

beagles3 · January 2003

I always thought that those Odysseys were like the best of the best mini vans? I agree about the stereos because we have a 2001 Accord V6-EX and the stereo makes the one on my 02 Limited sound like a JBL:)

rawillia · January 2003

Can anyone tell me if the leather seating option on the Sport model includes heated front seats?
Thanks

peter78 · January 2003

With more complicated cars it might make sense to get a extended warranty. I know we are not in the Odyssey forum, but Consumer Reports has rated the Odyssey reliability as average. Which to me is very un-Honda like.

I know Consumer Reports says better than average is at least 20% better and much better than average is at least 40% better. The third generation 4Runner is rated at 78% better. So, I guess you can say the 4Runner is much, much, much better than average. : )

chorton · January 2003

Heated seats are standard on limited, That is the only way to get them.

chorton · January 2003

As holds true to MOST Toyota products.

brestle · January 2003

Just bought a V6 Limited 4WD and LOVE it. I specifically asked the extremely knowledgeable "delivery" guy at my dealership and he said regular 87 Octane is fine for the engine.

I've felt no lack of low-end power and not once have I felt like the engine was revving high. It is silky smooth. In fact, I've been amazed at how low the RPMs are staying (especially compared to my old '96 4Runner).

And it is so nice to be cruising around in 2WD and being able to switch into 4WD on demand...

jcla7 · January 2003

So glad to get at least a little feedback on the V6. We still haven't seen but one or two here, and nothing to test drive. Waiting for a Limited.

brestle, if you wouldn't mind, how did the money turn out on your deal? Don't have much to compare it to...only TMV. Also, what kind of mileage are you getting from the 6? I've seen some reports and of course the sticker on the window, but I'd like to hear it from a real person. Thanks.

brestle · January 2003

Not sure if you can take my price as a good benchmark. I live in Southern California and it is next to impossible to find a 4WD model anywhere. If they come in, they are out the door the next minute (you'd think they'd get the clue).

Anyway, I got a fully-loaded Limited V6 4WD. The only two major options I didn't get was the Nav system (don't need it) and X-REAS (another really hard to find option in So. Cal).

The sticker was $38, 7XX and I paid $37,200. At that point they wouldn't go lower as they said they are so hard to find (he was right, I had no other dealer in my area to compete with him).

As far as the MPG, I'm still on my first tank of gas...haven't been tracking it yet.

BTW, I checked the manual today and it says 87 Octane is fine.

This vehicle rocks! Thought I would miss my '96 4Runner...I don't :-)

Chris

jcla7 · January 2003

brestle, thanks for the info...it helps. I made some calls after the last post, and it turns out there are a few more V6's around than I thought. Since we have multiple dealers around, perhaps they won't have quite the bargaining power as your dealer. It appears that your numbers are similar to the TMV numbers.

Sounds like you really like the truck. Keep us posted on the mileage. As usual, appreciate the info from you and all the others.

Jim

sovang · January 2003

I noticed that an Aries grille guard package is available for the 03 4runner. Does anyone have experience with this brand?

SV

chorton · January 2003

I have seen only covers the front bumper, I guess you really can't call it a grille guard, But that is how it is classified. I'm not sure of the Brand Name.

jkmfromla · January 2003

Haven't had any luck finding this combo in So Cal. Went to Carson Toyota and they had one in stock, but it was being sold as I walked onto the lot. South Bay Toyota didn't even have any Ltd V8 4X4. Contrary to what brestle posted, both had plenty of V6 Ltd 4X4's. The one that was being sold at Carson had a sticker of $40,000 (give or take a few hundred dollars). $40,000 for V8 Ltd 4X4 with X-REAS seems okay compared to V6 Ltd 4X4 without X-REAS for $37,200.

superleggera · January 2003

Reviews of the 4Runner are continuing to trickle out:

http://autos.msn.com/vip/heraudover.aspx?make=Toyota&model=4R- unner

http://autos.msn.com/vip/jedlicka.aspx?make=Toyota&model=4Run- ner&src=reviewers

http://www.beststuff.com/article.php3?story_id=4541

I'm just waiting for the mid-size SUV shootout! Who will win?

passthegravy · January 2003

Here's a couple of confusing quotes from Daniel Heraud's review on MSN.com.

"Trunk Volume: . . . It is a shame that the rear window does not also open."

"Quality/Fit/Finish: . . . it has not yet attained luxury status despite the addition of leather upholstery and simulated woodgrain trim in the Limited versions."

Huh? And we're supposed to trust this guy's opinion of the 4Runner? What vehicle did he test? Everyone knows the 4Runner has the up/down tailgate window. And, sorry, but you won't find any simulated woodgrain trim in the Limited versions.

cliffy1 · January 2003

Since when does quality/fit/finish have anything to do with luxury, leather and wood trim?

leodogs · January 2003

1. Has anyone else driven an '03 with either only the back seat windows down or in combination with the tailgate window down? The interior noise and pressure build up is much worse than I ever experienced in my '96 - why? The only way to alleviate it is by opening a front window as well.

2. Very bad sulphur (rotten egg) smell when climbing a steep hill. I've tried different gas over the last few months - no change. What makes it even more noticeable is that the '03 seems to pull in exhaust (when the back and tailgate windows are open even a little - which never happened with the last model).

3. I observed when driving (on a very cold morning) the exhaust vapor coming straight up the back of my '03 - never noticed that in my '96. Are all these things related? What could be wrong? I value the experience,comments and responses of forum posters here more than what I'd get at most dealers.

superleggera · January 2003

I noticed the same things about the Heraud review. His analysis always places a heavy weight on how quickly a car's windshield wipers clear the window. Appeals to the engineer in me...

stever · January 2003

Maybe that's because Heraud's in Quebec. Maybe he's getting a bunch of "Canadian" SUVs and cars to review too?

(Oh, he's also a former electrical engineer, Superleggera).

Steve, Host

passthegravy · January 2003

And one other thing. I'm tired of reading reviewers gripe about the 4Runner not having 3rd row seating. Please, Toyota, don't listen to that nonsense. For those who need or want 3rd row seating, there are many other options. There are a lot of us that neither need nor want it. It would be so small as to be useless anyway. And then the reviewers would gripe about how crowded the 3rd row seating was, etc., etc.

tidester · January 2003

What makes it even more noticeable is that the '03 seems to pull in exhaust (when the back and tailgate windows are open even a little - which never happened with the last model).

I had that problem all the time with my old '87 4Runner. Consider yourself lucky you didn't have it with the '03!

tidester, host

ainslb · January 2003

2001 Limited 4Runner 4x4, Toyota certified with 19500 miles. $26,580. Good price? Does the certified aspect of the Toyota really justify the added the value/cost? Any problem I should look for in this model year? Dealer giving 4.94% with 0 down.
Thanks,

jillg2 · January 2003

The people griping about the 4Runner not having a 3 row of seats need to go out and buy a Sequoia!

jillg2 · January 2003

In response to Docevil's comment about why Toyota even bothered with a V8 in the 4Runner. You obviously haven't driven one, keep in mind that it also have a 5 speed transmission which makes it smoother than any other. Also the 4Runner is not a compact SUV it is a midsize! Another point is that the gas mileage rating on the V8 is only 1 mile per gallon less that the V6!!

ainslb · January 2003

Did the 2001 4Runner Limited come standard with a roof rack and a rear wind deflector?

randpall3863 · January 2003

Not only did I find it strange the standard V6 has 10 more horsepower than the optional V8. But with the increased length, even longer than the 2003 Honda Pilot, the 4Runner still lacks a 3rd row seat. It is why my girlfriend and I got a 2003 Chevrolet EXT Trailblazer LT. It has a 3rd row seat. It has more cargo room. And its standard V6 that has plenty of horsepower still has less than the optional V8.

I already got on Toyota about adding a 3rd row seat. They may for 2004. Time will tell.

sivi1 · January 2003

how about people like me, who only use the second row seat about 3 times a year? if you need a third seat go to another vehicle, i don't feel i have to pay for it.

intmed99 · January 2003

intmed99 · January 2003

I don't think the limited model came with wind deflector and roof rack as standard equipment. However, many dealers put them on at the port and then charge you for their "option package". So, MOST limited models have these two things...however, they are NOT standard equipment.

beagles3 · January 2003

Ainslb`Those two items came in a convenience package, that also I think included the trailer hitch? Funny, Toyota has an option for the rear heater...which I have always seen on the previous vehicles that I have owned (a 95, 99 and 02 4runner). A good thing about the 01's is the addition of the seat heaters..I love mine:)

climbingfoo · January 2003

I, too, use my second row seats for people about 4 times a year. Most of the time, it's folded down, because I store my mt. bike and my climbing gear inside the 4Runner. How often and how many people actually use the 3rd row seats anyway? Going down the road everyday, I see 1 person per vehicle maybe 2 + a dog most often.

bigorange30 · January 2003

would use the 3rd row of seats several times a day. My wife still bugs me about wanting something with 3 rows like our minivan had.

beagles3 · January 2003

I agree that the 4Runner is at its best utilized with two rows of seats...I love the current configuration of the trunk because when I need to haul my lawn mower (to the shop), or haul one of the kids mtn bikes, they fit perfectly when the seats are folded down. Next best thing to a p/u truck..except for hauling bark:)

Toyota 4Runner

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