I have a Sport which only has the gray cladding, so naturally, gray cladding looks better than an appearance package on an SR5 or the Limited. Gray cladding and a hood scoop is where it's at, Seriously, it's individual choice. I do not doubt that Toyota has some common colors amongst its vehicles. The V-8 engine was originally in Toyota's trucks, too.
Supposedly you CAN have the vehicle programmed to put the rear sliding glass up from the remote. This is according to Toyota's publication entitled "New Vehicle Features" for the '03 4Runner. This publication also lists everything else that can be programmed as well as what the default settings are.
I guess I'll find out how much headache it is to have some of the features changed and how much they'll ream me for to do it.
Why don't they just make ALL this stuff user programmable is what I want to know!?!?
You need a Toyota ball mount or you need to cut 1/4" from the back of yours. This is common and is the result of the spare tire placement under the truck.
Your perception is right on with one exception. The complaints started before really trying to work with his dealer. You will note in his last post, he gives credit to his dealer for working with him. This confirms my feelings that many complaints here could be minimized if people talked to the service folks before beginning a rampage here. Once you start a rant, it is nearly impossible to back down.
I have the Toyota ball mount. and it fits. I also have a 2" insert that carries 6 fishing rods and a cooler. It fit in my old Honda Odyssey trailer hitch (and hit the ground on low curbs). but won't fit in the Toyota, The Toyota is something less than 2''. I can't even get the 2" rod carrier inserted to hit the tire, because it is bigger than will fit in the Toyota 2" (or less) hitch. I guess I wasn't too clear. I may borrow a dreml tool and cut a little from the inside of the hitch. I know not to hit the tire. I'll unbolt it first. Nothing ever goes according to plan much any more.
There isn't much in this world that can't be fixed with proper application of a Dremmel tool and a roll of duct tape. It sounds to me like you have a burr or simply a thick coat of paint on the inside of your receiver.
One can be angry about 1 very small, insignificant matter without being classified as "an angry man". I will refrain from characterizing you based on some of your posts here. I'm sure that in person you are just swell.
I am a fan of the 4runners, old and new. I'm a fan of Toyotas in general and have found that the numerous new Toyotas I and my family have owned over the years to be generally better built than those of the other makes we have owned. When someone comes into the TH and REPEATEDLY drops disparaging remarks about their vehicle and dealership experiences, it begins to get a little tiresome. Expecially when it is the SAME complaint over and over and over. Posters here have tried to tell you, without success, that the problem was probably related to the sulfer content in the fuel and that it APPEARED to be region and/or brand related. I have no idea of what kind of scene you raised at the dealership when you brought your vehicle in for a check but I imagine it wasn't pretty. But I think what really got me was the following:
"Since I do not have a picture of your request, may I ask that for a second you imagine the following to satisfy your curiosity? Picture a huge mountain of crap, piled high and stretching long across your driveway. Now add to that image the smell of the worst dogs breath you have ever experienced, and as clear as the sun rising in the morning on a bright summers day, you will have a vivid image along with the infamous smell of a brand new 2003 Toyota 4Runner."
Try dropping a similar post into any other thread of the TH and see what kind of response you get.
Some of the ball mount assys supplied with the 2003 4-Runners were slightly oversize and the reciever would not accomodate them. This problem has been posted before. Could it be that the ball mount assys that don't fit are inches and the reciever metric? Anyway, I had this problem and the dealer exchanged my ball mount assy for a Reese assy. that fit. Additionally, you must jam the ball mount assy hard against the spare tire in order to be able to insert the retaining pin.
i bought the same hitch and when i tried to put it in, about a quarter of an inch would hit the reserve tire. went to a metal shop and had them cut off about 1/4 of an inch, presto the hitch is lockable in place. hope this helps you
As I understand it, the 03 V8 Runner is a low emission vehicle; as such it is very sensitive to sulfur in the fuel. It appears that some regions allow a pretty high sulfur content in fuels. Question is: Will the high sulfur fuels prove detrimental to the vehicle in the long run? That is, emissions wise and if so, since it is the fuel that caused the potential problem would or would it not be covered under the mfg. warranty? I fear that the sensitivity of this vehicle to the sulfur will cause problems down the road. Could it be that the 4Runner is too ahead of the curve (for the non low sulfur states), since the refining process is not mandated to be uniform throughout the country.
My Runner at 4500 miles is still putting out the most putrid rotten egg smell you can imagine. It just seems like a "catch 22" situation. Maybe it's just too sensitive... Could it be over- engineering??? But then again, the V6 Runners do not seem to exhibit this problem or should I say not as much.
Since I've tried all the fuels and different grades and still get the smell, I'm at a loss. Toyota can't or doesn't seem to want to help, so I'm now thinking of trading in the Runner for something less putrid. And it will NOT be another Toyota product. Maybe it is not Toyota's fault but it sure has left a bad taste or should I say smell in my mouth.
Good luck to the others out there with this problem. I fear if this gets out to the auto world our new Runners will not be worth much.
well just thought I'd add my "stank" experience. I test drove a V8 LTD last week without the sales guy... Drove it on a steeper incline hill and floored it. After leveling out, I did notice this sulphurous smell, rather irritating. Although I did have the rear window half-down & the sunroof open. Are all of you having this problem when the all the windows/roof are closed?
Boy! you guys are scaring the hell out of me. Just pick up a 03 4runner a couple of weeks ago. Got the SR5 with the new 6. Haven't had any trouble yet, no smell,hitch fits. Only thing I have is a clicking noise(at 30MPH+) sounds similar to the old speedometer cable problems. The dealership checked out 3 other V6's and they all had the same thing. Not sure about the V8's. It may leave when I get the engine broken in, only have 800 on the odometer now. Does anyone else hear this with their runners?
Purchased my vehicle in January for $32,600. It has the moonroof, JBL 6-CD stereo, running boards, rear spoiler, etc. As of today, it has 3200 miles.
Last week we drove from AZ to Denver CO and back. No sulphur smell. Gas was purchased both from "big" dealers (Giant near Grants, NM) and "small" ("somewhere in Raton, NM.") Got 20-21 mpg (real) driving 75-80mph.
It did great in the snow/ice.
I still love the vehicle. I do plan to have a couple things checked during first service. Lights do not go off all that quickly, auto-temp feature does not seem all that consistent.
My only real complaint is that why in the world would a manufacturer totally design an SUV for offroad use but put gray carpet and mats throughout??? My mats already look stained and dirty. True, they clean up well, but still....
I agree - rear window should go up with key fob. Got stuck with window down during a storm....contents got a bit soggy.
I noticed this post from you a couple of months ago. Does this have anything to do with your calling this vehicle junk? "I purchased a black SR5 V8 at about the same time as you. I also asked the dealer about color matching the cladding and was told that it was not an option for the SR5 model.
Yes...I am not happy that I could have waited a month too for the new appearance package that is now offered for the SR5.Well, I recently called Toyota customer service to express my displeasure. I was told:
1) That Toyota can make production changes, outside of safety, at any time without obligation to the customer.
2) The new appearance package is a factory-installed option.
3) Toyota has no plans to offer the appearance package to Toyota customers who purchased a 2003 SR5 without it.
I told Customer Service that this was a major production change to a newly released vehicle, and that customers who previously purchased an SR5 should be given the option to purchase the new appearance package also. Most of what I was told was BS. The only thing of value I got out of my call was; if there is a large volume of LOUD complaints something may be offered.
To all of you that are in this position, I suggest you call Toyota customer service at 1.800.331.4331 and file a complaint of your displeasure immediately. In addition, which I have done, is call the Toyota office of the President. That number is available through Toyota Customer service. Ask for it.
You must call and be heard! Post your call results, and don't let up! Spread the word. Each person can make a difference."Martin45
Martin45 I agree! I put different gas in again this morning. It continues to smell. This car is gone tonight. I'm losing my rear end trading so soon, but this smell cannot be healthy for my family. Toyota truly STINKS (literally)!!!
You are absolutely correct. Once word gets around the consumer auto world about the stink problem with the 2003 4Runner and the related customer service, they will lose value and Toyota will feel it. You also raise some interesting questions. Would you buy another one now after your experience? Would you recommend a 2003 4Runner? Who would buy one being aware of the problem?
And before some people here jump at the opportunity to say that they do not have the smell problem, I can tell you that I would not take a $30,000 chance to get one of those problem free vehicles. (If they do indeed exist) I would like to know who would?
Post your results about getting rid of this piece of junk.
This is a followup to a previous post about my '03 V8 Limited. I said that I NEVER smelled the smell. I finally did smell it!
It was after going fast up a steep climb on Cameron Pass, CO. I stopped at a pullout at the top of the pass and got out for a few seconds. I smelled the rotton egg smell and knew immediately that was what everyone's been talking about. As soon as I smelled it I kept sniffing but it dissaperaed as fast as it came.
I've never smelled it inside the vehicle though but I never drive with the rear window down.
From my 2003 4Runner Owner’s Manual, page 30:
“CAUTION Keep the back window and back door closed while driving. This not only keeps the luggage from being thrown out but also prevents exhaust gases from entering the vehicle.”
I also profess that if you smell the sulfur smell when all windows rolled up, that it is from the vehicle(s) in front or around you, which I have noticed on numerous occasions, regardless of what I am driving. The sulfur odor has been around to some degree or other since the advent of the catalytic converter.
I also hope that the chronic complainer who thinks his 4Runner is piece of crap trades it quickly on an Explorer, Trail Blazer or anything other than a Toyota so he can go be a pain in that forum!!
"And before some people here jump at the opportunity to say that they do not have the smell problem, I can tell you that I would not take a $30,000 chance to get one of those problem free vehicles. (If they do indeed exist)"
So the only truth here is from the people that have the smell. Now I know why you have received poor results from Toyota, your a child. The good thing is few people will pay any attention to you if they read all the post concerning this problem.
This discussion site was once a very valuable source of 4 runner information, but it has somewhat degenerated as of late.
Statements like "he's a child", "chronic complainer" and "piece of crap" are inflammatory and counterproductive.
May I suggest that the person running this site censor and delete inappropriate posts that are directed at individuals instead of at the 4 runner issues?
I traded in my 4Runner tonight - gone bye, bye!!! I can't tell you how relieved I am. 03 Acura now in garage and no STINK!!! Oh by the way did anyone know that at this time there is a $1,000 rebate to each dealership from Toyota for every new Runner they sell? Also, there's a chance it may increase to $2,500. So people can start getting stink machines under invoice and they'll think they made a killer deal. The main reason for this (at this point), I was told, is that the Runners', especially the V8s are getting such lousy gas mileage. I can attest to that!!! I got 15.7 on the Hwy. Any way, once the stench scenarios get out to the public, you'll be able to pick one up cheap. Beware once rebates and incentives are offered on these, the resale value on these vehicles will drop like a piece of lead. My suggestion to people who really want one of these things is to opt for the V6...You will be safer than purchasing a stinky, gas hog V8.
I hope you did not get the MDX because it's fuel economy is not that much better, despite the EPA ratings! If you don't believe me, just go to any MDX forum and ask...it's fuel economy is REALLY bad for V6. And if you got any other Acura, i hope that your transmission does not fail while driving on the highway...you have a chance to join 1.6% (or greater) of people who have had this misfortune. Of course, MDX has not been completely without transmission failure either. And let's not forget the rear suspension linkage breaking off with normal daily activity.
Of course, none of the Acura vehicles can even come close to the off-road capability of a 4Runner.
Did a quick search on sulfur smell Acura, Oh no!!!
"Q smelling car? It's a 2002 Acura RSX, purchased in December 2001. The first two tanks of gas were OK, but the third tank produced poor gas mileage and this sulfur smell, noticeable to everyone in the car and also on the outside of the car"
"May I suggest that the person running this site censor and delete inappropriate posts that are directed at individuals instead of at the 4 runner issues? "
How far do you want to carry this type of censorship? How about limiting the number of post concerning the same problem from the same individual to 2. Where does it end??
In post #4657 it was mentioned a $1000 factory to dealer incentive is now available. Also using site at carsdirect.com it said a factory to dealer incentive exists but gives no further detail. And here at Edmunds on "Invoice & TMV Pricing" says 'not available' ! Where are there other sites to get the "factory to dealer " details? Seems a few only have factory to consumer details. Oh, by the way: looked and driven so far: Pathfinder, Jeep GC, Tahoe, Trailblazer, Mountaineer. Getting close to selection time. Every little helps. Pathfinder and Jeep GC and Trailblazer are out of running so far. Thanks.
I wanted to thank everyone for their helpful comments. I just picked up my new SR5 after 3 months of research, (excited about the appearance pkg), and I couldn't be happier. I know there have been "heated" posts of late, and I understand the frustration car owners can have (after owning a Jetta w/ all their failings for four LONG years). I know the tone on this board really has changed recently, but I hope it can continue to be a helpful source.
FYI--Mine is a DREAM, and the people I know lucky enough to have one are equally thrilled--voices that have been drowned out a bit lately. (Granted, we live in Cali, so our fuel isn't a problem.) Thanks to the person who suggested Dianne at Carson Toyota. I ended up going through her (despite being two hrs. away) and couldn't be happier. Thanks again for all the great dialogue; it helped me clarify a few issues and get the perfect 4Runner for me.
All I can say is that the total Acura experience has been FAR superior to Toyota' s. As for off road use that is not why I purchased the stank bomb any way. My mistake, but never again!!! Good riddance. Oh by the way, look at the residuals on both vehicles and see which is on top. My posts were not intended to bash 4Runners just post my experiences with the vehicle. I believe this is the intention of the forum.
Congratulations on getting rid of your 2003 4Runner Vaughn4.
Ipap, I also congratulate you on finding that “perfect 4Runner” for you, now. It is a good thing that you did your homework. Enjoy your dream.
At this time there are no incentives on the 4Runner. Granted this can change at any time, and may vary by region of the country. I seriously doubt there will be any incentives on a brand new model anytime soon.
Th individuals who are unhappy also have sr5 models which were purchased before the appearance package was offered. They didnt start complaining about stink until they discovered that Toyota was not going to offer the appearance package to existing owned vehicles. Sour grapes.
Having said that the vehile does create sulphur smell, it doesnt enter cab to my experience. If you smell it in your cab your probably smelling the guy in front of you or maybe something you ate. Also the smell doesnt occur in Cal. and in a year or so the rest of the country will have to meet the California standard.
In both cases PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE! I think this can be said of any major purchase. Had vaughn and Martin waited a bit they could have owned an sr5 with the appearance package and maybe bought the v6. Also had they waited a year or so the sulphur content in the gas is scheduled to be reduced.
Is the new 4runner perfect, no. Is there a perfect car out there, no. However there are quality cars that suit different needs. Best of Luck!
What's your point? Is the cladding causing the stink? Should we have waited a few years to buy a V8 4runner? Should we have purchased a V6 instead of a V8? Please explain.
From what I've read on the board I doubt that the people having the stink problem are exaggerating it because of the cladding. I mean there are reports of people literally getting sick and others who are receiving comments about the odor when they pull up in the parking lot. I don't subscribe to the sour grapes theory.
I don't have an axe to grind against Toyota because I'm very happy with my 2003 4Runner. The thing that makes me sceptical of the gas being the problem is that it doesn't occur in all vehicles in a given region. I mean if the gas is the problem, wouldn't everybody experience it? Maybe the gas is the source of the smell but maybe the reason for the smell is an emmissions control problem. Others have said as much on this forum. If I had to talk to a service manager I would ask him this very question, "Why isn't it in all 4runners?" This tells me that it can't be "only" a gas problem. There has to be some system that is processing the exhaust that is out of whack.
Are there any kind of serial numbers, date codes, or other production info that people with the problem can check to try to find something in common between the vehicles having this problem? Maybe if those who work for Toyota can tell us where to find such info on engines, or catalytic converters, or any other relevant system. Is there a way to reset all of the computer systems...perhaps by disconnecting the battery for a certain period of time? Maybe this could resync a potential problem system.
Another idea is how about getting people together who live in the same city, some who have the problem and some who don't. Since the problem seems to be with the V8s it would be most helpful if the people without the problem had V8s. But if everybody lives close enough that they could buy gas at the same gas station, this would either support or disprove Toyota's answer of trying different gas. If the same gas was used in all vehicles and some had the problem while others did not, then it would prove that it's something other than gasoline causing the problem.
These are a couple of thoughts I have on the situation. The point is that we have a powerful medium in this forum and we also have a real world test lab at our disposal. I hope that Toyota is researching this issue but in the meantime we can use a process of elimination to try to find out what the problem vehicles have in common.
I hate to see people spend 30K plus for a vehicle but not be able to enjoy it because of this kind of problem. Maybe if we put our heads together we could find an answer?
The only other thing I would say is that if you do have the problem just try your best to stay focused on the problem when dealing with service people. Don't let them jerk you around by any means, if they won't help then go to a different dealer or use any legal options you have at your disposal. But I think you'll get more out of people if you can keep the emotions in check. Although I have to agree that it would be difficult after spending that kind of money. Good luck to all!
Many of those who complain coincidentally or not have sr5s with the cladding. Martin who has been most vocal and who purchased his vehicle in Dec. has written on this board about his trying to get Toyota to allow the appearance option to buyers who had purchased earlier.
I think it was approx. early February when we discovered that non-cladding sr5s would be available, and by February 19th we knew that Toyota was not going to offer the appearance package to people who bought sr5s in Jan.,Dec,Nov.etc(see~post5038 Feb.19). Reddfish bought his sr5 in Nov. It was March when the complaints started pouring in. Why no complaints before March? Coincidentally complaints began a few weeks after the Toyota decision and after new sr5s with the appearance package began to show up at dealerships and on the streets. Reddfish posted his first complaint on Mar.13 and Martin shortly thereafter.
All I am saying is that there is a coincidence involved in this situation. Im not aware of anyone on this board who has an appearnce package sr5 or a limited who has complained of the smell getting into the cab or making passengers sick or referencing the vehicle as junk or seeking arbitration or pursing lemon law or trading etc. This is what I am saying.
Sween77 is incorrect. I posted my complaint in January and that was months after I tried different gas stations to see if it made any difference in my V8 ltd. - which it didn't. Rickwil61 made sense. I have just recently started to see a few more '03 runners in my Northern Ct. area. I will conduct an independent survey here and report my findings. You think Toyota will be interested? One would hope so.
Toyota won't care until it hits them where it counts...$$$$.
My Road Flatulator was a V8 Sport Edition. The smell was so bad my wife actually had to roll down her window and stick her head out of the truck to get fresh air. All for $30K; what a bargain!!!
There is a factory to dealer incentive in the Central Atlantic Region. These incentives are not available everywhere. In this region, we are getting $400 per 2003 vehicle sold. If we hit our monthly objective, we get an additional $100 for a total of $500 per car. There is nothing beyond that.
Comments
I do not doubt that Toyota has some common colors amongst its vehicles. The V-8 engine was originally in Toyota's trucks, too.
I guess I'll find out how much headache it is to have some of the features changed and how much they'll ream me for to do it.
Why don't they just make ALL this stuff user programmable is what I want to know!?!?
-Eric
Peace.
I am a fan of the 4runners, old and new. I'm a fan of Toyotas in general and have found that the numerous new Toyotas I and my family have owned over the years to be generally better built than those of the other makes we have owned. When someone comes into the TH and REPEATEDLY drops disparaging remarks about their vehicle and dealership experiences, it begins to get a little tiresome. Expecially when it is the SAME complaint over and over and over. Posters here have tried to tell you, without success, that the problem was probably related to the sulfer content in the fuel and that it APPEARED to be region and/or brand related. I have no idea of what kind of scene you raised at the dealership when you brought your vehicle in for a check but I imagine it wasn't pretty. But I think what really got me was the following:
"Since I do not have a picture of your request, may I ask that for a second you imagine the following to satisfy your curiosity? Picture a huge mountain of crap, piled high and stretching long across your driveway. Now add to that image the smell of the worst dogs breath you have ever experienced, and as clear as the sun rising in the morning on a bright summers day, you will have a vivid image along with the infamous smell of a brand new 2003 Toyota 4Runner."
Try dropping a similar post into any other thread of the TH and see what kind of response you get.
For those who are happy with their 2003 4Runner, great. I truly mean it. My thoughts should not be an issue for you.
Peace.
Good luck
i bought the same hitch and when i tried to put it in, about a quarter of an inch would hit the
reserve tire. went to a metal shop and had them
cut off about 1/4 of an inch, presto the hitch
is lockable in place. hope this helps you
My Runner at 4500 miles is still putting out the most putrid rotten egg smell you can imagine. It just seems like a "catch 22" situation. Maybe it's just too sensitive... Could it be over- engineering??? But then again, the V6 Runners do not seem to exhibit this problem or should I say not as much.
Since I've tried all the fuels and different grades and still get the smell, I'm at a loss. Toyota can't or doesn't seem to want to help, so I'm now thinking of trading in the Runner for something less putrid. And it will NOT be another Toyota product. Maybe it is not Toyota's fault but it sure has left a bad taste or should I say smell in my mouth.
Good luck to the others out there with this problem. I fear if this gets out to the auto world our new Runners will not be worth much.
-martin45
Why are you still here.
Last week we drove from AZ to Denver CO and back. No sulphur smell. Gas was purchased both from "big" dealers (Giant near Grants, NM) and "small" ("somewhere in Raton, NM.") Got 20-21 mpg (real) driving 75-80mph.
It did great in the snow/ice.
I still love the vehicle. I do plan to have a couple things checked during first service. Lights do not go off all that quickly, auto-temp feature does not seem all that consistent.
My only real complaint is that why in the world would a manufacturer totally design an SUV for offroad use but put gray carpet and mats throughout??? My mats already look stained and dirty. True, they clean up well, but still....
I agree - rear window should go up with key fob. Got stuck with window down during a storm....contents got a bit soggy.
No 3rd row seat please!
Yes...I am not happy that I could have waited a month too for the new appearance package that is now offered for the SR5.Well, I recently called Toyota customer service to express my displeasure. I was told:
1) That Toyota can make production changes, outside of safety, at any time without obligation to the customer.
2) The new appearance package is a factory-installed option.
3) Toyota has no plans to offer the appearance package to Toyota customers who purchased a 2003 SR5 without it.
I told Customer Service that this was a major production change to a newly released vehicle, and that customers who previously purchased an SR5 should be given the option to purchase the new appearance package also. Most of what I was told was BS. The only thing of value I got out of my call was; if there is a large volume of LOUD complaints something may be offered.
To all of you that are in this position, I suggest you call Toyota customer service at 1.800.331.4331 and file a complaint of your displeasure immediately. In addition, which I have done, is call the Toyota office of the President. That number is available through Toyota Customer service. Ask for it.
You must call and be heard!
Post your call results, and don't let up! Spread the word. Each person can make a difference."Martin45
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And before some people here jump at the opportunity to say that they do not have the smell problem, I can tell you that I would not take a $30,000 chance to get one of those problem free vehicles. (If they do indeed exist) I would like to know who would?
Post your results about getting rid of this piece of junk.
Peace.
It was after going fast up a steep climb on Cameron Pass, CO. I stopped at a pullout at the top of the pass and got out for a few seconds. I smelled the rotton egg smell and knew immediately that was what everyone's been talking about. As soon as I smelled it I kept sniffing but it dissaperaed as fast as it came.
I've never smelled it inside the vehicle though but I never drive with the rear window down.
Hope that helps.
-Eric
“CAUTION Keep the back window and back door closed while driving. This not only keeps the luggage from being thrown out but also prevents exhaust gases from entering the vehicle.”
I also profess that if you smell the sulfur smell when all windows rolled up, that it is from the vehicle(s) in front or around you, which I have noticed on numerous occasions, regardless of what I am driving. The sulfur odor has been around to some degree or other since the advent of the catalytic converter.
I also hope that the chronic complainer who thinks his 4Runner is piece of crap trades it quickly on an Explorer, Trail Blazer or anything other than a Toyota so he can go be a pain in that forum!!
So the only truth here is from the people that have the smell. Now I know why you have received poor results from Toyota, your a child. The good thing is few people will pay any attention to you if they read all the post concerning this problem.
Statements like "he's a child", "chronic complainer" and "piece of crap" are inflammatory and counterproductive.
May I suggest that the person running this site censor and delete inappropriate posts that are directed at individuals instead of at the 4 runner issues?
I can't tell you how relieved I am. 03 Acura now in garage and no STINK!!! Oh by the way did anyone know that at this time there is a $1,000 rebate to each dealership from Toyota for every new Runner they sell? Also, there's a chance it may increase to $2,500. So people can start getting stink machines under invoice and they'll think they made a killer deal. The main reason for this (at this point), I was told, is that the Runners', especially the V8s are getting such lousy gas mileage. I can attest to that!!! I got 15.7 on the Hwy. Any way, once the stench scenarios get out to the public, you'll be able to pick one up cheap. Beware once rebates and incentives are offered on these, the resale value on these vehicles will drop like a piece of lead. My suggestion to people who really want one of these things is to opt for the V6...You will be safer than purchasing a stinky, gas hog V8.
Of course, none of the Acura vehicles can even come close to the off-road capability of a 4Runner.
Good luck on your "smart" Acura purchase.
"Q smelling car? It's a 2002 Acura RSX, purchased in December 2001. The first two tanks of gas were OK, but the third tank produced poor gas mileage and this sulfur smell, noticeable to everyone in the car and also on the outside of the car"
How far do you want to carry this type of censorship? How about limiting the number of post concerning the same problem from the same individual to 2. Where does it end??
tidester, host
Where are there other sites to get the "factory to dealer " details? Seems a few only have factory to consumer details.
Oh, by the way: looked and driven so far: Pathfinder, Jeep GC, Tahoe, Trailblazer, Mountaineer. Getting close to selection time. Every little helps. Pathfinder and Jeep GC and Trailblazer are out of running so far.
Thanks.
FYI--Mine is a DREAM, and the people I know lucky enough to have one are equally thrilled--voices that have been drowned out a bit lately. (Granted, we live in Cali, so our fuel isn't a problem.) Thanks to the person who suggested Dianne at Carson Toyota. I ended up going through her (despite being two hrs. away) and couldn't be happier. Thanks again for all the great dialogue; it helped me clarify a few issues and get the perfect 4Runner for me.
Peace to all and good luck!
Ipap, I also congratulate you on finding that “perfect 4Runner” for you, now. It is a good thing that you did your homework. Enjoy your dream.
Peace
Having said that the vehile does create sulphur smell, it doesnt enter cab to my experience. If you smell it in your cab your probably smelling the guy in front of you or maybe something you ate. Also the smell doesnt occur in Cal. and in a year or so the rest of the country will have to meet the California standard.
In both cases PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE! I think this can be said of any major purchase. Had vaughn and Martin waited a bit they could have owned an sr5 with the appearance package and maybe bought the v6. Also had they waited a year or so the sulphur content in the gas is scheduled to be reduced.
Is the new 4runner perfect, no. Is there a perfect car out there, no. However there are quality cars that suit different needs. Best of Luck!
I don't have an axe to grind against Toyota because I'm very happy with my 2003 4Runner. The thing that makes me sceptical of the gas being the problem is that it doesn't occur in all vehicles in a given region. I mean if the gas is the problem, wouldn't everybody experience it? Maybe the gas is the source of the smell but maybe the reason for the smell is an emmissions control problem. Others have said as much on this forum. If I had to talk to a service manager I would ask him this very question, "Why isn't it in all 4runners?" This tells me that it can't be "only" a gas problem. There has to be some system that is processing the exhaust that is out of whack.
Are there any kind of serial numbers, date codes, or other production info that people with the problem can check to try to find something in common between the vehicles having this problem? Maybe if those who work for Toyota can tell us where to find such info on engines, or catalytic converters, or any other relevant system. Is there a way to reset all of the computer systems...perhaps by disconnecting the battery for a certain period of time? Maybe this could resync a potential problem system.
Another idea is how about getting people together who live in the same city, some who have the problem and some who don't. Since the problem seems to be with the V8s it would be most helpful if the people without the problem had V8s. But if everybody lives close enough that they could buy gas at the same gas station, this would either support or disprove Toyota's answer of trying different gas. If the same gas was used in all vehicles and some had the problem while others did not, then it would prove that it's something other than gasoline causing the problem.
These are a couple of thoughts I have on the situation. The point is that we have a powerful medium in this forum and we also have a real world test lab at our disposal. I hope that Toyota is researching this issue but in the meantime we can use a process of elimination to try to find out what the problem vehicles have in common.
I hate to see people spend 30K plus for a vehicle but not be able to enjoy it because of this kind of problem. Maybe if we put our heads together we could find an answer?
The only other thing I would say is that if you do have the problem just try your best to stay focused on the problem when dealing with service people. Don't let them jerk you around by any means, if they won't help then go to a different dealer or use any legal options you have at your disposal. But I think you'll get more out of people if you can keep the emotions in check. Although I have to agree that it would be difficult after spending that kind of money. Good luck to all!
I think it was approx. early February when we discovered that non-cladding sr5s would be available, and by February 19th we knew that Toyota was not going to offer the appearance package to people who bought sr5s in Jan.,Dec,Nov.etc(see~post5038 Feb.19). Reddfish bought his sr5 in Nov. It was March when the complaints started pouring in. Why no complaints before March? Coincidentally complaints began a few weeks after the Toyota decision and after new sr5s with the appearance package began to show up at dealerships and on the streets. Reddfish posted his first complaint on Mar.13 and Martin shortly thereafter.
All I am saying is that there is a coincidence involved in this situation. Im not aware of anyone on this board who has an appearnce package sr5 or a limited who has complained of the smell getting into the cab or making passengers sick or referencing the vehicle as junk or seeking arbitration or pursing lemon law or trading etc. This is what I am saying.
Rickwil61 made sense. I have just recently started to see a few more '03 runners in my Northern Ct. area. I will conduct an independent survey here and report my findings. You think Toyota will be interested? One would hope so.
tidester, host
My Road Flatulator was a V8 Sport Edition. The smell was so bad my wife actually had to roll down her window and stick her head out of the truck to get fresh air. All for $30K; what a bargain!!!