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Comments
Anyway, I saw a Limited in white at the local dealer yesterday. Looked pretty nice, though white's not my favorite car color. I guess now the SR5s and Sports will be available (with appearance package) in white too.
Nonetheless, I saw no units with the appearance package among the 16 or so at this dealer. Some Limiteds and a Sport or two, with the rest all having the gray cladding. It'll be interesting to see what Toyota does next year to try to externally differentiate the Limiteds from the other models.
american-stitches.com. I replaced my '98 steering wheel leather and they did a great job; matched the factory leather exactly. They are located in Dallas. I was on a trip there and left the vehicle for the day so they could do it on the vehicle. They also have directions for removing your steering wheel at their web site and, through FedEx, there is a two-three day turnaround time.
Regarding '04s, there Toyota goes again with the market differentiation cr*p, assuming the "third row seat option, but can't get a Nav with it" is true. My guess is they are trying to protect their GX470 sales? Gimme a break. The cladding issue proved that the consumer is king. You think they would have learned a lesson.
Still loving the '03 V8 however; 6500 miles and no stink yet.
It appears the dealers are no longer getting any grey cladding on new deliveries. Everything has the paint, and there's no charge on the stickers anymore for the paint or for the alloy wheels.
The truck was solid and very quiet. Did a little off-roading, but pretty easy stuff. Didn't need 4WD, but did need the high ground clearance. Rough, but solid riding. Other comments:
- I did notice the sound of the engine upon accelaration (windows open) when reflected by an object. Sounds like a cheap little 4 cylinder. However, power on mountain passes was more than satisfactory.
- When climbing hills the transmission would kick down a little - rpm's would rise a little, but this wasn't a downshift to 3rd. Because with continued climbing it would shift down to 3rd. I don't know what this first kick-down was. Maybe I have a 4 1/2 speed automatic.
Great truck. I'll think I'll be happy with it for a number of years.
The "4 1/2 speed" tranny issue is actually your torque converter unlocking. This gives you a bit more torque multiplication without requiring an actual downshift.
When cruising along in 4th, gradually add throttle. At some point, you'll see the rpms suddenly rise by 300 or so. That's the torque converter unlocking. Keep adding throttle and you'll eventually get your downshift to 3rd and the rpms will rise several hundred more.
It's best to avoid running for long periods with the converter unlocked. It wastes fuel and generates heat that causes the ATF temp to rise.
We had a '98 4Runner Limited V6 that I used to tow a 4,000# trailer. I quickly learned to watch the tach and do a manual downshift to 3rd when necessary to avoid cruising in 4th with the converter unlocked, such as when towing into a stiff headwind or up a long gentle grade. When we traded it in at 75K miles and 5 years old, the tranny (and the rest of the truck) were still like new and been trouble-free. The ATF overtemp light had never come on, in spite of the fact I never added a tranny oil cooler. I believe that's the same tranny that's in your truck.
-Karl: '03 Limited V8 4WD
Thanks.
One thought about the cladding on the 4Runner. I decided to buy one before they did away with it all together (plus I got a $750 rebate for taking it). On my last truck I had a painted front bumper. I live in Denver and they put "sand" (really it's small rocks) on the roads in the winter. My front bumper looked awful with stone chips after only one winter. With the cladding in the 4Runner you get the same plastic material on the front and rear bumpers. Like others have said, I beleive this material will hold up better to chips, dings, scrapes, etc. Time will tell, but I wanted to try something besides a painted surface. And beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?
I should have bought a Ford.
If you expect others here to believe you, you will need to provide better explanations. Otherwise we'll all just assume you are a troll.
The plastic is black under the paint which is kind of questionable. You have to handle this area every time you open the hatch, so why wouldn't Toyota use solid grey plastic? I'm going to talk to my dealer.
On the first trip, the vehicle started out at 800 miles. This most recent one it started out with over 4000.
The driving on this trip was done in states where regular gas is 85 octane, the other ones all had regular 87 octane. I believe it's been mentioned here before that lower octane actually improves milage....
Also, there was probably more off-interstate driving in this trip, which kept the speeds down 10 mph or so, and it seems to get much better economy at 70mph rather than 80mph.
Here's a great shot of my 4Runner (and my Uncle's '01 Tundra) in South-Central Montana:
http://www.lethean.net/carpics/conv_DSCN1476.JPG
I took it off-road a bit in Grand Teton National Park. There's a cool road on the park map called River Road that is listed as 4WD Required, and has a sign at the beginning saying '4WD Recommended'. On this trail it's probably true. Didn't get above 20 MPH on any of it with lots of cobblestone sized rocks making up the road, plus there were gravel moguls in spots. It's about 25 miles all together, especially if you take the spur at the north end that goes to the river. It was a blast, though, and the 4Runner handled it easily. Didn't run into any other vehicles until almost the end of the 2 hour drive (A Suburban and a Blazer). Here's a pic from a turnout in the road:
http://www.lethean.net/carpics/conv_DSCN1567.JPG
And a pic of the dusty backend of the 4Runner at the north-end spur near the river:
http://www.lethean.net/carpics/conv_DSCN1568.JPG
A couple of other roads in the park listed as 4WD recommended that we took were navigable by your average minivan.
And, I've got a squeaky belt. When brand new, it ran quiet, then at ~200 miles developed a belt noise. Dealer special ordered a belt tensioner. Had them replace it at 1500 miles, but by then the noise had all but disappeared. As well, they gave me a new belt. Ran quiet for a week. Now, ~300 miles with the new belt, and it makes noise again. Seems to be timed with when the lettering on the belt goes over the tensioners so I'm going to leave it, see if it just needs to wear in. Anyone else have this type of problem?
Thanks, Eric
1. Rotten egg smell (been discussed - still bugs the hell out of me).
2. Ticking engine noise (apparently an exhaust manifold issue. Toyota will be installing one on mine when it gets in...whenever that is...)
3. Soft plastic on display gauges (I cleaned them for the first time as they were dusty, and they are completely scratched now....I used windex and a paper towel...).
4. Soft plastic in rear cargo area (seems to scratch to easily).
5. Light grey floor mats (for a rugged / outdoor vehicle, they get too dirty wayyyy to fast).
6. Premium JBL stereo (although I do like it, I have to have the fade set to R5 -rear 5- so that the sound comes out balanced. The front center/dash speaker seems too loud, or the rear ones are too quiet).
7. Rear power gate window that can only be put down with the key fob, and not put back up.
8. Recall notice for fuel pulsation damper.
9. Total of 5 trips to Toyota service to address problem of ticking noise, as well as the fact that they forgot to put my running boards on when I first got it.
10. Black is such a hard colour to keep clean, and you see all the little scratches and dents...But that's my fault for buying it that colour....It looks so good all cleaned up though!
I realize I'm being very picky with some of these issues, however on a $45,000 + vehicle I think I have a right to be picky. Having said that I do really like it. It's comfortable, rugged, spacious and aggressive looking.
Just thought I'd get all that off my chest....
I am having serious problems with the horrific smell being produced from my 2003 sport 4runner v8. I would like to enact the lemon law but would you mind letting me know if this is a long process and any pointers? Thanks you for any help you can give me. My email is MB0526@aol.com.
Thanks again,
Michael
The Lemon Laws have already been enacted. I think you meant to say "invoke the Lemon Law."
tidester, host
Michael
The manual also cautions against "dinghy towing" a 4Runner behind a motor home.
-Karl
But I agree completely on the soft plastic on the gauges. I did the same thing. What were they thinking about? Now I get to look at the swirl/scratched every day. On balance, not a biggie. Still think this is a terrific vehicle.
Regards, JC
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I am looking to buy a Limited 4X4 V6. I am pretty close to striking a deal with the dealer(I'm sure there will be some haggling). But I am concerned about all the messages here about the smell because this will my first expensive car purchase and I don't want to get stuck with the smell.
What do you guys think? Is this a problem that's severe enough and happens often enough that I should wait for the 04's? I would hate to wait for another few months, not to mention the higher cost usually in the winter months for SUV's. Your help and input will be greatly appreciated.
Besides, as some previous threads pointed out, the interior are made out of cheap materials. I clean the gauge plastic cover with softcloth and ended up with lot of obvious scratches!
Wait for 04 model.
Gal Gray 4X4 moon roof, spoiler, convenience package, alloy wheel locks, headphones, DRL for 33,707. But this price has a TDA(what is this?) of 647 and a Whsl Financial Reserve(basically sounded like their rent for the floor plan) of 356. Also, the dealer was only willing to split the holdback amount(50-50). I asked if I could get the full holdback amount and his response was, "What, don't you want us to make any money?"
What do you guys think about this? I'm kinda tired of waiting and this exactlyy the SUV I'm looking for with the right options. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
I was looking at getting an '03 4Runner which would be a big change from my current Intergra GSR (which I would sell/trade-in). I was wondering if any current 4Runner owners could provide some insight into driving the 4Runner on a daily basis - does this make sense as a commuter car ?
I really don't have far to drive for work and I'm mainly buying this for what I do outside of work - skiing, cycling, camping and being able to take others with me which is something my current car can't do. The idea of driving this every-day makes me wonder....perhaps I should be shopping for a used Runner so that I can keep my current car for commuting ?
If you're considering buying a used 4Runner, it will almost certainly be a '92 or earlier third generation vehicle. We owned a '98, and while it was an excellent vehicle, the '03s are vastly improved in almost all respects.
-Karl: '03 V8 4WD Limited w/XREAS
If the wheel scrathces are significant, call the tire repair shop and ask them what can be done. They might repair it. I always cringe when I watch those guys change one of my tires or fix a flat. They don't seem to be very careful.
By the way, don't use paper towels to wipe anything that is plastic. I just wipe my gauge faces with a damp chamois. If you need to use a cleaner, wipe with a soft cotton cloth.
Lastly, with regard to nitpicky squabbles about the 4Runner, don't forget the poor daytime legibility of the gauges, especially the radio and HVAC. Toyota should know better. They are very hard to read in daytime sun. I also have a BMW and they know the meaning of clean, simple, beautiful dash displays (so does Honda).
And I totally agree with you on the cringing part--I wish those mechanics would be more careful. The scratches aren't that significant and I've been talking to some friends about their wheels and they all have some form of scratch or gouge and what not. I guess it's bound to happen...
On the negative, the smell seems to be invading the cabin more frequently lately. I rarely drive with the windows open. One time when I was driving with the back window down the smell was really bad. I don't worry too much about it, but it was a little embarassing to have my passengers endure that odor in a 40K+ car.
Finally, I have a question I am hoping someone can help with. A yellow MAINT light has come on in the guage that shows RPMs. According to the manual this means add engine oil. I added the oil (even though it didn't really need any according to the dip stick) and the light is still on. Does anyone know how to make this light go off? Should I be worried about it? I went to the dealer and the service department basically had no idea what it was for or how to turn it off.
Before getting the 4Runner, I had two small sedans. The extra space available in the 4Runner compared to those is nice to have on a daily basis, when doing things like getting groceries or going to the home depot or disposing of half a tree that was brought down in a snowstorm.