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Toyota 4Runner

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  • twlmsmtrstwlmsmtrs Member Posts: 1
    WE HAVE 1999 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER THAT IS USING ABOUT 1 QUART OF OIL IN 100 MILES. IT DOES SMOKE AT TIMES BUT NOT ALL OF THE TIME.WE CHANGED PCV VALVE, WHICH WAS CLOGGED AND CHANGED THE OIL AND FILTER, SEEMED TO SLOW SMOKE DOWN TREMENDOUSLY UNTIL IT HAS BEEN DRIVEN ABOUT 100 MILES. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 92k MILES. ANY SUGGESTIONS?
  • swhatszupswhatszup Member Posts: 1
    Hi All,
    I am looking into a 2001 4-Runner. I am considering trading in my 95. It has 98K miles, Auto, RHeater, CD, Dark Blue, mint body other then some rust coming through on rear bumper. The dealer wants to give me 8.9K, I told him he's crazy. I thought they should give me at least 10K. Your thoughts? Thanks!

    Armand
  • carvoicecarvoice Member Posts: 10
    2001 Toyota SR-5 with MSRP of $28,875 plus the following options: rear heater RH ($170.00), chrome wheel moulding JU ($70.00) 16" aluminum wheels AL ($840.00) convenience package C7 ($810.00) and running boards CR ($470.00) plus delivery for total MSRP of $31,715.00. Selling price was $28,015 minus $1,500 rebate for total selling price $26,515.00. Document prep fee, sales tax and DMV fees for a total "out-the-door" price of $30,304.80. I calculated an invoice price of $27,934.00. Therefore, the actual selling price was $1,419.00 below invoice. Sorry. I guess I got a little carried away with the $1,700 below...
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    There's the rebate figured in. You paid invoice less rebate. Still a good deal.
  • gw6gw6 Member Posts: 3
    I have noticed my brake lights coming on intermittently. Don't drive much at night so it is hard to tell how often. Also notice there are times when I turn the ignition off with foot on brake that Lights-On buzzer comes on. buzzer stops when I lift foot off brake and returns when I step back on brake. Also have noticed when coming to a stop that the dashboard clock dims like I have just switched on lights. Any Ideas?
  • akgakg Member Posts: 85
    Here I am deciding to wait until the spring for the next generation 4Runner because I figured I may as well start off buying the first new car I have ever owned with the restyled model, when low and behold I find out that it will only be available in a V8? Is it true? And will that mean that the fuel economy will go down from the 17-22 mpg? Why a V8 when the Toyota line has the Sequoia and Land Cruiser models. All right, in lieu of that what would you recommend for a woman who lives in rural Northern California and wants a solid low maintenance vehicle with 4WD or AWD and decent gas mileage? Help!!!!!!!
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    Its way too early to know exactly what will be available on the next generation Runner. I only know it will have a V8. Whether this will be the only option, I don't know. Beyond that, I'm told it will be larger and will be available with a 3rd seat and will be out "this winter."
  • dehuadehua Member Posts: 4
    > My salesman told me Labor Day Toyota will offer the $1,500 rebate plus 3.9% financing...

    That sounds a great deal, by any chance you remember the sals's name?
  • peter78peter78 Member Posts: 284
    I bought a new 4Runner this March and I love this forum and have contributed to it from time to time. I assume that most people are like me and are car owners contributing to this forum.
    Last week my parents who own a 91 Previa asked me for advice on a new mini-van. Well I looked into Honda and found "Consumer Reports" rates their reliability as average and they sell above sticker, the Toyota Sienna has a good reliability rating and crash tests. Then I looked at the Sienna forum on Edmunds and I found people talking about engine sludge and Toyota is not fixing their engines. Edmunds even has a special forum called, you guessed it, "Engine Sludge" and they have mostly Toyota Sienna owners on it. Even at other web sites, like www.carreview.com, engine sludge. This may not be the best site to ask this, but this forum seems fairly level headed.

    1. Has anyone on this site heard about engine sludge in Toyota's? I have to wonder why "Consumer Reports" says the Sennia engine is fine? If someone is spamming the sites, they are doing a great job.

    2. The people on other sites say Toyota won't pay because of invalid reciepts. Well I change my own oil and I bought 12 Toyota filters from a Web site for $3.50 apeice and I buy Castrol oil at Sears or K-Mart. I write down the oil change in a book, I now wonder if Toyota will honor this if my engine blows up? See, I am already getting paranoid.

    3. Some people at the Sienna site say we should of been changing oil at 1,000 miles. My first new car, a 1980 Honda Civic, I changed every 3,000 miles and I sold it in 98 with 260,000 miles on it. Everthing else was falling apart, but the engine was still running, with good compression. I know the Toyota dealer said I can change the oil every 7,500 or 5,000 and I had to sign a form stating which I wanted. I signed the 5,000 form and change the oil every 3,000 miles. Should we be concerned about the new engines and use Mobil One or even shorten the 3,000 mile oil change?

    Bottom line, I told my parents to hang onto thier Previa for a while longer. One Toyota dealer mentioned at Edmunds 4 or 5 times about not fixxing the problem was "Cobb County Toyota". I live 10 miles away, perhaps I should go visit them. Any comments on this subject are welcome. I know this is not the Sienna site, but as a Toyota owner and a future buyer I am concerned. Sorry about the long message.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    It's hard to know if the sludge issue is an urban legend in the making or if there's any grains of truth out there. It's starting to affect some Toyota sales, so maybe we'll see some definitive movement on the question this year.

    The hosts asked folks in the Toyota Sienna discussion to take the sludge discussion to the Engine Sludge message board since it's rather "out there". Guess we'd prefer that you'd do so here too.

    We would certainly be curious to learn what your local dealer says about all this though (hint ).

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

  • jf01jf01 Member Posts: 88
    I didn't know what to title this.

    A week or two ago, I was checking autonews.com and saw an article about the 2002 4Runner. The article mentioned that the price would remain approximately the same. It also mentioned that the redesigned 4Runner would not be appearing yet. It also mentioned that the sport package, previously known as the "highlander" package, would not include an aluminum skidplate. I didn't pay too much attention to the article because it said that the redesigned Runner would not be coming out, but with all the talk to the 2002, I tried to go back and check the article. Unfortunately, it was no longer on the main page. In order to look at past articles, a subscription is required. Not having a subscription, I was not able to look for the article. Anyone see that article, or maybe have an autonews.com (I think the newspaper version is called "Automotive News") subscription that could check this out? Anyone know any thing else?
  • rward99rward99 Member Posts: 185
    I've searched the Internet too, for information on the 2002 1/2. The only things that I can find say that the revision will come in early 2002, and will probably be sold as a 2003 model. I have found several stories that claim the V-8, but I would be surprised if they didn't offer the V-6 as well, like they do for the Tundra.

    I'm in the market for one, but I want to see what they are going to do to it first ;-) I'll probably still go with the V-6. 220 lb of torque will pull my boat without any problems. It's the third seat that interests me.
  • akgakg Member Posts: 85
    Please let me know if you hear or see anything on the new model...web-sites, etc. I would love to know if it'll be available in the V6. A V8 just gets too little gas economy for me. I'll let you know if I see or hear of anything also. Thanks!
  • bbesedabbeseda Member Posts: 1
    Is it me or are there a lot of 4Runner's out there with the right rear tail light out? The right rear tail light on my '98 4Runner went out last week; I changed the bulb and checked the fuses and no change. Except for taking it into the shop, does anyone have any ideas or experienced the same?
  • gw6gw6 Member Posts: 3
    I was at a Dallas dealership this past weekend and they just received their first 2002 4Runner. I was the sport package. There was a skid plate in the front, about .25 inch thick, I believe it was aluminum; it had a Sport Edition label behind the front fender and a new upholstery that looked much better that the current sport option. As for feel of the new upholstery I'm not sure, car was on back lot and locked up. I'm in the market for a 2001 so if the 2002 is still there I'll get more info. I know they would not take any less than sticker... This vehicle just came in Saturday 8-18, it still had the wheel caps in the floorboard, not inspected by anyone.

    Anyone have any ideas on the Taillight problem, item 605?
  • rward99rward99 Member Posts: 185
    I'd like to know more about the 3rd seat option. I think it is supposed to be in the 2002 version. I'd also like to know if they boosted the V-6 horsepower or torque. If I find anything I'll post a link here.
  • rward99rward99 Member Posts: 185
    If the tail light area isn't completely dry, it could be the contact point in the light bulb socket. Try cleaning the socket with a light rag and some WD-40.

    It's also possible that the bulb isn't being installed correctly. Dual filiment bulbs have their 'nubs' (little points that stick out at the base of the brass) at different heights to make sure the bulb contacts seat correctly. Make sure you insert the bulb in the base so that the lower nub will seat in the lower slot in the socket.

    If neither of these work, you need to trouble-shoot. If you have a multi-meter or volt meter, carefully (don't want to short out the socket and blow a fuse) test the voltages to each of the two sockets. You can also test the fuse socket. One side should have voltage when the lights are on.
  • peter78peter78 Member Posts: 284
    The 2002 4Runner, according to other web sites is the same engine (183HP & 217 lbs/ft of torque) and the same base price. When the new model comes out, possibly a 2002 1/2 or a 2003, that is when we will see changes, such as 3rd seat, V8 etc.
  • jeffjeffjeffjeff Member Posts: 54
    So, would you happen to know if there is anything that sets the 2002 model apart from the 2001? Im considering purchasing the 2002 model primarily because it looks like this will be the last year the body style will remain the same, I love that body style and the 2003 may have a V8 that will use more gas, but then again, the 2003 may have a more powerful V6. Its a tough decision to make. If you have any more info. on this, please share it.
  • ochsskochssk Member Posts: 52
    I'm constantly (every 6 months) replacing my tail light bulb on my '88 4 Runner. I found some high lifetime bulbs the last time I went to autozone and am trying those. So far so good.
  • rythlorythlo Member Posts: 1
    Recently purchased a 2001 SR5 with upgrade pckg #2 running boards, etc... I am a tall guy 6'4'' and although I love my truck and think it very confortable, I was wondering if anyone out there has either installed new seats, or modified the existing tracks on the drivers side so that it slides back a few more inches. let me know if you have do this or know someplace where it can be done.
  • peter78peter78 Member Posts: 284
    There is very little information on the new model. Edmunds says the 2002 will be the model change with possibly a stronger V6. They need to up-date it to 2002 1/2 or ?. Most of the neatest INFO comes from "cliffy1" on this site. If you read posts #568 & #575, you will notice that a V8 is planned for this Winter. Well, the first day of Winter is December 21, 2001. But, I bet it will come out next year. It does make sense to come out with a base V6, but we have to just wait and see. It is amazing how they can keep it so secret. I can show you pictures of the 2003 Kia SUV, but who cares.
    I think the 2002 models have some new colors and some new cloth seats, maybe more. When they come in, which should be soon, you can take a look.
  • akgakg Member Posts: 85
    Please, whoever gets wind of the first photos and real info on the new model, please post it ASAP. It is amazing that the designers can keep it under wraps so well. I'm sure there's already a prototype.
  • rward99rward99 Member Posts: 185
    I guess you can go to the horse's mouth ;-)


    The http://www.toyota.com site has plenty of information on the 2002 model. It's identical to the 2001 model :-(


    Almost no changes.


    I was at our local dealership and he still has 2001 but no 2002 models. I guess there's no rush. I'll wait for next year.

  • mikee5mikee5 Member Posts: 4
    Motor Trend comments on 2002. No photos though.

    http://www.motortrend.com/news/stories/010723te.html
  • akgakg Member Posts: 85
    rward99, I mean photos of the NEW 4Runner. 2003 or whenever they come out with it. And, the 'horses mouth, Toyota.com' usually is the last place you'll find it!!! Keep in touch!
  • jt_4runnerjt_4runner Member Posts: 3
    I just purchased a 2001 SR5. So far it is a great truck. I did not think I could afford a 4Runner, but this the $1,000 price drop in 2001 and the $1,500 rebate I got a really good deal.

    The air conditioning seems a bit weak. It blows semi-cold air but not real cold. I am used to the A/C in my Camry and expected this would be similar, but it is not nearly as cold. When I first start the truck, the A/C is not cold at all. After I drive for 5 minutes is goes get semi-cold. Is there anyway I can measure the A/C output? I could measure the temperature outside the truck and the vent when the A/C is running and subtract the two values. This is how the measured the output from my house A/C. What should this difference be?

    Any help is appreciated.
  • 4winns4winns Member Posts: 7
    I own a 2001 4Runner Limited and have just turned 1,000 miles. I am not sure if my Runner has a problem so before bothering the Dealer I thought I would ask via this list. At night, the only lighted door panel switch is the driver side power window. Should the power mirror, other power window, power locks, heated seats, and instrument illumination knob be lit/illuminated? If yes, mine are not. My 93 Camry switchs are, hence the question.

    My second question deals with a "sound" that I am not sure is normal. When the truck is warmed up, in gear, and stopped at a light or stop sign there is a somewhat noticeable sound. The best way to describe the sound is a harmonic vibration/flutter. It disappears when I drive away but returns when I stop. The sound is not noticeable when in park. The radio has to be off to hear it. Is this normal? Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.
  • jf01jf01 Member Posts: 88
    jt_4runner:
    Regarding the A/C, mine usually gets cold after driving around. However, if I only drive in slow stop and go traffic after starting the engine, the A/C takes a little longer to get cold. After the engine's been running for a bit, my A/C gets cold enough to make my hands cold and make me turn the vent away from me. I set my A/C at it's coldest setting though.

    4winns:
    The only switches that light up on my door is the driver's window switch. I would think the front passenger's window switch would light up as well since the switch looks the same, but it doesn't, so I don't know. As to the harmonic vibration/flutter, does it come from your speakers or your engine? I think earlier in this board it was mentioned that some people had some static coming from their radios.
  • 4winns4winns Member Posts: 7
    JF01, the harmonic is coming from the engine/engine compartment. The radio is off.

    Thanks.
  • rward99rward99 Member Posts: 185
    I see, you want pics of the SUV of the future.
    :-)
    Well, you are correct in that the Toyota site is the last place they will appear. If you find any pics around the web there is an excellent chance that they will be incorrect or (at the very best) pre-production pics, which will probably change.

    Personally, I'm more interested in any new features, most notably the 3rd seat. Since Explorer has it I'm sure that Toyota will add it as well. I'd also like to see a few more horses in the V-6 but not at the expense of mileage.

    Everything I have found on the Internet indicates that there will be an early release of the 2003 model about March of 2002. Earlier information said December or January for a 2002 1/2, but now they are saying March for a 2003.
  • gw6gw6 Member Posts: 3
    I am working with an internet sales manager and was told that Toyota had a couple of extra fees, the Mfg Advertising fee, higher than I expected, and a Toyota Dealership Association fee, as high as the MFA fee. Are these negotiable?
  • suvshopper4suvshopper4 Member Posts: 1,110
    The advertising fee is common, and I've heard it is non-negotiable because the dealer must pay it. But the 'Toyota Dealership Association' fee? Sounds like that is part of the dealership's overhead, and not your problem. Just my opinion, but it sounds like a rip.
    ejp
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    just with the TDA, which includes advertising. I haven't seen an invoce with separate fees yet, maybe it's different where you are. Ask to see an invoice.
  • jeffjeffjeffjeff Member Posts: 54
    I am seriously considering purchasing a 2002 4Runner within the next few weeks. This post is for those who own or lease the 183hp 3.4liter V6 engine. For everyday driving, does the truck have enough power for its massive weight? When merging on to a freeway, does the truck struggle to get up to speed for safe merging? From a standstill to a start, does the truck take a long amount of time to gain speed? I am considering other SUV's at the same time, thats why I have these questions. The Nissan Pathfinder has 240hp with the automatic, and I don't know if the difference in hp would be much of a big deal. It seems as if all other SUV's in this class have much more horse power than the 4Runner which would make the 4Runner seem outdated. I know this truck is not meant for speed, but if someone is going to pay the price for this truck, I would imagine they would want a powerful truck in all aspects. I don't plan to tow anything at all at this time. I'm just concerned because I hear many people say that the 4Runner is severely underpowered and not worth the money especially for the Limited model, which is the model that I am contemplating purchasing. Any help or ideas on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
  • jparentejparente Member Posts: 9
    I have a 2000 4x4 SR5 with the automatic and V6.
    I'd recommend picking up the September Consumer Reports for a full review of the 2001-they feel it is still a solid choice and called the engine smooth & refined. I feel that the V6 is smooth, & around town it feels quite spirited. Consumer Reports will also mention they felt it not too powerful. With the addition of stability control emergency handling is much improved.

    Remember that the Pathfinder requires Premium Fuel and that paying for that could get old.

    I've read in these posts that many people choose the SR5 and load it up as the Limited is quite overpriced for what you get. I did this with mine and added aftermarket leather. The incentives right now are really good and you can get a great deal on a loaded SR5.

    Anyway, you will have a very reliable and versatile vehicle that will offer many years of trouble free service. If you later feel the engine is underpowered look into the TRD Supercharger for the extra 60 to 70 HP; sometimes they are on EBay and if you have them installed by the dealer the warranty will be 5 years on it. Just look for a 2nd generation unit.

    Good luck!
  • wesyangwesyang Member Posts: 32
    Hi all, I plan to buy a used 97 SR5 4x4 which at 30K miles now. Is there any special problems, recalls with 97 model that I need to pay attention. Thanks
  • fordnightmarefordnightmare Member Posts: 40
    What's the difference between these? Do you need the RS3200 plus if you already have the keyless remote? Do you get a different key fob with the plus?

    thanks...
  • fordnightmarefordnightmare Member Posts: 40
    Is the 4WD system the same for both the SR5 and Limited in 01? I read some review (cannot remember which one) that said they were different. I believe the article is wrong?

    thanks..
  • cliffy1cliffy1 Member Posts: 3,581
    The 3200 plus is compatible with vehicles that already have a factory keyless entry. You would have to look pretty hard to find one without it. The 3200 is for those special ordered vehicles that didn't come with the factory remote.

    For 2001, the 4WD systems are the same between the SR5 and Limited. Prior to this, the Limited was the only one with an all wheel drive mode.
  • dbabbledbabble Member Posts: 13
    Regarding the "massive weight" of the 4-Runner, it weighs less than the Pathfinder, Grand Cherokee, Xterra, Passport and Blazer. Of the 217 pound-feet of torque, 80% of that is available at idle, which means that it jumps off the line pretty good. I've run mine up to the mountains, fully loaded with gear, though I'm not passing Porches I am going as fast as I want. Around town, I feel like I have plenty of power, and still average over 18 mpg on regular gas.
  • robnbryanrobnbryan Member Posts: 1
    We are looking at purchasing a 4 Runner, but our main concern is that we want to purchase an SUV where our child can be seated in the middle of the back seat. My current Blazer does not allow this. Our dealers tell us that you can not put the seat in the middle; however, I called the Toyota Customer Assistance help line, and they say that you can. The only negative they claim is that there is no tether connection for the middle seat. Is this correct? Does the middle belt seem to securely hold the seat, or do most people use the side seats?

    We liked the Highlander because it has a shoulder and lap belt for the middle, but they are negotiating a lot more on the 4 Runner, so we really wanted to check into the seat positioning more.

    Thank you very much for any help/comments you can provide.
  • llslicellslice Member Posts: 15
    I agree with dbabble.Most of the torque is at the lower range of the RPM band.Merging onto the highway is not a problem.I've used mine to pull out a tree stump and drive around some not too svelt friends.Some consider the ride a little stiff,but remember it is a truck.Saw a commercial this past weekend that 2001 Limited's are getting a $3000 rebate in my area right now or 4.9% financing.If you like doing your own maintanence like oil changes and belts it's not a problem.Those spark plugs look like a project though.Good luck.
  • jf01jf01 Member Posts: 88
    I think if you are willing to wait a little longer, you might be able to get a more powerful 4Runner. I read on autonews.com today that the Tacoma engine will be bored out to 3.7 liters for the next redesign (which is actually supposed to be 2004, okay a lot longer). I would guess they would do this for the 4Runner too (which is supposed to be released as a 2003 sometime in 2002, I think someone mentioned March). With a larger displacement though, I don't really know how gas mileage will be affected. I also read that the RX300 will be redesigned soon and will have a 3.5 liter engine. Maybe that engine will appear elsewhere as well.
  • jeffjeffjeffjeff Member Posts: 54
    Thanks everyone for all of your ideas and suggestions. I think what Im going to do is hold on to my 89 Camry because it runs like a charm and I love that car. If I can keep it another 3-5 years or so, by that time, Im sure Toyota will have a more powerful engine in the 4Runner. By that time, the 4Runner will probably look completely different by that time. But, every time I look at the 4Runner on the road, I always feel like I've got to have one. Maybe I should quit being anxious and just hold on to what I have, because right now, I have no car payments and I kind of like that! Whichever way I decide to go, I can gaurantee that I will NEVER leave TOYOTA, because they build GREAT cars!
  • aquaticaquatic Member Posts: 12
    I want to occasionally transport 3 bikes on a 2000 4Runner. I don't have a trailer hitch. I do have a roof rack.

    Is it better to get a trailer hitch installed and buy trailer hitch bike rack or can I get a roof rack bike rack to hold 3 bikes?

    Preferences?

    Good bike racks/trailer hitch?
  • loma1loma1 Member Posts: 32
    We bought a Yakima terragate 2 for our trailer hitch. We liked it over a roof system for many reasons:


    Easy to access, seemed rather unwieldly to get bikes off and on roof.


    Lose clearance with roof rack(low bridges, trees, garages)


    Lots more wind resistence = lower mileage


    Don't have to remove wheels or need to put on covers to keep bugs off bikes.


    The downside for you would seem to be the lack of a trailer hitch. The Yakima system for two bikes was something like $330 dollars(they make a four bike system) plus another 40 for lock system. Then possibly another 200 for the hitch reciever for your runner.


    http://www.yakima.com/index.html


    http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/default.asp

  • stankiusstankius Member Posts: 17
    I recently bought a 2 bike roof rack that uses the existing factory rack for about 140$ through performancebike.com. They have different rack products there at the best prices I've been able to find.
  • ronfarronfar Member Posts: 11
    Thanks to everyone posting in these forums. I started out looking at the Highlander/Acura MDX/RX300 then found out that I wanted to go offroading at times. So, I moved to the 4Runner.
    I live in Washington State and just printed out a lot of info from edmunds, carpoint, and kbb and walked into the dealership after calling and talking to the fleet manager...

    No hassle whatsoever. He even showed me their invoice paperwork. Worked the deal in minutes. Got 2001 SR5 (Blue) with Convenience package. Upgrade package#2, moonroof, hood protector, wind deflector, rear heaters and 1 or 2 other things. Invoice (according to kbb, edmunds, and his sheet was ~$29622). Got them to sell for $28522 with the $1500 cash back. My credit union pre-approved me for up to $35,000 yesterday, so no problem there.

    Only things I wish it had that I am wondering about aftermarket would be:

    Leather seats - are aftermarket leather seats worth it? How much do they generally run? How would I find these places (trust the dealership?)?

    Fog lights - I didn't get these...are they worth it? can they be installed aftermarket easily?

    Outside temperature gauge - can this be installed aftermarket...very easily?

    Again, I wanted to thank everyone (esp Cliffy as I have been reading his posts for months....VERY informative and appreciated!!!!) for all the posts...I hope to have items (good, not bad) to post when I learn more about the vehicle.

    btw....I really appreciated people who discussed the tire pressure. My salesguy (fleet manager even) was unaware of the issue (my tires were set at OVER 50 PSI!!!!). We took them down to ~31PSI....I have the 16" wheels. It handles very nicely...and, with a pregnant wife, I think that is important as is the safety.

    also....for people that bought the limited....I would like to ask ... why? We looked at it...yes, it comes with the leather already, it has the climate control, but I just couldn't see why I would want to spend ~$4000 more for just about the same vehicle. What did I miss?
  • peter78peter78 Member Posts: 284
    Dual visor vanity mirrors with illumination. Any more questions?
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