Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
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Also, search previous postings in this discussion. Many of us have posted our own experiences and there are several good lists of pros/cons.
Both seem to be very good choices, so enjoy your new truck!
$60 for the key
$40 for programing the chip + tax.
I have a problem starting sometimes I have to press the gas while turning the key to start. Yesterday the truck cut off on me while taking off at the light. I read in the (99 owners manual) that the key with the chip in it could cause this to happen. Is this TRUE?
The hood scoop is on the Sport because it looks sporty. Same with spoilers. And red paint. And designer wheels. If all we drove were cars with strictly functional exterior design features, we'd all be driving Camrys. And everyone everyday would wear blue jeans, t-shirts and sneakers.
Cladding: it's what they offered at the time. Does anyone think Toyota set out to anger people? They thought it was a good idea. They got some complaints, listened and changed it. Now they'll hear from others who want the cladding. I like it. Functionally, it's the part of the body closest to a stray shopping cart or the edge of another car's open door. Aesthetically, I like the contrast it makes with the dark gray paint.
X-reas is another matter. The biggest knock on SUVs -- aside from mpg -- is rollover. Before buying this past May I test drove both an SR5 and a Sport Edition on twisty mountain roads. No comparison when it comes eliminating that feel that you're losing it on a turn. I do a lot of hiking and backpacking. My 4Runner's job is to get me to the trailhead, whether it's over miles of spaghetti-like pavement like the road to Mineral King in the Sierra or the dirt & rock 4WD type. It does all this in extreme comfort. Even more important than side air bags, I don't know why anyone wouldn't want it.
I suppose there's a Garden Weasel board out there somewhere where people are complaining about the color or the fact it doesn't look like a real weasel so why would they call it that and...
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"If you're away from the vehicle using the remote, you might not notice this problem as easily as you would if you are in the vehicle using the switch. "
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The dash mounted button isn't the only way to roll it up. You can also roll it up by inserting the key and turning it clockwise and holding in place until the window raises to the desired point.
I just received a letter from a Customer Service Rep at JL that apologized for the lack of service I received. He says that he has forwarded my complaint to Regional Manager who is responsible for the operation of that JL store. He also provided me with his phone number so that I may call him if I wished.
"Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We look forward to providing you with the highest quality service in the near future."
Interesting. Possibly useless, but interesting.
Told them with the 04's soon to arrive I would rather wait and then make the comparisons. Too bad the Sport Edition does not offer the Air Suspension, that would make that package even better.
I like everything about the new 4Runner with one exception, the headroom. With the Limited's power seats you seem to have more range to raise and lower. Or maybe the leather seats just flex a little more? I'm sure someone in Toyota has heard this complaint, again the salesman said no one has yet to complain about the headroom. Why don't I believe him?
Appreciate comments and suggestions. Thank you....
Also, does anyone know if you can install homelink at the dealer or yourself
Thanks,
Tangman
The problem is a driveline vibration that occurs under the following conditions:
* Speed >= 45MPH
* Light throttle/slight acceleration
The vibration can be felt through the floor, steering wheel and pedals. Easing off of the gas stops the vibration, regardless of speed, so it is not tire related.
This is apparently a fairly common problem and I know of nobody who has complained about it having it successfully fixed. Anybody else here having this problem or any success in getting it resolved?
I'm 6'2" tall with a 33" inseam and I have no headroom problems at all in our truck, which has a sunroof. There have been several complaints about limited headroom on the forums I read, but all seemed to relate to the sport or SR-5 models.
-Karl
Cheers steve
I am in the market for a new auto and have driven Murano, Pacifica, and 4 Runner . Thought about Pathfinder too but 4 R really got my attention and held the road almost as well as the muano . The Murano and 4 Runner handle great but the quality I noticed in the 4R seemed to be a cut above the rest. The Pacifica is out of the question as it has no tork and I do not have confidence in Chrysler or american cars since owning this Nissan since 93.
I really would like any 03 4 runner owner if they could give me thier expeience with this SUV and any others you have owned and what you think about the 4 runner compared to all the reat in this class. I have not been up on any SUVs and this will be my first. Need the cargo space . Any help pros or cons willbe greatly appreciated. You can email me , if it is not too much trouble or you can post it and maybe I can find it.
I am new to the townhall too so all this and the townhall will be quite a learning experience. I have read many pages tonight on the 4 Runner and also the Infiniti QX4, FX35 but unless it handles better than the 4 Runner and has the tork and stability and quality of he 03 Sport I drove to day, I will more than likely go with the 4 Runner as ther is a dealer locally and there is not with the Infiniti. I like th FX35 but am concerened with the problems I have seen oin townhall with quality control issues and do not know if it would have enough cargo space either. TOO much money too!
Please try and be objective and if you have owned others in the past or have Toyota experience, tell me about the consistancy of Toyoto verses oterh makes mentioned. If ther is another make model you like better, please mention .
I am going with the 03 probably because of the year end deals BUT if ther are fixes of 03 problems addressed with the 04 model I could wait until they are here since its so soon now. Seems the 4 runner is priced better than Murano and much better than Infiniti.
I hope I have posted this in the correct way and look forward to hearing form some EXPERIENCED 4Runner owners who are objective and honest, regardless of the content. I saw the lemon and have been to NTHSA website and have seen all the complaints and defective summary for the model and feel there is really no major problems so far but you who have owned these can tell me MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE. Also what options seem to cause the most problems. I like sunroofs and the Sport model with X-REAS was a great ride and stable. Have not tried the LIMITED so please let me know the differences experienced without X_REAS. What about air suspension/ Does this make any difference in anything toher than towing. I do not tow much at all. Maybe a trailer once and a while but nothig on a regular basis. I would not go with the SR5 unlesss someone can convinvce it would be to my advantage. What abnout resale value. I see the Sport has the best and that does not make sense. seems the LIMITED would be better. What difference have owners noticed in the Limited and the Sport model? Just fill me email box up. I want to make a wise decision here and am asking for advise so pour it on me. I can take the truth. Period!
God Bless you all,
Have a great Holiday (LaborDay)
PEASER REPLY TO ME BY EMAIL IF POSSIBLE! Otherwise I do not know if I can find your post back to me on this townhall but regardless, I will try .
A loaded Jeep, however, with all the incentives is probably $5K cheaper, not sure if you can get Nav.... but I am glad I spent the extra money.
Jack
Good luck to you---Go for it!!!
We'd much rather that you stick around and participate in the discussion rather than email - that's what message boards are for!
You can easily "find" your way back here if you cick on the "Bookmark" button near the top of this page. That will "subcribe" you to this topic and you can get back here simply by clicking on the "Message Center" links on any Town Hall page.
tidester, host
Is anyone else bummed with the 2004 color choices??
Thanks
Bob
The hardest part of this decision is that I will be trading or selling my 02 Sport Edition. This is the best truck I ever owned. But the 4.7 V8 with the upgraded 7300 lb. hitch and many other improvements have me very close to purchasing when the 04's arrive. I'm sure there are many 4Runner owners with 02 and earlier models going through the same thought process.....making that decision when the best time to trade-up and upgrade.
tidester, host
Gary
Is this a standard feature on All models? Does this cool as well as heat the rear area? I have dogs and this is a concern for me....
I test drove a 2003 SR5 4x4 and the salesman told me that although the particular truck I drove had this feature, it is only standard on the Limited models. Confused, I went home and called Carmax. The salesman I spoke to on the phone told me the SR5 does not offer this feature (he should know, he said, because he owns one). I called a 3rd dealer and the salesman told me this feature is standard on All 4R models. I couldn't believe the conflicting answers!!!!
Right now I am just doing some homework. Can anyone recommend a knowledgable/fair dealership in the Northern Virginia /Dc area??
Many thanks for your help in advance!
Perhaps what the salesmen were trying to say is that Limited models also have an exclusive standard dual temperature system--the driver and passenger can have different air temperature settings. My wife and I really like this because she likes it warmer than I do and the system works great.
I frequently carry two large dogs in the cargo area (not in the back seat) and I like the fact that the rear AC ducts between the front seats can direct cool air back to the dogs. I consider this a positive feature for the "fur kids".
Hope this helps.
Thanks, Aaron
As for getting deals on 04's basically when they arrive (oct/nov/dec). It will be more difficult since there is no incentive for the dealer to cut you any deals.
Not saying you can't since it's reasonable to expect something around invoice or at least between retail and invoice BUT I think it would be a lot more difficult than it is now.
I bought in July and got a killer deal because the vehicle had been sitting on the lot since December last year!! It had only 36 miles on the odo so it had been test driven about once per month at most. I think the last few digits of the VIN are 0000138 so that this was only the 138'th off the production line in this particular configuration. I guess no-one liked this car at all - but my wife and I totally love it, plus we'll probably never ever see another one just like it!!
I've just completed an 1100 mile round trip journey from San Jose to Bend, and did the return journey in exactly 8 hours at an average speed of 66mph. The V8 is just the business for cruising by the semi's on highway 97.
Mark.
http://152.122.48.13/prepos/files/Artemis/Public/TSBs/2003/SB-100- 01590-2488.pdf
Suggest you go out to pricegrabber.com and do a search... Etronics is selling it for $665 -- which was lowest price I found while typing this. Granted it's not as pretty as an indash unit, but I think accuracy is more important than cosmetics.
If you're stuck on "in dash", check out the models that places such as cartoys.com and thegpsstore.com offer too... Pioneer, Kenwood and others make some nice unit$ if you have deep pockets. Read reviews on places like epinions and ask around in the other areas of edmunds. Feedback from real users matter the most!
Nice that it is removable and travels car to car.
I have not heard 1 bad thing about the Toyota nav, only good things. Perhaps the best system along with Honda/Acura.
Far better than mercedes, bmw, audi, vw.
Besides, GPS is not only good in the car but if you go hiking or in someone else's ride, on your bikes, just basic exploring is much easier with GPS.
If you're going to buy GPS, there are cheaper and more flexible solutions than in-dash.
As nedzel says, when newer technology comes along, you won't be stuck.
thanks
As I recall, you start with the 4Runner off , but with the key in the ignition. Push on the "reset" button that is the same as the trip odometer "reset". While holding the button in, turn the key as far as you can without starting. It will be in the the Accessory position. Leave it like this for a few seconds until the light goes out. Turn off the ignition .
Alpine, Pioneer, etc. are all remote control-based navi systems. That is, it is not touchscreen. You have to scroll thru menus with your remote control or knobs, which i think is inferior.
All DVD navi systems are pretty much equivalent in terms of coverage. However, Toyota/Honda systems are one of the faster ones.
Garmin/Magellan etc are good units simply because of their portability. However, their system speed and coverage is far from being on the same playing field as DVD. Magellan costs nearly $2K, which is what Toyota charges for their integrated DVD systems...cost saving?? I don't see it.
BTW, the above Alpine/Kenwood/Pioneer DVD systems costs close to $3-4K after installation!! Hmmm, that's even more expensive than OEM navi systems...yet, not nearly as well integrated nor touch-screen.
Sorry, but for those who past on OEM navi systems BECAUSE of aftermarket ones, you've made a mistake in my opinion. Go and research them. I have. BTW, i don't have a navi system in my '02 4runner (no OEM system was available back then). The reason i know about the above is because i wanted to get an aftermaket unit. So, i am not biased towards OEM stuff.