Toyota 4Runner

peter78 · September 2001

I agree with cliffy1 in that if you can find a good deal on a 2001, I would get it. I looked at a 2000 at the end last year. The 4Runners left had items that I really didn't want. Still they had good deals. I decided to wait and I found a good price on a 2001 in March of the next year. So my 2 cents worth is look for a good deal on a 2001 that you want, the right color and options. Then if you can't find one wait a few months. I don't see the demand going up and the newness of a 2002 will wear off.

akg · September 2001

Where in the NoCal(Bay area)did you see these incentives, Hoss9? I am near Eureka, and they are still not budging. I am willing to drive to the city and haggle there. Thanks everyone for your response. I was considering a Highlander, or waiting for the re-design, or even an Outback but this sounds more reasonable, and more what I really want.

4winns · September 2001

I own a 2001 4Runner with 1650 miles. When in gear and stopped at a light or stop sign with the radio off and no AC there is an audible hum/harmonic vibration. The sound disappears when I accelerate away from the light. Again, it is only at idle, vehicle in gear, but stopped. It doesn't seem to do it all the time but the frequency is increasing as well as the loudness. Has anyone else experienced the same sound? Is it normal?
Please help.

cliffy1 · September 2001

My dad lives in Oroville and has had great experiences with the dealership there. I don't have the name of number of that store, but he had very poor experiences elsewhere. He can't say enough good about his "new" dealership. It may be worth a phone call to them.

akg · September 2001

Is there a way I can find out who has what inventory in the S.F Bay area via my computer, without calling every dealership?

akg · September 2001

What dealerships(and dealers) do you recommend in the 'Bay Area' that will work within the parameters of your last post?

cliffy1 · September 2001

I have heard nothing but horror stories about Northern California dealers. My dad used to live in Petaluma and now lives in the Central Valley and had run into nothing but poor treatment, high prices and typical salesmen. Some were worse than others with Dick Patterson Toyota in Chico topping the list of ones to avoid. Every time he went to buy a car, I would get on the phone and call up some dealers in his area to see if they would even extend a professional courtesy to my dad since I am in the business on the East coast. It was so bad, he even flew to Virginia to buy a truck from me and drive it 3000 miles home to avoid the garbage he was getting.

This changed about 2 months ago when he went to Hobbie Toyota in Oroville. Every person he met there was professional, courteous and honest. With the exception of his trip to buy one from me, this was the first positive buying experience he has had. All questions were answered quickly and completely. I know Oroville is not a Bay area store, but this kind of treatment is worth rewarding and worth the drive.

I have absolutely no connection to this store, but from what I have read here at Edmunds, you in Northern CA have your work cut out for you in finding a decent store. I hope this helps.

cliffy1 · September 2001

They can find the car you want. Actually, any dealer can, but many wont. The car my dad bought had to be brought in from San Jose. They have a much better locator system available at the dealership so they can find the car you want.

jf01 · September 2001

I once left my air filter box open to see if it made any driving difference (it actually helped the mid-high end just a little). Anyway, when I did that, there was a deeper hum than normal from about 2500 RPM and up. Maybe your hum has something to do with the intake or exhaust system. Did you have those checked out? This is the only experience I've had with hums.

hoss9 · September 2001

Every dealership I called here in the (south) Bay Area was willing to dump their 2001's. Capitol (who I ended up buying through as they had the one I wanted and are within close proximity), Sunnyvale, Piercy, Concord, Hayward, Fremont etc etc. When I first went to Capitol (San Jose) and told them that other dealerships were offering invoice pricing PLUS a $1500 rebate or the 2.9-4.9% financing they scoffed and told me "nobody sells at invoice, we need to make money on the deal. We could do $500 over invoice..." Give me a break, they're making 2% on the holdback alone. They're making money, don't worry! Anyway, I just told them fine, and that I'd gladly drive to another dealership to save the $500. That's the point where the salesguy came scurrying back "wait wait wait...." and so the story goes...

Also, I checked many dealership's inventories out on the web beforehand. I didn't find it too helpful unfortunately. Many inventory lists hadn't been updated in weeks. It's a hassle having to call all the dealerships but it's a lot easier than driving!

akg · September 2001

Thanks for the info! I am still going through anxiety over whether I want the better gas mileage of a Highlander or a Subaru Outback, or the toughness of a 4Runner. The process is exhausting! What was the name of the salesperson you dealt with?

raybear · September 2001

There are a few decent dealers in the Bay Area. I deal with them every week. The hard part is finding the right person at each store (such as Michael Nguyen at your place), someone who's honest and willing to deal remotely.

Price-wise, the Bay Area can be tougher than most areas to deal despite the high number of franchises. When the going gets too tough, I have to turn to you-know-who in the Long Beach area, and have the vehicle shipped.

hoss9 · September 2001

I hear you about the exhaustion. Although I had my mind set on a 4Runner, I was spinning my wheels trying to find a good used one. But, for not that much more, I got a brand spankin new one. That new car smell suckers you every time...
I went with a 4Runner because I wanted something reliable, tough, would get me through Tahoe without any hassles, and would have a great resale value to boot.

Anyway, I worked with David Rodriguez at Capitol but again, you can probably work with anyone. Just bring up the fact that other dealerships are running the same deal and you shouldn't have a problem. If you want, let me know what color etc you're looking for. I called all the dealers last week on their inventories and might be able to save you some time in that dept.

Jon

akg · September 2001

Thanks for the info, and if may so bold to ask, what did you pay and with what options? I am going back and forth between the 4Runner and the Highlander.

hoss9 · September 2001

I paid invoice for the truck and all of the options (prices found here on Edmunds), then I went with the $1500 rebate rather than the financing as it worked out better in my scenario. Note that if you go with the rebate, they calculate it AFTER you pay the tax which is a little unfortunate but better than nothing! They essentially tack it on to your down payment.

tmdep · September 2001

I have a 1999 4Runner and love it. I've had no problems with it for the first 36,000 miles. The
time as come to replace the tires and I haven't been real happy with the Bridgestone Duelers
that come on the truck (very sloppy in the rain). I spoke to my dealer and he recommended Michelin LTX's as a good replacement tire. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions

Thanks........

akg · September 2001

HI, I guess I was wondering what did you pay with what options? Just a a point of reference. Thanks

htran102 · September 2001

Hi, just got a used 98 4Runner Ltd, 3.4 V6, auto. Missing were the owner's manual/guide, master/main key (only got the spare). The 3-CD changer is stuck/busted (is it fixable? worth it to fix?). No way to arm/use the Toyota-installed Security system (how does the security system suppose to work. Is this in the guide ?). Are these missing, non-functioning items available from the Toyota dealership? Approximate costs? Thank you for your help ...

goltgo · September 2001

I bought a 1995 SR5 4Runner last year and got my owner's manual through Toyota. If you go to owners.toyota.com, you can order it there. You need to register to access their site. Here's a copy of some of the text regarding manuals:

"Owner's Manuals are available for most vehicles listed below for $9.95.
You'll also find Service Manuals for the VERY technically inclined. To purchase the one you want, locate it here and phone 1-800-622-2033 between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time."

In looking at the listing for 98 4Runners, it appears the part number of the owner's manual for your year is 00400-OM357-17U, but I encourage you to go there and make sure.

By the way, I didn't get the master key with my vehicle either, so if you find out how to get one via some other source, please post that information here on this list.

Hope this helps.

stankius · September 2001

I have the same problem. The sound seems to be coming from underneath the passenger side dash. The dealer indicated that it was a fan and it first time they had seen it, or so they claimed. They wanted to take the dash apart, but that didnt seem like a good idea at time and decided to wait. The sound only occurs occasiionally, and I haven't noticed it lately. It seems as the sound is due to the engine vibration at low idle. Whenever the rpms go up the sound dissapears.

Regards

loma1 · September 2001

A toyo dealership can make keys just by using a code. I think it's a code other than the vin. Call someone local and ask.

Gary

genebeach · September 2001

I would go with the Michelin. I had the other and I have now have the new Michelin (best) on my 1997 4runner (140,ooo miles. Good on expressway as well as off road. Low noise, very good cornering and you can get 65,ooo+ with proper care.

Gene

aneuman · September 2001

I recently had the misfortune to have the retractable seat belt malfunction at the driver's seat resulting in the door closing on the seat belt latch. It poked a hole into the door. While the leather has not been frayed, the foam like under pad is now exposed and the whole problem is unsightly. Does anyone have any remedy to repair this tear with the repair leaving an acceptable cosmetic look?

henmobile · September 2001

Several of us have posted messages regarding this problem (see #296, 298, 312). My dealership said that this was a known defect, and replaced the seat belt and damaged door panel free of charge under warranty.

javayankee · September 2001

Hello, I just got a 2001 4Runner 4WD SR5, and having a great time driving it around...even look forward to driving to work every morning.
Anyway, I want to install a bug deflector to protect the hood, especially from stones. I'm thinking of getting one from my dealer's accessory shop. I'm wondering what the current owners have on their 4runners. I'd like a model that's low profile & doesn't require any drilling to install.
Any suggestions on which one(s) that you guys have found to work\look best?

beercoll1 · September 2001

I will probably be real wordy with this, but I want to provide as much info as possible with my problem.
I have a 1994 4-runner with 92k miles. The speedo has been acting up for a few months now...works most of the time, but fluctuates from spped to 0 back to speed. Twice the sppedo has shut off....one time, the Check engine light went on. After a few minutes, the speedo started to wkr again, and the Ckeck engine light went off. The mechanic stated there was a code on the computer, but the code was inconclusive...he stated that it could be a number of things, speedo cable, speed sensor, etc.
Yesterday, I was driving to work. After 30 minutes, the speedo shut down. No MPH, no miles were logged. The condition lasted for nearly 4 miles. Once I stopped, the transmission WOULD NOT shift out of first. The speedo was fluctuating, up to 60, down to 10, up to 50 down to 10, etc. When I came to the next stop sign, the speedo was still fluctuating even though I was standing still. The tranny was staying in first gear for a couple of blocks. I had to make several stops at stop lights and stop signs. All of the sudden, the speedo was working again, and the tranny was shifting normally. I took the truck to the dealer, and there was no code to detect any problem. The mechanic test drove the vehicle for approximately 20 miles, without any fluctuation.
Has anyone else experienced speedo problems with the 4-runner? Does anyone have any idea what the problem could be?
I appreciate your response.

jbubis · September 2001

I've also got a 2001 SR5. I went with the Toyota deflector. It requires no drilling, but you do have to put 4 rubber bumpers on the hood, which kind of bummed me out. I couldn't find any that didn't require drilling _or_ some kind of minor adhesive. I opted against the drilling. Plus, it's the genuine Toyota product. It's very sturdy, and I would definitely recommend it.

drew_ · September 2001

Funny you should mention this because a caller called in to Cartalk, the radio show about a year or so ago with similar symptoms for his Ford Windstar minivan. Almost immediately, the guys decided that it was most likely the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS). The reason that they gave was that there is no such thing as a speedometer cable any longer. Instead, the speedometer (and odometer) gets its readout from the VSS, as does the transmission computer for shift points. Since the caller said that his van had problems with the speedometer, and then the check engine light, and finally the transmission shifting, they concluded that the faulty VSS was sending wrong signals to the speedometer and the transmission computer, causing them to act erroneous.

The caller called back shortly after on the "Stump the Chumps" segment on a later week's show, and it turns out that they were right. VSS was replaced and the problems were resolved.

Hope you found this interesting! Take it for what it's worth.

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

beercoll1 · September 2001

Thank you for your quick response. Did the person with the similar problem state how much it cost to replace the VSS?

carlr1 · September 2001

I've got a 98 SR5 with 40k that I mostly drive on highways and in town. I was thinking of replacing the stock shocks on this vehicle to improve the feel of the ride for my type of driving. Does anyone have any suggestions? Could I expect to see much of an improvement over the stock equipment?

drew_ · September 2001

Sorry, they didn't. All he said was that it worked and the problems went away after. Tom & Ray of Cartalk were delighted :-). Obviously there is no way for me to tell for sure if your problems and fixes are identical, but I just thought that you may be interested since the symptoms seem similar.

Good luck and please keep us updated!

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

bali · September 2001

Can you tell me the name of the sales guy you dealt with? I am seriously looking for a 2001 4X2 SR5 in Thunder Cloud color with leather package (that is the only option I need). I check a few dealers and none have this exact car. Either many options I dont even care about or different color or 4X4. Appreciate any info. Also is it okay if I use your name if I go with this sales man? Thanks.

jt_4runner · September 2001

I recently purchased a 2001 SR5. The AC seems a bit weak. I bought a AC thermonitor. When the truck is at idle the vent temperature is ~ 50 F. When I am doing 60 MPH the vent temperature is 43 - 45 F. The ambient temperature is 100-105 and the air recirc is on.

I also own a Camry. When the camry is at idle the vent temp is 42 F when going 60 mph the Camry vent temp is 38 F.

Does anyone know if these vent temperatures are in the normal range for 4Runner?

Thanks in advance.

tbird45 · September 2001

I also went with the Toyota deflector. Easy to mount.

phillrose1 · September 2001

I recently bought a 2001 SR5 4x4 that had everything I wanted except the Dee Zee running boards. Does anyone know where I can get these aftermarket to cost compare with what the dealer can add them for? I would appreciate any input.

javayankee · September 2001

Thanks to all who responded.
I'll probably go with the toyota's also. If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for it at the dealer?
The toyota-parts.com lists it for $70, but with shipping, it comes to around $80-82, so if it costs only a few more bucks at the dealer, I rather just get it from there. Also, I don't have to wait for delivery, I want it now! heh heh.

hoss9 · September 2001

Capitol only had a few 2001's left. None of which were Thunder Cloud. If you can find one with cloth just have leather added in after market. It may cost a little more but it's better quality than the factory leather anyway.

akg · September 2001

On October 1st the $1500 rebate or financing incentive ends. Does anybody have a clue as to what incentive comes next? I am hoping for the rebate PLUS the financing. I'm sure Toyota will continue their efforts in trying to move those 4Runners. I am getting closer in the inner battle between the Subaru Outback, Highlander, Tacoma crew cab and 4Runner. It's such an emotional and expensive decision. Here's my hat off to Cliffy. He's beyond a good help.

cliffy1 · September 2001

The supply of 2001 Runners is getting pretty low and I anticipate they will start incentivizing the 2002 soon, but probably not to the level of the 2001 for awhile.

jbubis · September 2001

I've got a 2001 SR5 with a factory rack. I want to put a cargo box on the roof - Thule or Yakima, I haven't decided which. My question, though, is whether to mount this to the factory rack or to get a new rack (for use with the factory rails) with the box. Toyota limits they weight to 165lbs with the factory system. Could I put more up there with a different rack? Is it not worth the additional cost? Any help/comments/input is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

janieb1 · October 2001

I hope that someone can help me. I am very frustrated. I am in the market to buy a 2002 forerunner. I have been to 2 dealerships and the sales people know less than I do about the truck. I would like to possibly purchase the sport edition I have been told that it does not come with factory leather seats. IS this true? What else does the sport edition have that the limited does not. ANd what should I be paying for the car with all the options? What are the options that it comes with?

raybear · October 2001

Janie, I like to spy on the dealers' websites to check inventory. Try entering the dealer name on a search engine to get to their site, and see what they show as available. Edmunds may have links to some dealers also.

wally27 · October 2001

Looks like the October incentive is $1000 cash back for 2002 models. I've been working with CarsDirect.com to find a model...anybody have input on those guys or a better broker?

janieb1 · October 2001

What is the best price that you should that I should pay for a 2002 forerunner limited? Are there any dealer rebates at this time? The dealership told me that the price includes advertising and destination. I got a price of $34,369.00 with an invoice of $34,206.00 which I sw on their paperwork.

hoss9 · October 2001

Does anyone know how to get a "good" deal on official (Toyota) 4Runner fender flares (the black plastic kind, not the flares that come on the Limited).
The best deal I've found for the entire set is $350 (incl. front/rear flares, rear mudguards, and end caps for the running boards).
It seems ridiculous to me that plastic could cost so much!

Thanks for your help.

suvshopper4 · October 2001

Have you tried ordering at Toyota Guys, doing it thru the rav4world.com website. There was, maybe still is, a 15% discount doing it that way.

hoss9 · October 2001

It looks like Toyota Guys are actually more expensive for what I'm looking for but thanks for your help. I noticed some other parts stores through the site which I'll have to check out. Again, thanks for your help.

piazza3 · October 2001

I have spent my entire Friday night reading all the messages here! I am very concerned w/ the gas guage issue since I was considering buying a 2000 4runner. I am hoping to get a "great" deal end of the year and all. I have only driven the limited and it seemed like the cabin is actually smaller than my 96 Camry. Can this be true??? We want to keep the Camry (only 94,000 mi) and kids are getting bigger (six-yr old) am I not going to get a larger cabin??? Thanks.

piazza3 · October 2001

Should I go for the 2000, or wait for 2001? Are the prices going to drop like the market says? I live in VA. I might be calling you if I make a decision on what I really want.

scname · October 2001

SH....Nobody tells him.

Toyota 4Runner

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy