Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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Steve, Host
I like my 03 2wd v6 very much, as anyone would their new car that doesn't show significant problems.
I'll state again that i don't smell sulfur anymore since my first day, and that was only because I had the rr window down for my dog. I attribute that to breakin of the cats(4).
If you do buy soon, just call the dealers and ask for the fleet manager or internet manager. They will give you 1 price and 1 price only, which is very often the lowest price they are willing to sell the vehicle for.
If i were to do it again, I'd look at the paper for the low ads, call santa cruz and ask them to match it. I bought mine in Sunnyvale and got a good price, but boy did they end up giving me the run around.
That said, dealers in the DC area always have a few SR5's with airbags around (I have not been watching for sports with airbags). Just checked the 355 Toyota website and they have two 2003 SR5's with airbags in stock. I am looking to buy in the next few months, and since I will not even consider anything without side airbags, I have been keeping an eye out for these.
Basically, if you value safety options you are going to be in the (25%) minority of 4Runner buyers, so just accept it and hunt a little harder. I try to think about it as I would think about a sunroof or any other option. At least you have the option with the 4Runner.
I do not like that fact that the SR5 does not come with a in-dash CD Changer and in order to get one I have to buy the Sport which has the dull side "cladding". I don't need all the bells and whitsles of the Sport or Limited. I wouldn't mind spending a little more money on the sport.. the hood scoop is kind of snazzy... but those sides are horrible! I am told that you can not get a Sport with paint matched Cladding. I just wish Toyota would have been a little more flexible in their options and models.
ohello, I wanted the side airbags, but never saw even one SR5 in this area that had them. Given the height and mass of this vehicle (reducing the injury potential in side impacts), and the relative infrequency of severe side impact crashes, I was/am willing to take the risk. I didn't want all the extra "stuff" and $4k price bump that came with limited models. As far as the tradeoffs between safety and other factors, everybody draws the line at a point that seems sensible to them.
For what it is worth, a friend of mine was t-boned. The car did not touch him, but his head hit the driver's side window and he was in bad shape with a closed head injury for a very long time. The window and/or pillar is always there regardless of vehicle height, and this is what I see the curtain airbag protecting you from. So that is my experience that is forming my decision. As you said, everyone has their own comfort level, and even without the airbags the 4Runner looks to be as safe as most. Best of luck.
I have a SPORT w/ all-painted. NO 4 runner has unpainted cladding anymore. They all come painted.
On my BMW the doors will lock automatically at 5 mph, but do not unlock. You have to pull the handle twice to get out. It's a pain to do this, but it's a great car for a first date. Just look at the face of the girl when she tries to open the door with one pull and it won't open! And there is no button to unlock the door or no power switch. I use it as an ice-breaker; unfortunately some women don't find it very amusing! Hmmm....think there is any correlation to my lack of second dates?
By the way, on my car, the doors automatically unlock after a few seconds, in the event of a collision, the 4 ways come on, and the interior lights come on, so emergency folks can get you out if you are unconscious. I don't know how the 4Runner works, but I wouldn't want to be in a burning vehicle, out cold, and not have a good samaritan be able to open my door. Something to think about.
I started out by thoroughly washing the truck with Zaino car wash soap, followed by careful drying. Next, I applied the Polish Pre-Lok (do not remove this Pre-Lok); next, I applied and wiped off the new Z-5 (as a base coat, if you will). Next, I applied and wiped off TWO coats of Z-2 polish (for clear coated finishes). Be aware of the humidity and temp. conditions when embarking on this project, and don't remove these polishes until they wipe off effortlessly. If they feel at all tacky, they're not yet dry. (But the heat from the halogen work lights will speed drying times, as will the new ZFX, which I haven't yet tried.)
Notes: 1) When applying the Pre-Lok, Z-5, and Z-2, be sure to keep your applicator lightly moistened with Zaino's Gloss Enhancer spray. Each time you add more creamy Pre-Lok, or polish (sparingly) to the applicator, first spritz a bit more Gloss Enhancer spray onto the applicator. 2) Zaino Pre-Lok and polishes can and should be applied to the lenses of headlights, tail lights, fog lamp lenses, plastic panels, etc. The results are stunning. When wiping off each coat of Zaino polish, there will be no powdery residue to foul the glass, and if you accidentally get these polishes on the auto glass, they won't foul the glass like most other products will. Still, keep it off the glass if possible. 3) Zaino's Tire Gloss is superior to silicon based tire/rubber/vinyl dressings, and it should be used to dress the tires, mud flaps, running boards, engine compartment detailing, etc. Do NOT use this tire dressing on the interior of the vehicle, since it may fog the interior glass. Instead, apply Zaino's Leather Conditioner to dress your interior dashboard, vinyl etc. 4) Use the same (wonderful smelling) leather conditioner on all interior leather and non-optical plastic.
A few additional suggestions: 1) I applied two coats of Scotchgard to all of the new (and clean) carpeting, as well as to the roof liner fabric. 2) I removed and stored the carpeted mats, and then installed color-matched Husky floor liners throughout the truck, including the aft cargo space. (These floor liners are really overpriced, but they are highly functional, protective, easy to remove and clean, and they look good if you don't mind not seeing and feeling the floor carpeting that's being protected. 3) Beware that with most modern vehicles, the lenses covering the instrument gauges will easily scratch if not cleaned properly. Avoid any type of ammonia-based window glass cleaner; instead, try using photographic lens type cleaning products, such as compressed gas, as well as using an optically safe microfiber (photographic )lens cloth moistened with a little photographic lens cleaning solution. Do not press hard or wipe vigorously. Instead, be gentle, and take your time. 4) When washing the truck, use Zaino's car wash as directed on the label, and do NOT use Dawn as a detergent on new, virgin finishes. Dawn will remove Zaino, and should be cautiously used only if you're removing some other polish or sealant in preparation for Zaino products. If this is the case, wash with Dawn and RINSE thoroughly, then wash again with Zaino car wash solution before proceeding further with Zaino products. 5) Remember those expensive white Fieldcrest towels you bought for this project? Well, when you launder them, do NOT use any type of in-washer or in-dryer fabric softener, since these products contain lipids, perfumes, etc. that can interfere with the magic of Zaino. Also, I keep my dedicated "truck" towels in a large Rubbermaid bin (with lid) to keep them separate from shop rags, household towels, etc. 6) While Zaino'd finishes are tough and gorgeous, they are not invincible, so when you see bird poop, tree sap, or other such caustic gunk on your finish, properly remove it ASAP, and if you've had to use a solvent or tar remover, wash the truck and re-treat the involved panels with Zaino at your earliest convenience. 7) Consider using a windshield "sun visor" when parking the truck in the sun, to prevent dashboard fading, cracking, shrinkage, UV-sun damage to leather, etc. These things are cheap, take only a moment to put in place, and greatly help to keep the vehicle's interior cooler during sunny weather. 8) If you want to keep the exterior and interior of your truck in top condition, plan on detailing the truck with Zaino products (and maybe Scotchgard, as needed) every six months, e.g., each spring and fall season. 9) Unlike waxes and many other products, Zaino's products don't cause optically degrading "build-up" and don't require periodic stripping followed by starting over (unless your vehicle's finish has been damaged by something really nasty, and you need to clean-up and start anew).
In summary, it has ben my experience that Zaino products are simply the BEST currently available, PERIOD! However, they do require a fair amount of time, some mild physical labor, and above all, attention to detail and a willingness to follow directions... about every 6 months or so. If this doesn't appeal to you, then look elsewhere. However, if you're up to this relatively pain-free detailing process (which I find to be relaxing and therapeutic), then after you've completed the project it doesn't get much better than to sit in your garage to admire and gock at the fruits of your labors, while sipping your favorite beverage. After completing the Zaino detailing process, your pride of ownership and driving pleasures will really be kicked-up a few notches, and your truck will have the best detailing on the planet!
It's looking like either I'll need to spend an extra 4-5 K on a Limited [with its extra optional goodies] or do a special order, unless someone knows where such a vehicle could be located. I'd be willing to go get it, of course. [I'm in Virginia - Central Atlantic region.]
If it did cost $4K to replace everything your insurance would cover it. I think there are other ways to replace your keys though,
Do you really think you will loose 3 keys?
kheintz1, thanks for a post that shows the dedication of a real car finish enthusiast and provides some contrast with the more modest shine ambitions of most of the rest of us. One real benefit of the Zaino products is that you can get a very good shine and protection that lasts much longer than most waxes even if you just do a good cleaning job and a single coat of Zaino. Zaino stuff really is different from the typical waxes, and I can recommend the ZFX "accelerator" as a way to improve the speed of the whole process, especially if you want to do 2 or more coats.
Finally, I would also second the suggestion of using one of the windshield sun visors of some kind. They really do help, both in terms of comfort and avoiding the aging/fading effects of the sun. Perhaps surprisingly (it was a surprise to the parts guy at one local Toyota dealership), you just need the regular-sized sun visors. The big ones made for trucks and minivans are too big. The 4Runner windshield is a little wide, but not particularly tall.
I'll use the vehicle for commuting to work, hauling 2 kids and a wife around town, and trips to the mountains for camping and skiing. Truth, be told, I do all these things with no problems right now in our Sienna. I just got to the point where I want a more masculine vehicle. I drove the 4Runner and loved the feel of it, especialy the oomph of the V8.
I thought about the 4WD, but in So-Cal, I have never found myself in need of it. When I go off-roading, it's always on foot. I also priced the insurance and found it's about doubled with the 4WD.
I think if it was not for the increased cost of insurance, I'd probably get the 4WD just for the cool factor and to know I could go just about anywhere in it. But the reality is that the worst roads I'll be on will be snow-plowed for ski trips, or maybe some bumpy dirt roads. I'll be glad then to have my 2Runner instead of the Sienna. I'll also enjoy it everyday communting on the streets and freeways of Los Angeles.
Thanks for asking.
In addition to the basic information, I'm specifically interested in any changes to the '04 system besides the publicized back-up camera. Does anyone know if the '04 version is currently or can be (with a firmware update) XM or Sirius capable (Like the new system in the Solara)? Does the '04 version support the 5 million points of interest (like the new system in the Solara) or the current 2 million? Are the points of interest part of the DVD updates (if they are, would the '03 system support 5 million data points with an update?) Anyway... Any information would be appreciated... For a good example of what I'm looking for, check this site out for Jeep's RB1 system...
http://www.wjjeeps.com/nav.htm#FEATURES
Thanks!
What you get is a extremely glossy surface with superior resistance to all kinds of substances, and the main benefit being a very durable and lasting wax. I have found you do not have to wax more than twice a year, I live in the Northeast so primarily you want to protect your finish from the foul winter weather and the accompanying roadsalt.
When you order the car, don't let the dealer prep it. At least don't let them do the cleaning prep. You know lots of lot techs peel the protective plastic off and hose down the new cars, use dirty sponges and rags on them, and maybe even take a buffer to the new paint. No wonder we all have swirls.
And yes, some people actually require this of the dealer.
Steve, Host
In fact, I like to take a clay bar to a new car and get any rail dust spots or other gunk off it and put wax on it right away.
For lots more detailing tips, see:
Store Bought Waxes Part II (No Zaino Posts)
and
Zaino Car Polishes/Products--Your Experiences (Part 2)
Steve, Host
4wd is easier to sell later
good for skiing
AWD is safe in rain
-2wd is simplier, less to go wrong, lower maint
-better mpg
-$2k less
-less ins
-faster
-my last 2 trucks/suv were 4wd, but i never used it in 4wd in almost 9 yrs
-i do go skiing, but only 1-2x/yr when snow is on road
-rest of skiing is spring skiing, where a car will even do
-the most i'll do is a dirt road with some holes or rocks
I honestly bought it for the rear window. Otherwise, RX. Touareg/Cayenne or MDX was my clear winner.
To each his own.
Aaron
But if you intend to go Zaino or similar, why let anyone else touch the finish?
Steve, Host
Thanks
Granted, you might not want to buy your stuff from there, but I'd bet they can tell you what sizes all of the speakers are.
Aaron
Unfortunately, After checking out their website (crutchfield.com), they don't have specifications for speakers that fit the 03 or 04 4runner at the present time. I would check back from time to time.
The other option you have is to manually measure the speakers yourself. It's a pain, but if you are in a rush, go to it. Good luck
Can you special order a 2004 SR5 2WD V6 with side curtain airbags, JBL 6-disc in dash stereo, moonroof and pick your color?
If so, how long do special orders normally take?
I kind of like the navigation system, but having to upgrade to Limited makes it way too expensive
Also, since I would not be towing or ever carrying more than 5 onboard since I won't have the optional third row child-sized seating (therefore not needing maximum torque), and the V6 actually has more horsepower than the V8, is the V6 a better engine for owners not needing to tow a trailer? Is either quieter than the other?
Because you can check on the Carson inventory online (Carsontoyota.com), I know my white 4Runner came in about 4 months after I placed the order, just as they said it would.
Jaresmsd highly recommended Carson Toyota for the build order. They seem to be willing and competent at it, as long as you can make up you mind about what you want. I'd probably recommend Carson given it's track record.
I called on Longo, Torrance, and Downtown LA. They don't do build orders.
Good Luck.
I'm planning to buy a 2004 4Runner. Went to one dealer and they only had 2 2003 left and no 2004's (expecting by mid-October). I'm in upstate NY.
One option that I wanted is leather in a SR5. When I go to the Toyota web site they don't list this as an option. Does anyone know if this is possible? Special order only? How about color, is it only the "oak leather" available?
Thanks!
Also, only the Limited has heated seats.
Thanks.
I am going to get a 4Runner Limited 2wd V6 this week. I originally wanted the side curtain airbags, X-REAS and the JBL stereo, but apparently with the 2004's, you either have to get the sunroof, 3rd row seat, or special order. Not wanting to give up the cargo room, we will opt to get the sunroof as opposed to ordering from the factory.
Anyway, I have a few last questions. I am getting the truck for $300 over invoice. I was talking to the salesman and he seemed to like the Toyoguard, and I was surprised to see that the invoice price was only around $250, if I remember correctly. I'm planning on doing the whole Zaino wash wax deal to keep this black truck looking as good as possible. Is there any opinions for the Toyoguard as to whether the paint sealer would affect anything with the Zaino? I have to admit, I usually steer clear from those Toyoguard type of options, but I started thinking since it was only a few hundred bucks.
Also, has anyone had any experience with installing a wood dash in the Limited, over the carbon fiber looking stuff? The new look is ok, but I feel that we're going to get tired of it quite easy, and the wife is thinking about a new Mercedes C230 or C320 sport, which both of these models have the same interior as the 4Runner.
Thanks!
Aaron
Thanks!
Aaron
Does the Toyota system give you an altitude and mph reading?
thanks....