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Toyota 4Runner

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Comments

  • terrafirmaterrafirma Member Posts: 212
    You can't say one engine will be more reliable than another based on what material it's made of. That has nothing to do with long life or reliability.

    The V8 transmission is brand new while the V6's is "proven". In this day where transmissions are just as expensive or more so to fix than an engine, the whole idea one is more reliable than the other is just not accurate.
  • coranchercorancher Member Posts: 232
    The V6/V8 debate comes up periodically here, and there is usually little info added that is genuinely new. There are certain cases, such as towing the heavier loads, where one engine (the V8 in this case) is clearly the best answer.

    Otherwise, you can pick from the posts and get ample justification for whatever decision you make. These are both excellent engine/transmission combinations from all accounts so far, though each one is fundamentally new (and therefore less tested) in one respect. You get to choose your risk!

    As for vodgut's question about a high-end rush, I drove both engines a couple of times and I think I detected modest differences in both engine and transmission behavior. It's hard to be sure without instruments, but the V6 did seem to kick down quicker and rev higher when you mash the throttle at highway speeds. That contributed to at least the impression of a high-end rush, though both versions were very quick to gain speed.

    Off the line, both engines pulled very well, though the V8 had enough extra torque at low RPMs that it was sometimes hard to start smoothly from near-stops. Personally, I felt that the V6 felt a little more agile, perhaps because it was lighter at the front end, where the steering is.

    The variable valve timing in the V6 is probably intended to get good high end horsepower while still having good low-end torque, but it's not a complete replacement for the extra cylinders and displacement of the V8. Both engines are a far cry from the high revs and drama of an inline 4.

    The two engines sound somewhat different, and I think the V6 may be a little louder under hard acceleration. The V8 sounds like a (very civilized) V8 and the V6 just sounds different. You may like one or the other.

    The $ aren't all that big, so unless you're sure what you want, I'd say go out and drive, drive, drive them both.
  • alfster1alfster1 Member Posts: 273
    With regards to "reliability," I was referring to various engine stresses and how they compare between the aluminum engine and the iron block engine. The advantages of the iron block engine are that it is much stronger, allowing it to better tolerate the very high pressures that exist in the combustion chambers under certain conditions (ie. heavy towing up long grades, extreme off road conditions). In these conditions, the cast iron block could be said to be more reliable. Of course, engine systems are very complicated and their reliability depends on the proper functioning of many components. For most owners (including myself) these severe conditions are probably not realized. This is probably why the supercharger upgrade is only available for the V8 engine.

    Some advantages of the V6 all aluminum engine block are lighter weight and greater weight balance (less weight is distributed to the front of the vehicle). These aluminum engines are considered more modern and it is true that the V8 is based on an older design.

    Some other advantages with the v8 cast aluminum engine block are less vibration and engine noise.

    The 5 speed transmission variant that is on the v8 is not new. It is the first application for a 5 speed transmission in a light truck, so it is "new" to the 03-04 4Runner. This 5 speed transmission is also available on the Lexus GS series (GS 300, 4xx, previous versions of the Lexus LS series, Lexus ES series, Lexus SC, IS 300, and the venerable Landcruiser/LX470 duo. The 5 speed transmission is "proven", not just in passenger based cars, but also in true SUVs.

    As I mentioned before, drive before you decide. Each vehichle has its pros and cons. It's a difficult decision so don't rush it. :)

    Does anyone know the 0-60mph time for the V6 4Runner? I have seen one post with a 0-60mph time of 7.8 sec for the v8 4Runner.
  • qualitymanqualityman Member Posts: 15
    I own a 2003 titanium silver V8 (not a limited) with the appearance bar option on the front bumper. I not to sure if it is that appealing and thought I seek out the opinions of others before considering its removal. So fellow 4Runner owners, like or dislike?
     
     Replacement to the plain facia bumper will run around $500, part cost and paint labor.
     Otherwise the 'runner' is a winner!
  • alfster1alfster1 Member Posts: 273
    Here is a question I have on another subject. In the Limited 4Runner, the steering wheel is leather wrapped, but what about the material that is on the door inserts (door panel and door armrest)? Is is genuine leather or virgin vinyl? I haven't been able to decide if I should use Luxol or Vinylex. Any suggestions? Thanks.
  • alfster1alfster1 Member Posts: 273
    I haven't seen too many 4Runners with the appearance bar, but I tend to think that you should keep it on. I think it is sharp looking (although pricey) and it does provide a bit of protection from cars backing into your 4Runner when parrallel parking.

    If, however you decide to replace it with something else, there is always the full brush guard treatment. I haven't seen any 03-04 4runners with the brush guards yet.
  • klaudnycklaudnyc Member Posts: 36
    I drive a V6 and have been very pleased. It takes off quick from the line, but when the engine revs between 3500 and 4500 RPM, there's a NICE extra boost of power - almost feels like a turbo kicking in. It would be nice to have a 5th gear though, I usually find myself driving 60 on the highway because I don't want to go above 2000 RPM.

    One thing I haven't seen mentioned about the V8 is the ability to add a TRD Supercharger. These babies are currently only made for the V8, probably because of the cast iron construction. Personally I think both engines offer enough power so this is not a realistic option. Let's face it, we're driving trucks, not BMWs.
  • alfster1alfster1 Member Posts: 273
    Actually, I did previously mention about the availability of a TRD Supercharger for the v8 4Runner. It provides over 100 additional horsepower and torque. Quite an amazing upgrade, but pricey as well ($3300-$4200) + labor. Not all dealers can install this TRD part. I can't imagine needing that much horsepower, but we can always dream (of matching up our 4Runners against souped up BMW X5s or their MB cousin the ML55.) :)
  • nedzelnedzel Member Posts: 787
    My previous car was a VW GTI GLX. So I'm still getting used to the feel of the truck. It is a bit tippy and certainly isn't the type of car that encourages you to drive fast. In the past, my view on horsepower was that a lot is good, more is better, and too much is just about right. But honestly, I'm just not sure I'd want a supercharger. My V8 is pretty fast as it is and the truck is just clunky enough that I think more power might equal more trouble more quickly. YMMV.

    Besides, the mileage already sucks :-P
  • alfster1alfster1 Member Posts: 273
    I'm buying shares of Exxon as we speak! LOL

    ...I'm pretty sure that insurance premiums would increase as well. I already have a lead foot. I don't need any more encouragement. :)
  • terrafirmaterrafirma Member Posts: 212
    This is ridiculous. The one guy is right, you can justify anything you end up getting.

    The idea that an iron block is somehow going to be better under some conditions is totally without merit. It may sound good thinking about materials and things but impossible to know since you have no idea of the tolerances, stress loads and how heat affects the block. Reliablility has nothing to do with it.

    Maybe they don't have a supercharger for the V6 because it is a new engine and the V8 has been around for several years. Any engine can be blown, it just has to be at the right boost so you don't cook the engine.
  • ltc9024ltc9024 Member Posts: 11
    I am seeking advice on which snow tires to get for my 03 Runner. I am looking at Toyota 16" rims with either Bridgestone Blizzak DM-Z2 or Michelin 4x4 Alpins. We get a mixture of snow ice and slush. There is sometime s good dump of snow and other times very little for a while. Idea please. I can get the Michelins for approx $100(Can $)less for the four!!!!!!
  • iceman50iceman50 Member Posts: 20
    Qualityman,
    I also have a titanium 2003 with the "sport bumper" or should I say had. The bumper bar is virtually useless as protection, as it is made from extremely cheap plastic, as well as the black bar supports. A mild tap of my work bench in my garage totally shattered the bar. I want to take the remaining pieces off, but I then must fill and paint the mounting holes. So I have been waiting to see if I could pick up a used one, or better yet, if someone comes out with a good bullbar that would mount in its place. I can't believe that Toyota charges that much money for this cheap piece of plastic, when for the same price you can get good quality aftermarket bullbars or brush guards.

    And I do agree, this 4Runner is one great vehicle.
  • cavedmunds1cavedmunds1 Member Posts: 3
    Has anyone leased a 4runner lately? I am interested in knowing the latest residual values and money factors/residuals on a 36 month 15k/year lease. Any differences between the figures for 2003 vs. 2004? Thanks and I appreciate your help.
  • icepicicepic Member Posts: 10
    I'm planning to lease a 4Runner in the near future. Here's what I've been able to find out so far. On a 36 month 15k/year lease I can get a 50% residual on a 2003 Limited and 53% on a 2004 Limited. The money factor is .001625 (3.9%). This deal would be through my credit union. Not sure what Toyota is offering yet. The residuals are based on the current ALG publication which most banks and credit unions use.
  • alfster1alfster1 Member Posts: 273
    If the justifications are valid, then yes, you can. Ultimately, opinions are going to decide what a person chooses to buy.

    There is merit in the specific conditions that I mentioned in the prior post. Iron block engines in general are able to withstand higher pressures in the combustion chamber than aluminum blocks. Airplane engines, engines used in Baja racing vehicles and diesel engines (for example) are predominantly iron block for this reason. In this specific instance, they are more reliable and durable.

    There are some aluminum engines, such as the LS1 in the Corvette that actually are able to withstand slightly higher combustion pressures than an iron block. This engine is a very high tech engine and relatively expensive. As I alluded to previously, aluminum engines are newer technology and are becoming the predominant engine of choice. BTW, aluminum engines are able to dissipate heat better than iron block engines.

    I don't know the specifics with regards to either engine, but these are the generalities. To the average user, as I mentioned previously, there probably isn't much difference.

    Any engine can be blown. While this is true, ultimately, the limiting factor will be the combustion chamber pressure. If an engine can withstand higher pressures, it can generate better performance. Perhaps Toyota will make a Supercharger for the V6. Who knows? However, the fact remains that if one wants to purchase a Toyota Supercharger currently, one needs to have a V8.

    --"You can't say one engine will be more reliable than another based on what material it's made of. That has 'nothing to do with long life' or reliability."

    ** The 4.7-liter V8 provides 230 horsepower, and the Land Cruiser is the first SUV in its class to incorporate dual overhead camshafts and 32 valves in its engine. A cast-iron block, vanadium steel crankshaft and aluminum connecting rod bearings help ensure DURABILITY. - Autoworld.com**
  • nippononlynippononly Member Posts: 12,555
    automakers with all-aluminum engines install iron sleeve liners in the cylinders for added durability? I would have thought one issue would be the much faster cooling of an all-aluminum engine - more and faster expansion and contraction over its lifetime versus the iron block probably gives the durability edge to the iron block. The strange thing about using an all-aluminum in a truck is this is usually done to save weight, but who cares about saving 100 pounds in a truck that is already as heavy as this one?

    2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)

  • alfster1alfster1 Member Posts: 273
    It's true...Some manufacturers do install iron sleeve liners for increased durability. I really don't know if this is the case for the Toyota V-6 Does anyone know if there are iron sleeve liners on the V6?

    Using an aluminum block to reduce about 130lbs or so might seem to be not very beneficial, but I think it has something to do with lowering CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy), enforced by the federal government (although there is only a 1mpg difference). Saving 100lbs or so in a car can be significant not only in weight loss, but also in helping to make weight distribution more equal, thus better handling.

    I think another reason for Toyota creating this new V6 is to install it in some cars (perhaps the Camry, ES 330, etc) in the future. This would make sense as I doubt Toyota would create an engine for only one application.

    Toyota needed to come up with engines that could compete better with mid sized American SUVs, although the American SUVs have the ultimate HP advantage (depending on the engine chosen). For example, the Lincoln Aviator (soon to be phased out in 2005) has 300hp. Evenso, both v6 and v8 have enough power to keep owners happy. I haven't heard of any new 4Runner owners saying that they wished they had more power.

      One dealer told me that the V8 engine is likely to be increased in displacement in a couple of years in order to better compete with American SUVs (perhaps 300HP). As for the old v6 of the previous generation, it would just seem anemic compared to other midsized SUVs. Thus, we have two engines to choose from, although of comparably equal HP.
  • ricadriasricadrias Member Posts: 17
    Has anyone ever installed an air deflector? This is in lieu of the rear spoiler ($700 plus) and is supposed to keep the rear window of the car, cleaner. I ordered it on-line from pep boys $69.99 manufactured by LUND. However, upon reading the installation instructions, there is drilling involved. I don't know if it is wise to do this. should I return it? I have installed a
    bug deflector in front of the hood (also made by LUND) and there was no drilling involved. I would appreciate any comments. Thanks.
  • rogers12rogers12 Member Posts: 140
    In addition to added combustion chamber pressure and resultant combustion forces, a supercharger adds considerable stress to the nose of the crank in running the supercharger off of the crank pulley. The added stress is absorbed by the front main bearing and ultimately the block where the front main bearing cap bolts insert.

    A cast iron block is definitely superior to an aluminum one for main bearing support. Toyota may decide that installing a supercharger on this aluminum block engine compromises the durability of the engine. That is the reason Honda only has normally-aspirated engines. They prefer the no-worries approach to engine durability with their aluminum engines.
  • stephend2stephend2 Member Posts: 21
    I have an 03 4 runner sport v8.
    I've seen a few posts about ltd models with squeaky drivers seats but none about broken seat which mine did last week. That is to say the right rear corner moves up and down about 1/2 inch. Annoying to say the least. Some part of the seat bracket has broken or come loose . Nothing visible to the eye without taking the seat apart.
    My question is has anyone seen a service notice on a problem similar to this.
    Thanks in advance.
    Ps my 2 cents on v6 vs v8. I found the v6 to be revving higher and working harder/nosier than the no fuss provided by the 8. I had the same engine in my 01 Sequoia and always wanted a 5 speed . I Didn't like the high revs on highway hills when it kicked into 3rd when the cruise was on. Now I have the same engine in a lighter truck with a 5 speed and think its the smoothest engine tran. combo I've owned.
    I spent the weekend towing a pair of horses at close to my tow max weight and never had to push hard on the gas.
    Cheers steve
  • jfegerjfeger Member Posts: 38
    Well, I just gave my 03 Ltd its first hand wash. (I am at 3K miles) I have been taking the 4R up to the car wash once a week, using the high pressure sprayers. I have been wanting to give it a hand wash but the rain in St. Louis has been about every other day or two, so I felt it wasn't worth it. Finally I broke down and decided to hand wash, even though to the eye, it didn't look bad and it is going to rain Friday. :) Anyway....WOW....there is a lot more surface area on this bad boy than there was on my 99 Ford Escort ZX2. :) The Dorado Gold looks shiny as new and I am happy...until Friday when it rains.

    PS - I saw someone ask about the interior materials. I have the same question. I am curious what the car-care experts recommend on the interior. Specifically the leather seats, the door material (is it leather?) and the dash/center console lid. I figured all the hard surfaces can be cleaned with a standard glass-like cleaner.....

    Thanks,
    James Feger
  • qualitymanqualityman Member Posts: 15
    I've found that the best thing for the glass surfaces is plain water. Use a wet lint-free cotton rag first then wipe with a dry rag.
    Commercially available glass cleaners will streak the 4Runner's uniquely-treated glass pretty badly.
     The plastic or metal painted surfaces shouldn't be cleaned with glass cleaner!! Most every glass cleaner contains ammonia or a like chemical that is too harsh for these surfaces. Again plain water works well and if you want them to shine consider a high-end, UV containing liquid polish.
  • jfegerjfeger Member Posts: 38
    Qualityman,
    Excellent point about the glass cleaner on the interior hard surfaces. Im glad I asked before I attempted to do anything. I noticed when the vehicle was new, the windshield was super clean, and the wipers worked VERY well. Now that I have about 3K miles on it the windshield tends to film-over after using the wipers...the film vanishes after a few seconds, but I am sure there is something I could to get that gunk off? So far, as you mentioned the glass cleaners have not helped. Maybe I need to put a little elbow grease into the rag with water as you suggested? What do you think....how to remove the vanishing film! :)
    Thanks,
    James
  • jaredmsdjaredmsd Member Posts: 127
    I'll have to refer you to all of my ealier posts concerning build orders. I hate to tell you to just search for my name, but I haven't had the time lately to come in here much. Basically, the build order process was wonderful for me.. I ordered at the end of Jan. (Jan. 27th) and my truck arrived at the dealer April 28th, so 3 full months. I ordered from Carson b/c they came recommended and b/c they were the only dealership that I found in So. Cal that were really willing to build order. I drove up from San Diego to go there. Hope this helps.

    -Jared
  • jaredmsdjaredmsd Member Posts: 127
    To respond to one of your questions, I would have to recommend going through and Internet/Fleet person at a dealership to get the best price. There is an investigation done last year here on edmunds that compared internet/fleet buying to walking on the lot, and it was always cheaper through the internet. Every fleet/internet person I called gave figures between $300 - $1000 over invoice, something that I couldn't get close to by going on the lot.
  • vodgutvodgut Member Posts: 162
    I got an aerosol can of glass cleaner from Elite Auto Glass when I had the windshield of my 4Runner replaced about a week after I got the vehicle. (Snowstorm, gravel on the roads, some musta hit the windshield). It worked wonderfully, even on the tinted glass, no streaking. It foams up when sprayed.
  • qualitymanqualityman Member Posts: 15
    The Toyota owners manual indicates that the glass has a special coating to repeal water, much like a permanent layer of Rain-X.
    I think you'll regret doing something severe without first contacting your dealer or Toyota direct. Good luck.
  • bryancosbryancos Member Posts: 282
    Thank you for your interest in K&N. You have registered to receive notification about products for your vehicle. This email was sent automatically to inform you of available products that fit this application. Listed below are the current K&N products for a 2003 TOYOTA 4 RUNNER 4.0L. We believe this is equivalent to your request for a 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4.0L.

    Year Engine Product Type Part Number Description Comment
    2003 4.0L V6 F/I Air Filter 33-2281 NEW! Replacement Air Filter All
  • kheintz1kheintz1 Member Posts: 213
    Jfeger: I would strongly suggest using Zaino's Z-10 Leather In A Bottle to maintain your interior leather, dashboard, center arm rest, vinyl, etc. Use Zaino's Z-9 Leather-Soft Spray Cleaner to clean the leather as needed. Like anything else made by Zaino, these are superb products. Visit Zaino's web site to learn more.
         
    Itc9024: I live in Ohio, and last winter we had some pretty deep snow, and a hard winter, in general. I was driving a 2002 4WD Explorer at the time, shod with 16" Michelin Cross Terrains. These are superb all-season SUV tires (I now have a 17" set on my 2003 4Runner Ltd), and even when driving unplowed roads with 18" or more of snow last winter (driving the Explorer), I couldn't get stuck no matter how much I tried! Also, unless you live in a geographic area where the winters are intense enough to require a separate set of snow tires (as opposed to just a set of excellent *all-season* tire), I would carefully consider whether the large added expense and hassle (e.g., mounting, dismounting; storage, etc.) is really necessary for a separate set of snow tires. The Michelin Cross Terrain is a truly versatile all-season SUV tire which offers qualities such as low noise, comfortable ride, and extended wear, along with great handling characteristics and remarkably good traction in most "non-extreme" situations. And, when snow, slush, ice, or similar conditions are encountered, the competency and real-world effectiveness of an SUV's 4WD system (along with the weight of the vehicle) are additional factors to consider, and so too is the driver's level of skill and judgement. Obviously, a great all-season SUV tire won't conquer all things, but it should handle most of the commonly encountered non-extreme situations very well, and do so with low noise; a comfortable ride; great handling; long wear; and good traction.
  • bcmalibu99lsbcmalibu99ls Member Posts: 625
    I've heard they are good filters, but what makes them so special?
  • alfster1alfster1 Member Posts: 273
    For one thing, they are reusable. You just clean them with a special kit and they are guaranteed for 1 million miles. In the long run, they are economical.

    Another advantage is that they claim to make a modest increase to the vehicle's horsepower and increase fuel economy. I have heard claims of this, but haven't experienced it for myself yet. Has anyone out there used K&N filters on their cars before?

    I haven't used a K&N filter before, but I am thinking about it. TRD (Toyota Racing Division) sells a similar filter for about the same price (~$60 or so). You can order from internet retailers or from your dealer (who most likely won't have it in stock, but can order it for you).
  • jcliffrojcliffro Member Posts: 108
    Through a routine search, I found the following dealer (Stadium Toyota) website in Tampa and there appear to be several 2WD Sr-5s with side air bags in dealer inventory. Maybe Toyota officials have been reading the Edmunds message boards? It would be great if that were the case.

    http://setbuyatoyota.com/inventory/searchresults.asp?dealer_code=- 09154&model=8642&extcolor=0587&intcolor=FG42&othe- r=AWAT,DJAT,GYAT,NEAT,PNAT
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Suggestion: Please make it clear when you are quoting someone by telling us who it is and enclosing what they said in quotes! It will avoid confusion.

    Thanks.

    tidester, host
  • 714cut714cut Member Posts: 355
    I live in Northern B.C. and we get a lot of snow and ice in a fairly severe climate. I have a set of the winter duellers DM Z2's and they really are worth the money. All season tires simply can't compete due to the tread compound and design. Highly recommend them, but they are expensive and you will have to get a slightly bigger tire-it's the only 17 in ones they make. The impact on speedometer is negligible and the tires have never rubbed, even in some pretty extreme terrain.
    If you are not in a severe climate you should be okay with all seasons and 4 wheel drive as posted previously.
  • beercoll1beercoll1 Member Posts: 88
    I too had a broken driver seat in my 03 v8 sport, where something broke in the right rear corner. I took it to the dealer, and they fixed it, no charge. I did not see or read about any service bulletin on the problem.
  • phoenixmp5phoenixmp5 Member Posts: 60
    The display light on the auto climate control of my 99 4Runner has burned out. does anyone have any links or information on how to remove the unit, how to replace the bulbs and the size of bulbs required?

    Thanks.
  • bryancosbryancos Member Posts: 282
    My apologies Tidester -- please edit my message to reflect that I received notification from K&N.

    I found a great source for the above K&N filter part #33-2281

    Martel Brothers Performance
    http://www.martelbros.com
    $39.97 w/ Free Shipping

    Must order by part number -- it's not in their online catalog yet.
  • bryancosbryancos Member Posts: 282
    Where did you end up ordering yours from? How much was it? I've installed a LUND air deflector on a previous vehicle, and while I wasn't thrilled about drilling, it did work pretty well. I just put a little silicone grease in the hole threads to ward off rust... I traded it in after 2 1/2 yrs, but never saw any issues.
  • amheckamheck Member Posts: 37
    Was waiting on the allocation data from my dealer and I got the word that no black Limited V8's were on the list. Hmm.....that stinks. I think we are going to take another look at the Honda Pilot this weekend. Probably makes more sense since this next vehicle is really more of a family type of car. But dang, I really liked the 4Runner!

    Aaron
  • alfster1alfster1 Member Posts: 273
    That's a shame that your dealer isn't able to get you the 4Runner in the color that you wanted. 4Runners in black are really sharp, but I have only seen 2 in the past 11 months. Must be a hard to get color. I was looking for one myself, but wasn't able to locate one, so I got Titanium Silver and have been happy with it...It's very easy to keep clean.

    Good luck with your search :)
  • amheckamheck Member Posts: 37
    What do you guys think about the Dorado Gold?

    Aaron
  • coolpop36coolpop36 Member Posts: 65
    With the limited color choice that the 4Runner offers, I like anything different, which is why I ordered the Pacific Blue Metallic. But the gold is very nice IMO. I mean, how many black/silver/white vehicles do you see on the road? Plenty. But you won't see many gold or stratosphere blue or pacific blue.

    I can also tell you that I look out my window at the parking lot all day long at a 2003 Limited V8 Dorado Gold and it is very nice.

    Make your own decision on what you like and try not to be influenced by others; in the end, you are the one who has to be happy with it.
  • 4runnerrunner4runnerrunner Member Posts: 7
    Since no one responded to my previous request I thought that I would ask again...looking for info on removing the intirior panels of an 03 4Runner. ie, dash, plastic panel in the rear etc. I want to install an aftermarket CD changer and need to get to the back of the existing radio and want to hide the wires from the rear where the changer will actually be mounted. Any help will be greatly appreciated. BY THE WAY, I have had my new 4Runner for only 2 months and I absolutly LOVE this vehicle. This is my first 4Runner but I have owned 3 Toyota Pick Ups. Toyota makes a quality vehicle!!!
  • jfegerjfeger Member Posts: 38
    We ordered gold because of it's uniqueness. We also like the idea that the bumper accent is the same color as the rest of the car, which apparently you cant get unless you order gold. Something else to note, at night the gold almost looks silver, kind of cool.
    -james
  • jcliffrojcliffro Member Posts: 108
    Those two words sound good together, so go with the durado gold if you find the exact vehicle you want in that color (I should be so lucky). I still have my 1985 Nissan 300ZX in aspen gold that I searched all over the Louisiana/Mississippi region to find in August 1985. Every time I approach this car, I fall in love with it all over again. So go for the gold and I suspect that if you take care of it like I have my Z, you will still love it 18+ years from now. And btw, I am torn between durado gold and pacific blue when I get ready to order my 4-Runner. Those are my top 2 picks at this point.
  • alfster1alfster1 Member Posts: 273
    Actually, if you order Titanium Silver, the bumper accents are also the same color (Titanium Silver). I think that this is true for only Dorado Gold and Titanium Silver...

    Does anyone know if this is true for white?

    Dorado Gold is a nice color...Another plus, it won't fade much :)
  • mtbguymtbguy Member Posts: 1
    Hey 4runnerrunner - get me your e-mail address. I'm pretty sure that I have a couple .pdf files of scanned pages from the Toyota tech manual at home that I can send you. It may at least give you some direction on how to remove the pieces.
  • coranchercorancher Member Posts: 232
    amheck, I assume that you've been looking for black because you want an "intense" color. Different colors are impressive in different ways, but if my guess about your preferences is correct, you might look at the stratosphere mica color, which is a dark, slightly metallic blue. It looks almost black in dim light, and is an intense blue in bright light, especially close-up.

    Stratosphere mica is quite a bit darker than the pacific blue, and if you saw one in that color I think you might like it. It's not a very common color, but might double your chances of finding what you want. I find these colors more interesting than the gray/silver/gold family, but I think they are also tougher to take care of. Black is probably toughest of all. Good luck!
  • jagsdadjagsdad Member Posts: 56
    Aaron:

    I am suprised you would go from black to gold. Black is striking and masuline, very cool. But too much washing for me. Gold, to me, is feminine, or for soccer moms. That just what I associate the color with. If I wanted black, but could not get it, I'd go with the dark blue or the grey. Both are great colors.

    Brian
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