The heart wants what the heart wants, and if you really WANT a 4Runner, are you SURE you won't end up regretting buying something else? Personally, I would rather have the truck I want in a color that may not have been my first choice, rather than... well, you get the idea.
FWIW, when I went to look at the new 4Runner Ltd., I hadn't really considered a white one until I walked into the showroom of Toyota Direct in Columbus OH. and saw a white 4Runner Ltd. on display. It instantly caught my eye, and in fact I thought it looked stunning. And, the more I came back to that truck that afternoon, the more it appealed to me, and so I bought it! Since then, I can't tell you how many unsolicited complements I've received on how sharp my truck looks, and in general it seems to turn a lot of heads. Now, my point here is not that I'm recommending this color for you. Rather, my point is that I think you are being very wise to keep an open mind about color choices, since a given paint scheme that we not have initially entertained can grow on us, big time, if only we keep an open mind. Finally, I would never suggest that anyone spend big money on a luxury, high-end vehicle, and then accept a color they HATE. But, I would suggest that color alone should not be the deciding factor, since most of us are choosing this vehicle because of its outstanding engineering, performance, quality, safety, comfort, and aesthetics per se, rather than merely based on the available colors.
Now, lots of folks might not choose a white (or perhaps some other color) 4Runner, and I certainly understand this. On the other hand, it is my opinion that while black finishes look sharp and stunning when kept clean, I can't think of a single person I've known who's owned a black vehicle who's not also eventually uttered the sentiment "Never again..." Of course, your opinions may diifer, and there's nothing wrong with that, because the heart wants what the heart wants!
Personally, I don't think there is such a thing as a "feminine" looking 4-Runner. Those are, in my opinion, antithetic concepts. Sure, I am glad they don't make pink ones, but for any guy secure in his masculinity, I don't think 4-Runners come in a "wrong" color. I think the galatic gray is actually the best LOOKING color, but I know I will get lazy after a while and I don't want it always looking dirty. And because I spend so much time in the gym lifting weights, if I choose to get gold, I would not think for one minute that I would look the least bit feminine in it. If you think you might, grow a mustache or hold a cigar while you drive your gold one.....
Hello, my name is Larry. I was ready to get a Grand Cherokee (I've had them before) last week when a friend suggested I look at 4Runner. So far I tested a V6 SR5 (loved it!); tomorrow morn. I'll drive a V8 Sport and make a decision (I wish I could bring my 3500 pound fishing rig to drag along on the test..that would make really make a salesman happy. ;-). The 4Runner suspension on bumpy road was so much more "connected" and accurate than with a 2 solid axle Jeep, and the drivetrain was very impressive. This will be my first Toyota, and want to say thanks to all here for such great info I've read on these boards the past few days. So, THANKS! Larry
Anyone have an aftermarket stereo head unit installed? Tweeter says it takes a souble-din head unit. Was looking around to see if there are any 5-disc in dash changers. If the manufacturers can put them in their head units, why can't I find any aftermarket ones?
I wrote: <<....So far I tested a V6 SR5 (loved it!); tomorrow morn. I'll drive a V8 Sport and make a decision...>>
Well I drove the V8, and bought a leftover new '03 V8 Sport with a few minor options in black at $5,000 off msrp (Toyota 101, N. Calif...all the v-8 4Runners are priced like that)...not my first color choice, but I guess I'll get friendly with a big old sponge soon. Great ride; can't wait to tow with it next month. Thanks again for all the great info here. Larry
I am ready to order a new 2004 4Runner Limited V8 4WD. I have read several comments on this board about sulphur odor problems in the 2003 model. I also noticed occasional sulphur smell on the 2003 4Runner I test drove at my dealer.
I would like to know if any of you who own a 2004 model have noticed any sulphur odor problems in your cars. I hope the Toyota fixed this problem with the 2004 model.
Congrats! I am in the market for a 4Runner too. I test drove an '04 SR5 V8 4x2 and the V6. The V8 is worth the extra $ (IMHO) due to the power and the smoother 5 speed tranny. likalar: where did you buy yours and what was the final price? Has anyone made any recent purchases in the San Diego area? Lastly, do the '04 SR5 V8's come with telescoping steering wheels?
Jagsdad wrote: <<Good for you! I also chose the V8. I have my reasons. What were yours? >>
Jags, I chose the V8 because Canddmeyer said to. ;-) Actually, I'll be towing 3500 lbs, often through the mountains on twisty roads above 5000 ft elevation. On Hwy 4, East of Angels camp, CA, the road is twisty, and up near Ebbetts Pass, at 8500 ft, often steep. My guess is the V6 would probably have also been a great choice, but I had this nagging feeling I might one day say I "shoulda' got the V8". I guess I partly chose the V8 "because it's there". Maybe the V8 truck should feel a bit "heavier" in the front end, but I can't really tell. I love the way this truck handles, (No wonder: untill today I drove a Wrangler! Maybe it's the REAS shocks?) Grubbs1 asked: <<Congrats!.... where did you buy yours and what was the final price? >> Thanks! I tried to deal with other dealers, but hate the "attacking shark" salesman attitude so prevelent in most places. On a whim, I drove into Toyota 101, and was immediately happy with the people there (it's on hwy 101, Redwood City, CA). I like funny people, and Terry, the part time salesman there, used to do stand-up at nightclubs, and had me in stitches. He seemed like he could care less if I bought the truck (it turns out they work for salary, not commision) He told great English sports car stories from his younger years. A real character! But he knew the product well, and won me over. The '03 V8 Sport (with color-keyed fenders, bumpers, etc) had a few options: Sunroof, mats, and a couple other minor things. Basic radio, which seems fine to me; no side air bags, no fancy stereo, no cargo shelf. MSRP sticker was $33,500 with setup/dest. charges. I paid $28,500 because the salesman told me that the factory offers $1000.00 rebate on the '03s, and the dealership was offering $4000.00 off MSRP on the V8 4Runners as an advertised weekend special. I never even saw the ad. $5000.00 off MSRP seemed fair enough to me, so the deal was done. Plus I liked the guy. The truck had only 12 miles on it, and now it has 70 miles; I'm happy as a clam. The book says to tow only after 500 miles, cant wait! Larry P.S. As I stated earlier, black would not be my first choice, but tonight my 26 year old car nut son saw the black and loved it, so now, with the youngin's seal of approval, I guess it will grow on me. Good luck shopping.
Five thousand under MSRP! Will you please call one of my local dealerships?! I test drove at one of those 'no haggle' dealerships yesterday. They were out of 2003's. The price on the '04 SR5 V8 4x2 with SR, matts and roof rack was $27,900. Supposedly at $600 over invoice, though Edmund's numbers tell me differently. Am I blind? I did not see that this truck had a telescopic steering wheel. Do they all have this?
Hi all. Just a quick question here for you. I've been having a ton of problems with my '03 Sport Runner. I got it back in April and its been back to the dealership 6 times already. I'm planning on going to Toyota and requesting a swap for a different 4 Runner on the premise that I got a lemon and that Toyota should stand behind their product. Do you think they will laugh at that request or is it a valid one? Just looking for some opinions (and feel free to slam me if that's a dumb thing to even suggest..hehe....)
I just got back from 2 weeks on the Outer Banks of NC. Due to the recent hurricane, the number of open beach access ramps was a little limited. I lowered the air pressure in my tires to 20 PSI, put it in low range, and locked the differentials. I went up the access ramp and out on to the beach through very loose sand. I had no problems going wherever I wanted to go. Some of the other vehicles on the sand stayed in rather well warn tracks. I was even going across the ruts of other vehicles getting where I wanted to be. I have a fishing rod holder and cooler holder that fits in my trailer hitch. I'd back in to a spot and lower the rear window. I'd take my PVC pipe rod holder out, stick it in the sand and put my rod into it. I'd lower the back window and get my tackle box and beach chair out. I'd lower the 2 front windows (real trick with the driver's window) about 2-3 inches. open the sun roof in it's slant position and keep the back window open. The ocean air would blow though the inside and kept my charcoal interior nice and cool. My Sport was the only vehicle on the beach with a hood scoop. I'll post some pictures when I get them developed.
i read one of your posts about a week ago regarding the utility of the spoiler. i was going to get one w/o the spoiler because i don't really like the look of it. but if there's an actual benefit to having it, then that might outweigh the looks.
i was wondering if you could expand a bit on the actual benefit of the spoiler.
The inside of the spoiler directs airflow down across the tailgate. It keeps the rear window and tailgate cleaner.
This may not seem like a big deal but go on a simple dirt road and it's the difference between a dusty tailgate and one covered in dirt. Consider the rear window can retract so the cleaner the better if you use it.
I think the spoiler looks a bit fat but it's functional and I think it looks alot better than without.
Does the 4Runner spoiler come in two different styles? I swear, in some of the pics I see, one spoiler has the high mounted stoplight in the middle of it, the other one has the light sort of underneath. It also seems to make no difference whether it's a 2003 or a 2004. Look at various pics at different sites and you'll see what I mean.
I asked a few dealers and of course got no answers.
I notice that SR-5s come standard with 16 inch alloy rims and that 17 inch aluminum wheels are an option. I have a question (with a bit of background) because I notice that most of the SR-5s in local dealer inventories have the 17 inch aluminum wheel option.
I live in New Orleans and not only is it below sea level, but the city sits on only about 3/8 of an inch of soil. As many of you know, we can't bury the dead below ground....we have to bury them in above ground tombs or the bodies would literally pop out of the ground every time it rains. So, despite its great beauty and culture, a major downside is that the city's streets tend to be among the most pothole ridden anywhere because the streets keep sinking.
Years ago I had 2 Chevrolet Caprice sedans which were both great cars with one MAJOR exception. It seemed like every 2 or 3 months after hitting a pothole, I would ruin a rim. So would every other Caprice owner in town, including all the taxi drivers. So I had a really hard time finding replacement rims. I finally sold the last Caprice mainly for that reason.
My Z has alloy rims and in the 18+ years I have owned it, I have never ruined a rim. I hope this is not a really stupid question, but are alloy rims superior in strength to steel rims? And what about aluminum rims, specifically the 17 inch ones offered on the SR-5? I sure as hell don't want to go through the nightmare of replacing rims ever again, because until the great storm washes this entire city away one day, I am staying put.
There is only one factory spoiler. It has the 3rd brake light in the edge of the spoiler. The inside of the spoiler is curved to direct wind down onto the rear hatch.
If it comes without the spoiler, it will have the 3rd brake light in the hatch above the rear glass. Add the spoiler and it will block this brake light.
So anything other than the factory spoiler was added at the dealer or aftermarket.
alloy wheels are stronger and lighter than steel wheels. However, steel wheels can be repaired easily alloy wheels are usually trashed.
17" wheels are a little more likely to get damaged because the profile of the tire is lower. There is less sidewall to cushion a blow compared to a 16" wheel. However, you get better control and handling with 17 so it's a tradeoff.
If you're not damaging your Z alloy rims, there is no way you will damage 17" wheels on the 4 runner. If you're worried, stay with the 16"
Thinking about buying a 2001 or 2002 4 Runner sport or limited. Do they have the same maintenance costs considering that they have the same engine? The only difference is a few luxury features correct? Also reliability should be the same, right? Would greatly appreciate any help. This is going to be my first SUV.
<> FWIW, I just went out with a measuring tape. My new '03 Sport has 17" wheels. They measure 18.3" across. Go figure? From the lowermost edge of the wheel to the ground is 5 3/4 inches. My neighbor's Volvo with sporty wheels measures just 2" from edge to the ground. Larry
Well after a whole day and a half with the '03 Sport V8 4Runner, I still love it. Phew! Using the on-board computer (which I realize is optomistic, I read here somewhere), reset to zero after a running start, I got an indicated 22.5 mpg over 60 miles of flat windless freeway at 60 mph. Great, though I'll never drive like that again. A couple of nags: Interior cabin lighting is minimal when a door is opened. Also, the trip/mileage/temp/time display could be a bit more contrasty. Medium grey numbers on a light grey field is a bit hard to get a quick read of the display. The radio display, though of a similar design, is easier to read for some reason (besides the higher position). Lastly: the driver door panel window controls and door lock are hard to find in the dark. These are just nitpics; I absolutely love this thing, despite the bad eyesight! ;-) Larry
Look at Toyota's website and you'll see what I'm talking about - the spoiler is different. Same in the pics at carsdirect.com.
I've also seen pics of that different spoiler in a few other 4Runner forums, so I'm not quite sure what's going on. Now, all of the 4Runners that I've seen here in FL have the downward-curved spoiler that you speak of. I don't know, maybe it's a regional thing.
I'm not sure if the Southeast region uses a different spoiler or not, but the MSRP price of the spoiler in the SE region is $399, while national pricing is $200 for this option.
It could just be an item that the Southeast distributor makes extra profit on or maybe it's a unique spoiler. Anyone have any more insight?
OK, that is a dealer installed aftermarket spoiler. All trucks with the 3rd light in the tailgate came without spoilers. Since there is a hole cut into the sheetmetal, you have to leave the 3rd brake light when you add a spoiler.
I'm not sure if the one pictured is a genuine Toyota accessory spoiler, but I doubt it.
Have you tried doing a search of this message board for "lemon law"? You may get a bunch of messages to read through, but that'd probably be a good place to start. I noticed from your profile that you are in Canada. I'm not sure if lemon laws are different up north than here. I believe one requirement is that you are able to show a single defect/malfunction that has been to the dealer more than once (three times?) and is still defective/malfunctioning. Your message said you've been to the dealer six times but not if it was for one thing or six different things. I haven't gone through this process myself. I'm just giving you what I can remember from reading posts on this topic in the past.
Do you wear polarized sunglasses? I've noticed that they dim the LCD displays on both my 4Runner and my Audi. If you turn your head to the side, they may get brighter or darker depending on your orientation. Guess LCD's give off polarized light. They're fine to read with my non-polarized sunglasses.
Thanks for the response. I do not believe we have any such protection as consumers here in Canada (ie. no lemon law). The vehicle has been in three times to get the engine noise looked at, and 3 other times for other complaints.
vodgut, I've tried the tilting of my head to see the displays on a sunny day wearing sunglasses. It doesn't make a difference for me. Do others find the displays disappearing in daylight? When the sun shines directly on the display, it is visable, but when it's in the shade I can't see it at all. And the three round holes for the tach, speedometer and other gauges are only slightly better. At night they are all very well lit. I love this truck, but I have to wonder who designed these gauges. Wouldn't you think that one criteria for gauge dssign is that they are legible?
OK, this doesn't make sense anymore because the post I responded to got deleted. Anyway, it was a picture of a add-on spoiler not factory. If it doesn't look like the Toyota website, it's not Toyota.
Yes, my post was deleted by one of the moderators because the link to the pic had another forum's address in it.
In any event, addressing the issue of an add-on or aftermarket spoiler - maybe, maybe not. ALL of the 4Runners with the spoilers, at maybe 5 or 6 dealerships I've visited, had the type in the pic I posted and not the type that Toyota shows on their website. I had never seen the "factory" one, with the light in the middle, until I saw pics on Toyota's website.
Still not too sure what's going on. Why would every spoilered 4Runner that I've seen in FL have that style spoiler and not the type that is listed in other pics?
How do you know that "the inside of the spoiler directs airflow down across the tailgate," and that it "keeps the rear window and tailgate cleaner"?
I have know background or education in this area, but the spoiler looks to me like it mostly continues the roof line. So I don't see how it would redirect much air. Also, given that the air is passing on top of the spoiler, I don't see how it could direct that air downward toward the tailgate.
As you can see from the photos, there IS open space between the rear of the spoiler and the rear of the vehicle, making air redirection possible to keep the rear window clean...
The key words are "factory style". Although high quality, these are aftermarket spoilers made to match the Toyota factory spoiler in looks. Notice it does not say "OEM Toyota factory part".
It really doesn't matter, all I'm pointing out is that there is only one OEM factory spoiler. The one pictured on Toyota's website.
I believe ALL SR5's come without spoilers so the dealer simply adds that for extra profit and many people like it. If it comes with the 3rd brake light in the hatch, it didn't come from the factory with a spoiler.
The inside of the spoiler facing the tailgate is curved to direct air downward onto the hatch. It doesn't keep it immaculate or anything but it does work in reducing the buildup. I am not sure if the aftermarket spoiler has this but I assume it does.
This is just an educated guess and an expansion on my post from yesterday... The option code for Rear Spoilers in the Southeast Toyota region (including Florida) is CX9. The national option code for a Rear Spoiler is RF. If you look on CarsDirect and put in a Zip Code for a town in the Southeast (28210), you'll notice a Rear Spoiler in the National and Regional sections (for different prices). My guess is that in the Southeast, this is always an option installed at the port or the dealer and is controlled by the Southeast distributor to make extra money. Again, I'm not sure if it's the same spoiler that is installed in the factory, but they definitely charge you a different price and list it under a different code. Maybe it's a different part. Not sure.
You are completely correct. I was just about to post a message almost identical to yours, but you beat me to it. It is a regional install to make the dealer extra profit.
I spoke to a buddy last night who is a supervisor at the port in Jacksonville and he told me exactly the same things as your post mentions.
Hi Terrafirma, I don't know if you have read my post #8053 because you had been talking a lot about spoilers Can you please check that post and tell me what you think?
I don't know what a Lund deflector looks like. If it's the smoked plastic, my personal take is that I would not. If it was "stick on" or bolt on, maybe I would try it out but what if it cracks, fades, vibrates, rattles or otherwise doesnt work? You will have big permanent holes in the truck.
If anything is screwed into the truck body, it needs to be something that will last as long as the truck, imo.
If it was me, I would get a factory spoiler or one of the dealer installed aftermarket ones talked about in the last few posts -they don't look to cost much more than what the Lund is.
The factory spoiler is not merely a CONTINUOUS extension of the roofline. Rather... 1) The spoiler is a sort of airfoil whose TOP edge is nearly an inch HIGHER than the truck's rear roof line, and... 2) There is a sizeable front-to-rear "air" gap between the end of the rear roof line and the "proximal" aspect of the spoiler, and...; 3) Because of this geometry, the spoiler acts as an airfoil that will, at higher speeds, tend to catch and redirect the air passing over the top, rear aspect of the truck, thus forcing this slip-stream of air downward over the glass of the rear hatch, and by doing so it may help to keep the rear hatch glass freer from rain, snow, etc. Does it work as such? I now have 3700 miles logged on my new 4Runner Ltd. in less than two months, and I would say that it does indeed seem to work quite well in this regard, since at least with rain and moisture, I often find that the rear wiper is not often needed to keep my rear hatch window clear enough to see well.
In summary, at this time I feel that the "factory" rear spoiler is quite functional and not just gingerbread, at least when it comes to creating beneficial, cleansing airflow over the rear hatch glass. In addition, I think the factory spoiler looks quite tasteful and sharp (aesthetically speaking), and it also provides a very convenient and attractive location for the "high aspect" rear brake light. On the other hand, this spoiler surely doesn't do anything to increase downward force and traction on the rear tires at higher speeds.
Could you explain exactly what you mean by the last sentence of your last post? One reason I favor the SR-5 is that it is available without the roof rack. Although I am sure it doesn't add that much weight, the whole purpose of having one is in case one wants to transport more stuff on that roof rack. Given the high center of gravity of SUVs, I would not want to add weight up there. So, the roof rack would not be something I think I would order. Does your last sentence imply that the spoiler makes the vehicle more or less stable at high speeds or does what you said have absolutely nothing to do with it?
Comments
FWIW, when I went to look at the new 4Runner Ltd., I hadn't really considered a white one until I walked into the showroom of Toyota Direct in Columbus OH. and saw a white 4Runner Ltd. on display. It instantly caught my eye, and in fact I thought it looked stunning. And, the more I came back to that truck that afternoon, the more it appealed to me, and so I bought it! Since then, I can't tell you how many unsolicited complements I've received on how sharp my truck looks, and in general it seems to turn a lot of heads. Now, my point here is not that I'm recommending this color for you. Rather, my point is that I think you are being very wise to keep an open mind about color choices, since a given paint scheme that we not have initially entertained can grow on us, big time, if only we keep an open mind. Finally, I would never suggest that anyone spend big money on a luxury, high-end vehicle, and then accept a color they HATE. But, I would suggest that color alone should not be the deciding factor, since most of us are choosing this vehicle because of its outstanding engineering, performance, quality, safety, comfort, and aesthetics per se, rather than merely based on the available colors.
Now, lots of folks might not choose a white (or perhaps some other color) 4Runner, and I certainly understand this. On the other hand, it is my opinion that while black finishes look sharp and stunning when kept clean, I can't think of a single person I've known who's owned a black vehicle who's not also eventually uttered the sentiment "Never again..." Of course, your opinions may diifer, and there's nothing wrong with that, because the heart wants what the heart wants!
Larry
Thanks again!!!
A statement that you don't agree with me about the gold paint would have sufficed.
But if you have a need to take cheap personal shots at me to make yourself feel better, knock yourself out....
I'm sure many are impressed with your sharp wit and the way you so cleverly put others down. You should do it more often. It's certain to get you far.
Well I drove the V8, and bought a leftover new '03 V8 Sport with a few minor options in black at $5,000 off msrp (Toyota 101, N. Calif...all the v-8 4Runners are priced like that)...not my first color choice, but I guess I'll get friendly with a big old sponge soon. Great ride; can't wait to tow with it next month. Thanks again for all the great info here.
Larry
jolly2 "Mazda MPV" Oct 14, 2003 8:42pm
Steve, Host
I would like to know if any of you who own a 2004 model have noticed any sulphur odor problems in your cars. I hope the Toyota fixed this problem with the 2004 model.
Thanks.
Jags, I chose the V8 because Canddmeyer said to. ;-) Actually, I'll be towing 3500 lbs, often through the mountains on twisty roads above 5000 ft elevation. On Hwy 4, East of Angels camp, CA, the road is twisty, and up near Ebbetts Pass, at 8500 ft, often steep. My guess is the V6 would probably have also been a great choice, but I had this nagging feeling I might one day say I "shoulda' got the V8". I guess I partly chose the V8 "because it's there". Maybe the V8 truck should feel a bit "heavier" in the front end, but I can't really tell. I love the way this truck handles, (No wonder: untill today I drove a Wrangler! Maybe it's the REAS shocks?)
Grubbs1 asked: <<Congrats!.... where did you buy yours and what was the final price? >> Thanks! I tried to deal with other dealers, but hate the "attacking shark" salesman attitude so prevelent in most places. On a whim, I drove into Toyota 101, and was immediately happy with the people there (it's on hwy 101, Redwood City, CA). I like funny people, and Terry, the part time salesman there, used to do stand-up at nightclubs, and had me in stitches. He seemed like he could care less if I bought the truck (it turns out they work for salary, not commision) He told great English sports car stories from his younger years. A real character! But he knew the product well, and won me over. The '03 V8 Sport (with color-keyed fenders, bumpers, etc) had a few options: Sunroof, mats, and a couple other minor things. Basic radio, which seems fine to me; no side air bags, no fancy stereo, no cargo shelf. MSRP sticker was $33,500 with setup/dest. charges. I paid $28,500 because the salesman told me that the factory offers $1000.00 rebate on the '03s, and the dealership was offering $4000.00 off MSRP on the V8 4Runners as an advertised weekend special. I never even saw the ad. $5000.00 off MSRP seemed fair enough to me, so the deal was done. Plus I liked the guy. The truck had only 12 miles on it, and now it has 70 miles; I'm happy as a clam. The book says to tow only after 500 miles, cant wait!
Larry
P.S. As I stated earlier, black would not be my first choice, but tonight my 26 year old car nut son saw the black and loved it, so now, with the youngin's seal of approval, I guess it will grow on me. Good luck shopping.
Thanks!
tidester, host
Thanks.
<<Please - no names of sales people or other contact information.>>
Oops! My mistake; sorry.
Larry
I lowered the air pressure in my tires to 20 PSI, put it in low range, and locked the differentials. I went up the access ramp and out on to the beach through very loose sand.
I had no problems going wherever I wanted to go. Some of the other vehicles on the sand stayed in rather well warn tracks. I was even going across the ruts of other vehicles getting where I wanted to be.
I have a fishing rod holder and cooler holder that fits in my trailer hitch. I'd back in to a spot and lower the rear window. I'd take my PVC pipe rod holder out, stick it in the sand and put my rod into it. I'd lower the back window and get my tackle box and beach chair out.
I'd lower the 2 front windows (real trick with the driver's window) about 2-3 inches. open the sun roof in it's slant position and keep the back window open. The ocean air would blow though the inside and kept my charcoal interior nice and cool.
My Sport was the only vehicle on the beach with a hood scoop.
I'll post some pictures when I get them developed.
i was wondering if you could expand a bit on the actual benefit of the spoiler.
thanks
This may not seem like a big deal but go on a simple dirt road and it's the difference between a dusty tailgate and one covered in dirt. Consider the rear window can retract so the cleaner the better if you use it.
I think the spoiler looks a bit fat but it's functional and I think it looks alot better than without.
I asked a few dealers and of course got no answers.
Anybody have any info on this?
I live in New Orleans and not only is it below sea level, but the city sits on only about 3/8 of an inch of soil. As many of you know, we can't bury the dead below ground....we have to bury them in above ground tombs or the bodies would literally pop out of the ground every time it rains. So, despite its great beauty and culture, a major downside is that the city's streets tend to be among the most pothole ridden anywhere because the streets keep sinking.
Years ago I had 2 Chevrolet Caprice sedans which were both great cars with one MAJOR exception. It seemed like every 2 or 3 months after hitting a pothole, I would ruin a rim. So would every other Caprice owner in town, including all the taxi drivers. So I had a really hard time finding replacement rims. I finally sold the last Caprice mainly for that reason.
My Z has alloy rims and in the 18+ years I have owned it, I have never ruined a rim. I hope this is not a really stupid question, but are alloy rims superior in strength to steel rims? And what about aluminum rims, specifically the 17 inch ones offered on the SR-5? I sure as hell don't want to go through the nightmare of replacing rims ever again, because until the great storm washes this entire city away one day, I am staying put.
If it comes without the spoiler, it will have the 3rd brake light in the hatch above the rear glass. Add the spoiler and it will block this brake light.
So anything other than the factory spoiler was added at the dealer or aftermarket.
17" wheels are a little more likely to get damaged because the profile of the tire is lower. There is less sidewall to cushion a blow compared to a 16" wheel. However, you get better control and handling with 17 so it's a tradeoff.
If you're not damaging your Z alloy rims, there is no way you will damage 17" wheels on the 4 runner. If you're worried, stay with the 16"
peace out y'all
FWIW, I just went out with a measuring tape. My new '03 Sport has 17" wheels. They measure 18.3" across. Go figure? From the lowermost edge of the wheel to the ground is 5 3/4 inches. My neighbor's Volvo with sporty wheels measures just 2" from edge to the ground.
Larry
A couple of nags: Interior cabin lighting is minimal when a door is opened. Also, the trip/mileage/temp/time display could be a bit more contrasty. Medium grey numbers on a light grey field is a bit hard to get a quick read of the display. The radio display, though of a similar design, is easier to read for some reason (besides the higher position). Lastly: the driver door panel window controls and door lock are hard to find in the dark. These are just nitpics; I absolutely love this thing, despite the bad eyesight! ;-)
Larry
I've also seen pics of that different spoiler in a few other 4Runner forums, so I'm not quite sure what's going on. Now, all of the 4Runners that I've seen here in FL have the downward-curved spoiler that you speak of. I don't know, maybe it's a regional thing.
It could just be an item that the Southeast distributor makes extra profit on or maybe it's a unique spoiler. Anyone have any more insight?
http://www.carsdirect.com/build/large_image?image=30TSGEA2&a- mp;vehicleDesc=2003+Toyota+4Runner+SR5+Sport+V6+4x4
All trucks with the 3rd light in the tailgate came without spoilers. Since there is a hole cut into the sheetmetal, you have to leave the 3rd brake light when you add a spoiler.
I'm not sure if the one pictured is a genuine Toyota accessory spoiler, but I doubt it.
Thanks again for the response.
You can try adjusting the contrast or closing the moon roof cover to enhance viewing, but sometimes this isn't possible.
If it doesn't look like the Toyota website, it's not Toyota.
In any event, addressing the issue of an add-on or aftermarket spoiler - maybe, maybe not. ALL of the 4Runners with the spoilers, at maybe 5 or 6 dealerships I've visited, had the type in the pic I posted and not the type that Toyota shows on their website. I had never seen the "factory" one, with the light in the middle, until I saw pics on Toyota's website.
Still not too sure what's going on. Why would every spoilered 4Runner that I've seen in FL have that style spoiler and not the type that is listed in other pics?
How do you know that "the inside of the spoiler directs airflow down across the tailgate," and that it "keeps the rear window and tailgate cleaner"?
I have know background or education in this area, but the spoiler looks to me like it mostly continues the roof line. So I don't see how it would redirect much air. Also, given that the air is passing on top of the spoiler, I don't see how it could direct that air downward toward the tailgate.
Ebay has a couple listed...
Check out these companies and respective photos:
SpoilerDepot.com:
http://www.spoilerdepot.com/Catalog.asp?A=20&S=09158.jpg&- - - - idProduct=512&idMakeTemp=&idModelTemp=&idB=
AutoEarth.com:
http://www.autoearth.com/SpoilerToyota.asp
As you can see from the photos, there IS open space between the rear of the spoiler and the rear of the vehicle, making air redirection possible to keep the rear window clean...
It really doesn't matter, all I'm pointing out is that there is only one OEM factory spoiler. The one pictured on Toyota's website.
I believe ALL SR5's come without spoilers so the dealer simply adds that for extra profit and many people like it.
If it comes with the 3rd brake light in the hatch, it didn't come from the factory with a spoiler.
The inside of the spoiler facing the tailgate is curved to direct air downward onto the hatch. It doesn't keep it immaculate or anything but it does work in reducing the buildup. I am not sure if the aftermarket spoiler has this but I assume it does.
I spoke to a buddy last night who is a supervisor at the port in Jacksonville and he told me exactly the same things as your post mentions.
I don't know if you have read my post #8053 because you had been talking a lot about spoilers
Can you please check that post and tell me what you think?
If it was "stick on" or bolt on, maybe I would try it out but what if it cracks, fades, vibrates, rattles or otherwise doesnt work? You will have big permanent holes in the truck.
If anything is screwed into the truck body, it needs to be something that will last as long as the truck, imo.
If it was me, I would get a factory spoiler or one of the dealer installed aftermarket ones talked about in the last few posts -they don't look to cost much more than what the Lund is.
I usually have the headlights on all the time.
In summary, at this time I feel that the "factory" rear spoiler is quite functional and not just gingerbread, at least when it comes to creating beneficial, cleansing airflow over the rear hatch glass. In addition, I think the factory spoiler looks quite tasteful and sharp (aesthetically speaking), and it also provides a very convenient and attractive location for the "high aspect" rear brake light. On the other hand, this spoiler surely doesn't do anything to increase downward force and traction on the rear tires at higher speeds.
One reason I favor the SR-5 is that it is available without the roof rack. Although I am sure it doesn't add that much weight, the whole purpose of having one is in case one wants to transport more stuff on that roof rack. Given the high center of gravity of SUVs, I would not want to add weight up there. So, the roof rack would not be something I think I would order.
Does your last sentence imply that the spoiler makes the vehicle more or less stable at high speeds or does what you said have absolutely nothing to do with it?