Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options
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?