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My other car is a BMW and is not as good. It blows full blast before the engine warms or before the air conditioner is operating efficiently. And when the cabin is the right temperature, the fan continues to blow at too high of a level. I'm always having to manually play with it.
These were my first two cars with auto climate controls. And I do find that it is certainly something I could live without. But I also thought power windows were an unnecessary convenience 15 years ago - guess what!
I do wish there was a way to program it in such a way so that the defroster would come on during cold days to unfog the glass, but otherwise, it works remarkably well.
14 inches of fresh snow two nights ago, a few more expected today and tomorrow. Man this truck is great for winter.
I agree the climate control has been a pleasure.
Larry
I also have a concern that the installation may not allow for the steering wheel controls to work or if the unit fits in the dash without adding some "hokey" panels for correct placement.
Any feedback will be much appreciated.
Think about this: Why would you spend a small fortune on a new 4Runner Limited, yet just accept being denied an available factory option which many of us consider to be very important? And, why would you even consider spending vast amounts of additional money to have an aftermarket unit installed in place of TOYOTA'S factory installed DVD/NAV.? Doing so would entail paying big money to an aftermarket car-audio vendor who would probably have some kid tearing into and monkeying with your new Limited's dashboard, electrical system, etc. And if you didn't like the "non-factory" looking results, then what? My suggestion would be to buy a 4Runner with Toyota's DVD/Nav., and to be patient in the meantime.
[For what it's worth: I bought my new 2003 4Runner Limited (AWD; V8; DVD/Nav.; X-REAS; Michelin Cross Terrains; no third-row seat; Natural White; etc...) off of my dealer's showroom floor. I was fortunate to not have to place a special order.] Best holiday wishes.
KH
Have you tried other dealers? How long have you been waiting? 4Runner's with navigation are available but appear to be in limited supply. Can usually be purchased between invoice to $500.00 over.
I considered the Kenwood touch screen Navigation system for my 2002 4Runner, not sure if the rear camera was offered for it. Nice system, but once I decided on the 2004, I never gave the Kenwood a thought. Unless you do not mind adding additional cost, the Toyota DVD navigation system is not a bad choice. Kenwood may offer more Points of Interest, may even be more advanced but to give up the steering wheel audio controls, a very good 360 watt JBL sound system and a nifty rear back-up camera is something you really need to consider.
The following write-up is from pressroom.toyota.com.
..........."A technologically advanced GPS navigation system is available on Limited 4Runner models equipped with the JBL audio system. The GPS system includes a touch-screen monitor with voice guidance through the driver door speaker. The ECU with a DVD drive is located in the right rear side of the cargo area. Quick multiple route searches can locate over two million points of interest that are stored in the Toyota map database. Additional navigation features include English and French voice guidance, 14 map display zoom in-out steps, a linear touch scroll function, four different screen color combinations, and memo calendar.
The optional navigation system also includes a rear-view camera for greater convenience when backing up the vehicle. The rear back-up camera provides the driver with a view of what’s behind the vehicle, automatically projecting the image on the system’s seven-inch LCD screen when reverse gear is engaged.
Audio sound is achieved with a Deluxe 3-in-1 AM/FM/Cassette/CD with six speakers and an in-glass FM diversity antenna. For the audio aficionado who requires digital surround sound, Toyota offers a 360-watt JBL Synthesis 3-in-1 sound system. The premium system comes with 10 speakers, rear seat audio (RSA) with remote wireless headphone capability, a remote control, channel display, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated cruise and audio controls."...............
Another reason to consider the Toyota system is the warranty. You are paying around 40K for this truck, why have the aftermarket folks cut and splice speaker, amp, and power wires, then tuck all this back behind the dash of your brand new truck. Not that all aftermarket shops will do a bad installation, just need to decide how much more will you gain with the aftermaket system? With Toyota, the factory system is under warranty for 3 years, 36K miles.
Good luck with you decision.
I got 1 dealer offer $500 over invoice off the bat. Do you think I can find a better deal ?
Is there any chance Toyota will offer a rebate in early 04 ? Competition all offering big rebates and new models. Explorers and Trailblazers are $5 to $10 thousand less..
+
Domestic manufacturer=no reliability
=
a vehicle that is substantially less value than a Toyota the minute you start the vehicle to drive off the domestic dealers lot.
I personally could not think of a worse vehicle to drive than the Trailblazer, from a reliability or resale standpoint. Have you not read Motor Trend or CR? If you are set on a domestic, maybe Suburban or Tahoe, but Trailblazer?
Toyota rarely offers discounts because their product has value and people recognize that.
You get what you pay for.
Highlander--thanks for the write up on the nav system!
I drove a friend's Explorer on and off for a few hundred miles. It is a comfortable vehicle, has standard third row seats, and it relatively roomy. I didn't have any problems personally and it is the best selling midsized SUV. Nevertheless, reliability and resale value are traditionally not so great for this vehicle.
I would stick with the 4Runner. It is a great vehicle with pretty much most of the most important bases covered, which is considerable since it is an all new design.
At another dealer, they had my vehicle, but it was held at another lot as the dealer was constructing a new dealership. It was "fresh off the boat" with 1mi on it's odometer and blocked in by several other 4Runners. This was never taken on a testdrive. I drove it all the way back to the dealer (10 mi) and then proceeded to get a great deal, ~$500 under invoice + a new graduate $1000 rebate. Everything worked out fine with financing, but it did take a bit longer to "prep" the car. The dealer's minions ended up making a small scratch on the lower left rear bumper while washing the car. I had to wait until the following week to have it fixed and it looks as good as new.
Have hope! Your car is out there somewhere.
Anyone else getting great deals on 4runners ?
Parkway Toyota in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, just a few minutes from the G.W. Bridge. I purchased my 4runner in August 2003. Good luck
Steve, Host
Steve, Host
I use mid-grade 89 octane all the time with good results.
almost never have used premium. Manual says to use premium if you experience knocking, otherwise reg. gas will do you fine
Heck, we just broke down and got a TV for Christmas after being without one since '99.
I'm not sure if that's a lifestyle improvement either....
Steve, Host
Another tactic that may work at the dealership if you don't have a cell phone is to ask to use the dealer's office phone to make a call to your spouse, for example. It's important to not to pretend to make a call as the manager or another dealer may listen in on extension. Speaking in another language helps, especially if it's a bit obscure, such as Latvian. The dealer will really freak out. LOL. Gesticulating wildly with your hands is a neat trick too....Draw your own conclusions and good luck getting the best deal...
These tactics are pretty funny; almost makes me want to go car shopping! Lots of people swear the phones in the sales cubicles are bugged.
Steve, Host
I purchased the truck over the phone, and found every dealership was starting at most $100 over invoice. There are not many SR5's left (I wanted a Sport, but couldn't find an '03.) There are MANY '03 Limiteds, and they should be easy to find. I spent 4 hours looking at dealer inventories on Toyota.com, and found the truck in Bryan, TX. That was their last '03 on the lot. If your looking for a Limited in S. Texas, try looking at inventory at Don McGill Toyota in Katy. Right now that have 7 on the lot.
I love my truck...
The C4 I am familiar with would get you a few extra miles. C4 is military plastic explosives as I remember. You could cook C rations with it if you just lit it with a match.
I said "Do not add any supplements to the oil or gas. And the 4 Runner has 4 wheel disk brakes. "
So after a 2 hour wait, I go to pay my bill. There are two charges of $5.38. One for for oil supplement and the other for gas supplement. They also charged me for brake cleaner.
I asked to see the service manager. I told him what had happened and why I was totally dissatisfied with their service dept.
I ended up saying "I was very sorry I bought a 4Runner from this dealer."
His only comment. "I'm sorry to hear all this"
I am calling Toyota USA today to complain.
As standard procedure, the service dept. has greasy mechanics drive vehicles in and out for service. They don't use paper or any thing to protect my interior. The steering wheel and shift are all greasy when I pick up my 4 Runner. The interior reeks of grease.
Is it just my dealer who sucks or do all Toyota dealers screw over their customers, like this.
Scname:
Don't limit yourself to dealerships in or near Houston. Try Austin, San Antonio, Laredo, McAllen, and other surround cities. Most of the mid-sized to large cities in So. Texas have a few '03's on the lot. I think you have to purchase and receive your 4runner by Jan. 5th, to receive the 3K rebate.
If you did could you tell us a little about it?
Is it just my dealer who sucks or do all Toyota dealers screw over their customers, like this. "
Do you use Fred Anderson Toyota in Raleigh!? That is the worst dealership, actually Toyota of Durham is worse, but both treat you and your car like crap. Don't get me started.........
If you read the fine print:
1.They drain your tranny oil, not flush it as recommended a $100 difference.
2.They adjust your air cleaner filter, instead of replacing as recommended.
3.They always want to pour a bottle of Techron in the tank and call it 'valve re-conditioning'.
4. They check, instead of drain, the oil in the diffs.
Basically, I am paying the dealership $400+ to 'check' my fluids and half-as$ change my fluids. The dealership treats me like crap because I know how to play their game and instead of taking what they want to give me, I request what I want. Really pisses them off.
Check all work like a hawk. Sometimes I wonder if they are really replacing my oil filter, I'll mark the next one.
I should have got the fabric protector for the greaseball mechanics at Toyota of Waldorf, MD.
At Honda they always used paper fabric protectors, always washed the Honda even for oil changes. They did the work on time at the agreed upon price. The Sales Rep knew me and talked to me by name. Everything they ever did to my van was in their computer. And they did the work they were supposed to do. No attempt to rip me off. They spoiled me. The Odyssey had serious transmission problems.
I'd rather have a poor service dept. and a reliable vehicle, than the Honda situation.
I think I'll call Honda and see if they'll service my 4Runner.
We average a little over 25" of snow a year in South Jersey so the most we usually have to deal at any time is about the same that you have, 6" - 8" amounts. Of the 20 4Runner's on my dealers lot when I purchased mine this month, none were rear drive only. Not sure if you could find one in my area and South Jersey is really flat. But we are very close to the mountains of North Jersey, PA and NY and do get the occasional 2 feet of snow in one storm.
Many folks do fine with the rear drive 4Runner's, depends on your needs and 'what you want'. You may save on the initial purchase buying the rear drive but when ready to sell or trade may lose on the higher resale value of the 4X4.
Go to: http://www.cars.com/go/index.jsp?aff=freep
This should give you an idea of what 2 wheel vs. 4 wheel drive 4Runner's are selling for in your area.
In my humble opinion, I feel it may be unwise to make an initial selection of a dealership based primarily on who's offering the lowest purchase price. There's no free lunch in the real world, and if a given dealership is offering a rock-bottom price on a vehicle such as the new 4Runner, one really ought to wonder about where and how they might be creating profits and reducing overhead elsewhere in the operation of their dealership business. Might the deal be too good to be true once they have our money? In the long run, is such a "dealing" dealership really doing us any big favors by offering a rock-bottom purchase price, if their subsequent "AFTER-THE-SALE" level of service and customer care proves to be wretched, shoddy, deceitful, unsatisfactory, careless, etc.? And among those 4Runner's that are being sold at rock-bottom prices, just how much does the buyer really know about the detailed history of those vehicles since they've left the factory?
Through previous experiences with Honda, Chevy, Ford, and now Toyota, I have finally learned that the relationship between the customer and a given dealership may often set the tone for the entire ownership experience. In my opinion, the crucial aspects of a great ownership experience have little to do with how many wet kisses and seductively great deals we might be wowed by at the time the deal is closed. Rather, it's the AFTER-THE-SALE level of integrity, customer care, and professionalism of a given dealership that's most important in the long run.
With the above thoughts in mind, in early 9/03 I decided to trade my Explorer (at a financial loss due to excessive depreciation) in order to buy a new 4Runner. After doing some research, I decided to do business with Toyota Direct (Ohio) not only because of their excellent word-of-mouth" reputation and the integrity of a particular salesperson I was referred to, but also because Toyota Direct has earned Toyota's coveted "Presidential Award".
I'll freely admit that I purchased my 2003 4Runner Limited from Toyota Direct at not much less than the MSRP on the window sticker, but they were very generous on the trade-in of my 2002 Explorer. Since then, my 2003 4runner Ltd. has been to Toyota Direct's service shop about 5-6 times for both routine maint. and warranty issues (e.g., squeaks, noises) and so far their service dept. has ROUTINELY given me a fantastic level of service and attention.
Toyota Direct's shop is clean, well-run, efficient, and very professional. Thus far, I've found their service managers, service advisors, and service technicians to be very enthusiastic, courteous, professional, responsive, helpful, and reasonable. And when I want to speak with the service manager, I typically either reach him directly by phone, or get a call-back the same day. When I have questions and ask for honest opinions, I feel strongly that I get straight and honest answers. For example, while their "service menu" offers and suggests a "premium package" that includes Krex additive products, their service advisors have been frank with me in saying that so long as I regularly change the oil, etc., most such additives probably aren't necessary, and they've NEVER verbally mentioned or tried to sell me these products!
And, when I receive my truck from this service shop, it has always been as clean as a pin, which is how I keep my 4Runner in general. In addition, when I've had concerns or when my truck has been shopped, I've been highly appreciative of the regular and timely phone calls I've received from both the service mgr. and his various service advisors and "team leaders". These professionals have not only kept me informed as their diagnostics have unfolded, but they've also always carefully explained their impressions and recommendations, and then requested my authorization to proceed. On several occasions they've consulted by phone with Toyota field engineers in California, as well as picking the brains of seasoned technicians at their sister dealership in Cincinatti. The service mgr. has either rode or driven with me on several occasions, and has directly acknowledged a given problem, noise, complaint, etc., so that there's been no disagreement as to what might need to be fixed or addressed. And I'll say again that thus far, whenever I've wanted to speak with either the service mgr., team leader, or the technician who has worked on my 4Runner, I typically either get through directly or I get a timely call back.
Finally, I want to mention that whenever I've talked with these professionals at Toyota Direct's service shop, I've noticed how they all seem to be so genuinely enthusiastic, "in love" with, prideful of, and eager to "talk shop" about the new 4Runner. These Toyota Direct service men and women love this new SUV, and in fact one of their team leaders owns a 2003 V8 Sport, and I've found his advice and opinions to be extremely helpful and reassuring.
And before I close this long-winded(!) opinion, let me also say that Toyota Direct has been EXTREMELY generous whenever I need a loaner vehicle while my truck is shopped, and they will try to give me either a Sequoia or 4Runner if possible. They treat me like royalty, and I treat them the same! I feel much trust, affection, and appreciation for these hard-working professionals, and I don't hesitate to express those feelings to them. If you feel I was a sucker for paying a higher purchase price for my 4Runner, I disagree. Indeed, my higher initial purchase price seems to be paying back ongoing dividends in the form of the EXEMPLARY, "PRESIDENTIAL" SERVICE I've so far received from Toyota Direct, and with my Toyota Platinum extended warranty, I expect this level of service and good working RELATIONSHIP to continue for a long time. And once you find a dealership/service center that you like, treat them well; show respect and appreciation for their expertise and opinions; their get to know them on a first-name basis, and praise and thank them often, since we're all human.
So before anyone else might try to categorically bash and trash most any Toyota dealership and paint most of them with the same brush, know that so far, my dealership has thus far been TOP FLIGHT, and in my opinion they've been the equivalent of a Mayo Cinic for my vehicle.