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Comments
Like others have said, the decision of a 4runner over competition should be based on your needs: if you are going to go offroad, if people moving is a more important issue, etc.
For me, I researched for 5 months, then special ordered, waiting 3 months for arrival, and I'm so glad I did. The truck just seems so much more solid than anything else I've driven. I take it offroad every other month or so, and I still don't have any rattles. Great vehicle, I would buy it again in a heartbeat.
Hard to believe you've had it off road and don't complain of any rattles. My 2003 Sport is a rattle trap; the dash sounds like it's not bolted up tight, the moon roof door bangs up and down, the rear seat clamps make noise and there's some unidentified noise in the rear of the truck. All the while my front seat is moving back and forth as I go down the road listening to the CD player that skips when I hit a bump. Oh what a feeling!
I think some of the rattle issues that you have (ie. moonroof) are covered under TSB, but not sure about the others.
NV004-03 APR 03 Interior - Front Seats Squeak/Creak
NV001-03 MAR 03 Interior - Front Seat Track Squeak/Creak
It is one of the quietest vehicles I've owned in quite a while. I've had it out on the
beach, too.
On a similar note, I had a squeaking from the belts in the front so I took it in, and it looked like I qualified for the Belt Tensioner TSB that is listed here on Edmunds. Well long story short, they replaced the parts under warranty, and I saw the bill and it was $407.25.. which I didn't have to pay, but I'm certainly glad I took this in while warranty is around.
I still think this is a reliable truck, there are always little kinks to work out the first year in a line. I'm sure the 2004's have already fixed a lot of the little issues.
I bring up these issues up on the board, not to denigrate the vehicle as some expect but to have an open forum of discussion about the vehicle. I've learned about the moon roof, JBL and front seat TSB'S and hope to find more so I can arm myself when I go back to the dealer. The dealer to me is "Toyota" and right now I've got a bad taste in my mouth about the brand.
My last vehicle was a Grand Cherokee that gave me a lot of trouble, however the dealer was just great. They were very accommodating and fixed all the problems I had with the vehicle, they even gave me an extended warranty. I almost bought another Jeep because the dealer was so good to me.
For service, I've only had two service visits in 9 months, for a squeaking belt and an oil change. On service they were better, but nothing like the way I'm treated when I take my BMW in for service. I may try Burt on Broadway for my next service, just to see how they do. It seems Toyota dealers have a terrible reputation and they aren't doing much to correct it.
I called my broker about their choice of dealers and they recommended Burt on Broadway, so that's where I'll be going next. I've heard that floating from dealer to dealer to get things fixed can affect the customers credibility in Toyota's eyes, but guess I'll just have to chance it. Thanks for the input vodgut and bmv323is.
I'll go sit in another one but I'm curiousl whether any of you 6 foot tall current owners found this to be an issue? Is it better without a sunroof or do the higher trim lines have a seat that sinks lower?
Thanks.
Cincinnati. Got it for $3000 below MSRP. It had 300 miles on it. It now has 1300 miles on it. I have noticed a high pitched squeaking noise when I go up a steep hill from a stopped position. The noise gets louder the more I accelerate. Once I reach the top (the hill is only 50 feet and not very steep), the noise goes away. Has anyone else had this problem? bmw323is is this what your squeaking belt sounded like?
thanks for any input.
Cheers
Pat
What should have been simple -- Sport (with X-REAS - the point of it), side air bags, no moon roof, no sound upgrade -- was just not to be had.
I got very little info from Japan except that the order was accepted, which happened about two weeks after I ordered it. Then, 4 months later, it showed up on the dealer's computer as "F" - ie - freight category. After that, it took about a week to get delivered.
About 90 miles so far, and it's working like a dream. I not tested lots of things (ANY off-road features, VSC, ABS, haven't even put the rear seats down.) So far, no sulfur smell - my biggest worry as I could not get the dealer to put in writing (or even say) that if the car came in and I did not like it - even for sulfur - that I'd not lose my deposit. Tank came filled, not sure with what. I intend to fill it up with 91 BP (low sulfur, as I understand).
Might have made a mistake with the double decker cargo option. I'm thinking I'll be just folding it down all the time. Maybe not, though.
V8 is as smooth as silk. Very nice, steady power. Thanks to all you folks who have been posting good info/comments on all aspects of the 4Runner. Actually, I nearly bought a 2004 Highlander (3.3 L, v6, 5 speed), but my son (who has a 2003 2wd v6) convinced me to look at the 4Runner.
Looking forward to some off road, but, at the moment, it being so new, about all I'll attempt is a few speed bumps.
Cheers
Pat
I ordered those other options. I choose them for safety, security, and funtionality. I bet there will not be any extra stuff - only if there is an error would there be. But, if there are other things, maybe the dealer would just throw them in or at least offer them very very cheaply.
Actually, though, I really did not want, at any price, a moon roof or the upgraded sound. Not only would I not use them, but they have a down side, in my view. The moon roof can leak, make noise, get stuck, and the fancy audio takes out those nifty mirrors on the back of the cargo area.
Cheers
Pat
I am patiently waiting for warmer weather to try towing my travel trailer with the Toyota. At one ton, loaded, the Nissan did an admirable job, but the Toyota should do even better.
I've now spoken with my dealer about this problem on several occasions, but they say they're not yet aware of any TSBs from Toyota regarding this complaint. Fair enough. To the dealer's credit, each time I've mentioned this elusive electrical problem, they've invited me to bring my truck in for further evaluation, and also offered a free loaner vehicle. However, I feel that until a TSB (along with a definitive fix) exists that clearly acknowledges this problem, I'd really be wasting my time to leave the truck with them, since the chances (luck) of having this fleeting electrical problem occur while they have the vehicle is probably quite slim indeed. And even if it did occur in their presence, what are the chances that a service technician would be able to isolate, trace, identify, and correct the problem?
If any of you have knowledge of any TSB or other memos from Toyota regarding this issue (which my dealer may not yet be aware of), I would appreciate any reference #s or links you can provide, which I will then pass along to my dealer for further consideration. Before I ask them to replace my audio amp, etc., I would like to have more documentation if possible. Thanks!
Given the different transmissions and weights, it's rather hard to predict the exact difference in performance. I suggest you test drive both.
I will say this, my V8 really moves off the line with authority. I do notice that acceleration drops off significantly above 60 mph, which isn't surprising, given that it has the aerodynamics of a brick...
As far as performance for both engines, I once read in one of the car magazines the 0-60 results and the V8 was about a seond faster. Much of that could be attributable to the 5 speed transmission versus the 4 speed in the V6 - more punch from a standstill.
Take a look at Msg # 2649.
Enjoy!
-- Jim
http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/bestcars/
It just amazes me that Toyota put lights in the cup holders, but didn't eluminate the window or door lock controls or give you an under hood light. It's been suggested by others on this board that the cup holder lights is probably a liability issue for people driving around with a hot cup of McDonalds coffee.