Hey All,

So in the last 18 months I have gone thru 3 cars.

A 1998 5SPd Accord. A 2001 Pathfinder and a 2001 Nissan Maxima. The most interesting one here is the 2001 Pathfinder. When I bought it, i was debating between the 4Runner and the Pathfinder. The Pathfinder won out because of the price. As you realize it did not last. I decided that maybe I did not need an SUV since I at times got bored of the Pathfinder. I decided to go back to sporty and bough the MAX. I love it, but hate not having the go ANYWHERE mentality, plus the rattles are unbearable.

Now, without my wife's consent... I want a the 4Runner I have been lusting over. I will not buy new. But would love to buy a 03-04 Sport Edition. How are these bad boys? Specially the 03 since its a first year car. How's the new engine? Any Rattles? What is the MPG really like? I remember the Pathy was just terrible to the tune or 14-15MPG mixed driving...

More than anything I need that push to start looking. I have LOST THOUSANDS on cars this past year. I figure, what will it be to lose a few THOUSAND more. I'm YOUNG and what the hell right?

Please do chime in... The guys over at NPORA would be furious about this, but really want and have always loved the 4Runner.

I had a 2003 V8 4x4 Sport that I leased and it was a great vehicle. The engine was powerful and smooth. It definitely had great power for a SUV! There were no first year problems with that truck. The only issue I had was with a brake caliper going bad after 21k. As for gas mileage, I averaged around 16 city and 17 highway. Your mileage will vary by 2-3 gallons with drivetrain and engine selection. Just so you know, the 2003 Sports had the plastic cladding around the bumpers and doors and the 2004 Sports have painted cladding. I didn't mind the plastic cladding, but it is personal preference. Get out there and start looking for a 4Runner! For each moment you wait, you are missing out on a lot of fun! Did that give you the push?

I actually like the plastic things... Great for parking in the city... My wife's Sienna has em and we LOVE EM....

What was your 03... v8 or v6?

See his signature....

The early 2003 V6 had a fuel rail recall, other than that it should be a good engine. It hasn't been around as long as the V8, so the long term durability/reliability is unknown. However, Toyota has a lot of faith in the V6 design as it's used in almost all their V6 applications. Tacoma, FJ Cruiser and Tundra's use this exact engine. Lexus GS300/350, IS250/350, ES350, RX350, Toyota Avalon, Camry and Sienna all use a variation that's derived from the 4.0 V6. More info on the GR engine family.

Rattles, there aren't many other than the squeak from the right rear seat and possibly front seats.

I have a V6 and I'm getting about 18mpg mixed city and freeway. The real difference between members here with the V6 and V8 is about a mile or two per gallon. 2WD will get a tad more mpg. Do a search for mpg and there are many threads on the topic.

Good luck.