Do you think Toyota will come out with a 4runner Hybrid version, if so would you want one?

Mo

My guess is the 1st chance of that will be the 2010 model year when the T4R will next be redesigned.

That is exactly what I heard from the top knowledgable manager at the local dealership. He's always been very honest with me. (Family friend for 10+ years and has never lied to me. Wish he was in charge of SELLING the cars.) Tried to tell me to keep my 1997 for another 3 years, save up, and buy the new 2010 hybrid. He said the starting cost is going to be pretty close if not over $40,000, not taking into inflation, add on's etc. He told me not to buy a current model, as they are getting wind that hybrids are going to be mandatory in CA sometime soon. I told him I didn't think I could wait that long to get a newer vehicle. He laughed and said "Well go ahead and spend the money now when you could be saving it. And I'll see you in 2010 or just after when you HAVE to buy a hybrid anyway!"
BTW, if you wanted to know, he drives a 1999 Tundra. Stock as the day it was made, other than a camper shell for the hunting dog!

All hybrids in CA by 2010? I'm not against hybrids, but i doubt that will happen in two years...they again i haven't known the guy for 10 years.

BS! Well, not that I don't believe your friend, its that I do believe the BS that CA lawmakers do!

Yes, but not like you have to get rid of your current car. More like if you choose to keep your gas burning car, beyond paying the high price per gallon for the gas, but a seperate fee. Like what CA DMV does right now with high performance cars; i.e. Dodge Viper "gas guzzler" tax, as well as the heavier vehicles. Just yet another fee we'll have to pay. Supposedly, the most liberal of all courts in CA, the San Francisco 9th district court, a "friend of the environment" and "totally green" political representative of the court, wants all of us who have oil consuming vehicles to pay the extra fee to pay for all the health/environment damage we are doing. If I can find that representative's name, I'll let everyone here know it. I didn't memorize it as I was hoping they won't stay in the district. This is one of the same individuals who voted in the same sex marriage law. Just so you get the idea of where their mind set is. I'm not saying it's bad, so no yelling at me. I'm not going to post my opinon because I tend to be conservative, but I believe there is no pleasing everyone. That and this is not the place to "go there".
Anyway, I did tell him that I didn't believe him, as I try to hope for the best that this isn't going to happen.

I vaguely remember seeing or reading a while back that Toyota wants/wanted a hybrid model for every model in their lineup. If that's the case, then I am sure there will be a hybrid 4Runner.

I wouldn't put it past either the California or Colorado legislature to begin taxing the multitude of vehicles whose internal combustion engines running on gas or diesel for over one hundred year's design.

Both states need more money because their coffers are running bare, more so for CA than CO.

They'll use 'green' as an excuse and just pour the fees (ahem... taxes) into the general fund.

I like the power and comfort of the V8 in my 2007 4Runner Sport but have to like others and 'step up' to pay for the ever rising fuel.

If you want a current model, buy it as it won't be forced away even if hybrids are phased more and more into the market.

Just remember... when the tobacco windfall went to the states to provide money for anti-tobacco programs, most if not all of the states siphoned the money into their general fund to pay for the ever-present pork programs.

Drive what you want and turn your back on the politicos.

I am totally clueless on this, but can you put a hybrid engine in an older vehicle, like say....mine?

Evan

For the average person, no. It would require extensive modifications to get the hybrid system in, plus you would need a new ECU and storage location for the batteries. What makes it more difficult is Toyota doesn't have a hybrid system for truck applications. The Highlander Hybrid and RX400h is still a car application hybrid, not to mention it's design for a FWD/AWD layout, not RWD.

But then again, with money you can do almost anything, so it might be a possibility.

i hear there will be a 2010 tundra hybrid...maybe the runner will somehow borrow elements from that platform?

I think what the poster meant was that CA is going to enact legislation that will require all NEW car sales to be hybrids or use some form of biofuel.

Ruffian, don't take this in the wrong way. I like you! :bowdown:

LMAO
Gee, thanks!! It's good to know there are other normal people like me out there.