First, just want to say this is a very cool site for 4Runner owners.

I am thinking to get the new 2003 4Runner V6 4WD.
Went for a test drive last weekend and noticed the engine is a little bit noisy and could feel a bit shaking when starting the engine. Is this normal for this kind of engine? I was expecting a smoother engine but I am driving a Honda Civic. And I never driven a true SUV/truck before. Any comments.

Btw, this is the car and price dealer offers to me.

2003 4Runner V6 4WD (Silver)
AP package
moonroof
rear spoiler
17" Aluminum Wheels
Black roof rack & cross bar
Black running boards
Double decker cargo system

$28500 + tax and fees

I bought my Limited V6 in January and it is a bit noisy. It's what I expect tho from these larger liter V6s tho. Good thing the inside is well insulated. Once it warms up it's fine. I would shoot for the V8 if I were doing it all over.

I can't speak for the v6 guys but if you're looking at the new 03 4runners, you might want to test drive the v8 as well. It drives very smoothly and handles well The new 5A/T is such an improvement from the 4A/T's

Also keep in mind that the v6 is a new design and as always, first year production gets the most "real life" testing by the customers... atleast the v8 is the good ol reliable engine. Although the tranny is new it's pretty good soo far no problems and also keep in mind that the 5A/T tranny is found in the LC's and the 4runner twin (gx).

good luck and happy hunting!

Lance

thanks Good Times and Neech for your comments.

tried the V8 last night. man, it is smooth. I put 2 cars(V6 and V8) next to each other and tested the sound of the engine. I noticed the sound of V8 engine is pretty quiet and smoother compare to V6. I guess old thing many times is better than new.

After this, you will probably think I am going to get the V8, right? Well, the answer is "still no sure". The dealer is giving me a very good price for this V6. Apparently, they have lots of V6's on their lot. They really want to get those out before 2004's cars coming. Also, the buget is little bit tight for us. So we may probably get the V6 - hope I am not making a wrong decision

But for those who are looking for the new 4Runner and their buget is ok, then I would also recommend V8.

Actually either way you can't go wrong. Both 4runners are built with great quality by the Japanese It's one of the few toyota's that are still built in Japan, so you know it's not going to be a lemon or something! hehe

Yes we've heard the problems with the v6. But I think that these problems are not significant enough to shy away from it. I feel that the v6 is a quality engine and it should be fine for everyone.

Yes there are problems, but who doesn't have issues w/ their vehicles! As long as you are aware of the problems and you know there is a solution pending, that's all that matters I think

Good luck and I just hope you get what you deserve! Toyota or no toyota, the 4runner is prob the best SUV you can get for the price!!! There's just no comparison out there! (even w/ some of the issues...)

Lance

Hey Good Times: Have you gotten any scratches or buffs in your grey cladding yet? What did you do to 'touch' up the spots? With paint you can touch up trail dings, but this cladding has me confused.

I have alot of scratches on my grey cladding. Some even look like someone got some sand paper and had some fun! (doh!) ;)

But I figure a few trail scars is a cool factor Atleast I can say I can beat the crap out of em! lol. And surprising it handles very well to rocks! hahaha

I have to say the cladding sure does hold up well in the environment. I know that if i had sheetmetal there, I'd be in the body shop quick!

Anyway, time for me to work on some body armor! Already have sliders in place to be welded on next tuesday! I'll make sure to post some pix! Skids are in working progress too (hopefully by the end of summer)....

Lance

Cool, post the sliders pic. I am looking at a Waag front end bar. Any experience with Waag? They have a silver/black combo bar that might look really cool with the grey cladding. That is my only beef with the cladding, trail scars are cool looking, but what if you want to touch up the area in say 4-5 years? What would we have to do, replace the entire cladding piece? If Toyota still has that part available.

Sac:

As for me, I'm already planning to remove the front cladding and replacing it w/ some real steel bumpers. Either using ARB/TJM or have Downey fabricate me a front bumper. I already know that I'm going to want a winch up front so whatever application that can support it will get my $$$.

The only cladding I'm most likely gonna keep are the sides (which I've already scratched). I figure the cladding will hold up alot longer than sheetmetal w/ paint. I would say touching up would require replacement of entire cladding (which could be a pain). But the good thing is that I doubt it'll fade . Cant paint unless you have the painted versions (i dont).

The rear bumper... well I'd like to get some real steel back there but that'll depend on if I can get someone to fab one up!.

We'll see what my plans are as I'm working w/ alot of mfg's to get parts rolling out soon

Btw, WAAG's are good I think (looks cool). But I know it won't hold up well when I offroad so I would prob stay away from it (for me that is). If you plan to do any offroading, the arb/tjm bumpers are the way to go. Also they're pretty tough for accidents too. I've seen pix of accidents w/ people w/ the bumpers and lets just say I feel sorry for the other party! lol

Toyota will definitely have parts for us indefinitely (atleast for 10 yrs that is).