Recent content by Lou

Went from a 2004 4runner Sport to a 2011 LE 4runner. Very happy with my choice based on ~40 days of ownership. Drove the JGC, MDX, Cayenne, and all have good points and so-so points, none did as much as well as the 4runner. Much mention of brakes, I think the brakes are exceptional, but they...

Yes, looked at the Tacoma. I have a 2 year old, so I like the idea of weatherproof storage in the back (not for him, the stroller, toys, .....). Didn't like the drum brakes on the back, although I am sure they work fine. Magnetic Gray is a very nice color. Will be out looking at stock this...

Just about to buy a 5th gen and want to have the headrest DVD units. I see several threads about aftermarket units. But don't see any mention about installing the factory units. Dealer wants ~$1,700 installed, Toyota factory units can be purchased for ~1,100. Any experience on what it will take...

Many nice, low miles, usable parts. My insurance uses a company called Copart, and Copart picked up my 4Runner a few days ago. Don't know much about Copart, but believe they are an auction house. I drove the 5th Gen Limited, handling seems great to me. Feels much bigger inside though, in...

Well, my 4Runner had a massive oak tree fall on it last week. We had fairly light winds and very little rain in the Cary, NC area, but one gust was strong enough to topple over the tree. Made a heck of a noise! Adjuster came over and my 4Runner is totaled. The tree smashed the roof and...

Thought I would comment on this, I did go back to the dealer and had them remove the 0W20 and replace with 5W30. The Service Manager did show me a service memo fo some sort that indicated all new Toyotas would use 0W20. Lou

2004 V6 Sport with the original battery. I wonder if I should change the battery as a maintenance item, but seems like these are rock solid batteries. I've had much shorter life with other new car batteries -- Porsche battery lasted 3 years and had to replace last year. Porsche will warrenty...

I have never had a vibration problem with the origional Dunflops or current Michelin Cross terrains.

Did anyone see the artcle in the wall street journal yesterday about a recall of the 2004 and 2005 4Runner regarding steering problems? U.S. Launches New Toyota Probe - WSJ.com Artilce states the transporation department is looking into Toyota's slowness in reporting problems. And the problem...

Thanks Chris for tracking down the TSB, should be an interesting discussion with the dealer! I am going to change back to 5W30.

I just had my oil changed and thought I asked for Mob 1 which is 5w30. I guess this is my 7th or 8th oil change, and it has always been Mob 1 at 5w30. I may not have made myself clear to the dealer service writer, but in any case, they put in a synthetic oil. Turns out they used Toyota synthetic...

Seems some 4Runners have noise, some do not. Mine still does -- 2004 Sport V6. The noise is significant and not easy to miss. Dealer said it was normal. Sure wish I could figure out how to reduce or eliminate wind noise.

Went back to the dealer and asked for the service manager. I explained the brake pedal and asked him to have a look. He jumped in and pushed the pedal to the floor and said, "plenty of travel left!" He also said that brakes on modern vehicles will slowly go down when stopped. I decided to leave...

Does anyone have good information about the operation of the 4Runner braking system? Dealer checked brake system and claims everything is OK with my brakes. They thought the pedal was slightly low, so they adjusted the rear brakes to correct. Here is a recap: With the engine off, you can not...

I just moved to the Redwood City area of California, and need to find a dealer for service. Any suggestions? I have the problem of the brake pedal that goes to the floor - I will let you know what happens. Previous threads didn't have a resolution to this issue. Brakes work fine, but it is...