I am thinking about trading my 03 limited 4wd with 125000 miles for an 08 limited 4wd to take advantage of the 4000 dollar cash back incentive. Are there any differences between my 03 and the 08. Do you advise making the trade? The difference will be around 27000 after taxes and registration etc.
08 changes from the 03
- Thread starter nebfan
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nebfan said:
Gosh dude, that's like spending 27 large for a restyled front bumper and bigger wheels. I wouldn't dream of trading in for the same generation. The 5th gen will be out late summer/fall, I'd wait for that. I'm sure they'll have some killer incentives. It'll probably have that new 4.6 L V8, 315HP and 327 ft-lb, or the carryover V6 option if V8 is not for you.
Minor differences between the 03 and 08 are stuff like tpms, LED tails (you can upgrade to those, its a direct fit), projector lowbeams (you can upgrade to these, too, but its a little more work than a direct fit), and rounder fenders (our 03's have that nice trapezoid shape like the 1st gen, which I love).
You have a lot of miles, but I'd wait dude. I have 115,000, and since I put 200,000 on my 98 and 300,000 on my 85, I'm not too worried about it.
nebfan said:
Other than the obvious minor costmetic differences, the main differences are mechanical:
If you're considering a V6, then the '08 now has a 5 speed automatic. The '03 V6 used the 4 speed automatic.
If you're considering a V8, then the '08 now has a more powerful engine with variable valve timing. The '03 V8 has less HP and didn't have variable valve timing. But it always had the 5 speed automatic, even back in '03.
Re: Re: 08 changes from the 03
Yeah, but who knows what the 5th generation will look like or if it will keep the same type of capabilities of the earlier 4Runners? If it ends up looking like a Highlander, I'll probably be buying an '09 because I love the current generation.
Will816 said:
Yeah, but who knows what the 5th generation will look like or if it will keep the same type of capabilities of the earlier 4Runners? If it ends up looking like a Highlander, I'll probably be buying an '09 because I love the current generation.
I just went to another dealer and they beat the other deal by 1000 dollars. The difference will be 26,250. I am only interested in the v8 4wd. I appreciate the input. I am really torn as to what to do. My thinking is that when the 2010 comes out, it will end up costing me about 9000 more than the 2008. Instead of buying at invoice and getting 4000 back, I will probably be looking at an increased sticker price by a couple of grand which they would probably come off of by a couple of grand, so that is a wash, BUT that is a long way from the 33,600 for the 2008 (including the 4000)
nebfan said:
One more thing to think about is that when the 2010 does come out, since it will be a new model and the fact that the economy is still slumping and that trend may still be happening when the 2010 comes out, you can check out the 2010, decide if you like it, and if not, I bet they will firesale the 09's to get them off the lot since they would be obsolete next to the new model.
That way, you get the opportunity to at least consider the new model, but if you choose the 4th gen you could probably get almost the same deal you're looking at now.
Its obviously your call, but I just don't understand spending almost 30 large on ALMOST the same vehicle you have now.
Will816 said:
The onyl flaw in your firesale theory is just that, they'll be blowing out what is left over. Not many color or trim options will be available. I decided in Dec 08 to buy one of those "firesale" 2008 leftover models, but still had a specific wish list. There was 1, ONE, like I wanted East of the Mississippi and I was darn fortunate to be able to snag it when I did.
As long as the OP doesn't mind settling on what is left, your idea is fine. If he has a specific wish list of features/options, waiting until the last minute is actually a pretty bad idea.
One other thing that you might consider - this generation has been around for quite awhile now - the "bugs" have been worked out. I don't care WHO the manufacturer is - all new models have problems. This is one of the main reasons I bought the '08 last May - have had 0 issues.
Forenaftrunner
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nebfan said:
Congrats. I took advantage of the rebates and dealer desparation a few weeks ago with my 08 leftover.
I'd be interested in your thoughts on the differences between the 03 and the 08 when you get a chance. Thanks.
Sounds just like mine!