2004 4Runner

[CLewis]

All,

Fantastic web site!!!

Currently, I am looking at purchasing a new 04 4Runner. Despite all my research and visits to the dealership I have a couple of questions that I was hoping someone could answer.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Chuck



1.) Is there an option or package that you can get which will give you color keyed front and rear bumpers? I looked at an 04 4Runner on the dealer lot that has a section on the front and rear bumper that is silver, while the rest of the car is blue. Can you get this in the same color as the rest of the car?

2.) I've noticed a couple threads about the radio and how it is inadequate. What is really the issue? Is it not enough power? Owner preference for a sound system that rivals most home entertainment systems? Has anyone had problems with the in-dash 6 disc?

3.) Does the dealer installed optional rear seat DVD entertainment system send the audio through the wireless headphone or through the car speakers? Or both? Has anybody had this installed? I have a two year old and was thinking this might help on a long road trip.

4.) If you get the rear seat DVD entertainment system, does this replace the wireless radio system for the back seat (standard on the Limited) or is this incorporated into the DVD system?

5.) Is the rear air suspension worth the extra cost? I definitely want the X-REAS setup, but not sure on the air suspension? Does it improve every day ride or only for hauling? The dealer did not have one on the lot to test drive.

 

[Nerve]

Hey Chuck,

1) The silver-painted bumper accents are standard across all trim levels. The only exception is that the bumber trim is color keyed with Dorado Gold. No option listed to have any other color color-keyed.

2), 3), 4) Don't really apply to me since I don't have any of those options. Plenty of threads about the radio quality thing. Haven't seen to many on the subject of the DVD system though.

5) Here's what the 2004 4Runner brochure has to say about the Rear Height Control Air Suspension

"Rear height Control Air Suspension allows the driver to manually adjust the height of the rear suspension. In Low Mode, the suspension is lowered for easy loading and unloading of cargo. During off-road driving, the vehicle height can be raised to High Mode to improve departure angle. For improved comfort, an auto-leveling feature automatically adjusts the vehicle height for varying loads. Available in Limited V8 models only."

Plus it goes on to note that X-REAS is inluded in the Air Suspension package, but I'm sure you already knew that.

Hope it helps.

Jon

Edit:
This thread talks about the suspension a bit more

 

[dancojgl]

1.)I looked at an 04 4Runner on the dealer lot that has a section on the front and rear bumper that is silver, while the rest of the car is blue. Can you get this in the same color as the rest of the car?

The bumber covers on my '04 Titanium Metallic 4Runner are color keyed...

Actually, these areas are silver on all '04 4Runners, and don't come color matched (except, as noted, Dorado Gold).

2.) I've noticed a couple threads about the radio and how it is inadequate.

My stock base model AM/FM/CD/Cass works fine, and reception is better than in my old '96 4Runner with the power antenna.

I'm thinking that those experiencing problems might have a loose antenna connection...

5.) Is the rear air suspension worth the extra cost? I definitely want the X-REAS setup, but not sure on the air suspension? Does it improve every day ride or only for hauling?

Personally, I wouldn't waste the money on the rear air suspension. It may be useful when towing, with too much weight on the tongue, or when fully loaded, but for me, this occurs too seldom to be worth the price.

As to X-REAS, I was used to driving my '96 4Runner, and had a good feeling for the vehicle's response. I've found my new '04 handles even better. So, for me, the X-REAS system also isn't necessary.

That's not to say I wouldn't like it if I had it...

According to others here, it does what is advertised

 

[CLewis]

Thanks Jon and Dan.

 

[juandixon]

i haven't anyone on this board post a thread about having the dealer install the rear dvd system.

My dealer was clueless about the dvd system getting installed. I think your best bet would be going to a 3rd party car audio shop to get that installed. I haven't seen one 4runner at various dealers with the dvd installed as an option.

In regards to the sound, it pretty much sucks, i have limited with factory installed navigation 10 speaker jbl system. The sound blows compared to my 5 year old basic headunit,amp,sub combo (~$700) I have on my other car.

My suggestion if you want a bumping sound system AND dvd system for your car would be to get the lowest option stereo for your new 4runner and have it replaced with a professionally installed entertainment/stereo system from a good car audio shop.