Well, I've had my white 04 Sport V6 for 3 months now, and I've put about 5k miles on it. I'm stoaked about this rig, it has worked great both on and offroad.
Here are my observations so far....
1) I usually average about 18MPG with a 60/40 mixture of highway/city driving. However, it's not uncommon to get close to 20MPG. On a long trip with lots of freeway driving, I'll be easially over 20MPG.
2) The instrument lenses scratch WAY too easially. I'm a sports photographer, and often have to deal with cleaning my lenses. However, even with the best cleaning methods, the instrument lenses have a ton of scratches. It sure seems like they could make a tougher plastic that won't scratch as easially.
3) I love the color keyed bumpers, but they sure don't take rock hits very well. I'm not a huge fan of the cladding on the 03 models (especially on the white 4 Runners), but it sure is a lot more durable.
4) The driver seat wasn't very comfortable at first, but now it's growing on me. It took me about a month to adjust it to my liking. Now it's quite comfortable, but it took me a long time to fine tune it.
5) I LOVE the rear window. Just roll that puppy down along with the front two windows, and you might as well be driving a convertable.
6) I occasionally get the sulfur exhaust smell, but only while climbing hills. It's not really an issue for me.
7) I do get the occasional popping of the driver seat, but after 5k miles, it is not severe, nor annoying. Maybe it will increase with time, but at this point, I don't really notice it much.
8) The stock tires have been fine so far for the offroading I've done --- mostly just deep sand. However, when they wear out, I plan on getting something more suited for offroading in the desert. Any suggestions? When the time comes, I also plan on getting a bit of a lift -- nothing major, but just enough to give me a little more ground clearance. I've nicked the front skidplate once even while being careful, so another couple inches would be nice.
Overall, I'm very impressed with this rig. It is all I thought it would be, and it takes some real nit picking to find any complaints.
Here are my observations so far....
1) I usually average about 18MPG with a 60/40 mixture of highway/city driving. However, it's not uncommon to get close to 20MPG. On a long trip with lots of freeway driving, I'll be easially over 20MPG.
2) The instrument lenses scratch WAY too easially. I'm a sports photographer, and often have to deal with cleaning my lenses. However, even with the best cleaning methods, the instrument lenses have a ton of scratches. It sure seems like they could make a tougher plastic that won't scratch as easially.
3) I love the color keyed bumpers, but they sure don't take rock hits very well. I'm not a huge fan of the cladding on the 03 models (especially on the white 4 Runners), but it sure is a lot more durable.
4) The driver seat wasn't very comfortable at first, but now it's growing on me. It took me about a month to adjust it to my liking. Now it's quite comfortable, but it took me a long time to fine tune it.
5) I LOVE the rear window. Just roll that puppy down along with the front two windows, and you might as well be driving a convertable.
6) I occasionally get the sulfur exhaust smell, but only while climbing hills. It's not really an issue for me.
7) I do get the occasional popping of the driver seat, but after 5k miles, it is not severe, nor annoying. Maybe it will increase with time, but at this point, I don't really notice it much.
8) The stock tires have been fine so far for the offroading I've done --- mostly just deep sand. However, when they wear out, I plan on getting something more suited for offroading in the desert. Any suggestions? When the time comes, I also plan on getting a bit of a lift -- nothing major, but just enough to give me a little more ground clearance. I've nicked the front skidplate once even while being careful, so another couple inches would be nice.
Overall, I'm very impressed with this rig. It is all I thought it would be, and it takes some real nit picking to find any complaints.
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Oh well I too love my rig and really have no problems with it. I have towed a trailer with mine a few times and it tows like a dream. I think I will have many more miles of enjoyment with it.