Hello I am new to the forum, and i enjoy it very much. I have a 96 Runner SR5 4WD with 147K (original owner) and love this truck. I have had no problems, however have had the two recalls (head gasket and rear suspension) performed. I'm interested in hearing from 03 owners and their experiences with the new 4runner. The looks are beginning to grow on me...and im thinking about possibly trading mine in. Also are dealers typically discounting the new 03 decent? I'm interested in the Limited 4WD V8 loaded....sticker i belive is 41K with navi, etc. Could i expect to pay only invoice, around 37K+TTL? thanks in advance and i'm happy i found the site!!
96 Runner VS 03 Runner
- Thread starter JAKE96
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peter78
Super Moderator
I am a 3rd generation owner, so I am coming from that side of the fence. The new looks are more normal, or Americanized. I am a little dissapointed with the looks. If you read some of these forums their are a few items that are popping up.
1.) The V6 has a recall with the fuel system.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=381
2.) Some people have reported noise in the V6 belts, some say timing, some say fan belt.
3.) Some people have reported a sulfer smell, I belive mostly in the V8's. Edmunds has quite a view posts on this subject and we have some on this forum.
4.) Small issues, some are reporting squeaks in their seats. Suspension noises, etc.
I would say the biggest issue is the looks, after you get over that people are reporting good things overall.
1.) The V6 has a recall with the fuel system.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=381
2.) Some people have reported noise in the V6 belts, some say timing, some say fan belt.
3.) Some people have reported a sulfer smell, I belive mostly in the V8's. Edmunds has quite a view posts on this subject and we have some on this forum.
4.) Small issues, some are reporting squeaks in their seats. Suspension noises, etc.
I would say the biggest issue is the looks, after you get over that people are reporting good things overall.
Thai
Elite Member
Forerunner
New member
Jake,
I had a '96 myself for over 6 years and loved it. I got this new one about a month and a half ago and really don't miss my old truck. So much improvement! Much more refined as a truck, quieter, more spacious, and don't get me started on the V8 power. Just the sound is enough for me. If you're getting the Limited then I think X-Reas is included. If not, get it. It is worth the money. Can't help with the price though since I'm from Canada.
I had a '96 myself for over 6 years and loved it. I got this new one about a month and a half ago and really don't miss my old truck. So much improvement! Much more refined as a truck, quieter, more spacious, and don't get me started on the V8 power. Just the sound is enough for me. If you're getting the Limited then I think X-Reas is included. If not, get it. It is worth the money. Can't help with the price though since I'm from Canada.
Paintballguy59
New member
Currently, I have a 03 4runner v8 SR5 4x4 and I LOVE IT!!!! I love the new looks and the v8. It does have a sulfer smell because of the 3 catalytic converters but you can only smell it if the back window is down. That will be fixed soon when i put dual side exit exhaust. My dad has a 97 4runner and he loves it too. They are both great vehicles.... If your going 03, I would get the v8 just because its a proven engine.
peter78
Super Moderator
I notice no one is giving you info on pricing. This might help.
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/[email protected]@.ef13110
http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?threadid=10474&highlight=how+much+did+you+pay+for+2003
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/[email protected]@.ef13110
http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?threadid=10474&highlight=how+much+did+you+pay+for+2003
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4Runner2003
New member
Hey Jake96,
I kinda went through the same thing. I had a 98 4Runner and I traded mine in for a 2003. I think they drive much better, more room and the V8, all I can say is awesome. It is also quieter than my 98. I did hate to part with my 98. It only had 77k miles on it, but I hate to say this, but I really don't miss it that much now and I should feel bad because it was a great truck.
Take a V8 on a test drive and you'll fall in love. Shoot I did. I was just curious and took a test drive, the next week I ordered one.
Scott
I kinda went through the same thing. I had a 98 4Runner and I traded mine in for a 2003. I think they drive much better, more room and the V8, all I can say is awesome. It is also quieter than my 98. I did hate to part with my 98. It only had 77k miles on it, but I hate to say this, but I really don't miss it that much now and I should feel bad because it was a great truck.
Take a V8 on a test drive and you'll fall in love. Shoot I did. I was just curious and took a test drive, the next week I ordered one.
Scott
Hey Scott thanks for the reply, this is a great site. You have a nice 4runner. My 96 is black and i would most likely lean toward another black 4runner if i traded up to a 03. I notice your limited sounds loaded with air rear suspension and Nav. Did you get a nice discount off MSRP? Yea i have the same feelings about my 96, it has been such a rock solid truck but the thought of a limited V8 sounds nice.
4Runner2003
New member
Hey Jake96,
Well probably not. I paid $1000 over dealer price. I could have done a better job, but I just wanted the truck. After waiting 5 months for it to come in, I just wanted to get it and go
I would stay with black. I love that color but hate washing it. But when she is clean, it looks sharp!!
Scott
Well probably not. I paid $1000 over dealer price. I could have done a better job, but I just wanted the truck. After waiting 5 months for it to come in, I just wanted to get it and go
I would stay with black. I love that color but hate washing it. But when she is clean, it looks sharp!!
Scott
I traded in my 97 for a 03 V8 sport edition, let me get right to the point: I don't miss my old truck AT ALL. The X-res is a must! I had the chance to get the SR5 with the matching color cladding for less or X-reas with the plastic cladding/bumpers, and of course limited was out of my price range, I picked the sport edition. The truck drives like a sport car with the Xreas.
rich
rich
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Sac State
New member
03
Jake: I traded a black '02 4x4 Sport for a black '03 4x4 Sport V8. WOW! I loved my '02, ran like a kitten, smooth and very well capable. The '03 is a completely different vehicle, bigger, stronger, more options and standard equipment. The '03 feels like a mid-sized SUV, the '02 always felt cramped and tight. The '03 I can spread out and take a nap in the seats. The V8 is a dream, instant torque and power. If you are in the SE, I would highly recommend the factory dual Borla exhaust, sound and power are heavenly. I HATED the '03 when it came out, the looks grow on me slowly and now I like the '03 as much as the '02, each has its own look respectively. I even like the grey cladding. The only option that would have been sweet to have is the NAV system, too rich for my blood though, and my wife would not let me get it! I paid $250 over KBB, Edmunds, Consumer Reports pricing and got $22,500 for my trade with 37,000 miles. The trade was about $2,500 more than KBB. The dealers are definately working to move vehicles in North Carolina.
Jake: I traded a black '02 4x4 Sport for a black '03 4x4 Sport V8. WOW! I loved my '02, ran like a kitten, smooth and very well capable. The '03 is a completely different vehicle, bigger, stronger, more options and standard equipment. The '03 feels like a mid-sized SUV, the '02 always felt cramped and tight. The '03 I can spread out and take a nap in the seats. The V8 is a dream, instant torque and power. If you are in the SE, I would highly recommend the factory dual Borla exhaust, sound and power are heavenly. I HATED the '03 when it came out, the looks grow on me slowly and now I like the '03 as much as the '02, each has its own look respectively. I even like the grey cladding. The only option that would have been sweet to have is the NAV system, too rich for my blood though, and my wife would not let me get it!
I paid $250 over KBB, Edmunds, Consumer Reports pricing and got $22,500 for my trade with 37,000 miles. The trade was about $2,500 more than KBB. The dealers are definately working to move vehicles in North Carolina.Thai said:Runnerman...if you can point to me where i can get a SMILIE for Canadians, then i will put it in. Thanks.
But, please, no French smilies!
When I was on the Jeeps Unlimited Forum they had them there,so hope this helps, but with the French smilies have no clue ??? Just Cnadian whooooo hoooooooooo!!!!!!