Advice needed on new 4Runner.

[texasaggie]

I am just about ready to pull the trigger on a new 4 runner and have a few questions.

1. Any advice on any options that are a must to have?

2. Just curious as to when the 5th gen will be out. I know that the '06's got a slight makeover, just wondering how long the 4th gen will be current.

3. I considered a Pathfinder but kept coming back to the 4runner. Convince me that I am making the right decision.

Thanks in advance for comments.

 

[paulnohio]

I am just about ready to pull the trigger on a new 4 runner and have a few questions.

1. Any advice on any options that are a must to have?

2. Just curious as to when the 5th gen will be out. I know that the '06's got a slight makeover, just wondering how long the 4th gen will be current.

3. I considered a Pathfinder but kept coming back to the 4runner. Convince me that I am making the right decision.

Thanks in advance for comments.

1: JBL, X-reas, V8
2: 5th Generations wont be out for a few more years based on Toyotas history of makeovers
3: DO NOT buy the Pathfinder...Nissan quality has gone down hill..I purchased my first Nissan this past year (Titan), and it was the biggest piece of crap I ever owned. NEVER will I sway away from Toyota again. Toyotas are MUCH better than Nissans.

The 4Runner is by far the best mid-sized SUV on the market. Just do some search on it and you will see what I mean. Good luck

 

[schwalmy]

X-reas, V8
got to have

nissan.......ever notice how its kinds tricky to tell what suv from nissan is what.....the pathfinder....x-terra....armada all look very close together the 4runner looks a class all of its own

my 03 4runner is the best suv i have ever owned.....quick n peppy and ready to tackle the rough stuff when i need it too compared to my x terra and jeep i would never go back
im keepin my 4runner.
but its all up to u bro
cheers
schwalmy

 

[qs933]

1. Any advice on any options that are a must to have?

For me, side airbags and XREAS were must-haves. The JBL audio with changer was a nice-to-have. I avoided the sunroof -- didn't want it, didn't want to pay for it.

You probably already have noticed this, but depending on your distributor, they may order options in pseudo-bundles. In other words, from my distributor, to get the JBL audio, I also needed to have the side airbags, even though they are "standalone" options.

2. Just curious as to when the 5th gen will be out. I know that the '06's got a slight makeover, just wondering how long the 4th gen will be current.

It seems like Toyota runs their trucks through longer model cycles than their cars. I wouldn't expect the next-gen till 2009, based on the Highlander (in its sixth model year) and the Sequoia (also in its sixth model year).

 

[Fins_UP]

I would also say that X-REAS and V8 are must haves. Drive the V6 and V8 back-to-back if you can, that's how I did it. That made my decision a whole lot easier, especially if the extra $$$ isn't too big of a problem. I upgraded to the JBL 6-disc in-dash cd player and sound system (which was like 700 or 800 dollars at the time) and that's probably the only thing I regret. It's just not that great of an upgrade (I'm putting it nicely), if you are into the quality of sound from your stereo. You are better off going factory and upgrading from there.

As for the Toyota 4runner in general, I don't think you can go wrong. The build/quality on the 4runner is 2nd to none. This is my 3rd different SUV, and it's easily the best, hands down. It also happens to be my first Toyota, and it definitely won't be my last. Search through the forum a little bit and you'll find a whole lot of people with the same perspective. The truck is awesome, you won't regret it, especially the new ones ('06) with all the upgrades. Happy hunting.

 

[Sifrk]

V8, SE, upgraded stereo

My buddy's got a Pathfinder. I notice the cabin noise is much louder, and there seems to be more "rattling". I think overall, you can have a much better built truck with the Runner. In terms of equipment and accessories, I think they're pretty comparable. Also, I don't like the sterile look of the Nissans. I know many of them share the same engine, but do they all have to look at the same too?

I am just about ready to pull the trigger on a new 4 runner and have a few questions.

1. Any advice on any options that are a must to have?

2. Just curious as to when the 5th gen will be out. I know that the '06's got a slight makeover, just wondering how long the 4th gen will be current.

3. I considered a Pathfinder but kept coming back to the 4runner. Convince me that I am making the right decision.

Thanks in advance for comments.

 

[Sempeboost]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14084

It's a great SUV..it's Classic styling. Look at the older 4Runners - they still look good. You'll love the projector headlights/ LED tail lights (looks like a Lexus at night) and the gated shifter and minijack are cool too.

-Spoiler (even though it's looks wierd)
-Roof rack cuz it's a Truck
-Third Row if you have small kids and granparents are in town
-17" wheels
-Leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls cuz reaching over to the radio is a little bit of a strech for me
-4WD for the "Yeah I could climb over those rocks if I wanted to" feeling
-Sideairbags (should be standard on a 30k vehicle)

Didn't test one with X-REAS, JBL or V8 so I can't comment on that

 

[Pirate VI]

if something happened to my truck and i had to buy a new one i would def buy another 4runner, this is what I would get

4x4
leather wheel with the audio controls
17in wheels
side airbags
spoiler (I think it looks stupid, but it looks stupider with out one)
I would recomend not getting the 3rd row seats unless you think you will need them. My truck came with them and i didnt want them. I dont like how it changed the 2nd row and the cargo area of the truck so much

 

[Uneek]

Personally, navigation... It's a pricey option, but for Bluetooth and backup camera, IMO it's worth it.

 

[CuzzinOlaf]

Personally, navigation... It's a pricey option, but for Bluetooth and backup camera, IMO it's worth it.

I don't think I could live without Navi after having it in my Fo' Runna'

 

[TeryT]

I can't speak to the new Pathfinders, but I just sold my old 1988 Pathy with 221,000 on it. It was an awesome performer for the small V6, and we used it to the full extent an SUV can be. It pulled a small trailer, went off-roading, was a work truck, play truck, you name it. The engine was still perfect, as was most of the truck (minus just a handful of very trivial things). The 1st serious buyer snapped it up full price & was absolutely delighted!

The new Pathfinders have the newer & enhanced version of that V6 - which engine is rated best in its class for 10 years running as per Ward's Engine Review.

Now with that said, my 03 V8 Sport 4x4 4Runner is in a different class by itself! The quality is quite appearent, and everyone who rides in it is very impressed, including my friend who owns an M class Mecedes.

The 4Runner with its V8 was the only mid-sized SUV that could pull my new travel trailer, and meet my quality standards. I hated to sell the Pathfinder, but the 4Runner more than makes up for it!

 

[leftyrb]

I had two Pathfinders before my 04 4Runner. I liked my 95 model, but it was very short on power. The 2001 had the 3.5 V6, but had rattles and other quality issues that were a plague. I traded it in 2003 for my 4Runner, and did not get a very good trade in value - even when considering buying a Nissan from a Nissan dealer. At 40,000 km, I have very pleased with my V8 4Runner, with the full-time 4 wheel drive and all, and the greater retained trade in value.

 

[TeryT]

I would also note that Nissan is now having some quality issues in various truck & SUVs that has landed them in the basement with Consumer Reports!

 

[CGY_LTD_V8]

I looked at the '06 Pathfinder before going ahead with my '06 4runner. I like the cosmetic differences between my '04 and the new '06. Again, i kept with the Limited V8 4WD and in Canada we get X-reas standard on Sport and Limiteds!

 

[abin]

If you are going to keep your new vehicle for only 3 years, Pathfinder maybe OK, given the fact of 275 HP with V6 engine and way low price. You can switch to 5 Gen 4Runner when it is available then, providing losing money during trade-in is not a problem.

You don't even have to consider buying extended waranty if you choose to do so.

 

[2004rnr]

toyota 4runner all the way. nissan is just not a well built vehicle. i have an infiniti G35 coupe and enjoy driving the 4runner alot better. i'm just keeping the infiniti cuz it's a lease. if you go and test drive both the 4runner and the pathfinder, you'll know what you want.