Comments after 3 1/2 mos. with my 2003 4runner

[Avian]

I have to say that the past few months with my 4runner have been a series of ups and downs...really liking the vehicle but then finding it to be a pain when it comes to certain things. So here are my positive and negative experiences. Some of these are similar to what others have posted.

Positives:

Smooth, quiet and responsive engine.
Great acceleration.
Comfortable.
Stereo system...have the 10 speaker JBL and I have been happy with it.
No sulfur smell (luckily)...have driven with rear window open and also stood behind vehicle while it was running.

Negatives:

Wind noise.
Paint chips easily.
Creaks, rattles and other noises that are intermittent.
Inconsistent whooshing noise from engine...very infrequent, almost sounds as if a compressor (sortof a "lawnmower" like sound) is turning on. I feel as if some diesel truck is driving next to me but that is not the case. Never does it when I am near the dealer or when the dealer is open and techs can't find any problems with engine.
Driver's seat heater stopped working...replaced.
Rear seat lock release broke..replaced.
Roof rack loose causing cracking sounds...tightened.
Moonroof rattle..seemingly taken care of, although sometimes there is a slight rattle.
Navi system went down...reset.
Mirror compass has had to be recalibrated twice (at least it's easy to do).

A few things that I would like to see improved or changed:
Placement of driver's side window and lock controls.
Fully automatic rear door.
Ability to move rear window up from remote (supposedly a safety issue).
Placement of gas tank latch release.
Would prefer a handbrake instead of foot brake.

The negatives are not major things at this point but they have been irritating since over the past three months the runner has been to the dealer several times, more than I would have expected from a new vehicle. Glad that the engine is smooth and overall seems to run well (knock on wood) but am a bit disappointed in Toyota quality. I have an 87 Acura Integra with 225,000 miles on it and the only problems during the first year of ownership were some molding which needed to be resealed and a problem with the ECU which was easily resolved. Experiencing these initial problems with the 4runner has been disappointing.
Ran into my salesperson when I brought it in for navi problem and he said no one else has complained to him about their 4runner. I know I am not the only one experiencing some problems.


2003 Titanium V8 LTD

 

[darktiger]

Want to hear wind noise. My 2000 Heep Grand Cherokee was super load. My 04 4runner is about 80% quieter.

 

[panerai7]

I am very suprised

I have had my LTD V8 4WD for exactly 10 months and I haven't had any problems at all. Nothing broke, cracked, rattled, nothing.

Maybe you got a lemon or something. I had a 99 LTD 4WD before this one and the same thing - nothing, no problems, just changed oil and scheduled maintenance. I think Toyota builds the most reliable cars in the world, but it sounds like you're coming from a Honda so you're just a different driver, you know the "Honda driver", no offense.

You want problems you should see my repair records with my other car, BMW M3.

Again sincerely very surprised you had that many problems

Art

 

[SHICKS]

Re: I am very suprised

You want problems you should see my repair records with my other car, BMW M3.

Art

Please don't say that. I am thinking of getting one as a summer/weekend car. I have sorely come to the conclusion they are not a great daily driver, although I don't drive long distances to work anymore.

My 2002 4Runner has been great comming from a long list of american cars(Heep Wrangler what a piece), then a 2000 maxima. Step up in quality from maxima, but not as updated(2002). I had minor issues, the weather stripping on the doors came off, and the brakes had a Very Very Very slight vibration on the higway, thought for sure dealer would say nothing is wrong. They replaced Rotors, Drums, pads, and if I remeber correctly calipers @ 25kmiles.

Other than that it seems bullet proof.

I do hear that weird noise comming from under the dash once in a while. kind of whurring and clicking. I think it may have something to do with the skid control system(just guessing)?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[EDGE]

Seems like most of your problems where 1 time things and minor, just be gald the powertrain is fine I take a rattle any day over a trans that needs to be dropped or and engine that knocks and the dealer says deal with it.

I delt with more then my fair share of problems with my Limited but overall what made me hate it was the crappy Toyota service, god how I just pictured myself taking all the people out at the dealership:50cal:

As for BMW, I ordered a 04 M3 and know it's not the most reliable car but thats what I got the 4Runner for although I have been thinking of just getting an S500 or a 745il for about the same anyways BMW is not that bad they are covered up to 50k and after the warranty is up get a new 1:

Your salesman is no different than any other salesman, they all sell excellent vehicles, Ford, GM or Toyota, when I was talking to the salesman/woman about the M3 who worked at the dealership for 10 years she or any of the other guys never heard of any M3 fire, engine replacement, no nothin:arrow: it all comes down to that they sell new cars which never have problems and once they leave the dealer they don't know chit about cars.

 

[mp95bravo]

Me, no problems at one year.

ALSO:

What's with Toyota's sports cars? They suck or what? Everyone on this forum either has a BMW or wants one.

Bring back the Supra!!!!!

 

[Thai]

What's with Toyota's sports cars? They suck or what? Everyone on this forum either has a BMW or wants one.

Bring back the Supra!!!!!

Give 'em time...Toyota will bring the goods! I am looking forward to the next generation Lexus GS, which i hear is gonna be awesome. Of course, the Supra is coming soon too!

 

[Avian]

For whatever reason I have been having a ton of problems trying to log in here and post again. Did report this and so hope that I can finally post again.

RE: driving another SUV. I did have a Trailblazer for a few days. Of course, I like my 4runner better, but seemed to me that there was less wind noise with the Trailblazer.

Most of the probs. I have had have been one time things but the squeaks and rattles reoccur and vary. I just can't believe how many times I have had to take the 4runner in to be serviced during the first few months of ownership. The dealer experience has been good at this time except for the driver's seat getting scratched when the moonroof rattle was fixed. However, the dealer did take care of this and the scratches in the leather are gone.

I am glad that I have not experienced the sulfur smell or engine vibration (knock on wood).

Able to post again!

 

[Thai]

Mike, did you order KDSS for your GX?? How do you like it so far?? Any of the infamous steering wheel vibration or rear end clunk??

Welcome to the forum. Woohoo, another M3 owner!

 

[Thai]

Mark Levinson sounds terrific, much better than our HK systems in our M3's and the nav system with the back-up camera is pretty cool. Unfortunately, I did not get the KDSS. I seriously tried, calling every dealer in California, Oregon and Washington.

Yup, Mark Levinson is the best car audio system from factory. Here in TX, KDSS is also impossible to get! This sucks...why have this option if only a few regions are gonna get it?!

Hopefully, that catalytic smell is not the infamous "sulfur smell." You should not have the sulfur smell since you're in California.

Enjoy your GX! It's a great SUV.

 

[EDGE]

Don't have a 4Runner, but I do have a GX470, close enough :.

Mike