Considering 3rd and 4th gen 4runners

[alexchannell]

Toyota is buying my Taco back due to the frame rust issue, so now it's time to look for a new vehicle.

I will likely be in the 2003-2004 year range due to price (14k or under)

1. I will be going off road, how do I make sure it has the traction control option? (the one that applies the brakes to transfer power) - i'm guessing buttons to the left of the steering wheel but specifics of what i'm looking for would help.
Is this the same as descent and ascent controls? Vehicle stability control?

2. How do I tell if it has the air springs in the back?

3. How to tell if it has XREAS?

4. I fit great in a version with the manual seats, (I'm 6'5") do the electric seats go as low?

 

[Uneek]

1. I'm pretty sure all 4th gen 4Runners have traction control and VSC. 4WD 4Runners have A-TRAC, 2WD have brake based limit slip differential. The button to the left of the steering is for the center diff lock on 4WD models.

2. Rear air suspension is only avialable on V8 Limiteds. You will find two extra buttons on the center console behind shifter in the middle and right for the air suspension controls. The left button is downhill assist control (DAC). The three buttons/blanks are between the two heated seat controls. Rear air suspension automatically includes X-REAS.

3. X-REAS is standard on all Sport Edition 4Runners, optional on Limiteds. If you look near the top of the rear shocks, you will see a hydralic like line that comes out of the top. There is also a canistor mounted each side of the frame rail near the B-pillar.

4. Don't know. I'm 6'1" and have a moonroof in mine. No issues with headroom.

 

[alexchannell]

1. I'm pretty sure all 4th gen 4Runners have traction control and VSC. 4WD 4Runners have A-TRAC, 2WD have brake based limit slip differential. The button to the left of the steering is for the center diff lock on 4WD models.

2. Rear air suspension is only avialable on V8 Limiteds. You will find two extra buttons on the center console behind shifter in the middle and right for the air suspension controls. The left button is downhill assist control (DAC). The three buttons/blanks are between the two heated seat controls. Rear air suspension automatically includes X-REAS.

3. X-REAS is standard on all Sport Edition 4Runners, optional on Limiteds. If you look near the top of the rear shocks, you will see a hydralic like line that comes out of the top. There is also a canistor mounted each side of the frame rail near the B-pillar.

4. Don't know. I'm 6'1" and have a moonroof in mine. No issues with headroom.

Thats pretty much everything I needed to know, thanks so much! Time for some shopping tomorrow.

One final clarification, all the 4 wheel drive 4runners will be about equal off road (except for AAC, DAC, and the airbag suspension)

 

[Thai]

One final clarification, all the 4 wheel drive 4runners will be about equal off road (except for AAC, DAC, and the airbag suspension)

Yup...the only difference is whether you want a lot of low end grunt (V8) or more than enough (V6). V6 4wd system allows you to run 2wd if you wanted to...it can run full-time all day long if you want that also. V8 4wd system is permanently full-time all the time.

Not sure what your price range is, but you may want to consider the upcoming 2009 4runner Trail Edition with ATRAC (real aggressive traction control from FJ Cruiser) and rear locker...and you can lock the rear AND leave ATRAC on, which is very effective in my experiences with the FJ. I think that i saw a MSRP of $33-35k...and with today's economy, i am sure that you can buy one at invoice in the near future.

Good luck in your search.