Finally, after all this time!!...

[vicpai]

Thank You Thai and Gatorgreg,
for bringing to life this dedicated 4Runner enthusiast website. A 4Runner site was long overdue considering the popularity of this really wonderful machine. I have searched hi and lo for a dedicated 4Runner site (similar to acuramdx.org) for the last 2 years and all the sites I've visited simply didn't cut it........so I had to make do with the "generic" edmunds forum......and that's where I came across this site!!

Even though, at this point I have a deposit down on an '03 MDX, I feel a strong urge pulling me "back and forth" on whether to buy an '03 Limited 4X4.........However, the only problem I face is no dealer here in Southern California has the vehicle equipped the way I want it: Limited V8 4x4 with JBL/Nav, Air suspension and Side-Curtain airbags (believe it or not they only have 2WDs available here - I simply don't understand why Toyota even makes 2WD versions of this vehicle )

 

[Thai]

Vic,

Welcome! Like you, living in TX, buying a 4wd SUV is a pain in the butt! All 4x4 SUV goes up north...i guess those people use it more than us. Toyota forgets that some Southerners do indeed use their 4wd system for work and recreation.

Every dealer i encountered kept on asking me, "why do you need 4wd?? 2wd is good enough." No, it is NOT!

Oh well...i did finally get what i wanted after driving four hours to another city to get it.

Vic, if Cali does not have what you want, maybe you can look at other states. I know that the Toyota dealership near me (Sterling McCall in Houston, TX) has one or two of what you want. Just fly over and make a road trip out of it!

BTW, i hear the JBL system kicks butt! It has a subwoofer in the cargo area AND a center center speaker on top of dash!

Vic, you know my feelings about MDX...i think you're better served with a 4runner or, even the GX470. After the TRANSMISSION problem among Acuras/Hondas (including Odyssey), my confidence in their expertise is shaken pretty badly. The new tranny on '03 MDX is very much unproven. For more info on this tranny problem, please see:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=39
(Scroll down)

BTW, the GX has tons more headroom and the driver & passenger seats are higher than 4Runner.

Thanks.

 

[Mindcore]

Hi, my first post here..

I could pretty much copy and paste VicPai's post.

Had an '03 MDX on order, test drove the 4Runner and ordered a Limited V8.

Can't wait for it to arrive.

if you're interested, I paid $46718.00 CDN.

Which is cost plus $500.00

My true home is www.s2ki.com, but I look forward to contributing to this forum once I recieve my truck, and know what I'm talking about!

Mike

 

[GatorGreg]

Welcome Vicpai and Mindcore. Vicpai I remember you from acuramdx.org, nice to see another familiar face (so to speak ). Be sure to check out our new sister site, www.LexusGX470.org I read however that the GX470 won't be available in Canada, sorry Mindcore. However your new Limited V8 should be just as good, minus a few luxury touches that not everybody wants or needs. Hmmm...that would make for a good thread - a list of all the differences between the GX470 and the 4Runner.

 

[TOYOTY]

Hey guys,

My first post here. Much like everyone I looked at the MDX and it just didn't seem like it had the pickup like the 03 runner. I was looking at an 02 MDX, couldn't wait for the 03 and ended up getting a Silver Sport Edition.

I'm in the Chicago area so everything I see here is 4x4! Haven't seen the air suspension on any LTD's here yet, but I purchased mine from carmax and got $250 over invoice. Thought it was a great deal when no one else would discount over $500 off MSRP!

So far the Runner is great except for my loose driver's seat which I'm griping about to Toyota. I'll post the results if I actually get a response from them!

 

[Thai]

You know, the "pickup" is probably related to the huge amount of torque from the V8. The curb weight of the new 4Runner is similar to the MDX...but the 4Runner has 320 lbs of V8 torque (80% just off idle), while the MDX has 250 lbs at higher RPMs.

Regardless of output, the 4.7L V8 is one of the best V8 out there, bar none. It has DOHC (smoothness), but has enough low-end (80% at 1100 rpm) to compete with the other low-tech V8, including diesel engines. A true truck engine.

Range Rover, Aviator, G500 all use car-based engines.

 

[JSB]

Another first poster here...

Hi, my first post here..

My true home is www.s2ki.com, but I look forward to contributing to this forum once I recieve my truck, and know what I'm talking about!

Mike

Mindcore...
I read the S2000 forum too. My buddy has one and got me hooked. I never bought one though. I stuck with my rotary power, until I had to sell it...family attacked.
I love how you run into different people from other worlds.
I'm not looking at an 03, but I can shed some light on the Acura tranny issue. I sold my RX-7 for a TL-S. 18,000 miles later the tranny was slipping. Sold the baby before it got bad. Decided to pick up my 3rd 4Runner. They always did me right. I bought another 95. I've had two 95's and one 96. I bought the 95 because in a year or so, I'm picking up another 7 or maybe the RX-8. The S2000's close cousin, at least in looks. I look forward to posting more here.
Good luck on your purchases guys.
Jeremy