First post need help.

[BostonBull]

I searched 5 pages back and couldnt find this info....its probably out there. I know it has most likely been beaten to death.

I am looking into 4runners as a used vehicle purchase. I really want an 04, but the prices are too high. I am now looking at 03 4Runners.

How bad were the 03's? Should I stick with my gut and get the 04?

I would most likely be looking at the limited. I want Leather, roof, and maybe power and heated seats. Everything else is not of importance i.e. nav, rear entertainment.

Any and all comments much appreciated!!!

 

[RevoRunner]

Are you looking at the v8 or v6 models? I have an 04 v8 limited and have been very happy. I could be very wrong but I don't know of alot of differences between the 03 limited and 04 limited. The lower model 03 had the plastic cladding. If you are looking at the V8 model... i would try to shoot for an 05 because that's when they jumped to 270hp vs 235hp in the 04

 

[BostonBull]

The V-6 is more than enough for me. I dont do much towing, and would rather have better gas mileage. What are the differences in the 03-04 trannies? I do a ton of highway miles and hate being at 3000+RPMs at 80mph.

 

[bowhunter53]

I've had my 03 SE V8 for five months now and I LOVE it!! I hope there's nothing wrong with the 03's. I got an awesome deal. I dont have leather, I didnt want it anyway. Its Titanium Metallic with the grey cladding. Dont worry about the V8 only having 235 hp, it has enough torque to pull down a house !!!!

 

[jharris2]

I have one of the first production 2003 V6's made -- with the gray cladding. So I'd be one of the best candidates to have problems. Instead, there have been no major issues, and everything I found (nits, really) was taken care of under warranty. The main complaint against the V6 model is the fuel rail recall -- seems that a lot of folks think the recall was a bigger issue than it really was.

Net is, I'd buy a 2003 model without hesitation, assuming it had been taken care of properly. Be sure to check ANY used vehicle thoroughly before buying.

 

[BostonBull]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I waslooking at the 04 but like I said I went to the dealer and I am so far upside down in my current truck, that I am now looking at the 03 models.

Did just the limited have leather and a roof?

 

[statman24]

I bought an 04 limited simply because I generally don't buy 1st year of any run. But with the 4runner, I'm not sure there is anything to worry about.

Look around, and don't be afraid to look in neighboring states. I found my 4runner a 6 hour drive south of me and saved a TON of money. Found it on EBAY

Also, get to know the VIN. Many 4runners out there are 4x2 and not 4x4 (although I'm not sure how prevelant that is where you are).

Always carfax before buying used. ALWAYS!

 

[Koz]

If you can find an 03 V6 Limited it will be just as good as a 04. In 05 were several changes. V6 got the 5speed and the V8 got the VVT-i with 35 hp more.

Koz