Having second thoughts, want some input.

[a77boy]

I just recently purchased a 2003 sr5 on eBay which I still have not taken delivery of. The vehicle which has 79000 miles is in New York and I am flying up there in March to pick it up and drive back home to Texas. This might seem like a rather odd practice, but having purchased a 97 Limited in the exact manner, also from New York, I am fairly confident that I will be ok.

I have been spending lots of times reading through these forums so that I could prepare myself for any issues that I could look forward to, IE: seat squeaking, sunroof rattle, and of course the infamous sulphur smell.

Ironically something strange has happened. I have been reading SO much stuff that I think I

 

[wolfgang]

Have '03 SE V6 with only 20k and have experience none of those issues (sunroof has occasionally rattled but goes away when I hit the close button (never had TSB done for it)). I don't like the ticking noise from the exhaust "headers" when driver's window is down and you go along a Jersey wall (so I just keep the window up). It also seems to have less cargo space than my old '90 4Rnr despite being bigger on outside. Multilevel storage shelf doesn't help! Ride is super (have XREAS) and mileage is same as the '90 which had 22RE with 5spd ('cept maybe on a very long trip)! Especially like the 4 wheel disc brakes - far improvement over the '90's.

 

[a77boy]

Thanks for the Input. After spending so much time reading about problems it is nice to hear from people who are really enjoying their vehicle.

 

[TheBlueWave]

I bought an '05 in December and really like it. My job sucks right now and the only thing I look forward to every day is driving my 4runner to work. Its not perfect, the issues I have are the ticking noise from the driver's side cylinder bank and the drive shaft
"clunk" after harder stops. But neither of those things affect driveability or fuel economy or anything. My warranty goes till 2011 or 100k miles so I will worry about those things when the warranty is almost up. Love the vehicle, and you will too if its been cared for.

 

[a77boy]

Thanks again, I really appreciate it!

 

[wolfgang]

BlueWave - yup same ticking noise I referred to. Had a speed shop guy look at it and he said its the short tubular headers. He said they dropped the old cast iron ones to reduce weight. He claimed I could wrap them with the tape they use on headers to reduce under hood temperatures. But it looks like it would be a tedious job. The drive line clunk is from the transmission locking up and unlocking. A good thing cuz that's what gives you higher MPG. I can't wait to wear the Dunlop tires out so I can replace with Micheline Cross Terrain or BFG (also a Michelin compnay) tires.

 

[Kmvreter]

... tell me about some POSITIVE experiences that you have had with your vehicle. Things you love about your 4th Gen. etc.

Open your eye's and look man! What's there not to love? This is by far the best vehicle I've owned. It looks great and even my base model has features that are options on other trucks. The auto climate control (some like it, some don't because they can't figure it out), the traction features (VSC, ATRAC, HAC, DAC, Brake Assist), the rear mirrors, the rear gate self closing lock, and last but not least the classic, only to be found on a T4R, rear opening window. Log onto the Toyota site for the specs and compare the features!

No, I'm not a salesman and sorry if this seems over-the-top, but you get the drift. Noise is a relative thing. Mine is comfy and quiet compared to other SUVs. I had one warranty concern (the seat thigh bolster noise) that I won't let a dealer touch and my warranty is over anyway so the TSB is moot for me.

You bought it, ENJOY IT!

 

[greasefingers]

You are gambling. Without seeing it in person and driving it, you really don

 

[a77boy]

You guys are great, Greasfingers, I sincerely appreciate your consideration. As stated once before I do own a '97 limited and love it (third Toyota actually) but I guess I just read a little to much for my own good. Thanks again for all the input.

 

[greasefingers]

When are you flying into Jerzey? Will be looking forward to your first post after taking possession.

 

[a77boy]

Flying into LGA, gonna spend a day in New York, then down to Staten Island to pick up the "new" Runner. I am taking my time driving back home to Texas, I will definetly post some pics and first impressions when I get back. Am going to try and take a picture of the 4Runner in every state