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03RoadRunner
New member
02sport,
Welcome to the board!!!
I can comment on an '03 sport V8....I luv it so far.
Here are a few of my favorite things about my new 'runner compared to my '98 SR5.
- The power of the V8.
- The full-time AWD.
- The X-reas Suspension.
- Great Braking ability.
- Auto Up/Down Rear Window.
- Auto-Dim Mirror.
- Auto-Climate Control.
- Stereo..10spk surround sound JBL.
- Nifty trash bag holder for rear passengers.
- Adjustable front cupholders.
Welcome to the board!!!
I can comment on an '03 sport V8....I luv it so far.
Here are a few of my favorite things about my new 'runner compared to my '98 SR5.
- The power of the V8.
- The full-time AWD.
- The X-reas Suspension.
- Great Braking ability.
- Auto Up/Down Rear Window.
- Auto-Dim Mirror.
- Auto-Climate Control.
- Stereo..10spk surround sound JBL.
- Nifty trash bag holder for rear passengers.
- Adjustable front cupholders.
Welcome to the board!!
I replaced a 98 F150 and a 94 Concorde with the 4Runner (other vehicle is a 97 Camry). So, I can't give a fair comparison.
However, I love the V6, and would buy it again in a heartbeat. What swayed me was the mileage and part-time 4WD system -- if the V8 had the part-time 4WD, I would have bought it instead because of the 5-speed transmission and extra torque (even though I won't really need it).
Mine is one of the very first V6's made, but the annoyances have all been basically first-year production things -- noises, rattles, etc.
The Sport comes with X-REAS, which will be a problem if you want to lift the truck. Just be aware of that so you don't make an expensive mistake.
I replaced a 98 F150 and a 94 Concorde with the 4Runner (other vehicle is a 97 Camry). So, I can't give a fair comparison.
However, I love the V6, and would buy it again in a heartbeat. What swayed me was the mileage and part-time 4WD system -- if the V8 had the part-time 4WD, I would have bought it instead because of the 5-speed transmission and extra torque (even though I won't really need it).
Mine is one of the very first V6's made, but the annoyances have all been basically first-year production things -- noises, rattles, etc.
The Sport comes with X-REAS, which will be a problem if you want to lift the truck. Just be aware of that so you don't make an expensive mistake.
momo.75
Registered User
I have had my '03 Sport one year this month and have absolutely loved it. For the longest time I have wanted a 4Runner but always ahd a hard time feeling comfortable in them because of my size. When the redesigned model came out it was almost a no brainer. I had looked around at some other SUV's but wasn't really impressed. Don't get me wrong, your'02 Sport is a great truck and I am sure you will get many miles out of it, so when you decide to switch up, you will be equally as happy with a 4th gen, if not more. Post some pics of your truck if you can.
02sport
Hate to be the guy that rains on the parade but here are my 2 cents. Unless you have a lot of cash I would recomend holdin on to your 02 even though the 03 is so great. The reason being is that there are other expenses in life besides a car, and your going to loose money if you buy another vehicle so soon.
I just special ordered an 04 Sport and I kept my previous vehicle for over 6 years, almost 7 by the time it arrives and I get it sold. I also spent 10 months researching it and saving cash for it. Again, just my two cents. However if you have a lot of money or you are willing to pay the cash (the new 4runners are pretty sweet) then go for it.
Hate to be the guy that rains on the parade but here are my 2 cents. Unless you have a lot of cash I would recomend holdin on to your 02 even though the 03 is so great. The reason being is that there are other expenses in life besides a car, and your going to loose money if you buy another vehicle so soon.
I just special ordered an 04 Sport and I kept my previous vehicle for over 6 years, almost 7 by the time it arrives and I get it sold. I also spent 10 months researching it and saving cash for it. Again, just my two cents. However if you have a lot of money or you are willing to pay the cash (the new 4runners are pretty sweet) then go for it.
darktiger
New member
I love my 04 Sport V8. I traded in my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee because it sucked, and lost a lot of money because it has a sucky trade in value. Glad I did it, and I would do in again in a heartbeat. But I agree with arouth unless you have some money or own the 02, keep it for a while. Unless you are have problems with it, I doubt that since it is a toyota and not domestic.
Sac State
New member
I had a black '02 Sport 4x4, drove it 1.5 years (36,000 miles) and paid $30,150. Loved the look, drive, hated the interior comfort(space&seats). The seats were a torture device.
I traded for a new black '03 Sport 4x4 V8, paid $31,000. Wow! Enough said about the V8/tranny, interior comfort rivals any large sedan and the seats/driving position are fantastic. The $31,000 paid for the '03 represented much more value, performance and comfort than the '02 priced at $30,150.
They are two completely different vehicles. It is hard for me to compare, as both represent the best and second best vehicles I have ever owned. (I have owned over 16 new vehicles in my driving career).
So, look at the decision as a long term investment. I preferred to cut my loss early and make up the benefits by driving a vehicle I was much more happy and comfortable being in. After everything was dotted and crossed, my payments were less (better interest rate), my comfort was up and any money that was spent on the depreciation of the '02 was chalked up as 'entertainment/activity money well spent'.
I traded for a new black '03 Sport 4x4 V8, paid $31,000. Wow! Enough said about the V8/tranny, interior comfort rivals any large sedan and the seats/driving position are fantastic. The $31,000 paid for the '03 represented much more value, performance and comfort than the '02 priced at $30,150.
They are two completely different vehicles. It is hard for me to compare, as both represent the best and second best vehicles I have ever owned. (I have owned over 16 new vehicles in my driving career).
So, look at the decision as a long term investment. I preferred to cut my loss early and make up the benefits by driving a vehicle I was much more happy and comfortable being in. After everything was dotted and crossed, my payments were less (better interest rate), my comfort was up and any money that was spent on the depreciation of the '02 was chalked up as 'entertainment/activity money well spent'.
02sport
New member
Thanks everyone for your input!! appreciate it. had mjy 02 for a year and a half too, only put on around 13k....I guess my only gripe is the interior. the seats in my '94 is a lot more comfortable.
hey sac state, that's exactly the way I was thinking about it
hmmm, guess i should go test drive one first huh?
anyways thanks for all your replies!!
btw, anyone know why the 3rd row seats isn't an option on the new sport?
hey sac state, that's exactly the way I was thinking about it
hmmm, guess i should go test drive one first huh? anyways thanks for all your replies!!
btw, anyone know why the 3rd row seats isn't an option on the new sport?
gaslight
New member
Not sure why but different models cant be had with various things like certain colors. You can't have the 3rd seat with the primo stereo either(I think).02sport said:
Deffinitely go test drive one to see if you like it enough to trade. You have nothing to lose by test driving.
My 4Runner is being built right now. I ordered a V8 Sport with Stratosphere Mica paint. The dealer said they hope to have it here by the end of the month. I can hardly wait.
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I've owned my '03 SR5 4x4 V8 since April. I'm very happy with the vehicle. Some, including myself, have reported lots of little niggling problems with the '03/'04, but it's still a fantastic vehicle overall. Power is great, tows well, very quiet, ride is decent, hauls 4 guys with golf clubs no problem, off road ability, can sleep in the back (if you don't want to set up your tent in an all weekend downpour), and I'm about to find out how well it does in snow.
Get the V8, the full time 4wd is not at all noticeable or a problem. The 5 sp auto combined with the V8 is a blast. An 800 dollar option to get a V8, 5sp and towing package? A no brainer. Try going to the 4.4 X5 from the 3.0, at least 10 grand. Thank you Toyota!
I don't have X-REAS, but this thing hustles through my everyday back roads as fast or faster than other vehicles I've owned. Bet it would be great with the X-REAS.
Get one, you won't be sorry.
Get the V8, the full time 4wd is not at all noticeable or a problem. The 5 sp auto combined with the V8 is a blast. An 800 dollar option to get a V8, 5sp and towing package? A no brainer. Try going to the 4.4 X5 from the 3.0, at least 10 grand. Thank you Toyota!
I don't have X-REAS, but this thing hustles through my everyday back roads as fast or faster than other vehicles I've owned. Bet it would be great with the X-REAS.
Get one, you won't be sorry.