help on buying a 4Runner

[useport80]

hey all,
im looking into buying a 4runner within the next few months, but i have some questions about it.

alot of people say the 4runner is a solid vehicle that will last a while and doesn't seem to have many issues, which is one reason why im considering it.

what are the most common problems with the 2007 and 2008 4runners?

i live in northern virginia and a few dealerships have 2007 models but all are v8. im not opposed to a v8, but its nice to have. im not towing anything. some1 told me that the v8 models are all AWD and the v6 models are 2wd or 2wd. is this true?

what are the differences between the 2007 and 2008 4runners?

im not sure if im allowed to ask for buying price on the forums or not but whats the average price of a 2008 v6 limited or v8 limited ?

all i really need is a navigation system and a good car. the sport edition is nice cuz of the hood scoop but thats the only thing thats nice. various places online show different options and packages so im confused in terms of what options and packages are available and what comes in those packages.

how is the 4runner warranty? any upgraded warranties available?

as an alternate, what other small or mid sized suvs are good? the 4runner looks rugged and most of the other small/mid suvs look girly.

i've only purchased one new car thus far so im fairly new in buying a new car.

please let me know. thank you all.

 

[alaskaman]

The 4 Runner with Nav is the limited. Sport with Nav is hard to find. Superior tech built entirely in Japan (last year of that) power to spare and safe. toyota.com can provide research and search road tests on this site and edmunds to get more specific.

 

[r32]

There is not much difference at all between the '07 and '08 models. They are virtually the same exact vehicles with only 4 listed minor differences. There is a thread around here that list these differences. Search around for it.

We talk about buying price all the time around here

v8 usually runs about $1500 more than v6 model for the sport and sr5 models. Not sure that I've seen a limited with a v6 ever. stickers around here (california) for v8 limited are usually around 42k-44k depending on extras.

i'm on the cusp for buying as well. i'm waiting/hoping for 0% financing on a 4runner since I can't afford all cash.

I would consider aftermarket nav systems. They are generally cheaper, easier to replace, and fairly cheap to get installed.

option packages will vary slightly from region to region in the USA. for instance, a Sport Edition may not include sunroof as standard in Maine, whereas out here in CA they all come with sunroofs.

 

[r32]

Some links that might help you out:


Buying a new 2007
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=32517

New Purchase of 4Runner
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=32542

Possible to order a custom 4runner?
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=32453

 

[HardCharger]

... Superior tech built entirely in Japan (last year of that) ...

Sorry, don't mean to hijack the thread but a quick side track. What do you mean by that? Are they no longer going to be built in Japan? If so, where are they going to be built? Also, what is the last year of the Japan built 4Runners, 2007 or 2008? Thanks!

 

[Uneek]

Both V6 and V8 are available in 2WD, depending on your region, you may only be able to find the majority in 2WD or 4WD. V6 4WD has the option to be in 2WD. V8 4WD are always in 4WD. Both 4WD drive systems are exactly the same with the exception that the V6 has the ability to be driven in 4WD. The V6 in 4H is no different than a V8 and can be driven in that manner all day long regardless of road conditions.

Some complaints with the 4Runner are driveshaft clunk, moonroof rattle and/or jamming, sulfer smell in the exhaust and possible driver seat squeak/rattle/movement. Mine has only exhibited the driveshaft clunk, doesn't harm anything mechanically and it's a bit annoying more than anything else. Overall, I'm extremely happy with the 4Runner and if I were to do it all over again, I'll get the exact same thing and X-REAS would be the only option I consider ordering.

2008 has the VSC off button and a revised lower grille. There might be other changes, check the sticky General Discussion.

As for options, Toyota doesn't build them in packages. Your regional distributor orders certain trims with a set of option combinations and calls it a package. If your dealer is willing to do it, you can select the trim you want with each option individually.

IMO, the 4Runner is in a class by itself, nothing else comes close, aside from its expensive cousin the GX470. You can look, but you'll be hard press to find another SUV that'll come close. If you don't plan to take it off road or tow, the Highlander is a good alternative. If you only need AWD, you might want to wait and check out the Venza due this fall. I like the Venza a lot.

The 4Runner comes with the standard 3yr/36k bumper to bumper warranty, 5yr/60k powertrain warranty and 5yr/unlimited mileage warranty on the body. You can get the Platinum warranty, for 7yr/100k mile through Toyota Financial Services with a zero deductible. There's a dealer rep here that offers it to members for $800-900.