Hi There

[silver4x419]

Just wanted to say Hi to everyone. I have been reading up on this forum for about a week and found it to be pretty helpful.

I am currently looking to get into a new vehicle in the next couple months and I am trying to do my homework.

I stopped at a Toyota Dealer today and checked out the 4Runner. Dealer did not have a SR5 or Sport with a V6 w/o a Moon Roof. They would have to bring one in, it seems to be pretty slim pickings on those models.

Reason I am looking at a V6 is for fuel mileage and price. I do not need leather and being 6'4", I need all the head room I can get.

I was pretty impressed by the 4Runner. I do not have to say one bad thing about it I do not think. I have not test drive one yet because their were only V8's on the lot.

I have started this thread to introduce myself and see what all other members could give me advice on about their 4Runners. What are the pros/cons. Advantages/disadvantages of your Runner. Likes/Dislikes. Any problems or stories on well they performed off road/towing/highway driving/weather driving/mileage.

I really appreciate it.

I have read a few threads on gas mileage (trip not being as acurate/V6 does amazing/91 octane preferred, but can use 87) Sulfur smell and it depending on the sulfate content and maybe the Borla Duals got rid of that smell? Seat/Door latch rattling. Umm, early recall on that fuel dampener or something to do how the line was crimped and caused it to be faulty and a fuel leak inside the engine bay.

I think that covers it for now. I would like anyone to add their opinions to these concerns or problems they have had. I need to buy a vehicle that is very reliable and will last me 200,000 miles +. I do not think it would be a problem with the 4Runner since I do keep my vehicles pretty well maintained.

I am a bit iffed on the new 4.0, but so far it seems to be a good engine disbite that idler tensioner misalignment/belt feathering and the complaints of how noisey the engine is (which I think may be the VVT-i/ variable valve timing intelligeince).

Thank you for your thoughts in advance.

 

[darktiger]

Hey Silver,

I just recently bought a 04 4runner Sport V8, 2 weeks ago. I was in the same boat as you, being 6'4". Yeah you might want one without sunroof since you lose 2 inches. If you can have them swap out tires at the dealership. Those Dunlop A20 or withever they are suck. I would recommend in getting the V8, I love the V8, but that is personnel reason. So far my only cons is the stock stereo, it sucks. There are too many pros to list. Also so far no Sulfur smell, I think that is from the 2003 models. So far I have not had any problems with it, unlike my Heep Grand Cherokee.

 

[Good Times]

Well all I can say is this is one of the best SUV's you can buy for the money you pay for By far, I can't think of any in it's class or in it's $$ range where you can get a near perfect vehicle (no vehicle is perfect!).

Either engine will be great for whatever you use. The v8 will be much better for towing heavier loads but the v6 will be able to handle the towing as well (just not as good). Fuel mpg differs about 2mpg between the two engines. One is fulltime 4wd and the other is parttime 4wd. The choice is yours and either one will be good!

Offroad, both vehicles are rock solid. Aside from the lack of height clearance (which can be resolved by a mild lift), it is one steady SUV. The new computer system/gadgets works superbly and can take you places that you wouldn't imagine taking in a stock rig. Offroading is just amazing. It will go where no normal stock rig will go (well almost). Most of it requires the skill of the driver but it handles well. I've yet to test the rig on some sand dunes but taking it to some small sand hills, it handles surprising well.

I've towed heavily with the v8 and it handles well. The brakes are great and I was surprised how steady it drive. It drives very smoothly utilizing it's new 5A/T and the raw power of the v8. The brakes handles well considering it is a heavier vehicle and towing abit more. (side note, my 4runner only has the 5000# hitch, but all new 04's come w/ the 7000# hitch).

The new 4th gens's suspension is great. Handling feels like you are driving a sedan and it sure does feel like it too. The pedal/steering is precise (for a suv it's great!) and braking is good. Some people think it's abit mushy but for a heavy rig like this it stops well. Acceleration for both engines are quite impressive. The v6 did have the recall in the 03 but I'm pretty certain that the 04's has been resolved.

Sulfur is just another issue with all vehicles. Don't blame the vehicle as it's the gas to blame. It just happens.

I would be pretty certain that my baby will go 250k easily ofcourse so long as I maintain her well If you want a very capable vehicle that can conquer almost anything and yet still be refined for the streets then this is probably the best you can get You also get the satisfaction that it's a yota that's still made in Japan, so you know the quality is top notch!

Good luck and hope to see you soon with one!

On a side note:
All vehicles will have issues and problems. Although Toyota's service centers don't rank high in customer service, they do try and ensure that your problem(s) are/is resolved. Most all issues that have popped up has been resolved at one point in time. There has been a few recalls but this is expected from a new design vehicle. By the time the second year is released, those flaws are fixed and should have encounter any other problems.

 

[shaner]

I have read a few threads on gas mileage (trip not being as acurate/V6 does amazing/91 octane preferred, but can use 87)

This has been discussed a lot in other forums. You should use the octane gas that is suggested in the user manual (87) unless you're using forced induction or have retarded your timing. If you want the scientific reasons for this I can get them for you.

 

[silver4x419]

Re: Re: Hi There

This has been discussed a lot in other forums. You should use the octane gas that is suggested in the user manual (87) unless you're using forced induction or have retarded your timing. If you want the scientific reasons for this I can get them for you.

Thanks for the help. I do know the compression is not that high so you can run 87 octance. If the compression was a little higher/forced induction I do know you have to run premium fuel. That is the thoght I tossed around when I was looking at a Subie Forester XT 2 weeks back. I do not want the hassle of premum fuel and adding a TT and letting it cool down and such. Seems to be an item that can wear down and can be trouble some.

4Runner seems to be a prefect fit for me. I drive a lot, decemnt mileage, it has room in the interior. The Drive shaft actually has grease fittings. Not like other cars where every joint is sealed and it wears out prematurely it seems.

Modding is something totally different. K&N FIPK would be the way to go as long as it does not make me throw a CEL and the Borla duals look good to me, except I found a picture on here where a memeber has it installed on his 4Runner and I can see the one exhaust pipe hanging down really low near the axle (whoever has the 18" Enkei rims) and not sure if that would be a concern on getting it torn off. Unless there is a way to readjust the hanger so it sits up higher. My concern is there.

 

[onerunner]

the smell only occurs after highway speeds, not local driving.

the v8 has worst milage than the v6. I've test driven both and it's not much of a difference.

the city and highway milage they post on the truck is not realistic. there's an on board trip meter. you will get the lowest miles per gallon measured.

what I like?

17" alloy rims
rolldown read truck window
vsc (traction control)
4x4
and the great oil filter location on the v6!
(it's right there under the hood!)
the auto trans shift slides nicely into neutral at a light.
the moonroof is tinted and large.

what I dislike?
tires suck. get the Revo from tirerack
the rear lights are useless
the doors sound hollow and the door gaskets are not thick enough.
the inside radio/climate knobs are confusing.
toyota charged $40 for yellow day running lights (wow, it's a big job activating this feature)

 

[jharris2]

First, welcome to the board!

As far as my experience goes, it's been great. A few minor glitches, mostly rattles. I buy vehicles to last at least 10 years, and have no doubts that this one is a winner.

Also, it's very safe, so I'm comfortable with the wife driving it, too. It's heavy enough that long trips are no problem -- our Camry rides well and is good on long trips, but the 4Runner weighs 1,000 lbs more and gives a superb ride.

You're doing your homework -- test drive both engines, and make the decision that is right for you. I don't think you can go wrong!