Lookin to get sold on a 4th Gen T4R...

C

CaseLogic

New member
Hey all,

Found you guys from a google search, wanted the opinions of those who own a 4Runner.

Currently I own an '07 Nissan Altima 3.5SE (V6). I don't mind the car, but lately I've been not only wanting to try out owning an SUV (never owned one before), but I've just been getting a bad feeling about my Altima (seems like things are slowly starting to go more and more wrong on it..).

Here are some questions for you guys, and I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to answer. What do you guys love about your 4Runner?

If I get one, I kind of want to spoil myself and go with the Limited model, but is it really worth it? I guess for that, I need to get on edmunds and compare what the exact differences are between the SR5, Sport, and Limited lines.

I know I don't want the V8, since I have nothing to tow, but since I'm an average driver, I don't foresee needing 4x4. Is the only negative of having 4x4 that it drains more gas (how much more?). I've never had a 4x4 so it's hard to say that I'll *never* use it, but I can say that if it were up to me, I'd LIKE to have it just for those what-if situations.

For those of you who have the JBL sound system, how is it? I've been spoiled by Nissan, who in my opinion have some of the better factory (non-Bose) sound systems. I'm a big music guy so sound is important to me (although I could always do a stereo swap).

I'm looking in the $15k-17k range so I can do an almost even trade with my Altima, that should be doable, right?. Do you guys have any suggestions for someone looking to buy? Anything to look for, or look out for in 4Runners? Any common problems that I should know about before I end up with a 4Runner I'm not happy with?

Once again, thanks! I hope to find myself riding with you all sooner rather than later..
 
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Almost forgot... is there a place where I can lookup the differences between the years for 4th Gen? In other words, the differences between the '03, '04, '05, '06, etc. models
 
Currently I own an '07 Nissan Altima 3.5SE (V6). I don't mind the car, but lately I've been not only wanting to try out owning an SUV (never owned one before), but I've just been getting a bad feeling about my Altima (seems like things are slowly starting to go more and more wrong on it..).

- all my friends who own nissans have had nothing but problems with their cars too.

Here are some questions for you guys, and I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to answer. What do you guys love about your 4Runner?

- EVERYTHING. well except getting 14mpg in city driving, but it's a V8.

If I get one, I kind of want to spoil myself and go with the Limited model, but is it really worth it? I guess for that, I need to get on edmunds and compare what the exact differences are between the SR5, Sport, and Limited lines.

- Get the limited with all the options... im sure dealers are having a hard time getting them off the lost because of the economy. 18" wheels look nicer too.

I know I don't want the V8, since I have nothing to tow, but since I'm an average driver, I don't foresee needing 4x4. Is the only negative of having 4x4 that it drains more gas (how much more?). I've never had a 4x4 so it's hard to say that I'll *never* use it, but I can say that if it were up to me, I'd LIKE to have it just for those what-if situations.

- I highly recommend the V8. definitely worth the extra $ and full time 4wd. its a great smooth engine and known for long term durability.

For those of you who have the JBL sound system, how is it? I've been spoiled by Nissan, who in my opinion have some of the better factory (non-Bose) sound systems. I'm a big music guy so sound is important to me (although I could always do a stereo swap).

- sound system is nice... make sure you get the nav.

I'm looking in the $15k-17k range so I can do an almost even trade with my Altima, that should be doable, right?. Do you guys have any suggestions for someone looking to buy? Anything to look for, or look out for in 4Runners? Any common problems that I should know about before I end up with a 4Runner I'm not happy with?

- im thinking a limited with most options run around 40k invoice, less if you dont get the rear air suspension, rear dvd entertainment, and 3rd row seats. Mine was 38k, msrp 43k w/o those 3 items.
 
V8Limited4wd said:
Currently I own an '07 Nissan Altima 3.5SE (V6). I don't mind the car, but lately I've been not only wanting to try out owning an SUV (never owned one before), but I've just been getting a bad feeling about my Altima (seems like things are slowly starting to go more and more wrong on it..).

- all my friends who own nissans have had nothing but problems with their cars too.

Here are some questions for you guys, and I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to answer. What do you guys love about your 4Runner?

- EVERYTHING. well except getting 14mpg in city driving, but it's a V8.

If I get one, I kind of want to spoil myself and go with the Limited model, but is it really worth it? I guess for that, I need to get on edmunds and compare what the exact differences are between the SR5, Sport, and Limited lines.

- Get the limited with all the options... im sure dealers are having a hard time getting them off the lost because of the economy. 18" wheels look nicer too.

I know I don't want the V8, since I have nothing to tow, but since I'm an average driver, I don't foresee needing 4x4. Is the only negative of having 4x4 that it drains more gas (how much more?). I've never had a 4x4 so it's hard to say that I'll *never* use it, but I can say that if it were up to me, I'd LIKE to have it just for those what-if situations.

- I highly recommend the V8. definitely worth the extra $ and full time 4wd. its a great smooth engine and known for long term durability.

For those of you who have the JBL sound system, how is it? I've been spoiled by Nissan, who in my opinion have some of the better factory (non-Bose) sound systems. I'm a big music guy so sound is important to me (although I could always do a stereo swap).

- sound system is nice... make sure you get the nav.

I'm looking in the $15k-17k range so I can do an almost even trade with my Altima, that should be doable, right?. Do you guys have any suggestions for someone looking to buy? Anything to look for, or look out for in 4Runners? Any common problems that I should know about before I end up with a 4Runner I'm not happy with?

- im thinking a limited with most options run around 40k invoice, less if you dont get the rear air suspension, rear dvd entertainment, and 3rd row seats. Mine was 38k, msrp 43k w/o those 3 items.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your reply. I forgot to mention that I'm looking for a used model, which is why I quoted the low range of $15k-17k

Is the V6 not as durable as the V8? I figure, why not save some gas if I don't plan on needing the torque the V8 provides. I could always get a V6 AWD, right?
 
look for an 06-up limited... they have the LED tails and 18" wheels.

v6 is a newer design. the v8 has been around for over a decade and used in all the suvs and trucks, ie landcruiser, tundra, seqouia, gx470, lx470 so its known for being a workhorse for toyota.

ive read that the v6 is a lil noisier and not as smooth as the v8... of course i could be wrong. if you end up selling it, the v8 and 4wd will help with resale value.
 
I'd get 2004-2006 SR5 without 4WD and with moonroof and JBL digital headunit based on your needs from the post abowe.

1. I love how ruged this thing is. Nothing stops this SUV off-road.
2. Limited has leather seats and rear air suspension. It'll cost you. Sports has biger brake rotors and X-Reas sport suspension.
3. 4WD is great (I love it), but if you don't need it - traction and stability control is more than plenty for pavement.
4. JBL puts out digital output and is crystal clear (at least to my ears).
5. I can't think of any problematic areas. Minor things: Check sunroof (open and close it), check tires (if Dunlop - ask for discount:D ) and check for off-road abuse.

Whatever model you buy - you'll love it. Good luck, CaseLogic.
 
If you need convincing, just drive it a couple of times.

I have a 08 v6 non 4x4 SR5

The gas mileage on it is about 24 to 26 on highway (according to the onboard computer: take about 1 or 2 mpgs off for that) and about 20 in the city

Sometimes I wish i had the 4x4 because i would like to get into some offroading but I live in south Ga and the last time it snowed here was the 12th of Septober.

I don't have the jbl system in mine but the factory stereo is still descent. The built in gps factory unit would be a nice option to have. For 1000 bucks, I can have a top of the line Kenwood installed.

Mine has the 17 inch rims so better gas mileage and they look just as good as the 18s IMO.

I absolutely love everything about this SUV. When i look at anything comparable to it, i just can't ie. the trailblazer, jeep grand cherokee. None of them look as good as the 4runner.

I would go with an 06 or above just because they end up fixing some of the smaller issues over the years and make standard some of the options that weren't standard before.

Just go to the dealer and test drive one once and you will be hooked
 
nope it has to be dealer installed or done by yourself. only limited models come in leather unless you find a XPS model or one where it was installed aftermarket.
 
Damn, that's too bad. Unfortunately there isn't a terribly big market for used 4Runners in Texas (from my searches on craigslist and autotrader). Maybe I'll stumble across one that fits my needs if I'm lucky. I'd rather have my pick of the litter though :)
 
CaseLogic said:
thanks for all the help, guys!

I think I'm gonna be looking for either a good deal on a 2005+ Limited or SR5 w/ JBL
Click to expand...

Good luck and as you figure out your money deal consider the timing belt if you look at V8 models. It has a 90k change interval, the V6 uses a chain and requires no normal maint. A timing belt isn't a huge deal if you know it's coming:)


:cheers:
 
CaseLogic said:
Almost forgot... is there a place where I can lookup the differences between the years for 4th Gen? In other words, the differences between the '03, '04, '05, '06, etc. models
Click to expand...

4Runner History Website. I trust you wil find this to be the most extensive year by year comparison out there.
 
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