looking into buying my first sr5 4runner

[gindobuck]

hi im looking into buying an suv and first place i go to is toyota. thats where i saw the 4runner and was like thats it right there!

im looking into getting hopefully at 2003-2005 4runner.
i have heard that these cars have transmission issues (especially in the 2005 model) and shifting into 4 wheel drive mode and such..?

what are common problems with this car and if you can specifically in the 2003, 2004, and 2005?

thanks

 

[Will_4R]

There seem to be lots of minor issues, most of them with solutions too. I have not heard anything of the transmission problem you mention? Start by going through the TSBs (see sticky above in the section).

Some common and annoying issues that come to mind off hand are the sulphur smell when accelerating (TSB) and the clicking driver seat (TSB).

Things people mention but are no big deal are driveshaft clunking (it just does it sometimes) and occasional pulsations from the brake pedal (break booster working).

A recently discussed issue are frozen break calipers (the pistons I think). Not much solution to this other than a replacement caliper, but hopefully preventable by pushing the pistons in and out occasionally.

Another somewhat common issue is the 4wd actuator not working. This appears to be the result of people not "excersising" it enough as per owner's manual. Make sure 2hi, 4hi and 4lo work as well as the centre diff lock. Keep them working by shifting them once a month and driving for 10 miles or so in 4hi.

Rust is an ongoing issue (depending where you live I guess). People are finding rust under the rubber seal around the sunroof and back window. The above mentioned break calipers. My coil bolts froze (penetrating oil freed them). Toyta have gotten better with rust, and probably as as good as anything else, but who knows. All cars rust eventually. A common probelm with 4Runners (not sure about 4th gen though) is the rear window not working. Rusted tracks are usually the culprit.

 

[wombie]

Definitely work the brakes when you take it for a test drive. The brake pulse can be a real pain in the you know what (if it's a brake booster/master cylinder issue it won't feel like much, but you'll be able to tell its there even if the truck is in Park)...for some it just sounds noisy, for others you'll feel the vibration going up the brake pedal.

Later years have a problem with rust around the tailgate license plate flare (TSB) too so check there.

 

[gindobuck]

thanks for your inputs.
ive heard that the sound system is really weak in the car. is that true?
i also heard that it feels under powered.

im deciding between the 4runner and the 06 pathfinder specifically.

i love the looks of the 4runner the amount of space in the back.
pathfinder is okay in space, power is okay, everything inside just feeds cheap and hinges looked like they were about to break off the seats.

anyone wanna tell me reasons why i should get either a 2003-2005 4runner over a 2006 pathfinder?

 

[MikesToy]

Just buy any 2003-2005 4Runner V8. You won't regret it. Make sure it's certified and test drive as if you stole it. haha.... There ain't really no issues other than user error issues. :lmao:

 

[Will_4R]

I have the 2003 V6 and I drive in the mountains in the highway a lot with a reasonable load (no trailer) and I do not feel underpowered in the least. The 4Runner is cooler, and according to all reviews better than the Pathfinder. Quite frankly the 4Runner is better for towing and offroad. If you don't do either of these, maybe the Pathfinder is worth a second look.

I can't comment on the sound system since I am not someone who cares much about that or really understands it. It works, I can hear my music, I am happy.

 

[gindobuck]

i personally havent looked into the v8 but ill try to find one and test drive it haha but prob will forget about it once i see how much gas it eats lol

ya i got to take a listen to the sound system cause i heard if i wanted to upgrade the sound system on the 4runner i would need to change out all i think its 8 speakers all together due to the way toyota hooked it up. well see...

im honestly looking into more specifically the 2005 4runner v6 because it seems like the older models has transmission issues. there a forum on it at edmunds.
Toyota 4Runner Transmission Problems - CarSpace Automotive Forums
(let me know your feed back to this transmission issue which it seems to be a common thing in the 2003-4 and definately older models.

also rust is a huge issue with the 4runner. what do you guys do to prevent that?

thanks for your inputs again.

 

[Will_4R]

i personally havent looked into the v8 but ill try to find one and test drive it haha but prob will forget about it once i see how much gas it eats lol

ya i got to take a listen to the sound system cause i heard if i wanted to upgrade the sound system on the 4runner i would need to change out all i think its 8 speakers all together due to the way toyota hooked it up. well see...

im honestly looking into more specifically the 2005 4runner v6 because it seems like the older models has transmission issues. there a forum on it at edmunds.
Toyota 4Runner Transmission Problems - CarSpace Automotive Forums
(let me know your feed back to this transmission issue which it seems to be a common thing in the 2003-4 and definately older models.

also rust is a huge issue with the 4runner. what do you guys do to prevent that?

thanks for your inputs again.

There are two transmissions Toyota uses on this generation of 4Runner: the 4sp and the 5sp. The 4sp was used on the 2003-04 V6 and the 5sp on 2005-09 V6 and all V8s. I didn't read through the entire thread you linked, but notice the 2003 transmission on the last post on the page is one of the 5sp. If this is the transmission you are trying to avoid go with the 2003 or 2004 V6. But in all honesty both are excellent proven transmissons.

The best way to deal with rust is to wash the uncarriage (and the body) as often as possible (like once a week or more) when they are salting the roads. There are vaious products you can use as undercoating to prevent rust, and several products you can use to cover rust and prevent it from spreading. This is a whole other subject.

 

[chaz]

theres not as big of a difference as you might think in mpg between the v6 & v8.

 

[Uneek]

Some early 2003 V6 had a fuel rail recall. Overall the 4th gen 4Runner has been a solid performer.

 

[Nuke]

I've owned 6 Toyotas and still have 2 on the road (my current 4R has only 16k miles). Between the 6, the total mileage that I put on them so far is just shy of 950,000 miles. 3 of those are 4Runners: a '90 2nd gen sold in '02 with 205k miles and still running; a '00 3rd gen sold this year with 152k miles in mint condition; and my current '08 4th gen.

I've owned a lot of domestic vehicles in addition to the Toyotas. I'll tell you right off the bat that any ONE of my domestic vehicles has had more issues by itself than all 6 of my Toyotas put together.

If you're looking for longevity and reliability, then go Toyota. Just be sure the car was well maintained.

 

[TYLER_G]

Resale

anyone wanna tell me reasons why i should get either a 2003-2005 4runner over a 2006 pathfinder?[/QUOTE]

 

[spanvs888]

My brother went from a 2003 bmw m3 to a 2003 4runner and LOVED the transition (m3 is not good in NY winters). He loved the acceleration of the 4runner and the handling believe it or not. I had a new 98 GMC Yukon, a new 2003 GMC denali and they were both a nightmare since I bought them NEW. I can tell you that I love my 4runner more and more everyday and I have had it 2 years now. My '07 v6 4runner kicks the crap out of the denali in acceleration (despite the denali being 320 hp v8) on road handling, off road performance (obviously), braking, no squeaks, no rattles, everything accept for interior space. Oh and it doesnt smell like burning rubber after I get out of the car after driving around for a bit. As far as an '06 Pathfinder goes my friend has one. Can you say POS? if you can't, buy a Pathfinder and you will be able to say it in its full meaning. More so than if you bought a GMC.

 

[Nuke]

I failed to mention power. All 3 of my T4R's were V6's. My current 4.0L V6 does an excellent job pulling my bass boat; much better than the 3.slow L (3.0) in the 2nd gen and 3.4L in the 3rd gen. If you're doing a LOT of towing then the V8 might be your better choice but I've been very impressed and happy with the V6. Even passengers have commented positively when hauling the boat about the merging and passing power.

 

[Timberline]

We've recently begun looking for a 4R for my wife's next truck. Like the OP, we're also looking 03-05 range partly to keep it within budget but also because I believe it was 06 (please correct me if this is wrong) when Toyota went with the tire pressure sensors that have been problematic ... well nuisance may be a better word.

I bought an '03 Tundra this past summer w/ the 4.7L V8 and like it more each time I drive it. However, we recently test drove a 4R w/ the 4.0L V6 and I was very impressed with that engine. The MPG difference appears to be nearly negligible. For me one thing the V6 has in its favor is no timing belt to replace as I just did on my V8 - granted, doing this every 90k miles is chump-change compared to what I'm used to. On the other hand, I believe the V6 has an aluminum block rather than the cast iron of the V8 ... though I'm unsure if this is a benefit or a detriment.

 

[Barefoot]

I believe it was 06 (please correct me if this is wrong) when Toyota went with the tire pressure sensors that have been problematic ... well nuisance may be a better word.

I think it was '07

 

[Uneek]

We've recently begun looking for a 4R for my wife's next truck. Like the OP, we're also looking 03-05 range partly to keep it within budget but also because I believe it was 06 (please correct me if this is wrong) when Toyota went with the tire pressure sensors that have been problematic ... well nuisance may be a better word.

For the 4Runner, MY 2004 has TPMS.

The Tacoma got TMPS in 2006.

TPMS is not really problematic. The problem that can occur is if the original metal caps from the factory are left on, there is the possibility of it corroded and fusing itself to the valve. The other annoyance is if you run another set of wheels without the sensors, the TMPS light will come on after about 60 minutes of driving and shut off when you park the 4Runner near the set of wheels with TPMS. The 4Runner's TMPS system can only record the IDs for one set of wheels.

Personally, I rather not have TMPS, because it's one less thing for the tire shop to screw up, but the potential for problems is very minute. If you want to avoid problems, look for a 4Runner without a moonroof instead.