My New 4Runner

[sbbrown333]

So about 4 years ago I had a 2001 4Runner Limited. Since that time I sold the 4Runner for a 99 BMW 3 series, then I had a small two door Honda Accord. My wife is now 6 months pregnant so I decided it was time for a bigger 4 door vehicle. I started searching everywhere for a 4th Gen 4Runner. I came across a few good deals on Craigslist that just never worked out. Finally I found my new to me 2003 4Runner Limited on a dealer's website in Charlotte, NC. So I drove up Saturday to purchase the vehicle. It was listed with 157,000 miles for $9,300 as the Internet price at the dealership. I went in with $8,000 cash and made the deal after test driving it and falling in love with 4Runners all over again. I just love the look, the handling, the ride height, etc... My 4th Gen is a one owner and it has been really well taken care of. I'll post more pictures when I get a chance. The first mod I want to take care of right away is the radio. In my 2001 I had a Kenwood with Garmin Navigation and I think I would like something similar this time around but I'm looking for a similar unit that also provides bluetooth for music and my iPhone, as well as auxiliary, and navigation. Any suggestions on what I should buy? I'd like to stay under $500 for the unit itself. Thanks.

 

[superman3043]

:welcome: from a fellow South Carolinian! Congrats on the purchase. You're going to love it. Congratulations on the little one as well. Y'all are 6 months pregnant and our daughter just turned 6 months old. You'll find this forum an invaluable resource.

I have a Kenwood Excellon DNX9140 that I bought in 09'. It was top of the line at the time. I LOVE the Garmin Nav portion of it, but I can say that I've been less than enamored with the Kenwood interface. I just find it clunky and ugly. My unit is a little slow to boot up in my opinion. I'm sure they've improved over the last five years. I've always been fond of Alpine & Clarion units. Pioneers are good too, but I'd prefer Kenwood over Pioneer. Hope that helps. Good Luck!

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

I bought my 2003 SR5 V8 2WD in Oct. 2011 for 15,748 + TTL with 55k on it. Fast forward a little over 2 years later, it's at 98,600 still going strong. I love my 4th gen and wouldn't give her up for anything.

 

[sbbrown333]

Thanks. I've experienced the same issue with Kenwood interfaces. I've also looked at the GTA car kit for the 4Runner just to add auxiliary and iPod connections but can't make up my mine just yet. I do have the JBL system so I assume the install would be somewhat pricey.

 

[superman3043]

Thanks. I've experienced the same issue with Kenwood interfaces. I've also looked at the GTA car kit for the 4Runner just to add auxiliary and iPod connections but can't make up my mine just yet. I do have the JBL system so I assume the install would be somewhat pricey.

Meh.. I don't feel like add on kits are all that great unless your stock radio is something special. If your budget is $500, I'd say go aftermarket. Might want to check this one out:

Clarion NX602 Navigation receiver at Crutchfield.com

$230 discounts puts it in your price range. Good luck.