NEED HELP... former 4Runner owner

[TexasGuy68]

I have really been kicking my ass,for the past 6 months, for letting go of my former Silver '00 Toyota ~ 4Runner "Highlander" (the SPORT Package back then). It had a little over 200K miles on it when I traded her in. So it had a good life while with me. Even to this day, when I pass one up on the road I still smile... Ok Ok getting off topic... lol

I traded her in for a Silver '04 BMW 325ci convertible. It was a dream of mine to own a (E46 <-- thats the body style I liked and got) BMW. And well I can say now that I have , and .... well now that I have I feel I am more of a 4Runner kind of guy. For the fact that I miss it. Miss having the extra room to haul things around in and the height when driving on the Highways and being able to pier over the concrete medians, to see if any po-po are up ahead to be able to slow down in time. hehe And well for the fact that is more practical for me and the '00 4Runner I had was solid as a rock and never gave me any reason to question what was going on under the hood or around the body from things making funny noises. In short it was dependable, which I hate to say it but I never really got that from the BMW. Its kind of scary having one of these, dont get me wrong if any of you are avid BMW Owners as well, I Love the car, but any little thing that may be wrong with the BMW, when taken in to just be looked will cost you an arm and a leg. Just for it to be looked at... crazy huh? and thats one big reason I regret having the BMW and well the lack of room and missing the ride height on the road.

Oops... before this gets any more longer to my questions.

I am now on the hunt for my NEXT 4Runner. I need help from you all. I want to know what year and trim level do I need to look at to find these if they are offered at all on the 4Runners. And what were the changes from year to year. I want to keep cost low so I am not against later model years, latest being '02. In '03 I didnt like the plastic cladding most had, I like the body colored moldings more then the unpainted ones.

Options I am looking for:
- Sunroof (never had it on the '00 but want it now, So a MUST)
- Leather (not a must but I like it better then cloth & that acrylic, suede like stuff)
- Running Boards (for the ones who need it, nice to have)
- Tow Hitch (saved me one time when I was hit from behind on the highway)
- Auxiliary input for an MP3 Player (would *really* like to have this)
- The HID's I had noticed on a Camery burn Yellow is that the same for the 4Runners? if so was it an option on the 4Runner and if it was standard what year did they become so?
- Any other thing that would be cool to have! other then a built in Navigation (have a garmin for that)

One Trim level I had test drove befour that was sweet was the "Urban Runner"... hope I got that right. It had everything I was looking for. Dont remember if it had an Auxiliary Input or not now that I think of it. Didnt like the Tom-Tom it came with but other then that it was Nice with dark gray leather and all. I think it was an '08 or '09 dont know but its to new for my price range which is more or less around 16K-ish if less the better. Thanks Ahead of time for any input.

Looking forward on coming back!
~TexasGuy68

 

[scottm]

This is the best source of info I've seen on 4Rs: Top4Runners.com - Toyota 4Runner Informational Website

If you dig into the links on each page, there's a ton of info on what options were offered with each package for each year. This should keep you busy for a while!

 

[matroe11]

Options I am looking for:
- Sunroof (never had it on the '00 but want it now, So a MUST)
- Optional on all models except maybe SR5 (not 100%)
- Leather (not a must but I like it better then cloth & that acrylic, suede like stuff) I believe only available with Limited unless you go with Katzkin (prounouned cats skin)
- Running Boards (for the ones who need it, nice to have)
standard on all models
- Tow Hitch (saved me one time when I was hit from behind on the highway)
optional for all modesl
- Auxiliary input for an MP3 Player (would *really* like to have this)
standard on 06+. later models require an adapter
- The HID's I had noticed on a Camery burn Yellow is that the same for the 4Runners? if so was it an option on the 4Runner and if it was standard what year did they become so?
became standard 06+. Do not believe it was an option before. Unless i am getting this confused with projectors
- Any other thing that would be cool to have! other then a built in Navigation (have a garmin for that)

I would say that you should look for a sport edition or a limited. I am definitely not an expert on trim and options and scottm's link will be your best resource. I'm just trying to give you a quick hit to narrow down the necessary research. I doubt you will get anywhere near what you want out of an SR5. I bought an '05 limited with around 56K for $18k back in January '09.

 

[scottm]

You didn't mention 4WD, there are good deals this time of year on 2WD. What about side airbags? Sports and some Limiteds came with a more high-tech suspension, better for cornering and rollover protection.

The trailer hitch is helpful in a rear collision, but the 4th-gen rear bumper is actually a welded cross-member of the frame sticking out past the hatch, very solid. The older 4Runners just had a thin bumper bolted to the body.

 

[Barefoot]

- Tow Hitch (saved me one time when I was hit from behind on the highway)
optional for all modesl

It was standard on my '07 V8

 

[Maz]

Options I am looking for:
- Sunroof (never had it on the '00 but want it now, So a MUST)
- Leather (not a must but I like it better then cloth & that acrylic, suede like stuff)
- Running Boards (for the ones who need it, nice to have)
- Tow Hitch (saved me one time when I was hit from behind on the highway)
- Auxiliary input for an MP3 Player (would *really* like to have this)
- The HID's I had noticed on a Camery burn Yellow is that the same for the 4Runners? if so was it an option on the 4Runner and if it was standard what year did they become so?
- Any other thing that would be cool to have! other then a built in Navigation (have a garmin for that)

One Trim level I had test drove befour that was sweet was the "Urban Runner"... hope I got that right. It had everything I was looking for. Dont remember if it had an Auxiliary Input or not now that I think of it. Didnt like the Tom-Tom it came with but other then that it was Nice with dark gray leather and all. I think it was an '08 or '09 dont know but its to new for my price range which is more or less around 16K-ish if less the better. Thanks Ahead of time for any input.

Looking forward on coming back!
~TexasGuy68

Firstly is having leather is a deal breaker, then you're about 98% relegated to buying a Limited model. The Urban Runner is rather rare but does have leather, albeit regular black leather on the outside and a grey suede type leather in the center. I believe the Urban Runner also cams standard with Navigation.

The Limiteds came with running boards standard, and most of them were loaded up so your very likely to find those available also have towing. By the way there are a decent number of new 09's Limited's still available if that might fit your budget.

Good Luck, and welcome back.

 

[Uneek]

Options I am looking for:
- Sunroof (never had it on the '00 but want it now, So a MUST)
- Leather (not a must but I like it better then cloth & that acrylic, suede like stuff)
- Running Boards (for the ones who need it, nice to have)
- Tow Hitch (saved me one time when I was hit from behind on the highway)
- Auxiliary input for an MP3 Player (would *really* like to have this)
- The HID's I had noticed on a Camery burn Yellow is that the same for the 4Runners? if so was it an option on the 4Runner and if it was standard what year did they become so?
- Any other thing that would be cool to have! other then a built in Navigation (have a garmin for that)

One Trim level I had test drove befour that was sweet was the "Urban Runner"... hope I got that right. It had everything I was looking for. Dont remember if it had an Auxiliary Input or not now that I think of it. Didnt like the Tom-Tom it came with but other then that it was Nice with dark gray leather and all. I think it was an '08 or '09 dont know but its to new for my price range which is more or less around 16K-ish if less the better. Thanks Ahead of time for any input.

Looking forward on coming back!
~TexasGuy68

If you're looking at the 4th gens, 2003-09...

-Only the early 2003's had the gray body cladding. From late 2003 and on, they were all body color.
-Moonroof, it tends to rattle. Some have been stuck open. In the 4th gen, it was an option that a good number people wouldn't mind not having given the issues.
-Limiteds are the only one with factory leather. SR5 and Sport Edition may have port or dealer installer leather, a lot of them used Classic Soft Trim leather.
-All of 4th gens came with running boards, except 2006-09 Sport Editions and Urban Runners. The latter two trims came with tubular style side steps.
-Tow hitch is standard on all V8 4Runners. It was standard on the 2003-05 V6 4Runners, optional on 2006-09 V6, though most V6 had the factory option. Either mid year 2003 or 2004, the V8 got the weight distributing hitch that's good for 7000lb towing on the 4WD and 7300lb on the 2WD. The V6 remains at 5000lb for both 2WD and 4WD.
-2006+ 4Runners have the auxiliary input jack in the center console and MP3 CD playback capable radios.
-2006+ 4Runners came with projector low beams. No 4Runner ever came with HIDs.
-Most 4Runners with navigation (the OEM Toyota one with backup camera except for 2003 and some 2004) tend to be V8 Limiteds. In 2006 navigation was an option on all trims. The Eclipse HU with the TomTom nav were on the Urban Runner and 2009 Trail Edition.

 

[TexasGuy68]

Thanks a bunch ! :hello:
Happy to read all the responses.

From reading all the responses I am going to think about an '04 - '06 Sport or Limited. The '04 cause I can find them, if at all, for a good price. The '06 for the updated look and that factory Auxiliary Port. I had read that there was an after market AUX input that could be done for the 04-05... what would the price be on that and does it work as well with the head unit as say the one that was put in the 06's and later.

-As far as the headlights go... I used to have the SilverStars... the ones that burned white not the deep bright blue ones, hate those when u get them right behind ya at night,... they were a great improvement from the regular halogens. Is it possible to get some SilverStars to work on say 04-06's ? i.e. could have the former owners be given an option to have halogens and not get the projectors?

-The sunroofs... how often did they get stuck? and were there any problems with them leaking when they were closed? meaning like the seals up there failing?

-The sound systems... what where the configurations for the 04 onward to 06
i.e. the E46 BMW's had the Harmon Kardon system as an upgrade. what was the equivalent for the 4Runner... JBL ? I LIKE TO FEEL THE MUSIC :guitar3: ... but not in a trunk rattling way

 

[peter78]

I was a little confused, it sounded like you wanted another 3rd gen., but I see you are looking for 04 to 06 4Runner. The 4th gen. did come with running boards. If you get a 04, the V6 has the 4 speed transmission, it was changed to a 5 speed in 05. The base stereo on the 04 came with a cd player and a cassette player. On my 04 I have never checked to see if the cassette player works. In the 06 the stereo has no cassette and can play MP3's.

I have a 04 and the 4 speed is fine, I don't think you will miss the 5 speed. I also like the door handles being the same color as the car. I think in 06 they changed the handles to chrome. Bottom line, small changes in the years, with the 06 having some of the nicest changes, such as the rear tail lights are LED.

 

[manhunter]

First of all, welcome TexasGuy from a fellow Texan, secondly, shame on you for getting rid of your first 4runner. Goes back to the old saying, "You don't appreciate what you have, until you no longer have it." Good luck on your hunt for a replacement.

 

[jimmy2x]

What you really want is my 4Runner - but I.m not selling:wink2:.

Seriously it has everything you want. I wanted to buy it late in the product cycle so that all of the "kinks" had been worked out. Have had it since 5/08 - not one rattle, weird noise, or any other issue. Best vehicle I've ever owned.

 

[Uneek]

Thanks a bunch ! :hello:
Happy to read all the responses.

From reading all the responses I am going to think about an '04 - '06 Sport or Limited. The '04 cause I can find them, if at all, for a good price. The '06 for the updated look and that factory Auxiliary Port. I had read that there was an after market AUX input that could be done for the 04-05... what would the price be on that and does it work as well with the head unit as say the one that was put in the 06's and later.

-As far as the headlights go... I used to have the SilverStars... the ones that burned white not the deep bright blue ones, hate those when u get them right behind ya at night,... they were a great improvement from the regular halogens. Is it possible to get some SilverStars to work on say 04-06's ? i.e. could have the former owners be given an option to have halogens and not get the projectors?

-The sunroofs... how often did they get stuck? and were there any problems with them leaking when they were closed? meaning like the seals up there failing?

-The sound systems... what where the configurations for the 04 onward to 06
i.e. the E46 BMW's had the Harmon Kardon system as an upgrade. what was the equivalent for the 4Runner... JBL ? I LIKE TO FEEL THE MUSIC :guitar3: ... but not in a trunk rattling way

I think USA Spec, Peripheral Electronics, amongst others make an add-on input. However most use either the satellite radio or CD changer port. Stand alone aux adapters are around the $50-60 range. On my '06, the aux input select button is shared with the CD button, similar to switching between FM1 and FM2. The aux adapters fool the HU in thinking it's a CD or satellite radio.

The 2003-05 had reflector low beams that use 9006 bulbs, which Silverstars came in. Silverstar also comes in H11 for the 2006-09 projector lowbeam.

Don't recall reading about leaks much on the OEM moonroof, maybe one or two due to plugged drain tubes. Most of the ones that were stuck open were along the lines of heard it grinding and closing really slow and then it stopped closing altogether.

The 2004-05 radios were:
-Base AM/FM, cassette, CD with 6 speakers
-JBL Synthesis AM/FM, cassette, CD with 10-speakers
-JBL Synthesis AM/FM, cassette, 6 CD changer with 10-speakers
-JBL navigation with backup camera, AM/FM, cassette, CD with 8-speakers.
'03 and some '04 had 10-speakers and no backup camera; 10-speaker systems are Synthesis.

The 2006 radios were:
-Base AM/FM, CD with MP3/WMA playback, with 6-speakers
-Base AM/FM, 6 CD changer with MP3/WMA playback, with 6-speakers
-JBL Synthesis AM/FM, 6 CD changer with MP3/WMA playback, with 10-speakers
-JBL navigation with backup camera, AM/FM, 4 CD changer with 8-speakers, and Bluetooth.

 

[RTAYLOR]

In 2006, I sold my 2000 4Runner Sport/Highlander 4x4 with 95k and missed it every day until I got my newest 4R last year. FWIW, I drove a Lexus GS and had all the remorse you're having. Do it and be glad. Be patient, the 4th gens are about to drop in value because the 5th gens are starting to roll out. Keep an eye out for trade-ins at your dealer.

 

[gptoy96]

The sunroofs... how often did they get stuck? and were there any problems with them leaking when they were closed? meaning like the seals up there failing?

I drove my '96 for 6.5 years and have had my 04 for 1.5 years and had zero issues with either sunroof. Only things I've heard are about plugged drain pipes, maybe some rattles on the early 4th gens but I don't beleive that they're that problematic. There's other manufacturers I'd be wary about buying a sunroof with, but with Toyota I wouldn't worry about it too much. Especially when you get to enjoy it on a hot summer day, can't beat it. It was on my "must have" list when I was shopping.

 

[TexasGuy68]

I DID IT !!!
<<< PROUD OWNER of a Silver '08 "Urban Runner" w/14,500 & Certified Pre-Owned !!!

Now... My Auxiliary port does not want to work with the Tom Tom nav that comes factory in the Urban Runner. I think I know whats wrong and that is that I need the "proper auxiliary cable" the one that toyota sales. Does anyone know what the part number is? and how much one would go for? or is there something else that I can do? the sales guys didnt know how to work it and the one at the service department said to press the "AUX" button on the head unit. But on the Tom Tom Head Unit there is no "AUX" button. PLEASE HELP

Oh yeah I have the 30-gig iPod Video... its kind of old like maybe 2-3 Years old... still works and all as far as the iPod goes. Just wanted to add that just in case it was brought up what I was using as far as what Mp3 Player. Thanks for any insite

 

[Maz]

Congratulations on being the owner of a 4Runner again! I've never actually seen the Urban Runner model, but people who drive one rave about them. If nothing else, in bigger than life Texas this unusual vehicle will fit right in.