Newhere: looking 2 buy & would like opinions!

[atomic punk]

Hi all. I've been searching this site for quite a while gaining info, but this is my first post.

I own a Jeep wrangler (98) and would like to get a 4runner within the next month or so. I have around a $30k budget and would like to know as much info I can before buying, so please help where you can. Any/all help is greatly appreciated!

- should I buy an 04 or 05? Financing is better with 04's right now.

- V6 or V8? I won't be towing anything and will use this as my daily driver. Gas mileage vs. pickup vs. resale value?

- I like the Sport edition based on looks only. But no 3rd row seat. Is that a big drawback or is it really too cramped?

- stereo: I'm big on car audio. Is it hard to install/upgrade the standard system?

- Rear Spoiler: looks cool, but is there a way to buy/install an aftermarket one for less $$ ?

- Same question as above but for the cargo deck...?

- same question again for the Fog Lights (I like BRIGHT!)

- Finally, WHAT OPTION(S) OR FEATURE(S) DO YOU WISH YOU BOUGHT AFTERMARKET INSTEAD OF WITH THE SUV AND WHY?

Thanks in advance!!!

-bobby

 

[Mark86]

-If money is not an issue in your case, I would go with the 05's. For me, I like the newest toys. The V8's get a new VVT-I/270 hp engine and the V6 get the 5-speed transmission
-I got the V8 for the all time 4WD. I don't know the gas mileage on the new V8's but it is awful on mine. You are looking at 15-16 at best for highway.
-I like the Sport's look too. I sat in the third row seats at the car show this past year and they are cramped for an adult.
-Can't help you in the stereo department
-Yes there is. Go to Spoiler Depot
-I assume you mean the double deck cargo. I don't know if you could install that. I have it and find it useless.
-Fog lights are standard but you could change the bulbs to brighter ones.
-I bought the sport bumper trim from Toyota, but I wish I went with a more durable guard.

Hope this help you out a bit. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[hre814]

- should I buy an 04 or 05? Financing is better with 04's right now.

Buy an '05. more hp and the vvti. also the '05 would be the third round for this truck and hopefully all the kinks with vibration and the drivetrain have been worked off. I have vibration problems on my '04.

- V6 or V8? I won't be towing anything and will use this as my daily driver. Gas mileage vs. pickup vs. resale value?

Gas mileage I think is better with the V6, but then I believe it requires higher octane? some correct me if I'm wrong, but that is what I was told. I have the V8 and love it.

- I like the Sport edition based on looks only. But no 3rd row seat. Is that a big drawback or is it really too cramped?

I've seen the 3rd row see and to me it sucks. the truck wasn't built for it and it looks like they threw it in there to compete with other SUVs. leg room as far as vertical height is bad from the '04 I saw. I have a limited. it depends on how many extra options you want.

- stereo: I'm big on car audio. Is it hard to install/upgrade the standard system?

I don't know the answer to that one. I love my system (JBL 10 speaker), although some serious stereo people out there don't like it at all.

- Rear Spoiler: looks cool, but is there a way to buy/install an aftermarket one for less $$ ?

I would ask the dealer, as I don't know, and I don't know if you can buy one outside of the dealership

- Same question as above but for the cargo deck...?

I have it and don't use it and cover it with my husky liners. some people like it and some have removed it altogether. I don't know if you can install this one aftermarket.

- same question again for the Fog Lights (I like BRIGHT!)

- Finally, WHAT OPTION(S) OR FEATURE(S) DO YOU WISH YOU BOUGHT AFTERMARKET INSTEAD OF WITH THE SUV AND WHY?

I don't wish there were any I would've bought aftermarket instead of with the 4Runner. I love the leather heated seats though!


Hope this helps!

 

[boston_kevin]

? should I buy an 04 or 05? Financing is better with 04's right now.

-Depends on when you need it and if you are concerned about resale value. '04's have already depreciated, so you may be paying more for the truck than it is valued at. If you plan to keep it for a while, it's a mute point. V8's aren't available until January '05 and it will be a new engine for this truck (actually new intake & heads, short block is the same as '04)

? V6 or V8? I won't be towing anything and will use this as my daily driver. Gas mileage vs. pickup vs. resale value?

- What do you want it for? hard core 4WD or daily commuter. V6 runs on any grade gas (87 or better octane), and gets around 22-25 highway for 4WD (assuming conservative driving habits). V8 has better torque for off the line power, towing, and rock crawling, but gets around 16 highway (this may improve slightly but I wouldn't expect more than 18). City mileage for V6 is around 17, V8 I have heard is around 12 (or less). With my V6 I have never had any problem passing or getting to highway speed quickly, even at 75+ MPH.

? I like the Sport edition based on looks only. But no 3rd row seat. Is that a big drawback or is it really too cramped?

If you are over 4'10" it is probably too cramped for an adult. My kids love it though! The only reason to consider a sport over the SR5 for this price point is for XREAS (MUCH BETTER HANDLING) and the appearance.

? stereo: I'm big on car audio. Is it hard to install/upgrade the standard system?

Easy to upgrade even the stock system. Lots of threads here about upgrading everything about the stereo.

? Rear Spoiler: looks cool, but is there a way to buy/install an aftermarket one for less $$ ?

You can buy the same spoiler they use in the same color as your SUV and install it yourself. Cost is slightly less than having a dealer do it, although slightly more than factory installed.

? Same question as above but for the cargo deck...?

3rd row or cargo deck - can't have both. Cargo deck can be installed after delivery, but it requires some $$$ to do.
I'd recommend against it. Some people have complained that it is not the most useful item, but more of a gimmick to sell the truck.


? same question again for the Fog Lights (I like BRIGHT!)

Get Silverstars, they will be much brighter. May even be some HID kits for the headlights or foglights.

Hope this gives you some more info for your decision. Can't go wrong with a 4Runner....

 

[Cliff s]

As you look around and the various dealers you will find that the different models
will have almost the same options added. They vary with the different regions of the
country. Unless you want to wait many months, you take what you can get. Remember,
all the T4R's are made in Japan.

If you like good audio, the JBL systems are not much, mostly name. They do charge top
dollar for them. You can changeover to aftermarket, but it is not just a plug and play operation.
The SR5's usually have the low end system and the SE's and Limiteds have the higher end
systems. Only the Limited has Nav. Most of the SE's and the Limiteds have the so called rear
seat audio, which is quite worthless. Unless you buy their vastly overpriced headsets, it does nothing,
but make the dealer another $100. The weak spot is poorly balanced speakers and no equalizer.
It does have a sub in the 10 speaker models, but no way of adjusting it.

All the T4R's are basically the same. The only difference is in some trim and the Xreas suspension
(which is only available in the SE and Limiteds). Not all of the Limiteds have the Xreas. Is it worth
it, well it does make some difference, but not a lot.

The difference in the 04' to 05', in the Phoenix area, there are very few 04' V8 SE's left. The 05' V8s
won't be here until about the first of the year. So don't expect a dealer to make much of a deal on
the V8 models. They have lots of the V6's though, so you could make a deal on one of those.
The V6's get better gas mileage, but are not as quiet, the 05's V6's have the 5speed trans, which is very
smooth. As a daily driver the V6 might be more practical, although a 04' would save you some money.

If you want leather, there are shops that will install leather for you for about $800-$1000. It actually
is a better quality leather than the factory.

Do some shopping . Kick a few tires and ignore the salesman.

Beware, that many dealers like to add worthless add-ons at a very top price, these are their profit additions.
One is a Chrome tip for the exhaust at $60, you can buy the exact same one at the auto parts store for under $30.

Cliff s

 

[jwarthman]

Well, like I posted here, I just bought a 2005 Limited in AZ. After I did my homework, I contacted 11 dealers from Flagstaff to Tucson. I found a dealer who sold me the Limited (2005, remember) at $632 BELOW invoice.

It can be done!

Enjoy!

-- Jim

 

[Loki]

regarding v6 vs v8: the v6 comes with multi-mode 4wd which I see as an advantage over the full time 4wd on the v8 models. when in 4wd mode, it functions identically to the full time 4wd system on the v8 model (it's the same 4wd system). you can keep it on 4wd all the time if you want. if you put it in 2wd mode , it gets better gas mileage. also the v6 doesn't require premium fuel as someone mentioned earlier.

personally though i would go for the 05 v8. vvti+v8=fun.

 

[Northof49]

Seems like some conflicting info in this thread, but I'll give my 2 bits.

Whatever model you go for, I highly recommend the V8. 2004 vs 2005, it's really up to you because it's a money thing. Not a ton has changed besides the power jump on the V8. On the 04, you'll get a 5spd auto with the V8 vs 4spd in the V6.

In my '03 V8, I've seen an honest 23-25mpg on long highway trips. Keep in mind that this is also in very mountainous country, with 3 people and gear on board, A/C on 60% of the time, on 87 octane fuel, in full-time 4wd the whole time while driving smooth, but well above speed limits.

That mileage is better than my 2000 with the 3.4L V6 could ever do, and identical to what the 4.0L V6's will get. Plus, well, it has more jam

 

[jwarthman]

Originally posted by Northof49 Whatever model you go for, I highly recommend the V8. 2004 vs 2005, it's really up to you because it's a money thing. Not a ton has changed besides the power jump on the V8. On the 04, you'll get a 5spd auto with the V8 vs 4spd in the V6.

You forgot to mention that the 2005 V6 has changed to the 5-speed transmission, which makes for a smoother ride and better highway MPG.

Originally posted by Northof49 That mileage is better than my 2000 with the 3.4L V6 could ever do, and identical to what the 4.0L V6's will get.

Saying that the V8 gets mileage "identical to what the 4.0L V6's will get" just doesn't make sense to me. Consider that the V6 has VVT-I, and the 2003 V8 does not. Also, the 2005 V6 has the same 5 speed transmission as the V8.

I recommend that you search through this forum and elsewhere and look for other discussions of mileage differences between the V6 and the V8.

As they say, Your Mileage May Vary.

Enjoy!

-- Jim

 

[Northof49]

Thanks, I was just going off my personal experiences. The mileage rating on 03/04 Runners is listed at 25 hwy for the V8 and 26 hwy for the V6 (Canadian models at least) In "real life" it seems that since the V8 has to work a little less and (in those years) has 1 more gear, it gets just as good of mileage in the "real world."

I've spent enough time with both V6, V8 and previous-gen models to confirm this. At least with my driving style and that of others around the area with similar trucks. Just wanted to note that the mileage I've seen over the last 2 years has been as good, if not better than all similarily equipped V6's of 2004 or older. BTW, I drive a 2004 V6 limited on almost a daily basis as well, so I promise this info isn't just out of my arse :

But, like you say, other's mileages can vary......

 

[scottp999]

Thanks, I was just going off my personal experiences. The mileage rating on 03/04 Runners is listed at 25 hwy for the V8 and 26 hwy for the V6 (Canadian models at least)

But, like you say, other's mileages can vary......

Is that in kilometers or miles??? My 03 v6 says 17mpg city and 21mpg highway on the sticker. I drive mostly in stop and go traffic to and from work and average 18.1 mpg with my v6. If you drive mainly highway speeds you can hit 20mpg combined.

Scott

 

[Northof49]

Weird, I've got a 2004 brochure right here that lists V6's at 21/26 and V8's at 18/25 Miles per gallon, respectively. Perhaps the difference lies between Canadian and US models, or US and Can. rating systems

Web brochure link

 

[ToolmanJohn]

Daaaaamnnnn...

Weird, I've got a 2004 brochure right here that lists V6's at 21/26 and V8's at 18/25 Miles per gallon, respectively. Perhaps the difference lies between Canadian and US models, or US and Can. rating systems

Web brochure link

I want one of those 4runners!!! 21-26 for the V6... No way the V6 gets 21mpg city, even the 2wd version. The BEST I have gotten highway has been 24 mpg (actual calculated from fuel use) when travelling from Killington VT (mountains)back to CT near sea level. That's about as downhill as I can get, and still no way i could get 26mpg.

That website sure wants to sell 4runners!! A lot of unsuspecting buyers are going to be in for a rude suprise at the pumps!! LOL!!

 

[4runnerbeginner]

Guys the secret sauce here is that a Canadian gallon is also known as an Imperial gallon and does not equal a US gallon. Now that you know that, it will not surprise you that the Imperial gallon is bigger. I believe 1 Imperial gallon = 1.2 US Gallon.

There you go.

R

 

[Northof49]

My mileage is measured in L/100km. I can get the rated 11.7 L/100km on the highway, so by these conversions that would be 24 MPG using Imperial Gallons, and 20 MPG using US Gallons. That's kinda gay rating it with 2 different gallons, but that looks like what's happening. Oh well, I can still tell people my Runner gets 25mpg hahahha

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_efficiency


Edit: Posted this at the same time as guy above.

 

[rhlitt]

Get the latest of course..the '05. The V6 has plenty of power and saves $$ in initial cost, and gas, and it rides nicer in 2 wheel and when needed, the 4 wheel drive is there too. The only option I wish I had was te 10 speaker upgraded JBL stereo as the cheapie stock one and speakers are really poor. The first thing I did was go to Circuit City to upgrade the speakers. It was too big a job to upgrade the stereo and get it to look factory. Good luck and have fun!!

 

[vandert]

my .02

I bought the V6, due to one reason, Part time 4wd. The milage does make a difference in the city but not much. As for the highway my V6 will walk on the v8's. The 8's don't like hearing it but the 8's will jump me down low from the tourque and full time 4wd, but my parasitic drag is slightly lower, ie the transfer case is not engaged, I have more horsepower, and at highway speeds the tourque difference of the v8 is nullified. I love the v8, love the sound, but i chose the v6 with vvti, its a marvel and sounds great under acceleration. The price difference wasn't much, it just came down to personal preference.

Bottom line, I chose the v6, for 04 it has more hp, less torque though, and Part time 4wd. I also elected to have a moonroof which equals no third row, I haven't regretted that move either, plus you get the nifty little rear mirrors when you don't get the third row, don't know if you noticed that or not.

T

 

[Northof49]

Re: my .02

As for the highway my V6 will walk on the v8's. The 8's don't like hearing it but the 8's will jump me down low from the tourque and full time 4wd, but my parasitic drag is slightly lower, ie the transfer case is not engaged, I have more horsepower, and at highway speeds the tourque difference of the v8 is nullified.

Have you raced them side to side? Because in back-to-back drives, I wouldn't have thought this......Of course, our favorite test area here is a 4-lane mountain pass, and the V8's stomp the 6's uphill for sure.

I've never raced the 2 from a roll on flat ground tho.

 

[vandert]

Got me

I've never lined up side by side from a start, however I did take an 03 with cladding out with the v8 up to around 90 from about 65 on a flat on the autobahn, I would have ran it out more but I had my wife and two kids in, they don't weigh much though. He had some stuff in the back.

I think Br!ck has the v8 with a few mods and maybe we'll get together after I get the exhaust and intake on and see how they do up to fuel shutoff, which is about 115 if I remember correctly.

In the hills the tourque would make it interesting exspecially depending on the speed at which we started messing with each other, generally speaking the 8 will nudge it alittle up hill.

T