not the complete member yet

[gsnake]

Hi all,

I am starting to look around to get 4Runner for my family. I don't know much about the car (have not yet driven it) and looking for suggestions, etc. I have Rav4 for last 8 years and of course I would not buy anything but Toyota. So, I have lots of questions - not sure where should I post them.
Basically, I am planning to purchase 2005-2006 4Runner (probably 4.0 - 4.7 looks too hungry for the gas). I also have 6 people in the family (including my parents) so occasionally I will need third row of seats (I am planning to install one myself). So, that is the story so far.
I am 41, live in Canada.

Cheers,
gsnake

 

[jharris2]

Hi all,

I am starting to look around to get 4Runner for my family. I don't know much about the car (have not yet driven it) and looking for suggestions, etc. I have Rav4 for last 8 years and of course I would not buy anything but Toyota. So, I have lots of questions - not sure where should I post them.
Basically, I am planning to purchase 2005-2006 4Runner (probably 4.0 - 4.7 looks too hungry for the gas). I also have 6 people in the family (including my parents) so occasionally I will need third row of seats (I am planning to install one myself). So, that is the story so far.
I am 41, live in Canada.

Cheers,
gsnake

Best thing to do is some searches for your specific questions so that you can see what's already been asked. There is lots of information about the 3rd ro seats and the considerations for having them.

Then you will be able to ask more direct questions that will help you get the answers you're looking for.

 

[MikesToy]

Welcome aboard! Give your parents the Rav4 and just get the 4Runner for your family. So now you don't have to worry about the 3d row seats.

 

[gptoy96]

Welcome aboard from a fellow canuck.

They are rare, but 3rd row seat Runners are out there. It could save you time/money to find one with them already installed.

And the gas mileage difference between the v6 and v8 is really not that drastic. Lots of threads regarding the two engines in this site, take a look and see what people have to say. Just saying this as it may open more buying options if you were open to either motor.

Either way, it's a great truck that will surely impress. And glad to see another Canadian aboard.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

welcome

agreed --there are definitely 4th gen 4Runners ( 2003-2009 US model years)
with the 3rd row option and properly engineered for the seat and belts.

Don't compromise anyone's safety with anything less than a professional install.

If looks are important to you check out the difference in the wheel arches of early 4th gens, 2003-05 in US. They are somewhat squared compared to later models.

The later 3rd gens 01-02s are mighty comfy also... but the 3rd seat option is really rare.


Have fun in your search.

 

[manhunter]

Have you considered looking at the Sequoias? If you are just wanting more room, that is an option. I believe 3rd row seats are more viable in them than the runners.

 

[Uneek]

Welcome to T4R.org.

If you're planning on installing OEM 3rd row, it can't be done cheaply. The second row seat and floor plan of the third row equipped 4Runners than the second row of two row seat 4Runners. The second row on two row 4runners, the seat cushion flips forward and the seatback drops down. On the third row seat 4Runners, the seatback folds down and the entire seat tumbles forward to allow access to the 3rd row. Also, the side panels of the cargo area are different between 3rd row and two row seat 4Runners.

But the second row on the 4Runner is mainly for kids 12 or under.

 

[snhrph]

Welcome aboard!

As previously mentioned, you probably are better off buying a 4Runner with factory installed 3rd row seats than trying to buy aftermarket and installing them yourself. Nothing against the aftermarket community and I do not doubt your mechanical skills, but...

Factory installed 3rd row seats are attached at using special brackets, that a non-3rd row seat model does not have. Also, when deployed, the seats are secured using the pre-manufactured rails mounted in the floor; again, the non-3rd row seat model would not have them. Not to mention the different folding options for 2nd row seats, as Uneek stated. Retrofit is not impossible, but very difficult.

Now, for the aftermarket seats... The price range is between $500 and $1200, and the owner does the installation.
"All of our seats are designed for owners to install themselves with an electric drill and hand tools in two to three hours. "

The 4Runner 3rd row seats are useless for adult riders. The only people that can ride there comfortably are kids. My 16 y.o. rides in the 3rd row seat in GX because the 2nd row has a car seat for the little one.

Another consideration is that factory installed seats can be folded up when not in use allowing the use of cargo bay (it takes less than 1 munite to fold them up). Aftermarket - who knows...

 

[gsnake]

Welcome aboard! Give your parents the Rav4 and just get the 4Runner for your family. So now you don't have to worry about the 3d row seats.

thanks!
=) that is a good suggestion. They have old Odyssey so this car will stay with us till it dies (good condition, no point of selling it).

 

[gsnake]

Best thing to do is some searches for your specific questions so that you can see what's already been asked. There is lots of information about the 3rd ro seats and the considerations for having them.

Then you will be able to ask more direct questions that will help you get the answers you're looking for.

I am actually thinking now of getting GX470 - this would definitely solve the seating problem

 

[gsnake]

Welcome aboard from a fellow canuck.

They are rare, but 3rd row seat Runners are out there. It could save you time/money to find one with them already installed.

And the gas mileage difference between the v6 and v8 is really not that drastic. Lots of threads regarding the two engines in this site, take a look and see what people have to say. Just saying this as it may open more buying options if you were open to either motor.

Either way, it's a great truck that will surely impress. And glad to see another Canadian aboard.

thanks!
This is what I found based on the threads, 4.0 or 4.7 is not that important so maybe I can get GX470 if I could not find the 4Runner with the third row..

 

[gsnake]

agreed --there are definitely 4th gen 4Runners ( 2003-2009 US model years)
with the 3rd row option and properly engineered for the seat and belts.

Don't compromise anyone's safety with anything less than a professional install.

If looks are important to you check out the difference in the wheel arches of early 4th gens, 2003-05 in US. They are somewhat squared compared to later models.

The later 3rd gens 01-02s are mighty comfy also... but the 3rd seat option is really rare.


Have fun in your search.

thanks! Yeah, as everyone suggests I will get a car with the 3rd row already installed. I have time till March so I should be ok..

 

[gsnake]

Have you considered looking at the Sequoias? If you are just wanting more room, that is an option. I believe 3rd row seats are more viable in them than the runners.

No, I have not. I am not sure how much they cost but I will check - thanks for the suggestion!

 

[gsnake]

Welcome to T4R.org.

If you're planning on installing OEM 3rd row, it can't be done cheaply. The second row seat and floor plan of the third row equipped 4Runners than the second row of two row seat 4Runners. The second row on two row 4runners, the seat cushion flips forward and the seatback drops down. On the third row seat 4Runners, the seatback folds down and the entire seat tumbles forward to allow access to the 3rd row. Also, the side panels of the cargo area are different between 3rd row and two row seat 4Runners.

But the second row on the 4Runner is mainly for kids 12 or under.

yep, yep - it was a stupid idea to install the 3rd row. I am not doing that - I am deciding now between 4Runner (with the 3rd row) or GX470 - I guess whatever good car comes first.. )

 

[jharris2]

yep, yep - it was a stupid idea to install the 3rd row. I am not doing that - I am deciding now between 4Runner (with the 3rd row) or GX470 - I guess whatever good car comes first.. )

Be sure to check leg room on the 3rd row. I hear that it's not that great -- that's probably why manhunter suggested the Sequoia.

 

[gsnake]

Be sure to check leg room on the 3rd row. I hear that it's not that great -- that's probably why manhunter suggested the Sequoia.

true. I saw one yesterday.. but for one person this would be ok.. I have old Odyssey and the 3rd row is similar so I had no problems with that..