Overseas Dealer

[GiMp.]

I am an American Military member stationed overseas and when I found out the 4Runner was bigger and better than ever I went right to a local Dealership in Europe and got a 2003 Limited. It's the best purchase I've ever made. It's the envy of the base and you just don't see too many Toyotas bigger than the Rav 4 in Europe anyway. One thing bothered me though, a pretty big thing. In every piece of literature I've read from Websites to Catalogues, the Limited comes standard with the 17" alloys, right?? WRONG. I got mine with the 16s. So, after a few weeks go by, the main hub in Germany calls Japan and they basically tell them too bad, even though it is written that way in all the advertisements - it won't be replaced. They are reimbursing me the cash, but I don't even get a choice. This is my first brand new vehicle purchase, so I'm wondering...is it common for standard items to get the ol' switch-a-roo or to be completely left out?? (Oh yeah, did I mention my cargo net was missing too?) Still love the truck, not so happy with the false advertising.:bs:

 

[peter78]

Welcome to the forum. It will be nice to have someone from overseas with a 4Runner.

My first resposne is yes, Limited's come with 17" wheels in the US. Maybe different Countries have different standard equipment.

Here in the States some 4Runners come with 18" wheels as a local or distributor option. That's right 18". I would think it would be quite hard to find replacement tires. Also, it is somewhat harder to find 17" replacement tires. 16" are much easier to find. Still I am sorry to hear about your goof-up but in spite of that I hope you post often.

 

[Thai]

Yup, Limited '03 4Runners here in US have 17" wheels standard. However, 16" is not a bad thing. Your ride is likely better (more rubber, less steel = comfortable ride).

Like what Peter said, with 16" wheels, you can easily find any aftermarket tire you want, especially if you buy All-Terrain tires. You have a ton more choices in 16" wheel than 17" wheels. Off-roading tires hardly ever comes in 17" size.

Personally, i would NEVER go bigger than 17" tire on my SUV. 16" is plenty flashy enough for me!

Have fun over there!
:usa:

 

[jharris2]

It is probably different equipment by country.

Agree with Thai and Peter -- the 16" tires will be much easier to find if you need to replace them....and I suspect cheaper, too. 265/65-17 is hard to find here in Arkansas (others may have different experience). Some folks have been replacing the 265/65-17 with 265/70-17 because they are somewhat bigger (1" in diameter) and much easier to find.

And let me be the first on the forum to say thank you to you in the military. We really do appreciate what you do for us! :usa:

 

[Capitan]

Ciao,

GiMp and I work at the same AF base, picked our 4Runners up the same day and have identical problems. These are U.S. spec 4Runners which we plan on shipping back to the States when our tours are over here in Italy so it really shouldn't be a country-specific problem.
Anyway, I'm not going to let something that small keep me from enjoying my great new vehicle. My wife doesn't care so I probably shouldn't either.

Thank you all for your support of our fine troops across the world.
Jon

 

[GiMp.]

Thanks for the great info guys, looks like 16s are a good deal after all on the after market. Thank you all for your support of troops abroad. :mchngn:

 

[Thai]

GiMp, that is too small of a machine gun!

Try this: :50cal: or :uzi: or good old-fashion hacking! :chnsw:

 

[Sac State]

My only complaint with Toyota is their seemingly fantastic ability for their corporate marketing department to print something that is not valid on actual sale vehicles.

Case in point: when I bought my SE, I noticed the brochure said that SE's come standard with running boards (it was printed in black & white in the brochure standard item list). The SE vehicle delivered to me did not have running boards. After BS from the dealer I agreed to split the cost of the tube steps, but was really miffed by the false advertisement and lack of knowledge of the salespeople or sales manager. Also, the literature said I am to have lit vanity mirrors, they were not lit. And the tow hitch was listed at 5,000 lbs, when it should have been 7,800 lbs. with the wrong factory hitch attached.

It just seems like Toyota could vastly improve its marketing literature (for accuracy) and the definititive options the SR5, SE and Limited have as standard equipment. And send their sales people to Toyota 101, a vast majority of them are useless.

That's BS about the 16" wheels on your Limited. They charged you Limited pricing, why shouldn't they provide you with Limited accessories and standard items?

 

[Capitan]

Sac,
I agree totally that it's BS. The dealer here didn't even realize we were getting the wrong size wheel until I pointed it out to her. All the SR5's here are getting the 17"s so it doesn't make sense. Anyways, we were "compensated" with a $750 check for our pain and anguish.
Jon

 

[momo.75]

GiMp, that is too small of a machine gun!

Try this: :50cal: or :uzi: or good old-fashion hacking! :chnsw:

Thai, allow me to show you a gun

I guess I got lucky. My '03 Sport came with leather lighted running boards and 18" wheels. I know some of you don't like the 18's but I think they look pretty good. They ride very good and have good response, since they have a shorter sidewall. I did have to replace one of the tires not too long after I got it because of a nail in the sidewall, but it was only about $130. I also noticed there were several options for tires out there. I didn't even look for all terrain tires, because it will be on nothing more than a gravel road, but I am sure there is something out there.

If that first gun wasn't big enough, try this one

Need a little heat?

 

[Wolver][ne]

momo, what type and size of wheels are on your truck?

 

[momo.75]

momo, what type and size of wheels are on your truck?

They are 18" x 8" Enkei's but I am not sure what the actual name of the rim. The tires are KUMHO ECSTA STX 265/60R18 110H. The wheels were on it when I got it, but I know they are a port install, which means they were put on the truck in Jacksonville, FL before it was delivered to the dealership. I t really like'em, mainly because they don't look like all they other Sports around town.