proud new owner of an 03 in NJ

[bigjv123]

just bought an 03 with 110k miles on it. it is full time 4wd with the 4.7 v8. I'm coming over from a 2000 dodge dakota with the dodge version of the 4.7 v8 and lemme tell ya, the toyota 4.7 blows the dodge out of the water. The 4runner is wayyyy quicker and I'm getting about 17mpg according to the onboard computer (havent checked if its accurate yet as this is my first tank). But either way it will without a doubt be an upgrade from the ~13mpg i was getting with the dakota.

I had some concerns with the mileage when purchasing it, but the service record was impeccable and my dad has had 4 toyotas all cross the 170k mile mark. This is only my second car as I am 21 but I plan on keeping it for a long time.

I absolutely love the way it drives and handles and I can tell it will be a beast in the snow. It also has brand new BFG long trails which I love. I am probably going to keep it very close to stock, with the only mods being an intake/exhaust...unless of course I do some research on here and find out there are cheap easy mods I can do. I also would like to replace the stock sub with something a little beefier.

All in all I am very happy with my purchase and happy to be in a toyota. I look foward to coming to these forums routinely!
Thanks!

 

[LakePowellBum]

bigjv123

Interesting post. I just got '07 4R 3 weeks ago after having a mitsubishi version of your dakota, the raider ext. cab duro cross. Pretty decent truck that treated me well with lots of torque and great in the snow of the Sierras. But too many little electronic things started to break down after 5 years. Agree the 4R is just such a better ride all around. I went with BGF KO's on the 4R after getting almost 55K on the set on the truck. I'm a fairly aggressive driver so I was surprised to get that much. I had a 4R in the past but the ex got it after the split (heard she smashed the driver's side pretty bad. I feel so bad for the vehicle). So back in the 4R saddle again. I just sign up here today as well and am interested as to see what kind of easy mods can be made without dumping a boat load of cash into it.

 

[bigjv123]

i know it sounded like i was trashing the kota in my first post but i actually loved the truck. i had exhaust, intake, chip, removed cat, etc and the thing sounded boss. it hauled ass i just expected a little more out of the v8. it got me through 4 years without leaving me stranded just a lot of minor annoying problems.

I'd drive another dodge, but they just do not provide the longevity yotas provide in general. I still consider myself a mopar guy, but this 4r is a great rig and definitely an upgrade for me at this time

and yeah i had similar electrical issues. not sure if the raider and dakota are manufactured the same way (i know they look almost identical) but chrysler could have done better at least on my end