uberdog

So I'll start out by saying what some others have already said. Even though I have had some annoying issues with my $40k Runner, I would buy another one in a heartbeat, just not until the 2005 model year...

Front cap on roof rack replaced by dealer due to being warped and did not fit flush.

Rear drivers side quarter panel plastic cladding creaked and groaned in turns. A few shots of lithium grease fixed it.

Passenger side door has *loud* rattle on even the smallest bump in the road. Tried fixing on my own by taking the door panel off, but took it to the dealer in the end. They installed a Toyota "rattle kit" that did nothing. Taking it back again next week. Seems to be the latch mechanism inside the door. Great feeling to have the door torn into 5 times on a new truck. BTW: having seen the inside of the door and it's plastic construction I feel ripped off by the price I paid. On a positive note all the pieces seem to go back togther well.

Drivers side door vibrates from the speaker when listening to the stereo. Most likely needs a "rattle kit" as well.

Passenger side mirror replaced by dealer because it was loose. The new one they put on is just the same.

Great truck, great engine (V8), just too many stupid design and manufacturing mistakes resulting in rattles, squeaks, etc. For the money they could have done better. If I could do it again I would have waited until late 2004 to buy one.

Woodbert

Almost 5K miles and not a single problem/rattle.

Maybe the domestic models get all the QC and TLC!

Herd72

I have few problems so far with about 3000 on it. SR5 v8. Of course the sulfur smell but I seldom drive with the windows down (that's what AC is for!) and the bizarre wind buffet with the rear windows down. At around 2500 miles my engine noise increased. Not that is sounds like anything is wrong just more "throaty" almost like I had a different exhaust. Everything is tight and in place. It just is not as quiet as before. Did I get that "Borla sound" for free? I agree it is a Biaatch to wash and wax but it sure looks good clean. As I have the Stratosphere Mica I wash and wax a lot! One thing that helps is a gadget that goes into your hitch receiver and folds down to make a step. Other than that I just stand on the tires and running boards. Also no one has mentioned in this thread the vibration at 1500-2000 rpm.
Later, I gotta go wash "Ol' Blue." Here in WV there is always something around named Ol Blue!

keisur

I'm only 6' and since I lifted my runner, I went to home depot and got a 3 step step ladder, the kind you use in the house, with big steps and I just get that out whenever I wash mine, both the '98 and the '03. that might help you out. I think the thing was like 10 bucks or something, I got it a year ago so I can't remember.

keisur

you need to find some gasoline with a low methane content.