dinochile

Hi guys,
I'd like to know your opinion about the 03-04 4Runners, has somebody had a
major failure?, how good or bad is compared with the previous generation?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Dinochile.

Jared

I think the general consenus is that it is a nice vehicle. I don't think it really has had any major issues. There were a couple of minor things early on for the 03's but they have all been fixed.

I love my 4th gen. It's roomier, more powerful, more comfortable than previous generations. Best of all, with the updated ATrac, it's better than most offroad.

Good Times

Bob_98SR5

perspective from a 3rd gen owner:

i dont have one, but ive ridden, driven and seen it in action. dont let anyone tell you that the 4th gen is a mommy wagon. while true, that the stock ground clearance isnt what it used ot be (compared to 3rd gens), i have personally seen stock 4th gens rip through moderately difficult trails very well

pros and cons list from my limited knowledge:

pros:
- bigger, better engine choices
- roomier
- more refined interior amenities
- ride is much more smoother and refined than all previous generations
- all that ATAC and other stuff

cons:
- lower ground clearance
- wider
- early 6 cylinder 4th gens had a ticking/tapping problem. shimming the pulleys fixes that problem
- aftermarket part support, while growing, could be better

when it comes time to buy another vehicle, i would definitely consider buying a 4th gen 4runner. while i didnt initially like the styling of the 4th gen when it came out, ive grown to like it more because of its capabilities as an offroad and on road vehicle.

bob

dinochile

Thanks for the help guys,

actually this is for a friend of mine, since I'm still very happy with my 2000 4Runner
(it has only 52K miles...)

Cristian (dinochile).

Sac State

I've owned a 3rd generation and currently own an '03.

Pro 3rd generation:
looks, higher suspension
basic (easy to work on), not as much electronic gizmos
ease of finding parts
Con:
seats are midieval and I could not sit in them more than 30 minutes
gas mileage is ~ the same as the V8
a few mechanical issues that I could never get fixed

Pro 4th generation:
V8
bulletproof so far
coomfy seats, more American truck like comfort
Cons
no major knock against this vehicle

X-AWDriver

I've don't have any complaints about my seats but 4th gen's are better. Bad seats are those in the newer jeep Cherokees,flat and hard.
My knock on the 4th gens is they lost a little of their off road capability with lower overhangs front and rear and of course no return of the rear locker. I think 3rd gens deal with trail abuse a little better but 4th gens still are a very solid truck.

Koz

The only nagging problem that most 4th gens have is a stinky exhaust, sulfur smell under hard acceleration. Other then that, they are amazing vehicles!

Koz

Jared

That's only in certain parts of the country. If you are in California, you'll not find any like that, because our fuel has a higher standard for sulfur content.

Koz

The problem is NOT fuel!

Koz

Lefty

Have you had the CAT TSB done on your truck ? Since I've had it done on my truck, no stinkies ! (except for the driver)

Steve

Koz

No, some have had the TSB done and still have the smell (Better but smells). I installed the Magnaflow cat back system that exits out the side and it is better.

Koz

Sharp4runr

Yeah TSB helps, but doesn't completely eliminate the Sulfur smell. I had it done and it would happen from time to time still, but he smell was not as bad as before I had the TSB done. I too have installed the Magnaflow exhaust and I can't really tell if it is better or not with regards to the sulfur smell.

I did notice running premium gas would lessen the sulfur smell, but I don't want to afford that with the current state of gas prices.

I love my 4th gen. The only annoying problems I've had are from the sunroof. I've had it get stuck open and even bringing into the dealership multiple times, it still has some noises when closing/opening it. It's not a deal breaker IMO, but if you don't really use sunroof then don't bother getting one on the 4Runner. Sunroofs are costly to repair if out of warranty.

FJ40

Had the V8 4x4 in 2003. It was very cramped (poor head room), as I'm 6'4". Also had a howling noise in rear diff.

I have an FJ cruiser now, and its more roomier.

DiskDoctr

I have '04 limited 4Runner V8 5-speed. I love this thing.

Hook up trailer with tractor, ATVs, construction materials, moving appliances, boat, etc and it goes like crazy.

I can get in it with mud and dirty clothes and use it like a truck, then wipe the seats, unload it and the trailer and put on my suit for work and it's the requisite "professional yuppie suv"

Forget about the 3rd row seats, I don't know how they could fit anything in there.

If the rear window is down, exhaust pours into the vehicle, even with windows down and fan on max. Will have to change exhaust soon to fix that and add some juice.

Most reliable vehicle I've had. I didn't think anything about jumping in it and driving 1200 miles with a trailer.

It's pricey, though.

The Sequoia is bigger, but same motor. Room may be nice, but I had trouble finding one to test drive.

And get used to using the rear power window, as everything seems to "jump" out the back when opening the rear hatch. I open the windows, take items out closest to the gate and then open the gate. Not a problem, but a must...

-DiskDoctr

khaug

Had a '98 for 5 years/75K miles, now have 60K miles on my '03. Both vehicles have been used extensively to tow my track car (car + trailer = ~4,000#).

Problems with '03:
-Squeaky seats, fixed by lubing the seat base
-Stinky exhaust, vastly improved by replacing catalyst, reprogramming ECU.
Toyota paid for both these repairs.

My '03 was delivered in 11/02, so was one of the very first 4th gen vehicles produced. It rides and handles better, is quieter and has more interior room than the '98. In almost every way it is a superior vehicle.

I've encountered no issues so far that raise any concerns about its durability. In fact, I've now ordered an obscenely expensive Porsche 997 GT3, thereby foreclosing the possibility of replacing our '03 for several more years. I expect to own this vehicle well past 100K miles, and have no concern that it'll become unreliable.

mastacox

I'm way jealous because those cars are AWESOME, but I'm definitely not jealous of the price tag (over $100,000)...