BlindSpot

Hello all,
I am new to this forum and hope that you can give me some advice. I am looking to purchase an 03 4runner. I live in Florida and do not plan to offroad much if any. I do want to be able to tow a large boat and to be able to pull it out of bad (slippery/steep) boat ramps. Other than that it will haul the wife and new baby. With all that said, what is the consensus on the best model, options, drive (4wd, 2wd), and engine? I have done several searches so please forgive me if a similar question has been asked and answered.

BT17R

Welcome to the board! My vote is for the 4WD Limited with the air suspension and X-REAS option. It self-levels continuously (even after shutdown in a sloped driveway you'll hear and see it leveling when walking away) and give you the option to raise or lower the effective height of the hitch for ease of trailer hookup. It also comes with the V-8 and 5A/T for effortless towing and launch/recovery. And now, with the new hitch being introduced this month, the tow rating jumps to 6,500#. Pay-to-play, but it's a great combination and should have good resale. Very few being produced in my region, you might have better luck in yours.

Good Times

BT17R is right on the $$$$ here. So long as it's the v8, you should have no problems sr5/sport/limited, any is fine. The rear air suspension and the x-reas are just an added bonus

BlindSpot

You guys think the 4wd over the 2wd? Are there any items that come with 4x4 over 4x2. Or is it just the extras in the drive train, all else the same.

I think I am between the 4x2 Sport & 4x4 Sport with V8.

Any other options that you have and love or options you wish you had? Thanks for your replies

AznSky

it's just also the fact that you have the 4x4 option IN CASE you ever get stuck or need it, it's there. Just to be on the safe side ya know?

momo.75

I guess it would depend on the slope of your launches. I will hardly ever take mine off anything more than a dirt road, so I opted for the 4x2 Sport. It rides great and has satisfied all my needs. The Limited is a sweet ride and if you can swing it it would be nice. Mine has the Southeast Toyota optional 18" wheels, leather and the lighted running boards. The main thing is........which ever one you decide to get.........you will love it.

BlindSpot

Momo.75

Yeah thats exactly why I am considering a 4x2. I just keep thinking that for $2k more I will get AWD (road if needed), traction control, and an easier time pulling out of ramps. Thats why I was asking if any other features come in 4x4. I know some trucks have different suspension etc.. I wonder if the 4x4 will have higher residual value later also.

momo.75

I am not a boat owner and really never have been around the lauches since I was little, but when i have passed by some I have noticed a lot of 4x2 pickups. The 4Runner will have more weight in the back for traction, but I don't really know......Woodbert could probably tell you more of what he has experienced with his towing.

What color are you thinking about? Here is a bigger picture of my black '03 Sport. I have some others that show the 18" wheels offered from South East Toyota. PM me and I can send you some.

http://www.hboss.net/cgi-bin/readers...&type=standard

PistonSlap

Toyota just did some major price restructuring. You may want to wait a few days because you will probably be able to get a better deal.

BlindSpot

Momo.75,
I currently have a V8 4x2 Tundra, low tide, lots of scum, and a bad Fl Keys ramp have caused me some problems. I was always able to pull it out, but only with folks in the bed and pushing. Still on the fence about the cost benefit of 4x4.

PistonSlap,
Have any info on the pricing? I did see a post here about changes in standard equip/cladding and a price change.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...highlight=2003

Is this what you where refering to?

If not please let me know the details if you have them.