I just picked out my new ride. A little bit of history first. I've got a 88 4runner that's just a farm vehicle, had a 97 that I traded for a Ford Mustang. I just sold my Mustang, so now I've been in the market again. I thought about the 3rd gen again (first was 2wd, which was the only reason I traded it). However, after a test drive of the 4th gen I knew it'd be my next vehicle. I just sent a deposit on a 03 Limited 4x4 with the v8 and it is loaded. It'll just be a daily driver, I'm not much on wheeling (got the 88 for that). I'm excited, my hopes of a 4th gen were almost gone after no luck finding one in my price range ($11k) after several hours of searching (I'd hate to know how many I spent). Anyhow, here are the pics, let me know what you guys think, and also let's hear any suggestions on things to look for. I've only sent the deposit, I'm actually going to pick it up Thurs evening.

 

where in Oklahoma do u live, i have been looking for 4th gens to with no luck.

 

I'm from Central Arkansas. I found this in Oklahoma City though, the dealer had an ad online that I stumbled across.

 

Not really sure on anything to look for in 4th gens yet, I'm just getting used to mine now. But it looks good! I wish I had the V8!

 

So far so good on it, everything checked out great. I'm loving it, much more than I expected (just wish gas mileage was a little better, but I'll take v8 power any day).

 

What kind of gas millage are you getting?

 

Nice! I have a '03 limited with the v8 and I love it! Badass stereo and gnarly power from the v8. Mines black too!

 

im 99.9999999% sure its automatic...

but it kinda looks like a 5spd(or 6spd) in that interior pic???

idk ANYTHING about 4th gens..so sorry if i sound stupid..lol

 

All 4th gens are autos. As for gas mileage, I've only ran two tanks through. First was 17.8 (a good bit of fast interstate driving), second was 15.8 (mixed city/highway). I know I can get better, but I'm loving the power and tend to have a heavy foot.

 

nice ride! its the exact same as mine but mine is the grey/blue

i got my 03 a few years ago used for a steal! i LOVE my 4runner! but yeh, just wish it had better mpg. i get on avg 15-16mpg mixed. i hear the mpg gauge is always 2mpg higher than it really is and mine reflects that. ENJOY!

 

Actually, the 2003 V6 has more HP than the V8. look it up if you don't believe me. The Limited should also have had the 2 end trim pieces, the ones that are silver, and your running boards should have been painted to match. mine are. But then again, my truck is Titanium/silver.

 

i noticed that too when shopping for my 4r. but the v8 has more torque. what sucks too is that the v8 is all time 4wd and the v6 is selectable. whats with that?

 

I'm buying the same truck, great price & in great shape. I'm letting go of a '97 Limited w/ 225,000 (gotta upgrade). Anythings to report in the year you've had yer '03?

 

I'm VERY satisfied with my purchase. I've had no issues at all since I got it in August (which is a great feeling, I was having my Mustang worked on at least once a month). I really have two "regrets". They are not big, and definitely something I'll happily live with. First, I only drove the v8, never drove the v6. I'm thinking the better mpg of the v6 would have been beneficial (daily driver, no towing). However, I love the torque of the v8, so it's not a big deal at all. Second, it has the X-REAS and rear air suspension. I can live with the X-REAS (makes a huge difference I hear, I'm just concerned about it failing). The rear air sounded cool at first and I really like how it levels the truck out when I have the back loaded, but I really wish I could have gotten one without it so I could have done a 3/1 lift. Now I'm stuck to about a 1 inch spacer lift for the front and that's it. I really don't need to lift and have no plans to in the near future, but it would have been nice to be able to do that. It comes down to the fact that I got a great deal on it, and for the money down it's all I could have asked for and more. I looked at these for several months, and I couldn't find anything under $12k (if I did it was like 15 hours away). So, I sold my Mustang, found this online that night, the next morning I'd sent a deposit. It was kinda rushed, but I'm very pleased with it. I had a 97 2wd 4runner before my Mustang, and I was happy with it but felt it was way too slow. I'm not expecting to win races, but for daily driving it felt like I always had it to the floor. I could pretty much forget passing with the way the roads are around here. That is the reason I went with the 4th gen instead of saving some money and getting the 3rd. Again, very happy with that decision, the power of the v8 in the 4th gen is great. Looking back, the 4th gen rides and handles SO much better than my 97, it's great. I know I'm a little late on your post, but hopefully this info helps if you've not done something already.

 

I have the exact model and color! Keep the driveshafts loobed up! If not, you will hear a thump noise when you start and stop. Some have a ticking noise from engine. I put lucus synthetic and it helped. There is also a toyota tech bulletin on the front brake shims. Other than thoses minor things, I love my 4runner! V8 is awsome!!!

 

Hmm, I probably need to do the driveshaft. I think I get that every once in a while. It isn't very loud, but I've heard something and it seems like that's what it is. I've not had any ticking, and no issues with brakes. Everything seems to be excellent. I absolutely love the black, but man is it a pain to keep clean. When it is, it's beautiful. Although I'm not going to do much, I've already got a few things lined out. First thing will be adding FJ coils to the front and a 1 inch spacer lift, totaling just over 1.5 inches of lift for the front (can't lift the rear with the air suspension). Then I'll probably look at adding the factory skid plate to the front, and try to be content with that. We'll see where else I go, but that's the plan for now.

 

Too bad they don't offer the TRD supercharger anymore. Mine's had it since 9000 miles. With AWD the thing will push you in the back of your seat. With scheduled maintenance, the only problem I've had was a little rattle from the sun roof. Has 117k miles.

Pitchar