Well, I'm just about to hit 1 year and 12K miles on my 05 4 runner/SE 4wd....Here are my thoughts about my ride:


I think it is an awesome car. Here are my thoughts...

I've actually been averaging 21.6 mpg with a light foot. Pretty impressive.

I've had only one issue with squeaks in the vehicle, and that was the rear seats, but I got that fixed easily. Not one other squeak. Very solid and reliable.

The truck is almost as smooth as a regular car. Most others have told me too.

The inside screams of quality. I compare this to other American SUVs and it is a difference in quality.

Engine 4.0L has surprising power for a 6 cylinder. I'm quite impressed with this also.

The only dislike I have about the car are the cheap Dunlops they come with. Gonna change them out in 8k or so when I run them to the ground.

Other than that, I can say I've very very very happy with my purchase and I have no hesitation if I'm looking for another mid-size suv, I would buy this vehicle again.


Thanks all,
franko

 

have you had an issue with the windows fogging up when the heat is on???

my mom has an 05.

 

is your gas mileage stat based upon the trip computer or actual calculations of mileage divided by gallons used. The trip computer seems to be about 2 MPG optimistic, either way, the V6 is getting much better MPG's than my V8!.

 

computer, but i did calculate it before and it was like .6 mpg lower. Hey, but over 20 is still good for an SUV even if it is a 6 banger.

 

Nope. No problem here. Perhaps you have a windshield leak? have you ever had it replaced? It shoudn't do that....probably really cold with some humidity where you are at.

 

how did you get rid of the squeaking of the rear seats? My mom's 06' Runner has the same problem.

 

You know those people you see on the highway with windows fogged up and water beading and running down the inside of the glass and know that they just can't see out properly? You know what's wrong with those cars? Operator error.

1. If it has a control for recirc/fresh - ALWAYS set to Fresh Air - 100% of the time. (If it doesn't have this choice, as with most American cars, the only time recirc will ever be on is MaxAC. All other positions are fresh air) This is because you exhale a huge amount of moisture with each breath. Bringing fresh air in forces the damp air to go out. Simple.
2. NEVER drive with the Heater/AC system turned competely Off. You need some air circulation.
3. In situations where you have special high humidity (like 4 wet people just got in) or in the morning when the windshield wants to fog up - in addition to the Defrost setting, switch on the AC if you have a separate switch for it. It will make a 700% improvement, right away. (If it doesn't have a separate switch for AC, as with most American cars, the AC will Always come on with any Defrost setting, whether you like it or not.) AC removes moisture from the air. Once warmed up the heater will totally overwhelm the AC so don't worry about it being cold.
4. Turn up the fan too.

It is always possible to have an odd service-related issue like water being trapped in the vent hoses or an interior anti-freeze leak that contributes to steaming, but those are usually quite obvious.

 

This is a common problem...All you need is a piece of tape and put it on metal piece that comes in contact with the latch before you push the rear seats back up....bingo, it will fix it.

 

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