We're considering a 2003 or 2004 4Runner as a daily driver, the used ones are in our price range and it seems like it would be a great all-weather, do-all family mobile. It would NOT be a wheeler (that's what the 85 is for) but it would get us to our of the way camping spots, etc.

Anything special to look for? I know the 03's have the grey plastic cladding which I don't mind.... saves on scratches.

Any particular options to look for or avoid? Any thoughts re: V6 vs. V8?
Any input would be appreciated. thanks.

 

V6/V8 mileage is pretty close so it shouldn't be a big factor. If you plan to tow frequently then go with the V8. It is able to tow 7000LB while the V6 is good for 5000LB. The V8 models come equipped with a transmission cooler that the V6 lacks.

2003/2004 V6 models came with a 4speed auto. 2005 V6 got a 5speed. Not sure if this will matter to you but thought you'd know.

XREAS suspension option is standard on the Sport Edition, Optional on the Limited. Handling on the road is awesome with XREAS

Double Decker cargo system is pretty useless if you ask me.

 

Don't get xreas if you plan on lifting..

 

Also, know that with the V8, you have full time 4wd if you get 4wd. On the v6, you can optionally set the vehicle to 2wd.

That was the deal breaker for me. I hate full time 4wd.

 

If you are tall don't get the moonroof. My headroom is limited due to the moonroof. If you get the SR5 or Se make sure to check the driver and passenger front seats. Some seats gets loose in their brackets and Toyota has not really done anything to helop these owners.

Get side airbags, nice safety option and should not make a difference to cost on a 2nd hand one.

Early V6s had some issues with their fuel rails, etc. Just FYI.

Also check for a vibration at around 65MPH or so in the steering wheel mostly. More of an issue with V8 4WDs.

For those model year you probably want to either get the Sport or Limited as the SR5 was missing a number of nice features. Fog lights, cruise control, sun visors are different, etc. If you don't care about these things don't worry about it. Don't worry about XREAS as you can easily remove it when you lift or stil use it with a spacer lift. The rear air suspension option on the limited is nice if you tow, but is not recommended if you plan to change the suspension later on.

Check the dash and interior lights, especially on the SR5 and Sport. Make sure you are happy with it in the day and at night. People have had issues reading the speedo during the day. SOme also had issues with lights not being the same inetnsity at night, mostly an early 03 issue. But check all the 03-04s you are looking at.

That's it, for what I can think of now.

 

Cool! Thanks for all the info guys!

 

'04s have the tire pressure monitoring sytem standard on them. not a bad little feature, especially on road trips. the guages are a little easier to read. the '03s do have the telescoping steering wheel on all models, the '04 only had it on the sport & limited models.

V6 will probably have plenty of power for you. One nice thing besides the torque on the V8 is, since it's fulltime 4WD, you always have the traction control working for you. With the V6, you just have to remember to shift the 4Wd on the fly (multimode 4WD). not sure what speed you have to be under for this though.

the moonroof does come in a bit, i'm 6'1" and it's just fine. the driver seat does have an up & down lever on it, but even sitting in the passenger side, it's fine.

V6 – fuel rail is a free TSB fix at the dealer.
V8 – stinking cat converter is also a free TSB fix.

hope this helps!

 

More of a visual thing, but the early 03's had the grey cladding.


Also the hitch on the 03 V8's was updated half way through the production year.

 

If you are not intending to wheeling and towing a huge boat, you may be interested in V6 Sport. It's already has some nice features. If you want leather, then Limited, but I'm not sure that you can find Limited without a sunroof. XREAS is very good system, but pain in one place when you lifting the truck. Oh, yea, heated seats are only comes with leather, which means - Limited. After all, you are choosing between Sport and Limited. This means choosing between AC or Dual Climate Control, fabric or leather, front or front + side airbags... things like that. Double check the list of options and get whatever you prefer. Both are good choices.