Hey everyone. My wife starts back to work in August, and I've been thinking about selling my 95 4runner, for FJ80. But I've been thinking about a 4th Gen 4runner as well. I want something bigger, so I thought the LC would work, but I'm having a heck of a time finding one with good miles, and at a good price. So I thought of the 4th Gen. What I'd like, is to hear from you 4th gen owners. Give me what you love about your 4runner, but also what you don't like, so I can decide. I hate making a decision base off a 1 square mile trip around the dealership. I want to drive it for the weekend or something, but I can't find a dealer that will do that yet. Thanks - Jeremy

 

I really like my '03 a lot. I would get the V8, but I don't see how you could go wrong with the 6.
There isn't anything offhand I could say that I don't like about it. I think the AC could use more power and the JBL 10spkr system is a rip-off, but I am just really pleased with the truck.

 

I've had my '03 for a year now with very few complaints.

I have the V6 SR5 model. Everyone raves about the V8, but I have had no complaints with the six. It tows my two snowmobiles and enclosed trailer wherever I need to go without any hesitation.

My few complaints are as follows:

1. Cup holders are too far away.
2. My driver seat has never been right. I have the SR5 model and it never seems to lock correctly.
3. The new paint seems to scrath very easily. (This may be just me, but I've never had a vehicle this susceptible to scratches)

The pros are endless:
1. Great auto-magic climate control
2. Good storage capacity
3. Very comfortable ride
4. Looks fuggin' awesome!

 

My 03 is a good overall rig. I love the power of the V8 especially since I added the s/c. Only problem I have is with the 10 spk JBL system, as someone else said it is a rip off for the $1000 that you pay for it, you can get a killer aftermarket system that is better and stronger.

If I had to do it all over again, I would defientely get a V8 Sport, with no options. Everything aftermarket is better than the money spent at the dealer.

 

So far so good then.

It looks like I need to stay away from the JBL system.
Do any of you have the third row seating? How do you like it?
I hate how you can't get them with the sport.

 

good:
1) comfortable
2) powerful
3) stable
4) rugged
5) awesome handling on-road
6) awesome off-road as well
7) v8 is great
8) xreas is invaluable

bad:
1) sulfur smell - but can be corrected
2) toyota customer service / dealerships
3) head unit - but again, can be replaced with a scion for a cheap but excellent improvement unless you have the JBL 10 speaker system which i hear you want to avoid anyway

i would not recommend the 3rd row seating ... i keep hearing about how squashed that 3rd row seating is as far as space.

all in all, other than the dealings i've had with toyota dealerships, i could not be happier with my '03 v8 4x4 with xreas. i love it.

 

[QUOTE=4route]hey, I'm in Dallas too, so if you want to come drive mine sometime for a few hours or something, just let me know!


Damm Tracy, you are way to nice. I'm surprise nobody has snapped you up.

 

I love my 4th Gen!
I got the LTD, because I like all the goodies built in. Most people prefer the Sport though, so that is up to you. I love my JBL 10 Speaker system, but then again I'm not part of the loud crowd

One of the reasons I bought it was because the 4th Gen is basically the baby Landcruiser and based on the LC not a pickup as most SUVs. Once you drive it you will know why. There was nothing that compared to it when I looked for a SUV, it drives like a luxury car on road and is very capable off road. Over time you will see more and more people realizing the off road potential of it. The handling with XREAS is comparable to most cars. It also has plenty of oomph, I have the V8 and it will hold its own against most cars on the road. It is a great communite vehicle on the highway and in town. Quiet and smooth. It does really well on moderate off road terrian, although stock it is a bit low, but the elctronic goodies DAC ATRAC, etc work as advertized off road. So the pro go on and on, all I can say go drive one!!!!

So in short I will summarize the pros: You will get a luxury sport sedan car on road and a very capable vechile off road.

Cons:
- Thirsty compared to a car, dont expect more than 20 MPG on average
- Wind noise is more than most quiet cars, but better than all the SUV
(remember I compare it to cars here, forget to get an SUV that even compares here OK maybe the new VW/Prosche or RR)
- Stock it is a bit low to the ground so if you go off road expect to scrape it a bit, easily solved with a spacer lfit that does not affect handling and ride
- Lacks a bit of headroom if you are tall, maybe forgo moonroof if you are tall
- Headliner scratches easily so be carefull when loading big pieces of cargo
- It has some initial snags: moonroof rattle, driveline jerk, vibration, sulfur smell,etc BUT most of them are now well docuemented and easily solved. Hopefully this will be resolved in the new models coming out.


Now just go drive one you will love it!!!

 

2004 SR5 V6

I just got back from my brother's wedding and had a Buick Century as a rental. Nothing will make you appreciate the 4Runner more than driving something else for a few days. It's much quieter, feels much more solid, handles better, and stops quicker. As to V8 vs. V6, I think it's a religous war. The V6 has plenty of power although I haven't had a chance to really pull anything for a long distance yet. Initially I was a little concerned about the valve noise (see Mish's thread last year) but have not had any issue, still quiet as a mouse. My sunroof, seat, etc have not started making noises like others have stated. Maybe I got lucky or haven't had it long enough (purchased mid November '03 and 7000 miles). Cons? I wish it was taller, my old rides were 1) a 4WD Nissan pickup with 31" BFG All Terrains and 2) an IH Scout with flipped axles and 36.5 tires both of which got me into and out of just about anything. So far I love this thing. Oh...I got the stock stereo and it works great for me. My days of high end stereos are behind me, just looking for something that sounds good not perfect. Highs are good and bass is pretty tight.

 

seriously, hit me up sometime and you and your wife can swing by and take mine out for a day or half a day. i have the v8 4wd Sport ... so automatically i have xreas. i also have a small lift. the only thing your wife might not like on mine is the muffler ... it's throaty because i have a magnaflow, and in reality from the dealership these 4Runners are absolutely quiet. sooo ... if you can put the noise level aside from mine having a magnaflow, and would like to drive it around a bit, i'd be happy to let you and/or your wife take it out.

you'd have to leave me one of your shoes as a deposit until you return the truck, of course, but really, if you are wanting to drive the truck for more than a square mile around a dealership, then come take mine out for awhile and see how you like it.

 

I also like the JBL 10. I think it sounds really good.
I like everything except:
1. too low- it would be so perfect if it came 2.5" taller from the factory.
2. headliner scratches too easily
3. gauge cover scratches too easily

That's about it. I felt like it was a baby LC too.
I'm a fan of the V6 but whatever, they are both great.

 

i don't have the JBL ... what is it that everyone thinks is so bad about it??

 

It's simply bitchin, their is really no other vehicle on the road that can compare to the 4th for the price you pay and like many have said the V8 is a junior LandCruiser, your paying 30-40k for a powertrain that comes in a 60-70k vehicle, certain aspects of it might be lacking but thats cause the GX470 needs something more, other then that get what you want and your plastic pig should bring you lots of joy

 

hey EDGE, buddy, you best be careful what you call a plastic pig! i know some people who might try to pull your uterus out from your face!

 

Hey my plastic pig has backed into several things and no damage although I felt stupid everytime I did it, my 4Runner came out damage free, and my JBL is fine but Im not the loud crowd either.

Leave my Uterus alone, maybe you have use that phrase to much cause I was actually at the movies and said to my friend after 4, 32ounce icee to get up cause my uterus was gonna exploded, that was pretty interestig to explain

 

sorry ..

 

 

i'm not kidding. i'm sorry! keep laughing.

 

Actually, it is the reverse. The baby LC is based on the 4Runner which in turn is based on the Hilux/Tacoma ladder frame. In fact, they share a lot more with Hilux/Tacoma than just the ladder frame. This has been the case since the 2nd gen.
2nd gen (N130 series) = LC70
3rd gen (N185 series) = LC95
4th gen (N215 series) = LC120

In the case of the 4th gen/LC120, however, they came out ahead of the new Hilux/Tacoma.

Cheers!!

 

Hey thanks to all the response.

4route I just might take you up on that, depending how things pan out. I drove about 2 miles next to one on the way home last night. It did look a little low. How are the after market parts looking for this rig? Because I think I'll want to lift it a few as soon as I get one. It's a little disappointing the third row isn't worth it. I was really wanting more seating. With two car seats it can be irritating when you need to carry a couple adults. I'm also curious as to what people are paying. I don't need exact price, but a ball park would be nice. I paid $26k for my 96 when it was new. $23k for my 95 new, and $8500 for my current 95. Am I going to be able to keep one under $30k. Again thank for the response, and feel free to keep them coming. Has there been any other complaints with paint?