I was almost set to buy a 2001 until I saw the lease rates on 04s... WOW. I had no idea they were going for such cheap rates (299 a month for an SR5 4x4!). I'm seriously reconsidering since I get a brand new 4Runner with a full warranty. I'd lease for 3 years.

Anyway...

1) for those of you who have gone from 3rd gens to 4th gens, what are your impressions? On road? Off road? Overall comfort and quality?

2) X-REAS suspension. Is it worth the money? I will not lift it if I lease it but I will use it off road.

3) V8 or V6? I'm sure this has been debated many times here. Is the V8 worth the extra? Anyone run either engine on regular?

4) Side airbags. Do they require special-order on non-Limiteds?

thanks in advance! I wouldn't buy the 299 a month one, but I don't want that many options.

 

I own a 2003 V8 Limited with the XREAS.

1) Cant answer as I haven't owned the 3rd gen, but I believe the ground clearance on the 4th Gen is about 2inches less. My 4th gen works well off road even with the running boards, but I really could do with a few more inches of ground clearance already scrathced my bumbers with the approach and departure angles. See attached pictures.

2) I love the XREAS suspension on the road, as it really levels the truck out. It handles and brakes pretty well. I dont think it helps at all off road.

3)The V8 comes with a 5 speed gearbox. I love the combination, as it always has power where you need it. Merging with traffic, beaten a few cars at traffic lights. It also seems to work really well off road. The V6 might work just as well, never really test drove it. The other thing is that the V8 is permamnent 4WD, which will be handy for those living in bad snow country. I dont think there is any difference in gas mileage between the V6 and V8.

4) On my Limited the curtain and side airbags was $500 extra. It might now be standard on the Limited.

If you go off road with it, I would not recommend leasing it, as they will make you pay for every scratch in the end. You will probably have to sell it privately or buy it out of the lease, as all car companies are full of ˟˟˟˟˟ when it comes to a lease return.

My 2c.

Good luck and enjoy your new Runner, either way.

 

Cant seem to upload the pictures!! Exceeding my qouta???

 

You're right, it has been debated ad nauseum here and on t4r.org. Net -- both are good engines with plenty of power. I really like the V6 as it matches my needs very well and gets good mileage (22.4 mpg highway measured, not as reported by the trip computer). If you're going off-roading, though, you may want to seriously consider the extra torque of the V8.

As far as the gas goes, also debated at length. There is a misconception that these engines require 91 octane. Not true. 87 octane is fine, 91 recommended for better performance. I consider owners manual to close the discussion on the topic since it says 87 is OK.

Probably so. I wanted them on the SR5, but was told it could take months to get it. One thing to consider -- if you want to put seat covers or Wet Okoles on the truck, you won't be able to have them and side airbags. Apparently, some of the side airbag components are in the front seats.

 

Thanks for the responses, guys. The more I look at the info on the 4th gen, I'm getting really interested. I'm still not crazy about the styling, but for under $400 a month for 3 years I could have a hell of an SUV. These lease rates are incredible. I'm going to call my dealership about the side airbags and to have them spec one out for me. If it really does require a several-month order period, I should probably get on it soon as I'm not sure this Jeep is going to last much longer. Chrysler has spent $3000 in 2004 alone fixing various warranted problems.

I'd really need to know about X-REAS, though. Is it detrimental off road? Again, I won't be lifting, but I will use it off road. I'm not worried about lease damages.


I am thinking a base SR5 with the side airbags, sunroof, 16" wheels, V6, and JBL sound system would be perfect. I like the hood scoop on 3rd gens but not 4th gens.

Andrew

 

I haven't had any issues with the XREAS off road. I dont think it will be an issue off road. Think about the speed difference between travelling on and off road, and that is a shock based system that controls the damping and not the actual suspension load ability.

 

Andrew, I drove Jon's black 4th gen that is in an article on the forum here, and I was quite impressed with it.
Lots of power from the V8, it hugs corners like it's on rails.
Totally better handling than my old rig.

Also drove Drew's new V8 Tundra.
The V8 is quite impressive, and sounds good with stock exhaust.
I can imagine how it would sound with a Magnaflow on it.

If I had the bones (as in winning a lottery) I'd buy a 4th gen for my collection

 

Thanks for the replies, guys. Yep, I really need out of this Jeep... every time I get in it something else goes wrong. In 2 years/40k of 4Runnering I had not a problem. I'll talk to the dealership tomorrow. If I can get a side-airbag'd SR5 for $350 or so a month, I'm sold. I'll drive a 6 and an 8 now that I know that they both can run 87 octane... I'm just not willing to pay for 91 or 93! Sounds like X-REAS is nice but not necessary.

 

Although none of the options are necessary!...

I do suggest you get the XREAS. I have driven my 03 4x4 V8 Sport with XREAS and my partner's 03 V8 4x4 LTD w/o XREAS for thousands of miles. There is a significant difference in the handling and ride. My Sport handles better and takes road imperfections in a more controlled and tight fashion. It is more like a sport sedan than a truck.

Off-road for me thus far has been light...so have not run into any problems or limitations with the XREAS. If you will be doing fire/logging roads, I am sure it won't interfere. If you are going to be doing rock crawling where you need lots of travel...not sure....but, they did have Sport on Everest..so it is most likely set-up to do just fine within its abilities and range of travel.

Oh yeah...the V8 is great with the 5-Speed Trans....I am getting 16.5 mpg in mixed driving...19.5 on the highway. It also is more quiet than the V6.

Get a Sport!....and I believe that even without the side airbags, crash tests prove the Runner to be 5 stars for side impact and offset.

 

Hey Andrew,

Just some quick thoughts. I have had both the vehicles you mentioned. In fact I traded in my 2002 for an 03 Sport V8 with XREAS.

I can tell you that I am very happy with my 2003. I have driven many different vehicles since buying my 03 and I haven't been happy with any of them. The 03 with the V8 is quiet, quiet, quiet and the power is amazing. I think I could get better mileage with a V6 but I haven;t driven one of those so I can't compare power.

As far as the XREAS goes, I just recently lost some of it's ability due to my lift but I was very impressed with it. I don't think any other vehicle provides that kind of cornering and handling on an SUV. I certainly would pay the Xtra for both the V8 and the XREAS.

But if you're wanting to keep your payments down I'm also just as certain that the V6 w/out XREAS would provide you with everything you need and want.

If $$$ is of some concern, get the V6. Everyone I know who has one is completely happy with it. If you can blow an extra hundred per month or so, get the V8 with XREAS. It's worth it.

Doug M.

 

oh yeah, and as far as the air bags for the sides, I couldn't tell you as I have put my wet okole seat covers over my seats without even knowing what or where they're located.

D

 

I love the power and sound of my V8 but I am no doubt paying for it in mpg. I only get about 16-17 mpg on the freeway at 75 mph. I use 87 octane with no problems.

 

I've owned both. Except for valid comments about the edgy front end styling, I prefer the 4th Gen in every way. The one 4th Gen model with the fewest and smallest price increases is also the most desirable, IMHO, the 4X4 V-8 Sport. You get it all including the 5A/T, X-REAS, bigger brakes, spiffy sport seats and special wheels. That's what I'll be getting next time.

 

Ditto bro...

Loved my 99 with a passion , still love the way mine looked.
However, for highway, snow traction, safety, seat comfort ( a biggy for tall drivers) and all round convenience, my V8 Sport is just plain better.

My 99 was SCd but the stock V8 blows it away in the hills of WV where I have my part time job... its just lazier and silky yet is probably quicker and safer....

I am getting my 4th to look better but when you are behind the wheel getting surefooted traction in snow and the VSC light is flickering to tell you inspite of your detertmined efforts, you cannot do donuts with crappy tires , how it looks does not matter....

I regretted switching for about a day...

David

 

I really like the way the 4th gen looks! I first took notice from the Everest commercials and decided to test drive it. Everyone I know likes it alot and more than the 3rd gen. Actually many people don't even know what it is!
The most common comment I get is "What is it? Wow, they changed the 4Runner? It looks great!"

Anyway, I guess engines and styling have been discussed enough for the search button to be happy for many long months.

1) Off road it's been fun. I have not taken it to the extreme as Lance has but it has done very well at the dunes, trails and mud pits. (washing the engine sucks!)

2) XREAS is great. It really shines driving up to Big Bear for example. Twisty mountain roads at 40-60mph, it is wonderfully stable- that's where I noticed the big difference with my old suv.

Off road, I don't notice anything different. The 4R handles everything without drama so everything seems easier than my old suv-but I think that's just the truck not the XREAS.

3) I have the V6. I'm looking forward to seeing the SC option for the V6 Not planning to get it but looking forward to seeing it anyway!

4) btw, I think Wet Okole makes airbag-compatible covers. You just need to specify it when you order. 2x check me on that tho.

good luck!

 

Lease and offroad really don't mix unfortunately. If they notice any damages, they'll probably go after your pocket like crazy. I'd say if you want to do any offroading, you're better off buying one. The difference will be if you ultimately plan to purchase the truck after the lease is up then I suppose it doesn't matter

GOod luck!

 

Doug,

Can you elaborate more on your lift and how you lost some of the XREAS ability? What products did you use for lift and how bad a lose are you experiencing?

Chris

 

Chris:

He's using a Daystar lift I believe. The loss in some ability on the XREAS is due to the lack of travel from the added height from the spacer. But in the end, the system is still active and will still work. The overall suspension probably got stiffer and thus will be firm but you will still have the xreas working so it should be fine in that respect.

Almost the best of both worlds as you get the retain your xreas and get a mild lift too

 

Thanks Lance,

I'm new at this, so ... is Daystar a quality product? Are they're better? I'm looking into adding lift to my 03 Sport but don't know where to start and just want to do it right the first time.

This forum is like 4Runner 101 (and 102 and 201 and so on). Great info.
--
Chris

 

Chris:

Welcome aboard Glad to hear that you're interested in lifting your 4runner!

There are various applications out there now (spacer / coil / coilover) and it all basically comes down to if you have XREAS or not. If you do, then you'll be limited to the spacer technology (revtek or daystar, cornfed on the way). If you don't have XREAS then you're open to spacer technology as well as coilover (downey, swayaway) and coil/shock technology (still waiting).

This is a just a tip of the iceberg for info so ask away, we're all here to help out