I have owned 3 4runners starting with my 96.

The 96 had the best seats by far, hardest wearing most expensive looking cloth, great support, comfortable for many hours at a time.

The 99 seats looked great although materials were cheaper. Seat itself not quite so comfortable although I never worked out why. It looked like it should be supportive.

I have had my 2003 Sport since August 2003. Seats are the worst I have had in a 4runner. I am 6'2" and I get back pain after anything longer than about 40 mins in the vehicle and on my regular 450 mile weekend round trips in the winter to my job at the ski resort, are just not fun. Materials are (were) definitely not so good. That velour just held the dirt and seemed to scuff up quickly.

I tried leather coverings and that helped a little but not enough. Anyone had both cloth and OEM leather ? Are the OEM leather seats more comfortable ???

Also, head room seems reduced with moonroof (vs 99) so I ended up having to recline the seat more to get good head room.

I have only 22k on the 03 and its immaculate and I have a private buyer lined up and I should be running around in 94 V6 5 speed 4Runner until I make up my mind what to buy. I may just keep the 94 and buy a sedan. Getting old sucks Hmmm, 94 runner and a Scoobie WRX STi

I admit, I bought the 03 becauase I just wanted a V8 runner and I test drove it over night and I probably ignored the seat as being my inability to adjust it.

Anyway, kind of sad day but I will still have a runner.... 94, 96, 99 and 03 so far....wonder if they will change the seats on the 06 or if I will have to get me a GX-470

David

 

David,

This doesn't sound like the rationale David I've seen/known for many years on the forum. Sounds like you're throwing out the baby with the bath water.

Have you considered buying new aftermarket seats? Seems like it would be a much cheaper solution than (potentially) losing out on what you've put into the 4th gen.

...or maybe a visit to the chiropractor?

Bob

 

how about buying gx seats??

 

i hate my seats too! Not enough lumbar and they dont accomadate larger people well (taller or bigger) If you recline a significant amount its ok, but with passengers in the back, it just plain sucks. It really only seats 3 comfortably, I wish i could afford new seats. it would help alot. I feel your pain David, i cant drive an hour without needing to stand up and stretch my back.....i think im gonna try a small pillow next time i am out and about.

 

I drove in a guys 99 tacoma with Integra seats in it.. OMG what a HUUUGE difference, felt amazing, those seats cupped you like a baby... unless we flipped I doubt I would fall out.. even then Im sure the vacuum created by my arse and the seat would have held me in for a few...

 

I'm willing to bet that getting some good aftermarket seats will save you a LOT more $$ than selling your Runner and getting a WRX. In fact, doesn't the WRX have some Recaro seats in them ? I bet you could probably just buy those same exact seats and install them in your Runner !

Of course, ignore everything I just said if you are simply trying to rationalize getting something new/different...

Steve

 

get some recaro orthopeds.

 

Where would you get such a seat ??

Thanks

David

 

P.S>

VVTi would not harm either.....



David

 

OK,

Quick research. Ricaro Orthaped seats run a cool $2100 each

A regular sport seat in cloth 750 to 1000 without brackets.

So, we are looking at a minimum $2000 with shipping, more like $2500.

David

 

Holy crap Batman !!! $2500 for a couple seats ? For that price, it might be cheaper to get a WRX !

Actually, if you think about it, if you buy a new car, you'll be paying at least that much just to get it off the lot. I'd rather get some great seats in my Runner than pay some salesperson's salary.

Of course that VVT-i and 40 extra horses do make a compelling argument... Must resist temptation... Must resist....

Steve

 

Joking aside, I plan on running the 94 for 6 months or so until I really decide what I want ... I may buy something left field (Subaru Legacy GT has WRX engine and is very comfortable. )

There is a chance the 06 may have different seats (unlikely) but I am gonna grab the chance to get a great price for my 03 now.

Dave.

 

It sounds like you're set on trading the 03 for the 94. I think you'll really be disappointed with the the driving experience after getting used to the 03. That said, I do agree that Toyota's seats aren't as good as they used to be. My 2000 4Runner has "good" seats, but the cloth isn't as thick and they're missing several adjustments that the sports seats in my '94 SR5 pickup had. The coolest features were the ratcheting headrests and the adjustable side bolsters.

If I were in your shoes, I would buy a set of 1990-1995 4Runner sports seats (or the same seats out of an-optioned SR5 V6 pickup) and have them recovered. If you've got leather, buy the kit from Leatherseats.com or Classic Soft Trim. If you have cloth, you could get a cover like Wet Okole (sp?) or any other number of seat cover options.
I doubt you'll find a more comfortable stock seat than the ones I have described.

 

I just got a set of Volvo seats for my runner...180 bucks for the pair off ebay. Like you my back hurts after a short while in my truck so i said the hell with it and bought new ones. I'll post pics soon

 

If there is another seat you like that might work , give Bruce Auto Parts a call in Mechanicsville. They stock almost every late model car part and it is ALL catalogued.

 

I am 6.1 and had issues with my back in my 99. What solved it for me was a memory foam lumbar pillow from a healthy back store. My wife who suffers from back problems gave me the idea as she uses one when in my 4runner.
Then again I might be a bit miffed if the seats gave me problems in a new 4runner, but in my 99 I don't mind the added pillow look.
But how much are you going to loose on selling it and buying a new Subura? is it worth it or do youjust want a new vehicle?

 

Im sure you have already thought about this, but I feel I must mention it none the less. Since there ARE 4runner seats out there that you like just do a search on mypartsshop.com or something for a set of used front seats from the model you like, re-upholster them for a couple hundred and you will walk away only spending 600-700 and have the best of both worlds.

And ther eis a pretty good chance that the mounting brackets will be similiar since they are both 4runners, something that you will have to check of course.

cheers mate

 

my uncle owns his own upholstery shop. he can redo your seat to make it perfect, we had a mercedes with 230k on it and the seats were compltely worn, we gave it to him and he did his magic and we got it back with the most comfortable seats. btw. his shops in woodbridge, if you want more info let me know

 

trade me 4runners and well call it good