I'm really curious as to the quality differences some of you have noticed when comparing the 02vs03 Runner's. I'm considering purchasing a leftover 02 and purchasing a Trd SuperCharger. Are the kinks worked out of this thing? Are radical changes necessary to the 02 to conform with the new supercharger? I appreciate your time with responses, this is my first time here. I like most everything about the 02, but I like my Tundra's<to trade in> V8 in the new Runner. Questions...Thank You.

 

Honestly, I don't think you could go wrong with either purchase.

Others will pipe in here, I just wanted to say:

Welcome to the YotaTech forum boards!! Hope you enjoy.

Al

 

Welcome. Just to point out if you didn't know already, but the 01's are the same as the 02's. Also, no bugs.

If you plan to do anything more than mild off-roading, the '02 would be the better choice as it affords higher ground clearance. Sounds like you're more of a street guy, so it's purely your decision as to which model you like better. Sounds like the 03's give a better ride and a little more power. I think the interior of the 03's are sweet, but a couple others have indicated some parts look/feel a little cheap. I have only seen pictures of the interior.

As far as other quality, I don't know, it's still a Toyota!

 

I disagree with the comment about the interior being/looking cheap. I've seen it personally and it is far from cheap looking. It feels like Lexus quality. Also, all of the magazines that have reviewed the 03 4Runners have commented about the great quality, typical of Toyota. You cant go wrong with any, my brother has an 02 and my neighbor has an 03 V8, they are both badass but the 03 is a lot more powerful.

 

I would have to agree with Darren. The interior went way beyond redesign...sorta like the jump from the 1st gen Tauruses to the 2nd gen (bubbly, oval theme) which killed sales for the Taurus.

I've been in it and the interior fascia is, in my opinion, very "plastic-ky" and poorly designed. The radio knobs are a good example. As compared to a Lexus anything for that matter, the differences are very apparent how Lexus designers balance form and function much better than the Toyota designers did w/ the '03 4runners.

I have not driven it, but I'm sure the larger V6 and the V8 kick butt---and in my opinion, thats the only thing redeeming about it.

That said, all in all, its a matter of opinion re design.

Bob

 

I really appreciate your opinions, please keep them coming..I look at my Dad's 02 all the time, then I press the pedal in my Tundra...I believe I too like the overall design quality better of the 02, but would like to hear that adding a latest generation Supercharger, will not consist of modifying everything else on the vehicle, thanks for your help.