Hi there,
I'm considering trading in my lovely 2002 4Runner SE 4WD (20k mile) for a new 2004 4Runner SE V8 4WD or 04 RX330. I love my 02 Sport but the wife complained too much about its rough ride and "wavevy" cornering. I wish I can be able to keep the 02 Sport and buy her a new one but making 2 car payments monthly is too much (plus a mortgage payment).

What is the comparison between these two or NO comparison at all? I have heard the ride on the 4th gen is very comfy (comparing to the current one) and it corners also better ( I only do about 1% of mild Off-Roading ). I can get the 04 SE V8 for low 30s while the RX330 will be in high 30s to low 40s. The RX330 is smooth, luxury and quiet but I DON'T LIKE THE LOOK.

Help me make a better choice. Thx

 

Maybe softer or better shocks on the 02?

 

sounds like youre a perfect candidate for some upgrades that will cost much less than buying another vehicle.

i'd suggest addco anti-sway bars for the cornering. as for the shocks, i'd suggest bilsteins though some people feel that they are too firm. for me, it firmed out the ride in a positive way. otherwise, you might want to get springs that have a more cushier feel to it. i believe someone along time ago mentioned monroe gas-matics?

bob

 

They are coming out with a RX330 Hybrid, wait for that!

36city/31highway mpg, SULEV, 0-60 under 8 sec, 270hp

The torque gives the pull of a V8. All-wheel drive variant recovers more energy (heightening efficiency) and delivers more acceleration.

600 mile range and VDM (stability control system)

Due Dec 2004

 

if you want a smoother feel to it, you'll want to consider replacing your shocks and coils with something softer. also look into swaybars too like what bob suggests

also your tires can have an effect on the characteristics too so look into that as well.

if all else fails and you still want a new truck the 4th gen feels and drive very smoothly (very surprisingly!). The RX330 drive smooth as well since it's built on a camry frame (i think).

Anyway, like what firsttoy says, if you want a hybrid, then the rx330 Hybrid might be the ticket

Test drive both vehicles to see what you like best. don't forget that the 4runner is really a truck and not a car so no matter what you do you'll still have some characteristics of a truck and not a car.

 

This may sound dumb, but what psi are you running in your tires? If you lower it to 32-35 psi, it will make it ride smoother than if you had 40 psi.

Then look for shocks and sway bars..

I vote that you keep the 02, it seems like the sensible thing to do.

 

Try about 27 front and 20 rear when empty. 32-35 is bone jarring!
Would not help cornering but will become very smooth and hardly underinflated when you look at the bulge in the tires.

 

The 4runner is a truck and will always handle as such.
I didn't particularly like the way the RX300 cornered when I tried it, maybe the RX330 is better.
Go test ou the vehicles and see what you (or is it her?) likes best.
Anyhow, you are going to loose a lot of money on selling an buying a new car/truck.

 

The RX will have a softer anmd quieter ride that the SE. But a friend of mine have bought a RX for his wife and he was surprised at how smooth and quiet the 4Runner is (I have the LTD). He also liked the tight handling on it, said it was better than the RX.

SO the SE will have better handling than the RX but will have a slightly stiffer ride and a little more wind noise. Go test drive a 4th Gen and you will be surprised.

I would say go for the Runner, it will be more sporty. You will have a small sacrefice in terms of wind noise, ride comfort, gas mileage compared to the RX. But hey it is hard to beat a Lexus in those areas.

 

I have my tires at about 32-35 PSI and check it regularly. I'm thinking about the Swaybar for better cornering and less expensive and I might do it soon it thing doesn't work out. Replace the shock may be a bigger job for DIY.

I went to the dealer today at lunch and took a look at the RX330, I tried to fall in love with it but I can't, its individual parts are nice and attractive but as a whole it is NOT (to me). I plan to take a test drive this weekend, I asked the sale lady if it is OK to take it out for couple hours, she said it would be fine. I plan to let my wife drive it around town, go to stores and here and there to see if she likes it. I may do the same with the 4Runner as well.

I love my Runner more because there are only 2-3 Thundercloud Metallic SE in town but my has white corner lights and white head/fog lights so it is different with others. Everywhere I go people just look because it's "RARE".

 

I'm in favor of the coil and shock upgrade. My 4runner road like ˟˟˟˟˟ until I upgraded. Even my wife agreed it felt like a different truck. No more bone jarring bumps. Believe it or not I went with a softer shock at first and it actually made it worse. Then I switched to a stiffer shock, and man what a difference. Billstien, or Edelbrock is what people switch to. I went with the Edelbrocks, and and the Downey HD coils, and love it. Or I could buy you horrible riding 02, since I've been thinking of upgrading to something newer. But I'll have to consider this horrible riding truck when we negotiate price. LOL!

 

I would recomend going for the upgraded springs/shocks(Saws in front and OME comforts in the back)--I drove the RX330 becuase my wife likes it--the driving position feels like a minivan--As a driver I feel like my legs go down in a hole--I felt it was like the Toyota Sienna--which isn't a bad thing if you like mini vans--and if the 330 is mainly for your wife it definitely a "chick" car--but after the Lexus we drove the V8 4Runner--she loved it---take her to drive one that has the Xrears option(Yamaha makes this) Good luck--there are many good options out there--you might want her to drive a MDX as well--much bigger and great handling.

 

I leaned toward the 04 4Runner V8 more because I love 4Runner but since her father has an 2004 4Runner SR5 and my sister in law has an 2003 4Runner SE. She wants something that's different. I might just keep the 02 runner and do some upgrades if the trade-in price is NOT right for neither selected vehicles.

 

Just test drove the RX330. It was OK, not too excited. I paid $28500 for mine new and this one MSRP is $44650. Big different for the price but the ride is not that much interesting. Yes, there is Lexus feel and touch there. the seats are more comfortable than my sport, the NAVI and backup camera are nice, 18" Chrome wheels are eye catching. The automatic adjustment side mirrors and steering wheel are great.

They let me take the vehicle to work today and return later this everning. When I parked it and walked out of it, I looked back to see if I want to pay for that much and get this vehicle or not. i told myself, NO. but who knows, she might like it though and I want to buy it for her. Maybe she doesn't like the "sticker" though.

 

dont get bilsteins if you want softer/smoother ride. Bilstein rides firms and it is controlled but I dont think this would be your cup of tea. I would advised the sway bar upgrade and softer springs/shocks. If I had the money, i'd get the 04 runner.