Hello all,

I've been reading up on the 03 4Runner and I'm almost ready to buy one.

The only major question is whether the Limited edition is worth the extra $$$?

The Sport model doesn't have power adjustable driver seats or the option of the DVD-NAV system but those are "bling bling" items for the most part.

Or are they.....?

What I'd like to know is whether a 4x4 V8 Sport with sunroof, AP, and 6 disc CD is a better value and MORE FUN than a similarly equipped Limited?

The price difference is huge ($5-7,000!!!) and I need some input to justify the additional cost of a Limited vs as Sport.


HELP!!

TIA

 

AP is standard on all models now I think.

As for if the Limited is worth the extra money, that is something only you would know the answer to.

 

Personally, I think if its going to be used as a passenger car, accomodate the passengers, but if its going to be used as a truck, keep it simple from the dealer and mod away.

I like both, but I couldn't see trashing leather interior, so I chose the Sport.

As far as the DVD player goes, if you travel, get one aftermarket installed. If not, then get a portable. I bought a portable one that can be used without power from a vehicle. A huge battery lets me use it when I'm in the middle of BFE without being near my truck (Still haven't found a use for that yet). Theres one out now that has a TV tuner, radio, cd, and DVD for like 699.00. I keep mine in the glove box by the way.

 

Gotta admit the limited is sweeeeeeet though. If I had the cash I'd get a loaded limited and be done with it because I wouldn't ever think 'what if.' I bet you could special order the sport however you want it though.

Enjoy the new rig!

 

Get the Limited if you like leather, BTW, you can get leather as a dealer installed option in the SE region on the SE model. Mechanically you get the same engine and tranny combo in both models. I like the SE interior and hood scoop/interior, IMHO. I couldn't justify spending $3K+ more for something that is already more than adequate. The SE rides and the cabin feels like an American cruiser, especially the V8. An actual silky smooth instantly responsive V8! The build grade material is top notch in the SE. Not one platic knob or Pontiac juke box radio control to be seen. Both have a good seating position and hip/shoulder room. I don't have fully power adjustable seats in my SE, lumbar is power in SE though. I find that between the seat adjustments, steering angle, pedal travel and cozy room, I don't need to adjust the seat often and when I do adjust, the process with the seat controls is intuitive and accomodating. Look at this way, if you go with the SE, which has DVD as an option, the $3K+ you saved could be used for the accessories you know you will want to buy.

 

I know I am going to fee stupid but here goes. What is AP?

I am pleased with my Sport. I have added a GPS and as others have said there are a lot of DVD options and the price points seem to be getting better. But, leather, I do like leather interiors.

Good Luck

 

AP is Appearance Package. In other words, it is '03 4Runner without plastic cladding. I believe AP is pretty much standard on all 4Runners made after May of this year.

-- Andrey

 

It really depends on what you are after..

In my case, I was replacing my main auto w/ a TRUCK/SUV because I need to carry items that needed to be protected (read: covered,) but I still wanted "road appeal" so I went with the Limited.. I like Leather, I like the X-Reas, I think the JBL stereo is okay.

As for the Sport, I don't like the hood. But, if I was going to "off road" or was adding to my "fleet" I would be plenty happy with a V8 4WD SR5 or Sport. I 'specially like "02Runner's" runner <G>.

If I had it my way, I would have gotten an SR5 w/ plastic seats, ripped off the runningboards, and painted the thing flat black or green. Oh well.

 

I never really liked the hoods on the Sport and limited, part of the reason I'm the Dealer had the SR5 that they did. I don't have the fancy suspension, or the silver outside parts, but with this color I like the black outside better.

 

The question is, do you really need the DVD-NAv system? I love gadgets and would have liked to have the NAV system, but I really didn't need it.

On the power seat issue. I had a driver side power seat and really never moved it. Once I had it set to my position it pretty much stayed that way unless I was cleaning or on the rare occassion that I let me wife drive it. There again, I didn't really need it.

When I bought my Sport, Southeast Toyota had installed leather already. I am sure there are a couple more bells and whistles on the Limited, but for me, the Sport was everything I needed, plu I got the Hood Scoop, which looks pretty cool. Either way, you are going to love it. I have had mine since last November and it still makes me grin to drive it.

 

I just ordered a V8 Sport and my local leather folks are installing classic soft trim leather pre delivery.

www.classicsofttrim.com

The nice part about the classic soft trim is I have ordered custom two tone leather with a perforated center section and its $995 installed.

I was lucky enough to see an almost identical truck to mine in Mica being done at the installer...the contrasting color of the door inserts is very nice.

It looks amazing. I could have had custom embroidery with "TRD" or "Sport" or whatever for about another $200.

I drove the LTD and Sport back to back and I could not justify the extra $5000 (36k vs 31k) for the LTD although the heated seats are sweet and the interior treatment is very classy.

The NAV system would have been nice but $2500 !!!! Come on. I can get some really nice custom work done for a lot less than that and I like the idea of the portable DVD.

The Sport is fairly well optioned with AP, Compass Mirror, rear sound with headphones, rear spoiler , JBL etc etc.


Anyway, the 99 leaves me shortly (sob) and the '03 Sport V8 in Mica should be in my garage in 4 weeks.

David

 

Thanks for all the great input guys and gals.

momo.75 said he doesn't adjust his seats much and I have to agree (except when the valet or mechanic changes the settings).

The DVD-NAV is not something I need but it is something I really want (girls love the darn things ).

I saw a black SE with AP that looked even better than the black Limited it was sitting next to (hey, I like the hood scoop ...okay ).

The Limited does have some very nice features that aren't available on the SE. I think items the Limited can have and the SE can't are:
- pwr/heated seats
- lighted running boards
- dusk sensing headlamps
- dual illuminated vanity mirrors
- dual climate controls

I just verified that the SE CAN have the DVD-NAV unit.

Are there any other items not available on the SE vs. the Limited?

 

Post pics when you pick it up.