Is it worth to buy an extended warranty for your new 04 4Runner?

[pwanghk]

Greetings:

I am wondering if it is worth to buy a Toyota extended warranty for 7 years (i.e 4 years extra after the manufacture warranty ends) 75000 miles for 2004 4Runner Sport ed. It will cost approximately $1000.

Beside regular major maintenance at 15, 30, 60, 90K ect My average mileage is 15000 miles a year max. and I do not tow or go off-road. This SUV will be kept for as long as possible.

Any insight thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[dickman]

It might very well be worth it. Depending on which engine you have, the latest issue of Consumer Reports gives the 2004 Toyota 4Runner that is built in Japan a full black dot (lowest rating) for engine reliability for the 4L V6 engine. The same 4Runner with the 4.7L V8 receives a full red star for engine reliability. They go on to indicate that the 4L is prone to all kinds of problems. This is the 1st real black eye that I can ever remember being given to Toyota by this magazine.

[jasper99]

Toyota makes a pretty good truck....I purchased one of those extended warranties on a Tacoma I had....ended up only having one claim on it in 120K miles...which was a fan motor....ended up paying $1,200 for a fan. I say go with the factory warranty and invest the $1,000. Enjoy the 4Runner!

[WildWilly]

Originally Posted by dickman

It might very well be worth it. Depending on which engine you have, the latest issue of Consumer Reports gives the 2004 Toyota 4Runner that is built in Japan a full black dot (lowest rating) for engine reliability for the 4L V6 engine. The same 4Runner with the 4.7L V8 receives a full red star for engine reliability. They go on to indicate that the 4L is prone to all kinds of problems. This is the 1st real black eye that I can ever remember being given to Toyota by this magazine.

I have carefuly searched every issue of Consumers reports and the new 2004 buyers guide. I have only found positive comments in the magazine about both the 2003 and 2004 toyota 4Runner. Please let me know the issue and page that you found these comments about the 2004 4Runner V6 engine.

Thanks

[dickman]

Go to the bookstore. It looks like this is the annual automotive issue. Go to page 141. Predicted reliability is a complete black dot. Most will agree that Consumer Report's assesments are almost always "right on the money". This has got to hurt their sales with the 4-runner!

[WildWilly]

Originally Posted by dickman

Go to the bookstore. It looks like this is the annual automotive issue. Go to page 141. Predicted reliability is a complete black dot. Most will agree that Consumer Report's assesments are almost always "right on the money". This has got to hurt their sales with the 4-runner!

Thanks. i found it online later in the evening. I wonder if it is a misprint? They still recommend the vehicle. Also everything else I have found on the web is very positive. I haven't found anyone grumping about the V6. Any thoughts.

[dickman]

I'm sure that it isn't a misprint. Consumer Report's frequency of repair ratings are based on their annual survey of all their subscribers. It is a highly respected source of that kind of information that is available to the general public. There must be something behind it. Personally, I would not take the chance with the V6 and also would not bother with the extended warranty but would instead opt for the V8 and have the peace of mind knowing I made the correct decision. You are spending a sizable bit of money on this vehicle. Why tempt fate?

[corvair]

skip the warranty get the v8 4.7 is one of toyotas best engines.

[BMW_4.4i]

i agree with "corvair." The 4.7 V8 is a great engine. I had a 120,000 miles on my 2000 land crusier before my lease was up. I never brought it back to to the dealer for anything. It was still quiet as a 2004 Camry. I just did regular oil changes, one tune up, and a brake job. Trust me, that truck will last you forever.

[2003svtcobra]

I have a 03 4 runner with 17000 miles and i just had a belt and tentioner put on it for squeaking. I havent had any other problems. I had a 2000 Tundra before this and i couldnt pass a gas station, The 4 runner V8 has to get awful fuel milage being all wheel drive. I drove both and really cant tell that big of a power difference either.

[AndroT100]

Originally Posted by 2003svtcobra

I have a 03 4 runner with 17000 miles and i just had a belt and tentioner put on it for squeaking. I havent had any other problems. I had a 2000 Tundra before this and i couldnt pass a gas station, The 4 runner V8 has to get awful fuel milage being all wheel drive. I drove both and really cant tell that big of a power difference either.

I am getting 16.5 to 17.9 depending on if my driving is mixed or mainly highway with my 03 V8 4x4 SE. One tank was lower but I was driving in a blizzard and pretty slow for a long while as well as in stop and go traffic. Just a hair lower than my 97 T100 4x4 with the V6! And I get all the wonderful torque and the fantastic 5-speed trans....love it. Oh yeah....I got the extended warranty...probably won't need it and I should have negotiated the price more, but it's already done and I got 1.9% financing on the truck...so for about $10 per month for financing I am driving a great vehicle and didn't have to put almost any money down. I can live with it!

[G5gyrl]

Originally Posted by WildWilly

Thanks. i found it online later in the evening. I wonder if it is a misprint? They still recommend the vehicle. Also everything else I have found on the web is very positive. I haven't found anyone grumping about the V6. Any thoughts.

Where did you find it online?

I want a 2004 v6 4Runner, but ya'll are making me nervous!!

[2003svtcobra]

Well, I guess ill eat my words from the earlier thread. I traded my 03 Sport this weekend for a 04 Limited V8. My wife wanted leather and heated seats and was tired of the dark gray cladding on the 03. So we got a Galactic Grey Limited. I still liked the V6, but we are planning to get a boat so ill just feel better with the V8.

[G5gyrl]

If I had something to tow, I'd have gotten a v8 too.

I got a 2004 V6. The 7 year warranty was $1295, but after a while he came down to $1071, said that was their cost. Somehow I doubt that, but it's worth $1071 to not have to worry about problems for 7 years. Especially since we get it back if we don't use it.

All it takes is for one computer part to go bad and you've got a huge bill. This is the most complicated car I've ever owned!

[BMW_4.4i]

you think the 4Runner is complicated, try a loaded BMW X5 4.4i - with nav system. The seats move 16 different ways! THAT is a complex vehicle!