I need advice!

[DVSNCYNIKL]

I am seriously considering and about to get into a 4Runner within the next few weeks. I am currently considering the following:

Brand New 2004 or 2005 V8 4Runner or used 1999 to 2001 4Runner.

Can I get some opinions on these vehicles as far as maintenance, gas, etc. I'm not really too concerned with how much gas it uses, but I need reliability. So all who post in here, please reply.

[Moppie]

Theres a V8 4runner in the US?

WTF!

And why do you want a bloody wanna be SUV?

Get a V6 Accord, or the new TSX (accord Euro).
Of if you want to go off roading then get a proper 4WD.

[Moppie]

This: http://www.toyota.com/4runner/
Is a bloody landcruiser rebadged for the silly US market.

http://www.toyota.co.nz/NewVehicles/...NsaCZZv32RfM/3



The 4runner was orginaly an up market model of the Japanese spec Toyota Hilux. Looks like this: http://www.toyota.co.nz/SignatureCla...NsaCZZv32RfM/3 (although thats a Hilux surf, the differnce is only cosmetic).

[Brian R.]

Originally Posted by Moppie

Theres a V8 4runner in the US?

WTF!

And why do you want a bloody wanna be SUV?

Get a V6 Accord, or the new TSX (accord Euro).
Of if you want to go off roading then get a proper 4WD.

I get it, it's a joke - right?

[Brian R.]

Originally Posted by DVSNCYNIKL

I am seriously considering and about to get into a 4Runner within the next few weeks. I am currently considering the following:

Brand New 2004 or 2005 V8 4Runner or used 1999 to 2001 4Runner.

Can I get some opinions on these vehicles as far as maintenance, gas, etc. I'm not really too concerned with how much gas it uses, but I need reliability. So all who post in here, please reply.

The older vehicles are well constructed, cheaper by alot, and pretty well have all the problems solved.

The new 4Runners are larger and are still questionable about a few problems inherent in redesigned vehicles. They are much more powerful than the older 4Runners with a proven engine and a new and unproven transmission. Towing is much easier with the new 4Runner. They have a 3rd row seat (small) and alot of refinements. Here are a couple links:

3rd generation:
http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist3.html

4th generation:
http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist4.html

[Florex]

I own a 2004 4runner v6 which i purchased dec 03, still early but no problems yet (i did have one complaint about the drivers seat, but it was quickly fixed by the dealer). also a 1998 4runner 4cyl i purchased in Oct 97 never had any problems with this one either. my best friend owns a 1997 limited v6 no problems either. After speaker to my friend about his runner. we came to this...we haven't had any problems whatsoever w/ our trucks. He takes his to the dealer for regular scheduled maint. I to maintenance on my 98 myself which has only regular oil changes, 1 brake pad & shoe replacement, and 1 transmission oil change. my 2004 I also do my own maintenance which has only been one oil change (synthetic mobil 1). overall no minor or major repairs have been needed on any of the Runners.

[Brian R.]

Overall, great trucks. I think the cost of a new one has to be compensated by the need for additional towing capacity or it's not worth it. There are a lot of creampuff 3rd gen 4Runners out there from trade-ins (I bought one )

[Moppie]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

I get it, it's a joke - right?

You got it!

As an off roader that are pretty unstopable.
The early ones use the Hilux chassis (see links above) and the Hilux is regarded here, in Ausie and in Japan as one of the best 4WDs ever made. Owning one is the goal of every farmer here in NZ.

The newer ones in the states are simply rebadged Land Cruisers, and we all know its repuation for not getting stuck in the mud.

[Brian R.]

I was hoping that was the case... You can never be really sure since there are so many people around who like raising other's blood pressure for fun.

(Thanks for the links, now that I know I can take them seriously)