03 4runner problems?

[jarmstrong]

my wife is looking at a 03 4runner v8. nice powerful car and a great engine. they're acking $26969.

any known problems w/ these "newer" style 4runners? how is this new 5 spd auto holding up?
also how is the new 4.0 v6
thanks

 

[JohnBrowning]

They are preety much built proof from an automotive stand point! My preference is for the V8 but the V6 should be just as durable adn power output is simalar!

Toyota realy does not have a lot of automatic transmission issues. They tend to be fairly stout!

I would consider doing an Auto-Rx treatment on the engine of wich ever one you get. The transmission would probably benifit from a fluid change. Most of the modern Toyota Truck transmissions like to have the fluid drained and refilled every 18,000 miles. Most of them do not have a usable serviced filter. You merly remove the drain plug and drain 4-6 quarts of ATF out what ever comes out. You put the plug back in and refill what was removed. You do not even have to get your hands dirty. Most people neglect the fluid changes on the transmission.

 

[kang]

Get one. I have one exactly as you specify: ’03, V8, 5-speed. No major issues on mine for sure, and I haven’t heard of anyone having any issues either. The 4.7 V8 is, as I’m sure you know, kick a$$. The 5-speed is a perfect match-up. The 5-speed has a computer controlled brain that enables it to do things that I’ve never seen an automatic do. It senses when you want engine braking (I think it has a mercury switch or something to detect that you are going downhill) and downshifts for you.

This will give you an impression of how trouble free this car is. Here is my biggest complaint. It’s pretty minor: The climate control will go into recirculate on its own if it decides you want maximum cooling. It checks the inside temp of the car, and compares it with the requested temp on the temp control knob. If the difference is greater than a preset amount, it thinks you want maximum cooling and goes into recirculate mode, regardless of whether or not you’ve put it in auto mode or have the A/C on.

I also have some sunroof rattles. There is a TSB/Warranty fix for it, but I haven’t gotten around to taking it back to the stealer.

I’d get the V8 over the 6. There were a couple of issues with the 6 when it first came out. I would guess that most of them have been fixed under warranty by now.

If you have any more questions, let me know.

Here are a couple of forums for these:

http://www.yotatech.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=2

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/index.php?s=cc0ea6e59b80bc878a87aea110e69d60

 

[jarmstrong]

thanks

we ended up going for a new double cab tundra 4x4 for just under invoice. we paid 26,800.
i think we made out pretty good. we got more truck for less $$ and NEW! and that wonderful 4.7

thanks again