2003 4 Runner review

[nomochevys]

I thought I would write a review of my parents 4 runner since I take care of the repairs on it. They bought it new in Jan of 03 and it now has about 80K miles on it. Its a limited and AWD and has the 4.7 V8.


The battery just gave out this spring so it lasted 8 plus years. We replaced he front pads at about 60K miles. This truck is short tripped to death. Oil changes are about once a year or 10K miles with Mobile 1 EP. It has never used a drop. We use Toyota filters. I think this is too long but my Father thinks otherwise and its his money. This just wears me out and I think it should be changed 2500 sooner.

The factory Michlens are still on it but will need to be replaced soon. They are still just as quiet as can be. I think they have another safe 7 or 8 K in them. Soon, we will need a timing belt.

This truck is as of a solid vehicle I have ever seen. It looks and drives like new with no squeaks, rattles ect... Its as good as it was on day one.

The downside now. It eats gas like you cant believe. They average about 14 mpg but that is a lot of short trips. This is really the only complaint on a otherwise solid suv. The power is more than enough and its interesting to note that in this particular year the V6 had more horsepower on paper but felt weaker in the real world. I know. I test drove them both the the 4.7 is buttery smooth and has a ton more low end torque.

The five speed is always in the right gear with nothing that calls your mind to it. Its a great transmission. You never question its shift logic. Its spot on.

Even though gas is high, they are going to keep it. Its paid for and I think it will last a long long time. It has a few door dings ect but still in better than average condition imo. I would get in it and drive it anywhere.

I want to state Im not a big Toyota fan at all because I think they have slipped but Im just reporting the facts as I know them in our case.

ONe thing I find interesting. This was a first year redesign. In my parents case it turned out well but you hear today of disasters with first year stuff including Toyota. What gives?

 

[Hokiefyd]

Nice review, thanks.

Are those OEM Michelins the Cross Terrains? They seem to be hit-or-miss depending on the exact size and OEM application. Sounds like they're a good tire in that particular size.

 

[FL_Rob]

Even if it eats gas ...I believe your analysis of a "fuel eater" may be a bit biased.I'll explain..If your dad found that using that amount of fuel was "ok" .then thats alright ..no doubt he did his research and thought about that.,don't take this the wrong way..do us a favor and chill just a little on the gas mpgs .I know its modern common thought that If it gets less than 45 MPGS.... It's no good...Vehicle weight has alot to do with it.

 

[nomochevys]

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Nice review, thanks.

Are those OEM Michelins the Cross Terrains? They seem to be hit-or-miss depending on the exact size and OEM application. Sounds like they're a good tire in that particular size.


Yes, the are the Cross Terrains. I know they are almost 200 a pop to replace but in their particular case I dont think we could ask for much more.

AS far as the gas mileage thing yes its relevent to what you get used to I suppose. I think when they bought it gas was 1.50 a gallon so it was not that big of a deal.

 

[Ed_T]

Good to hear from another -03 4Runner owner (well, relative..). Ours bot new in early 2003, used mainly for commuting, yielding 21-22 highway consistently since new (and not babying it)

2003 SE
4.0L
4 speed automatic,etc.
was about $32 or 33k new

In 176,+++ miles:
-brake pads & turns a few times
-new exhaust tailpipe up to muffler
-new front hub driver's side
-replaced rusted tranny radiator line
-most required maintenance done
---everthing else is original and shows no immediate signs of doom.

Tranny still shifts like new, engine burns zip and feels great, the seats are still supportive, firm, and undistorted. Does not in any way feel clapped-out, like so many other badges are prone to do.

There's nothing junky about it. I hear the new gen has been trimmed alot, good luck with those.

That's really about it. Shows no signs of decay other than:
-normal wear and tear
-a couple small rust bubbles on the tailgate
-I shoved foam into sunroof corner to stop incessant rattling
-right taillight bulb socket needs tightening every six months
-for about six months (this ended a couple months ago) the engine, VSC, etc. dash lights would suddenly come on while driving. We would wait a couple weeks and everything would reset itself, then a week later it would repeat.

I'd buy this rig again without hesitation. What I like about Toyota's is the lack of drama.

 

[addyguy]

You said:

"Oil changes are about once a year or 10K miles with Mobile 1 EP. It has never used a drop. We use Toyota filters. I think this is too long but my Father thinks otherwise and its his money. This just wears me out and I think it should be changed 2500 sooner."

10k/one year changes on M1 EP are perfect. This is what it is made for. Don't worry about it!

 

[silvert4r]

'04 4Runner Limited here, thought I'd add my experience.

161K Km
4.0L V6
4-Speed Auto


I love driving this truck, it's solid and handles well for a SUV, Engine never consumes oil, and tranny still shifts like factory new. It gets driven hard, lots of short trips for business use, and long road trips on the occasional weekend. OC's are easy I don't even need to lift the truck. The oil filter is on top of the engine bay. Pretty much everything still works and functions with the exception of the rear wiper (details below)


Mine had the infamous 4Runner axle wrap jerk, which was easily remedied by loading the rear shaft with grease. I top-up the grease through the zerks every OC and this problem hasn't come back yet.


Also had an erratic problem where the Check Engine light and VSC light would come on every couple months without any reason. I finally found the problem, turned out one of wires for the running board lights had corroded and triggered a false signal. Wiring was replaced and heat shrinked triple layered and problem hasn't come back after nearly a year.

Had an odd problem one day where the remote entry would not work, went to get the spare and it didn't work either. Turned the truck on and the dash controls were very erratic, as if the alternator was toast, which it wasn't. After a few minutes found out the dome light fuse had blown. Replaced it and everything went back to normal. Really weird problem to say the least.


Apparently these trucks come with a maintenance light which I've never seen triggered, EVER, it must not have been enabled from the factory. Not that I need an idiot light anyway LOL Just thought it was a little interesting.


The Tire Pressure Monitoring System, although problem free thus far will be a [censored] at some point down the road, as the battery in each sensor is apparently not replaceable. $100 a pop . Good news is there's a work around where you can ground one wire from the TPMS control unit and it will trick the unit into thinking all the tires are properly inflated, so the TPMS light won't get triggered on the dash.


Rear wiper is pretty much useless now, apparently a common problem on these trucks. The motor is fine and works , the problem is the arm is worn and not enabling the blade to contact the rear windshield properly. I might just try bending it before I go buy a new arm.


Repairs to date: brake pads (once), front right caliper, one set of tires, one set of spark plugs, front left running board light assembly, most recently the battery (original lasted 7 years).


All in all a great vehicle that has served me well, I'd buy another.

We just came back from a 6000km 12-day road trip through Atlantic Canada and not a single hiccup.

 

[nomochevys]

Originally Posted By: addyguy
You said:

"Oil changes are about once a year or 10K miles with Mobile 1 EP. It has never used a drop. We use Toyota filters. I think this is too long but my Father thinks otherwise and its his money. This just wears me out and I think it should be changed 2500 sooner."

10k/one year changes on M1 EP are perfect. This is what it is made for. Don't worry about it!



Im glad you approve. It just seems too long to me. We have never had an oil analysis done but I know Mobile EP is good stuff. Its just hard to let the miles go for me. I cant afford to pay that much for oil in my cars so I guess that is part of it.

The Runner is still performing perfectly. Tires, tuneup, and a timeing belt are around the corner. My parents have drove every new suv and cross over made including the new 4 runner and have yet to find one they liked any better so I expect we will put some money in this one and keep it on the road. I see no reason this truck will not go another 80 K miles or another 8 years. Other than the gas mileage its been a jewel.

Im sure at some point we will have some problems but as of right now we cant complain. Its certainly not like some of my Gm vehicles of the past that constantly haunted me. The short tripping concerns me because I think it accelerates wear and does not show up on the odometer. They short trip this truck to death literally. Trips to church and back that are only 3 miles ect.......

I can see no real wear on the truck to speak of and its as reliable as the sun coming up so maybe I am over reacting. IN any event, its been a good one so far.