Going to test drive 4-Runner today, suggestions?

[Keego]

Just doing some preliminaries, I'm definatley buying in March, but I've been bored so I'm going to go test drive some stuff


Any suggestions? Would it really matter if I drove an automatic/stick early in the decision process? Try both?

I'm going to bring a CD, hopefully they'll have CD Players so I can hear how good the stock speakers are.

 

[HiTek21]

test drive the auto first see if you like it and how well the transmission responds and all if you're not satisfied check out the manual one too

 

[deerslayer]

bring your drivers license too i would test drive some other cool vehicles for the heck of it. why not, you're already there.

 

[NutBucket]

Get an impression of the overall package. Drive it hard. Push it a little and see how it responds. As I recall being told by a friend, the new 4Runner reminded him a lot of the 90 that he was replacing. Don't forget its only got ~180 hp or so. He said it just felt sluggish compared to the Pathfinder he ended up buying. Can you still get a 5speed with the v6 or are you relegated to the 4cyl? Another friend had/has a '00 4cyl and 5speed. When he put his foot into it (95% of the time) it felt downright peppy. Not a cousin of mine has a '01 Limited. I haven't taken a ride in it but my mom was thoroughly unimpressed with that truck and it was somewhere in the neighborhood of $37k.

These are just my observations; I could be wrong.

 

[Keego]

I want a V6, maybe a stick, that's not a big deal for me.


But I was looking at buying maybe a '95 model, since I'm a college student I doubt I could afford a '00.

 

[UNCjigga]

Speaking of, when will Toyota be releasing a new 4Runner? Isn't this the oldest model in their lineup (and on a pretty old body too?)

 

[richardycc]

get a '96 model if you can, it has the newer body style, diff engine, etc...toyota is coming out with an all new 4runner this year. I drive a '97 4runner, and gonna trade it in for a volvo xc90 when it is coming out.




pic of 2003 4runner


more pic

rich

 

[FelixDeCat]

If you really want to be happy consider Land Rover.

 

[NutBucket]

If you're getting a '95 then you absolutely must go with a v6 and 5speed. That v6 puts out a whopping 150hp. Its slower then molasses in January w/ the slush box.

 

[Keego]

Originally posted by: richardycc
get a '96 model if you can, it has the newer body style, diff engine, etc...toyota is coming out with an all new 4runner this year. I drive a '97 4runner, and gonna trade it in for a volvo xc90 when it is coming out.




pic of 2003 4runner


more pic

rich

I didn't like the model of the '96 but if it has a better engine ,obviously I'd want to get that.



land rover? HAHAHAHAHAHA I'm looking for $15000 and under price range

 

[PowerMac4Ever]

Check out 4x4Wire's Trailtalk 4Runner forums. It's a really good resource for all things 4Runner. Definitely give it a read.

The current cd player in the 4Runner doesn't do the stock speakers justice apparently. They sound OK to me, but I only have the tape-deck in my 4Runner. I just ordered a new cd headunit, so I'll see for myself if the quality really does get better.

The 2000 was the last 4Runner to have the 4 cylinder engine. The 2001 and 2002 4Runners only have the V6 and only have the automatic transmission. So for 1996-2000, you can get a 4cyl or 6cyl with either manual or auto.

Good luck..

 

[PowerMac4Ever]

oh yeah, the redesigned 4Runner should be out later this as the 2003 model. Apparanlty it's going to be based off of the same platform as the new Lexus SUV. I'm not sure where they're going to be built though. Also, there's a rumor that the 4Runner might get the 4.3L V8 that's in the higher-end Lexus sedans instead of the Tundra 4.7L V8.

 

[vi edit]

$15,000 can get you a two or three year old fully loaded Jeep Grand Cherokee, or a pretty well loaded 2 year old "normal" Cherokee.

 

[bUnMaNGo]

one thing to watch out for on '96 and '97 4runners is the rear taillight bulb- Two of my friends used to have 4runners, and those things go out for no reason whatsoever every so often I'm talking about a couple in a year. I've seen dozens on the road as well that have this problem. I don't know whether this is a problem that Toyota has addressed in later models but just a warning for you.

 

[NikPreviousAcct]

don't go over 55 around a corner
don't go faster than 60
don't scratch the paint
don't break too hard
don't flip the truck
don't die
kill the salesman if he goes with you - we will all thank you later for your public service
double-clutch and floor it right from the line
power shift
speed shift
don't flick a lit cigarette out the window
try to stay between the lines - the lines are our friends
but if you don't stay between the lines, to fscking apesh|t and drive through incoming traffic
pick me up a Mountain Dew and drop it off here on your way
turn up the stereo and ghetto-blast talk radio / classical
hit the breaks, spin the wheel and hold it, then floor it again at highway speeds to see how many cars you can miss
drive through parkinglots looking for innocent shopping carts to murder

 

[AU Tiger]

How much is too much for mileage on a 4Runner? My local Toyota dealer has a 1996 4Runner Limited - Black, 5spd, Leather, etc for $10,500, but it has 150K miles on it.

 

[NutBucket]

That's too high IMHO.

 

[Cattlegod]

buy domestic, our economy and vehicle manufactures need it.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
$15,000 can get you a two or three year old fully loaded Jeep Grand Cherokee, or a pretty well loaded 2 year old "normal" Cherokee.

$15000 will get you a 2000/2001 cherokee pretty easily. I paid $12500 for my 1999.

 

[vi edit]

buy domestic, our economy and vehicle manufactures need it.

If he buys used, then it doesn't matter what he gets. Toyota gets no money back out of the deal, with the exception of possibly parts from service.