I want one! Cant I have one please? I promise I'll take care of it. :) I might even wash it from time to time. LOL I think I've made my choice. I'm ditching my car (98 Chevy Malibu) in favor of an SUV. I know the Runner has a really good track record, and it's still being made. My other current choices were Isuzu Rodeo, Nissan Pathfinder and Mitsu Montero Sport...So here lies the problem... Isuzus use a lot of oil and rumor has it the entire line will be gone next year. Pathfinders are kinda cramped for my 6'2", 400 pound black ass. LOL And The Montero Sport? Lousy crash ratings and piss-poor resale value...Need I say more? So I want a 4Runner. Not as cramped as previously thought. Now comes the price problem...I'd love to have at least a 98, but I saw one the other day for like 18 grand...Well I still gotta eat. :) So my question is...are there any repair issues I should ultimately be concerned with before I delve into a purchase? I'd be perfectly happy with a V6, 2 wheel drive, I'd love a power seat and a sunroof, but dont care. My Malibu is going bubbeye. LOL Also...how's the aftermarket on the Runner? Goodies abound? Gadgets galore? A veritable smorgasboard of wallet emptying fun? ;) Brian http://www.n-body.net/registry/tbok

Hey Tbok, I remember you from the Malibu Garage Forum on Yahoo. I am danshonna(username). I had a white 97 Malibu that I fixed up. So, your switching to Toyota...good choice! I sold my 97 Malibu and bought a 2003 4Runner. Wow, what a pleasant difference. I love my truck! I also am 6'2", I can fit comfortably in my truck, but the seat has to be all the way back. My only regret is that it does not have a 3rd row seat. Other than that it is awesome. Good luck truck hunting. Dan

If you do get a used one, try to get the 4Runner with the 3.4 engine. I have a 2002. It's a very good truck. I have no complains so far. I have the 4x4 and I am putting a 3" lift on the truck with one size bigger mud tires. I put a Flowmaster 40 muffler on the truck, I gained 5 more horsepower. I also changed the airfilter to K&N. There are a lot of things you can do to a 4Runner. when you get one lemme know and I can hook u up with a few discussion groups that will let you read endless discussions about how to and what to for the 4Runners, any year. Good luck and congratulations on your very wise choice. Welcome to the 4Runner world. - Manuel 2002 4Runner Pictures: http://photoss.yahoo.com/mpampo

I don't like the looks on the 2003, i looked at em yesterday and it looked like a Nissan Exterra or something like that. Too much plastic, one of the trucks even have the side fender coming off. The inside dash is totally futuristic. I still like my 2002 over the 03, and I am putting a 3" lift with 275/75/R16 Mud tires. I will try to see if my 02 can go and do the mountain they show on the 03 advertisement. Wanna see what kind of terrains I've taken my 4Runner to? then go

Dude!! Hell yeah I remember you. :) to be honest I also kinda got tired of that group too cuz of the same old questions: "Where are the body kits, altezzas, etc..." Stuff that will never happen. I dont hardly go in there anymore. So anyways, yah, I'm lookin at Runners. I imagine I'll be getting like a 98 or so, I dont care what year it is so long as I can keep my payments decent. Not nearly done with my research yet, but figgered I was at least in the right place. I have an immediate interior question maybe someone can answer. The newer ones have that odd banana-shaped shifter, as opposed to the old T-bar styled one...Could I put that newer one on an older model? I can tell already my knee will be resting on the gearshift if it's in drive. My guess is it'd be easy, so long as it's not a model with overdrive. But still unsure. Any ideas? I'm really hoping I can afford to get a Runner tho cuz I know what I'm getting into...The idea of getting a Blazer cuz it's cheap...scares me. LOL Brian

I hafta admit...I kinda like the new design. Havent seen many on the road round here yet ('cept for the dealer), but they're getting close to that whole spaceship look...I know that scoop/dome on the hood is just for show, but it adds some bulk to the look. I notice that most Runners on the road have big tires...Sure it's an SUV, but they look bigger than like on a Tahoe or something. I imagine they give up a little gas milage maybe...Or a more cushy (Read:'Bouncy') ride. I still kinda like it tho. They did give it more interior room tho. Think maybe someone's starting to pay attention that we're a little soggy around the midsection and that we need more room. LOL Brian

Sorry but if I wanted an Xterra, I would buy me the Nissan. Toyota totally screwed up the 4runner this year. - Manuel 02 Thunder Cloud 3" lifted.