| Author | Message | ||
     Todd Card (Tkcard) New Member Username: Tkcard Post Number: 16 Registered: 10-2003 |
For financial reasons, I'm considering trading my 03 DII SE on a 2000 4Runner Limited. I understand that the 4Runner has IFS and drum brakes in back. Aside from these things, what am I giving up in terms of off-road capability? The 4Runner has CDL and a rear locker, neither of which I have now. I would appreciate thoughts/advice. Thanks. | ||
| Ho Chung (Thediscoho) Moderator Username: Thediscoho Post Number: 572 Registered: 02-2002 |
the 4runner is a great vehicle. but there's no love there. no magic.  Ho Chung | ||
| Jaime Crusellas (Jaime) Member Username: Jaime Post Number: 235 Registered: 05-2003 |
Todd, It all depends on the kind of wheeling you do. At some point, the IFS is going to be less capable offroad than the solid axle. Yet, there are a whole lot of people that wheel with IFS who would disagree. Ive seen guys wheeling a D1 with CDL and lockers vs a DII with CDL and ETC. At the end of the day, they were abaout the same in capabilities. So if your DII only has ETC, the 4 runner should perform better. However, due to the IFS, it may get hung up in places where the superior articulation of the DII and its solid axles would not. But from what you're saying, if its for financial reasons, you may also want to consider earlier year discos, as their resale value is very attractive for a buyer. | ||
| Jaime Crusellas (Jaime) Member Username: Jaime Post Number: 236 Registered: 05-2003 |
Ho, That is true. I have to admit that I'm in love with my disco. | ||
| Todd Card (Tkcard) New Member Username: Tkcard Post Number: 17 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks guys, that's exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for. Ho's comment seems right on, I knew that the moment I stepped in the 4Runner to test-drive it. I've thought about an earlier Disco, but my concern there is reliability versus the 4Runner. | ||
| Peter J. Kelly (Pjkbrit) Member Username: Pjkbrit Post Number: 77 Registered: 05-2003 |
Try and find a way to keep the Disco...you will be depressed driving anything else and everytime you see another Disco on the road it'll piss you off as you sneak by in some soulless awd box on wheels. | ||
| Paul D. Morgan (V22guy) Dweb Lounge Member Username: V22guy Post Number: 2473 Registered: 02-2002 |
LOL! I bought a new '04 4Runner. This thing is smooooth, has power, a built in inverter, and Toyota relability. BUT; I bought it for my wife. We drove the full-blown limited 4x4 V-8 with locking CDL version. Unbelievable. BUT; it seemed too nice to take off road. Keep the D2. | ||
| Ho Chung (Thediscoho) Moderator Username: Thediscoho Post Number: 573 Registered: 02-2002 |
trade in the 03 for the 04. Ho Chung | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 1054 Registered: 09-2002 |
Paul, My sister bought an 04 4Runner Limited as well. Very nice truck and I love the power of it but did you find that you couldn't feel the road with it? It's a lot longer than my D1...first time I drove it, I felt like I was driving a train at first, mind you a very smooth fast train. But yea, too nice to wheel. | ||
| Glenn Guinto (Glenn) Senior Member Username: Glenn Post Number: 819 Registered: 02-2002 |
I don't know if you really are getting an advantage financially on that decision. You'd be surprised on how much your 03 Disco had already depreciated and how much a decently loaded 4 runner will set you back. IMHO. Glenn | ||
| Todd Card (Tkcard) New Member Username: Tkcard Post Number: 18 Registered: 10-2003 |
Glenn Good point, my Disco took a huge hit. But I found a nice 4Runner at a good price from a local ••••••• who who will give me a decent trade. The savings would be real money to me right now. | ||
| Bob Shinn (Bshinn) New Member Username: Bshinn Post Number: 38 Registered: 01-2004 |
Forget the 4runner, for that kind of cash you could get into a low mile 96-97 FZJ-80 w/factory lockers & straight axles. You might have to be wiling to travel to find one though | ||
| justin monnin (Ineedthissale) New Member Username: Ineedthissale Post Number: 32 Registered: 12-2003 |
a sportage is cheep and good on gas ..... lol dont give up the dico that is y you r here | ||
| Matt Anderson (Disco01) Member Username: Disco01 Post Number: 198 Registered: 10-2003 |
Well I wouldnt trade my Disco and I would not recommend you do, but I will give you two sides to the argument. First of all, you cant compare a 03-04 model the a 96-02. It is like comparing a 95-02 Range Rover with the 03-04. 4Runners are reliable and good looking in limited trim with the overfenders. But, they have a very narrow center console, seats low to the floor, and one dirty little secret--the 3.4 is just as prone to developing valve problems as the Rover motors. Idler Arm braces often break on them if they are used off road, and alternator life seems to be about six years. I have also hears a lot of them blow head gaskets before 100K if coolant has not been changed at the correct intervals. Here is my advice if you insist on trading it, get a 01-02 Isuzu Trooper. A lot more Disco like feel and much more reliable than about anything out there. A buddy of mine works for a local dealer (Ted Russell) and told me they are as trouble free as anything. Dont confuse them with the Rodeos, however those things are "built like crap." He owns a red 97 with a 3" Calmini lift and 285s. My sister owns a 99 with 90K and has never had a single thing wrong. Seriously. Pick a low mileage 01 one up with all the goodies for about 16k. They have more power than the 4Runner and a 4/50 bumper to bumper and 10/120 powertrain. Of course, I would keep the Disco, but definitely not get a 4Runner. I will clarify, I think they are fine trucks and fairly priced new, but they arent worth what the second hand market commands. | ||
| James Hamilton (Rocknroll) New Member Username: Rocknroll Post Number: 7 Registered: 01-2004 |
Do what Bob says and forget the 4Runner and get a 95-97 Land Cruiser, or later model if you don't mind IFS. Trooper? Pleeeeeaaaase. Weak axles, weak drivetrain. Come on. Good for on road, but if you ever get after it off road: snap, crackle, pop. | ||
| Todd Card (Tkcard) New Member Username: Tkcard Post Number: 19 Registered: 10-2003 |
Thanks guys. I think I'm talked out of the 4Runner idea. A Land Cruiser seems like a great alternative... | ||
| Bob Shinn (Bshinn) Member Username: Bshinn Post Number: 43 Registered: 01-2004 |
Check out Ih8mud.com & cruizers.com great bunch of guys & tons of info. | ||
| Jeffery Joel Smith (Wolfman) New Member Username: Wolfman Post Number: 16 Registered: 09-2003 |
I had a 4-runner for 11 years (1990 to 2001). Traded it in for my 1st disco. No comparison for me! My 02 Disco was a much better car on and off road. Even with lockers, I seem to be able to do more with the disco, including those honey do errands around town. I do miss the tailgate on the old 4-runner though. The 02 was replaced with an 04 disco last month though. I like it even more. Yea, I know I got soaked on 02 but I'm happier! | ||
| Geoff 93 RRC (Geoff) Member Username: Geoff Post Number: 236 Registered: 11-2002 |
We have a '99 Trooper and it is a fantastic vehicle and value. Great off road, beefy boxed frame construction, all modern technology. My wife loves it. It doesn't have the character of the RRC we have (or the Disco we used to have), but is in a completely different class in terms of maintenance care and feeding. However I can't see how buying either a Trooper or a 4Runner will not cause you to take a huge depreciation loss. I would refinance your balance. Shop around. | ||
| Joe M. (Little_joe) Senior Member Username: Little_joe Post Number: 300 Registered: 11-2002 |
Matt, these are some interesting points - I'm curious about your source? "and one dirty little secret--the 3.4 is just as prone to developing valve problems as the Rover motors" I personally have not heard of any 3.4 engines in the 4R or Tacoma developing valve problems (I've been running a huge Toyota forum for 4+ yrs now), and this certainly is not a trend. These engines are living up to their predecessors in terms of reliability and longevity - even when supercharged. "Idler Arm braces often break on them if they are used off road" That's curious. The 1996 - current 4R's don't even have idler arms. And the 1995-older 4R's didn't have idler arm "braces" anyway. "and alternator life seems to be about six years" Which is about 5 yrs longer than Rover. Again where did you get this? joe | ||
| Tony Zuniga (Tony23007) Senior Member Username: Tony23007 Post Number: 279 Registered: 05-2003 |
I say try to 4Runner, if you like it keep it, if you don't sell it and get another Disco!!!! | ||
| Matt Anderson (Disco01) Member Username: Disco01 Post Number: 200 Registered: 10-2003 |
Joe, my parents next door neighbor is a real car nut. He swears the best vehicle ever made is his 1994 Ford Taurus with 230k on it, and chooses to drive it over his XK8 and 4Runner. Anyhow, he owns an engineering firm with his brother and they have had a hand in building a lot of the newer Japanese car plants here in the states. He feels this gives him an insider view. He tells me all kinds of stuff about the electrical problems the new Lexus vehicles have and how a lot of the newer Toyota sixes are having problems with deposits. As to the others, a buddy of mine has a 92 pickup and a 97 Runner. The 92 had the idler arm brace or whatever break and was told it was common--same story when his Runner blew a head gasket at 92K miles. He bought it used and ••••••• denied extended warranty becuase the coolant had not been changed at the correct interval by the previous owner. Probably a BS line, but I figure a mechanic would know what he is talking about. Joe--do you have a Rover? I did not see one in your profile. Why do you say LR alternators only last a year? I dont have the experience of running a forum or reading every post that is put on the board but obviosly that is my bad. I was simply repeating what I was told by people I would trust (not the toyo service rep). As to their predecesors, are you talking about the old 12 valve 3.0 or the 22RE? Oh and btw, the 96-02 4Runner with the 5VZFE (3.4V6) does use an idler arm (or equivalent), it is part #M3010-106705. The 3RZFE (2.4 I4) uses one too. The 96-02 does not use a conventional idler arm as it has rack and pinion steering. Go ask about it on the toyota forum. And btw, Toyota parts counters stock BG44K. | ||
| Skaramunga (Skaramunga) Member Username: Skaramunga Post Number: 55 Registered: 02-2003 |
does the queen mum ride in a toyota 4runner... | ||
| Micky_dee (Micky_dee) Member Username: Micky_dee Post Number: 60 Registered: 11-2003 |
the queen,s mom is dead! remember | ||
| Joe M. (Little_joe) Senior Member Username: Little_joe Post Number: 301 Registered: 11-2002 |
Hey Matt, I do own a Rover - 1996 Disco. It's probably been the worst ownership experience I've had in terms of repairs, reliability, and general quality. None of the 1996- newer 4Runners have idler arms, period. None. They all have rack and pinion steering. The 1995-older vehicles had idler arms with their traditional worm-gear/centerlink steering. None of the 1996+ 4R's have the 2.4L either - they have either the 2.7 I-4, 3.4L V6, or the new 4.0L V6 and 4.7L V8 for 2003-current. I was just kinda curious. Having been in the Toy world for 8 yrs now and running around w/ Toy owners and helping people out online and in real life, I just haven't seen these problems at all. I have my original idler arm on my 94 truck w/ 120k miles, 33's, and plenty of wheeling. The bushings wear over time, but breaking them is rare. Regardless, this is a Disco Forum, I was questioning some of the statements so the original poster could get a better balance. I'm certain that if he asked this on our 4R Forum, there'd be a ton of misinformation about Discos. Ah, the internet.......... ;) joe | ||
| R. B. Bailey (Rover50987) Senior Member Username: Rover50987 Post Number: 724 Registered: 07-2002 |
For financial reasons? The 4runner is only about $3k less than an '04 SE7 - at least at the auto show last night the 4Runner Limited was $41k, the Disco was $45k, the LandCruiser was $52k. The difference in MPG was only slight also. Does the 4Runner actually have a "locker" in the rear, because my dad just bought a Tundra crew cab and it has a 30/70 locker (or maybe 60/40) In other words, a semi-locking diff is quite different from a fully locking diff, especially when it is automaticly actuated. | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 1055 Registered: 09-2002 |
I think he's looking at a 2000 4Runner, not an 04 but yea an 04 4Runner Ltd has crossed over into the Disco price range. But no, they don't have axle lockers. My sister has an 04 V6 4Runner Ltd. and it just has the regular traction control. The V8 Ltd. has full time 4WD though but it still doesn't come with axle lockers. They are still very nice trucks and it's hard to argue against Toyota reliability but they just don't have any character. It's like driving any other SUV out there now. | ||
| Ho Chung (Thediscoho) Moderator Username: Thediscoho Post Number: 593 Registered: 02-2002 |
alan, more like a camry. Ho Chung | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 1056 Registered: 09-2002 |
Hehe...I should say that to my brother inlaw and see what he says. "Hey how's your new Camry?" | ||
| Ho Chung (Thediscoho) Moderator Username: Thediscoho Post Number: 594 Registered: 02-2002 |
don't do that alan, truth hurts badly. Ho Chung | ||
| James Hamilton (Rocknroll) New Member Username: Rocknroll Post Number: 8 Registered: 01-2004 |
No, the newest 4Runners do not have axle lockers. 93 - 97 Land Cruisers had them as an option; front and rear electric FULL axle lock, not a limited slip. Turn a dial on the dash, and your axles are fully locked. 98-99 Land Cruisers had a rear axle locker as an option, then from 2000 on an electronic traction control was standard. The rear axle locker option was discontinued. All Land Cruisers ever made have a center diff lock. Currently an electric rear axle lock is an option on Tacomas (with the TRD package). The newest 4Runner and Lexus GX470 are based on a Land Cruiser 120 series platform (the Prado) sold in other markets, i.e. Japan, South America, Australia, etc. | ||
| Jeff Plous (Sgtpeper) New Member Username: Sgtpeper Post Number: 14 Registered: 01-2004 |
Joe M, Which 4 runner board have you been running? Ive been looking for a good one lately - since my GF owns an 02 limited... | ||
| Joe M. (Little_joe) Senior Member Username: Little_joe Post Number: 302 Registered: 11-2002 |
Jeff, url is: http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=UBB13 You'll find a mature group there w/ excellent tech knowledge. We also have a full Toyota Section w/ articles: http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/ joe | ||
| Chris W. (Dcwhybrew) Member Username: Dcwhybrew Post Number: 145 Registered: 05-2003 |
Todd, I dont think (unless I missed it) anyone recommended selling your '03 and buying an older well maintained Disco 1 or RRC. Maybe something to consider?? Chris | ||
| Micky_dee (Micky_dee) Member Username: Micky_dee Post Number: 62 Registered: 11-2003 |
talk about taking a hit? try buying a new 58 foot express power boat. they drop 50,000.00 as soon as they hit the water, and keep dropping at a rate that would make your head spin. up to you with what you want to do. i mean if you cant afford it than you cant afford it. its that simple, if you ant got the doe than sell and get something that you got the money for? | ||
| Darryll Mills (Emnat) Member Username: Emnat Post Number: 79 Registered: 11-2003 |
My wife has the 4runner and I have the D1. She loves hers and I love mine. I spend most weekends working on mine keeping it runnung and hers has never had the hood up apart from changing the oil. The 4runner is very well made and is a great value. But at the end of the day I love my disco and she loves her 4runner. |
