Used 2003 Toyota 4Runner Consumer Reviews
Used 4Runner for sale
What a great vehicle!
Headshaker, 10/19/2010
2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
My wife and I bought the v-8 primarily as her vehicle. Wow What a great car! Great in the snow, great all- wheel drive, great tow vehicle, and great kid hauler. My son finally talked my wife into selling it to him, so we've now bought a 2011 version. I hope it is as reliable, because we loved the 2003 model!
Not bad for a Japanese car
ToyotaGuy, 08/20/2009
updated 06/17/2024
2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought one of the first 2003 4Runners, SR5 with V8, before the V6 became available. Main reason for the purchase was the great powerful V8 and silky smooth ride. I still like it, but wished I had waited a couple of years and bought a used one, since the value dropped so quickly. The car is so reliable and well built, even after almost 7 years it seems like new, so I think that picking up a decent pre-owned one seems a pretty safe bet. Anyway, the 4Runner is not for tall people and it is not the most spacious SUV out there. If you have a big family, I would go for it's big brother, the Sequioa, or the Honda Pilot, if you don't need the V8 power. UPDATE: I think Toyota must have made a mistake designing the 4Runner. If all cars were like this, they wouldn't sell anything anymore. I bought mine in 2003 and it has been going strong for 21+ years and 165k commuter miles, no rattles or squeaks. There are only two minor things outside of regular maintenance that I had to repair. The power door locks started failing after 10 years, and I was able to fix them by cleaning the little motors. And the lumbar support air bladder gave up at some point, don't even remember when, never bothered to look into that. The engine is strong and super smooth, so is the original transmission. The car is so quiet, sometimes people ask me if this is an electric car. Well, not quite. Gas mileage is about 16 in the city and 19 on the highway, right as advertised, and not bad for a big V8. I did change the timing belt etc. at 90k, but am still on the original spark plugs! The mechanic recommended to keep them. I heard that the early models had rust issues, but here in California that has not been a problem. I am convinced that this car will outlive me, as long as it is maintained properly. Keep watching the used car ads, it may go up for sale in 20-30 more years :-)
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2003 Toyota 4Runner for sale near you
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- SR5 4dr SUVMSRP: $12,995792 mi away
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Toyota 4runner is the best
zach, 11/12/2017
2003 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
Bought my 2003 Sport Edition v8 toyota 4runner with 164000 miles on it. It now has 214000 miles on it. It has not been pampered. I spend most of my time off road. It has been on slick rock, sand, snow, mud, water and has powered through with ease. The only big expense was a routine timing belt change. Other than that I have not had one problem with it. Runs strong, no rattles, everything is solid, everything works, no electrical problems and the truck still looks brand new. I have a dog that is in and out and the seats still look brand new. I put a 2 inch leveling kit on it and have been able to be off road and not high center. Not one oil leak. I change my oil every 4000 miles and that'ts it. I plan on driving this until it dies. It will easily make 300,000 miles and still run strong. They are very pricey but well worth the money. The Toyota will out last any car you own. Biggest complaint I have is that I can't buy the exact same year/model brand new. My mom also has the exact same year and model. Not one problem with it. Hers has 190,000 miles on it and has not had one problem... Love the toyota 4runner. Gas mileage sucks but worth it. These people saying they get 23 miles/gallon with the v8 or the v6 are [non-permissible content removed] This thing also tows amazing.. I tow a 7000 pound boat with no problem. No swaying and no power issues.
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- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
No Complaints
No Complaints, 06/19/2009
2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 2003 4Runner SR5 V8 with 16,000 miles. It now has 105,000 miles and every mile has been a pleasure. This vehicle has only required normal maintenance. I have had no major problems or expenses. I will probably keep it until it turns 200,000 miles and still enjoy it. The V8 is silky smooth, the transmission is solid and trustworthy and this model still looks good.
fourteen years and counting
Tom Ferguson, 01/20/2018
2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
This 4runner must be one of the lowest cost to own vehicles of all time. Purchased new 14 years ago and love it even more today. Own a 2017 4wd pickup and a 2014 sedan but can't force myself to part with this 4runner.
- Performance