Dianne's SoCal all new 2010 4Runner availability - cars coming soon!

[Dianne]

Hey there gang - looks like the all new 2010 4Runners are coming in soon!

My very first 4Runner coming is a 4WD LIMITED in magnetic gray with black interior (the details show it as black/terra cotta) and it's well equipped, like all Limiteds will be. It will also have a 3rd row seat that's a 50/50 split fold.

Options will be

Limited 3rd Row Seat Leather-Trimmed 50/50 Split Fold-Flat Third-Row Seating and Sliding Second-Row with Passenger Side One-Touch
Walk-in Function and 3rd Row Curtain Shield Airbags (Standard Sliding Rear Cargo Deck is deleted)

Navigation System & Back-Up Camera Voice-Activated Touch-Screen DVD Navigation System with JBL AM/FM/MP3 4-disc CD Changer with 15 Speakers,
Integrated XM Radio with NavTraffic (Includes 90-Day Trial Subscription), USB Port with iPod Connectivity, Hands-
Free Phone Capability and Music Streaming via Bluetooth Wireless Technology, Steering Wheel Audio Controls, and
Integrated Backup Camera (Deletes Mirror Integrated Backup Camera Monitor)

and with mats, I estimate the MSRP @ $43,500.

If you are hungering for a new 4Runner, I would imagine we will have more over time, all sorts of different models thru the winter and into spring... if you'd like this rig or need something different, just whistle... into your phone and call me at my numbers below, or drop me an email!

[Coal Dragger]

Meh. No V8 = FAIL.

[RobXS]

$43K?? Wow! I could only hope that Toyota follows GM and puts a big sticker price then offers a $10 rebate.

[Dianne]

That's not too different that what its same V6 4WD Limited predecessor would have stickered for with a third row seat and NAV. This new one's got some serious interior space and loads of new features.
I like it! They will still keep production pretty low like the last few years. It's a great solution for when a Highlander is too small (and not rugged looking enough) and when a Sequoia is too large.

[brtn540]

Why no V8? I would consider getting a 4runner again (had two in the past) but wasn't pleased with the power of the v6.

[Dianne]

Hmm. Why so opinionated about a vehicle that you have not seen in person or driven? I sure don't think that's a good way to come at these sorts of issues. And, if you check it out at toyota.com you'll see it's got plenty of power and torque.

[Coal Dragger]

Originally Posted by Dianne

Hmm. Why so opinionated about a vehicle that you have not seen in person or driven? I sure don't think that's a good way to come at these sorts of issues. And, if you check it out at toyota.com you'll see it's got plenty of power and torque.

You are a complete Kool-Aid drinker, I know it is your job, but seriously you can express some disappointment too. We won't tell your boss.

We don't need to drive the damn thing to know basically what it will do performance wise. You can plug in the numbers easily enough on horsepower, weight, altitude, and gearing on many 0-60 and 1/4 mile calculators. What you will come up with is a marginal 0-60 time of the high 7 second to mid 8 second range for the 0-60 sprint, and a piss poor 16 some odd second 1/4 mile time trapping maybe 90-92 mph.

So let us look at those numbers. First of all the 4Runner gained about 400-500lbs, this doesn't help at all. To compensate the V6 was made more powerful, which is fine but in order to do that Toyota had to move the peak torque up to 4,400 RPM's, and it is still only 278lb-ft; which is trying to move a 4,805lb truck in a 4X4 Limited. That is marginal power at best for a vehicle of that weight. To make matters worse it doesn't really make much twist in the lower to middle RPM range around 2,000-3,600 RPM's where most drivers will spend most of their time. Put any kind of weight (like 4 adults and all their luggage/camping gear) in the vehicle and you have a gutless dog. Don't even bother looking at towing a 5,000lb trailer, it will do it but it will not be happy about it. So loaded down that V6 is going to have one hell of a time pulling long steep grades at highway speeds. Not exactly an endearing performance trait. This could have been helped a bit with a 6 speed auto with a wider range of gearing to help keep the engine in it's power band, but alas Toyota is only giving us the 5 speed auto.

What this vehicle needs is the new 4.6L V8 and the 6 speed auto that lives behind it. More gears (steeper on the low side, and slightly taller up top) and 327lb-ft at only 3,400 RPM's is way way more useful than 278lb-ft at 4,400 RPM's. In fact with that kind of twist on tap that low more moderate throttle inputs would get more work done resulting in pretty much equal fuel consumption. Notice on the Tundra that the 4.6L V8 is not all that far off the 4.0L V6 in fuel economy, and I know which one we would all pick if limited to those two motors.

Oh well I guess the 4.6L V8 is going to be a Lexus GX 460 only item, so we can all pay $15K more to get the same basic platform with the power it should have anyway.

[canddmeyer]

Dianne. Toyota screwed up. I have the V6, and it's fine for 90% of what I do. Loaded it'll do the speed limit, but push it and itsa dog at elevation. If I got another 4Runner, it would have a V8 or I would purchase something else. Also, giving only the 2010 Limited awd capability and not the Trail or SR5 models is a takeaway from the 2003-2009 models where all the V6 4x4 models had awd capability.

So good luck selling these, but don't order many as they probably won't move. The V6 is just a little more useful than the 3rd row, which is useless. The mandatory (useless for me) sunroof on the high end models keeps me out of the more expensive and luxurious Limited. No heated outside mirrors except on Trail models is dumb too. The base model Sequoia has heated mirrors, so why not the 4Runner? Like you've read, Toyota screwed up bigtime. Right now a V8 2009 is a must have for many buyers over the 2010.

[Coal Dragger]

Looks like the Nissan Pathfinder will be stealing some sales. You can get the 5.6L V8 in that at least.

[brtn540]

Obviously I'm not buying the SUV for its fuel economy so if Toyota is going to do it then do it right and have a 5.7V8 model.

[MrTom]

I do not agree with beating up on Diane as some have done. None of us here for that and believe it is uncalled for. In fact it is banned in some forums. Sure she is a sales person but those who have purchased from her know she is fair,no nonsense,will get you the best deal possible and will do her best to get you the vehicle you want. Have not met any other Toyota agent who will attempt to special order for you instead of pushing what is on the lot.

At the same time some very good comments have been made expressing dissatisfaction with the way Toyota has set up the 5Th gen 4Runner. Hopefully some of this will get back to the Toyota execs and some positive changes will be made during the year or for 2011. On the initial intro of the 2003, Toyota opted to use the gray cladding which was dropped mid year due to unfavorable comments by potential purchasers. Hopefully we will see a V-8 in Jan 10 when the new GX-470 is introduced with the larger V-8.

When my local dealer gets some 2010's in I plan to go look and express my dissatisfaction with the current setups and hope many others will do the same. I want a V-8 with full time 4WD,no leather, no sunroof, no gray cladding. Until then I am happy with my 03', it has run flawlessly for 80+K.

[Coal Dragger]

Sorry I called you a Kool-Aid drinker Dianne, that was uncalled for.

However, the spec sheet on the new 4Runner is still a let down.

[Only Toyota for me]

Originally Posted by Coal Dragger

Sorry I called you a Kool-Aid drinker Dianne, that was uncalled for.

However, the spec sheet on the new 4Runner is still a let down.

I think i'm with you on the no v-8 situation. How stupid of toyota to actually beleive a 4-cyl would provide better mileage in a 5k lb rig. Duh...
I would venture to say the 4.6L v-8 in the runner would get equal to or better than the 4.0 v-6 if driven the same way.
I know our 07 with the 4.0 gets 21-22 at best on the hiway when i try. And from what i've read, the v-8 gets pretty close to the same.

So everybody please; get this across to toyota and hopefully the 4.6L will be in the 2011 model.

[MM1281]

Originally Posted by canddmeyer

Dianne. Toyota screwed up. I have the V6, and it's fine for 90% of what I do. Loaded it'll do the speed limit, but push it and itsa dog at elevation. If I got another 4Runner, it would have a V8 or I would purchase something else. Also, giving only the 2010 Limited awd capability and not the Trail or SR5 models is a takeaway from the 2003-2009 models where all the V6 4x4 models had awd capability.

So good luck selling these, but don't order many as they probably won't move. The V6 is just a little more useful than the 3rd row, which is useless. The mandatory (useless for me) sunroof on the high end models keeps me out of the more expensive and luxurious Limited. No heated outside mirrors except on Trail models is dumb too. The base model Sequoia has heated mirrors, so why not the 4Runner? Like you've read, Toyota screwed up bigtime. Right now a V8 2009 is a must have for many buyers over the 2010.

Dianne is just trying to move trucks and nothing is wrong with that. Frankly, I wish I had somebody like her in my area I didnt have to fight with. Toyota has pushed me away because of arrogant dealers and quality in general that has slipped. They are no longer the poster boys of the auto industry but I will admit I have had excellent service out of my 4 Runner.

I have to agree with all of you that not offering the new 4.6 V8 and no six speed is a deal breaker for me. Gaining weight and losing the flat torque curve of a v8 was just stupid. Im really starting to wonder if Toyota is getting out of touch with some of us. You dont buy a 4 Runner for gas mileage. I bet the 2009 V8 Runners will be in higher demand than the 2010. Not a single thing is wrong with my 03 and Im happy with it so I will just drive it.

[EVOL ARDNUT]

JUST don't buy them and tell TOYOTA why regarding 4.6 liter motor, oh and leave DIANE ALONE!

A 4 cylinder is a def no go in this heavy suv, bean counter decided that and not truck guy. That is for sure!