Hi,

I am considerring upgrading my 4Runner v6 Sport Edition to a V8 - 04. I want to have the Nav system option. Does any one know for sure if I can get the factory Nav. on a V8 Sport? It looks as though I have to have the Ltd to get Nav. If that's the case, can I have the sport suspension? Has anyone tried the rear-air option on the V8 Ltd? Is it worth it & how does it compare with the Sport suspension?

Am I going to miss the Sports suspension from the V6 if I get a regular V8 Ltd?

Thanks very much.

Jon.

It is true, you have to get a LTD to get NAV, but you can get the Xreas (sport suspension) in a LTD. Just not in southern California! I spoke with Toyota about this, they said the distributors in the are just didn't order LTDs with Xreas. You can get LTDs with Xreas in other parts of the country (Colorado for example). I have driven my SE with Xreas and a LTD without Xreas for thousands of miles. There is a noticable difference. Xreas really helps and I think is an option not to miss.

You can always get a SE V* and put in an aftermarket DVD/Nav System. Probably for cheaper than you could do a factory installaton.

SE V8 I mean. Small Typo :)

Jon_d,

I just finished the same decision. Maybe what I found/thought can help you decide.

I was going for the 04 Limited V8 with Nav, X-REAS, Rear air shocks. After extensive efforts to find one and compare, I went with 04 Limited w/o Nav, X-REAS or Rear air shocks.

Go with the V8! More reliable, 320ft-lbs vs 282ft-lbs torque even though 10 less hp-torque is king, only 1 mph less than V6. And when you need to step it down for a merge or whatever, it snaps to attention... you know the feeling! Also, V8 comes with 5 speed tranny vs V6's 4 speed.

Here are my reasons.

1. Very hard to find with all options. When found, added almost $5k to price. I was buying one at invoice, other about $300 above plus some bogus $300 fee.

2. Nav has some disadvantages.
a. Only get updates from Toyota for about $250, with major update about every 2 years. Not many people know much about it. Some updates on Ebay for around $85 *with override* What is an override? See next item.
b. Nav system has some annoying items. First, you must answer "I agree" every time you start your car (so I've read, same as Lexus). Second, you have extremely limited functionality when car isn't stopped. Apparently, many of the buttons gray out as unavailable, which prevents your passenger from entering, updating, etc your trip. This is an extreme very of lawyer-ism... Search for Toyota Nav override on Google to see some other opinions.
c. MAJOR changes on the horizon for Nav systems, probably within next year for US. New enhanced services, etc. Fear lack of support/feature upgrades in end-of-life system.
d. My laptop based 2004 Street Atlas USA from Delorme with Earthmate GPS receiver $129 and EXCELLENT! Can upgrade it to wireless bluetooth, etc. Other better options available in my opinion, too. Size of screen also major issue- small screen.
e. Radio with Nav option is WITHOUT 6-CD changer. I could add it back in, but not sure where it would be (trunk maybe, or something I don't know)

3. X-REAS is apparently very nice, but more helpful for higher speed off-roading. I want to be able to go in bad weather, around the farm, etc but nothing extreme. I wanted it, but the availabiliy was low and was lower priority than other options.

4. The rear air I thought would be nice for towing leveling, etc. What I read in my manual: High mode is 1.6 inches higher than normal mode, Low mode is 0.8 inches lower than normal mode. Seems like a LOT of $ for 2.4inches of adjustment. Maybe the ride is better? Mine rides beautifully without. If the availability was better, maybe... I don't think I'll miss it.

FYI. You can get both rear air suspension and X-REAS in same vehicle (at least I was able to specify, I didn't actually drive one).

I got the color I wanted with all the other options (6-CD changer, power sunroof, lighted running boards, leather, all the Limited goodies:-) much faster and saved $. I will add my own GPS or an aftermarket, not decided yet.

Anyway, this was my reasoning, but it is a personal decision. If the availability is good and you like the way the other version looks, feels, rides, etc and you are happy with the deal you can make, go for it. As one very happy owner, I can say I am satisfied and think this was the way to go.

BTW, I also looked at the Sport, but once you add the options, the Limited is a better deal and easier to find with most of the options. I really didn't care about leather and thought I might save $, but with the bundled packages, the Limited worked out better and really shouts the features and reasons why we spent $37k on a vehicle. It really looks and feels like you got your money's worth.

Long post, but big decision...

I also went with my first lease. Always purchased before, but Toyotas keep their value (helps from being screwed like most leases), no disposition (turn in) fees at end of lease, and cheap purchase at end if you want. In my case, about $4k more than straight financing over 48 month term, but payments for purchase about 40% higher. All with first payment and tags down.

Good luck.

-John