I just read a review of the revamped 2003 4Runner in Consumer Reports. They love the car! I'm going to buy it.

I was thinking about a Honda Pilot, but that car does not come with side curtain air bags, and it seems that the 4Runner does.

Question - should I see if I can get a good deal on a 2003, or wait until the 2004 comes out?

And are there any postings on this board as to what accessories I should get?

Bob

there are no changes for the 04. mid way thru the 03 model, they added the appearance pacakge (AP) as a standard so the 04's will have no changes. if you want the 03 without the AP then there are rebates for them (REAL GOOD ONES).

You should be able to get the 03 for invoice atleast or under. Don't buy if it's more than 500 over invoice because I've seen deals below invoice a few months ago.

if you're deciding between the pilot and 4runner, get what you feel fits best with your needs. each vehicle is different in it's own way and is useful in it's own way as well. if you plan to do any offroading, by all means get the 4runner because it's the best out there in it's price range. if you don't plan to do any offroading, then the pilot might be a better alternative.

good luck in your choices and don't forget you're visiting a toyota forum so expect to get some biased opinions <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

If you decide to wait, you'll probably be waiting until about November at the earliest.

Pilot wins against any mid size SUV in my book because it can seat 8 people. It has the magic disappearing rear seat. So if you fold the seat flat it's just like a regular SUV.



Both vehicles are good, however, the 4Runner is more for off road use. If you need a daily driver and have children the Pilot is the obvious choice with optional DVD syst.

Give us more info on what your primary use will be for your new vehicle.

You may also want to consider the new Lexus 330 and VW Toureg, very nice.

The main reason for getting an SUV is to protect my kids when they're being driven to school and after-school activities by the babysitter. Since there are a lot of SUVs in my community (they've really become part of the national landscape), I'm figuring that I've got to act in self-defense. If other people drive a big car, I want my kids to be protected in case of an accident - the bigger car wins.
So my main reason is safety.
I don't plan to do any off-roading.
I was seriously considering the Honda Pilot but it does not come with side-curtain air bags, nor can you order them as an option. You can get them on the 4Runner, so I'm thinking I'll trade the extra seats in the Pilot for the side-curtain air bags on the 4Runner.

Bob

Bob331,

Keep in mind you can only get the Side Curtain Airbags as an option on the fully loaded Limited. It is not standard, no matter what the literature says!!! I know a guy that has a 03 Limited (beautiful truck) and it does NOT have them.

My two cents