I actually noticed the 'oversized' 3rd Gen 4Runner mirrors long before I even noticed the 4runner itself. I was driving my 96 Explorer with the POS weird tilted mirrors and saw the 'comparable' 4Runner and though "DAMN that'd be nice"
I believe they are oversized for their class of vehicle, and they are shaped well. No unnecessary curves, etc. Just a large square(ish) mirror. That and large windows and a small C pillar makes for excellent visibility. Driving smaller cars is hard for me now because the mirror is shrunk in proportion to the vehicle. The 4Runner keeps it's dumbo ears and I love it.
I haven't done an actual measurement comparison, but I think they are as large as most full-sized SUV/truck mirrors.
The 1st Gen Sequoia is touted for having nice large mirrors but I feel like my '05's mirrors are actually smaller than my 4Runner. They definitely aren't shaped as nice. Way too rounded for the size of the vehicle so I feel I'm never 'spot-on' where I need to be.
I do use the little stick on mirrors and flipping love them, though. I use the 90deg corner mirrors on both sides. Took a day to get used to them, but well worth it.
Last edited by AntleredRuin; 01-13-2020 at 11:35 AM.
This! I started doing this a few years ago and it makes a huge difference!
It seems strange at first, but you quickly get used to it and then it seems wrong to not have the mirrors like this (i.e. you drive someone elses car)
It also makes it great at night so you don't have 3 mirrors blasting headlights into your eyes.
This! I started doing this a few years ago and it makes a huge difference!
It seems strange at first, but you quickly get used to it and then it seems wrong to not have the mirrors like this (i.e. you drive someone elses car)
It also makes it great at night so you don't have 3 mirrors blasting headlights into your eyes.
Thirded. If the mirrors are adjusted correctly, there are no blinds spots in a 3rd gen 4Runner. As soon as a vehicle clears a mirror, they are visible in the driver or passenger windows directly at your side.
Honda is phasing out the Lanewatch camera system... Honda Is Phasing Out LaneWatch in Favor of Blind-Spot Monitoring (our van actually has the blind spot radar instead, I prefer it - and the mirrors are large enough to be set correctly and not have significant blind spots anyway...)
-Charlie
__________________
'99 4Runner SR5 Auto - 4WD swapped
'89 Camry Alltrac LE 3S-GTE 5spd
'17 Chevy Volt Premier
'16 Honda Odyssey Elite
Previous: '88 Camry Alltrac LE 3S-GE BEAMS, 90 Camry 3S-GTE, 90 Camry DX, '03 WRX wagon, '08 Outback XT
@Cree.. I have to admit that when I saw you posted a video of how to adjust mirrors I thought to myself, I’ve been driving for 37 years, I KNOW how to adjust a mirror... but just to humor you, I watched the video and did exactly what he said. Guess what? No more blind spot! I’m Man enough to admit that I’m not always right. (Don’t tell the old lady) I even drive a truck for a living. Remember folks, you’re NEVER too old to learn something new. I will teach the kids and wife how to properly adjust the mirrors ASAP. Thank you kindly Sir for the information.
I watched the video and did exactly what he said. Guess what? No more blind spot!
Glad to have another convert!
At 6'2" tall, I often run out or am close to running out of adjustment room on the mirrors due to this 'trick' - sadly, car manufacturers build cars for the incorrect settings that most people use for their mirrors.
-Charlie
__________________
'99 4Runner SR5 Auto - 4WD swapped
'89 Camry Alltrac LE 3S-GTE 5spd
'17 Chevy Volt Premier
'16 Honda Odyssey Elite
Previous: '88 Camry Alltrac LE 3S-GE BEAMS, 90 Camry 3S-GTE, 90 Camry DX, '03 WRX wagon, '08 Outback XT
I think the surf fenders have the blind spot mirror.
I put the fisheye mirror in the top far corner and that seems to work pretty good.
My surf has the fender mirror and it doesn't do anything for blind spots except directly in front of the bumper and straight down to the ground beside the front tire. Could get some motorcycle mirrors and put em on both fenders. Would look like hell but you'll get serious visibility
Drive a vehicle with NO windows and you quickly realize how important mirrors, good mirrors, really are. My "daily" is a 2018 Ford Transit cargo van, I don't even have windows in the back doors. I absolutely rely on the (huge) side mirrors there as there is no possible way to check my passenger side without them.
So I miss having a better view in other vehicles. I find them most useful for backing up though, knowing EXACTLY where your rear tires are is helpful. As a long time motorcyclist, I'm still doing frequent head checks because bike mirrors are worthless. No reason not to have both.
Shame that the best solution is still an add-on though.
This is true. I've driven big rigs for a few years now with no rear view mirrors at all. Now when driving the runner I find myself never using the rear view mirror.
The Surf's fender mirror is for the driver (on the right seat) to see what's directly beside but below the top of the LH fender. Toyota Japan calls it the Side-Under Mirror.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ryan and Jerri
My surf has the fender mirror and it doesn't do anything for blind spots except directly in front of the bumper and straight down to the ground beside the front tire. Could get some motorcycle mirrors and put em on both fenders. Would look like hell but you'll get serious visibility
@Cree.. I have to admit that when I saw you posted a video of how to adjust mirrors I thought to myself, I’ve been driving for 37 years, I KNOW how to adjust a mirror... but just to humor you, I watched the video and did exactly what he said. Guess what? No more blind spot! I’m Man enough to admit that I’m not always right. (Don’t tell the old lady) I even drive a truck for a living. Remember folks, you’re NEVER too old to learn something new. I will teach the kids and wife how to properly adjust the mirrors ASAP. Thank you kindly Sir for the information.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Good deal man. It does take a bit to get used to but you won't go back once you do. The trade off is backing into things you have to reposition yourself or the mirrors to see your corners. You go forwards more than reverse though, so I guess it's a small trade.
Linear Mode
