Can '08 be fitted with advanced safety tech?

[4RunnerFan]

I love my T4R, but also love the advanced safety tech features on my wife's 2018 vehicle. Includes blind spot monitoring, 360 degree surround camera and adaptive cruise control.

Is there a way to add those features to a 2008 T4R Limited that already has the factory backup camera? Are there shops that do this kind of thing? The thought of getting rid of my baby to get these features kinda hurts, if you know what I mean.

 

[duffdog]

I guess I have a different view of "safety tech". If you have a 4th gen 4runner, you have the best safety tech available - that being a fully boxed, reinforced 8x5" 10 gauge steel frame. You can pretty much ram anything and everybody else in all other cars will die except you in an accident. What more do you need?

 

[JVC8790]

It's only money right? I'd talk with a reputable 12v shop in your area and they should be able to advise on cameras, parking sensors, etc. There may even be stuff out there to retrofit adaptive cruise or others, and at the end of the day, it's only money you'd be losing.

 

[4RunnerFan]

Oh yes, indeed, I know it will be pricey. But this gen of 4Runner is so worth it. I am now in my 70s and really appreciate the safety features of my wife's vehicle. Have looked at new vehicles, but nothing comes close to my 4Runner, including the 5th gen.

 

[sumday]

I guess I have a different view of "safety tech". If you have a 4th gen 4runner, you have the best safety tech available - that being a fully boxed, reinforced 8x5" 10 gauge steel frame. You can pretty much ram anything and everybody else in all other cars will die except you in an accident. What more do you need?

unless the frame is rotting apart and everyone dies

 

[simple]

I guess I have a different view of "safety tech". If you have a 4th gen 4runner, you have the best safety tech available - that being a fully boxed, reinforced 8x5" 10 gauge steel frame. You can pretty much ram anything and everybody else in all other cars will die except you in an accident. What more do you need?

I get it. You’re not wrong on the frame. But let’s be real, new tech isn’t just gimmicks. My wife’s Prius saved us from injury and financial ass pain the other day. We were taking our dog to the dog park and she looked away for a second and I was looking out the window and the vehicle in front of her came to a complete stop and the car took over braked before she could react.

I’m with the OP, I’d love to integrate newer tech into my 08 too. The real sad part is that our 4th gens aren’t all that behind 5th in terms of safety. I installed a back up cam and turn signal mirrors covers on my 08, and it’s about up to speed as a 2018.

 

[Ed_C]

Blind-spot monitoring and 360deg camera systems are already available as aftermarket add-ons.

Adaptive cruise control, doubt an add-on will ever happen. Besides engine controls these systems also tie into the braking system...I don't think any aftermarket manufacturers want to delve into that for liability concerns.

 

[drewj]

I guess I have a different view of "safety tech". If you have a 4th gen 4runner, you have the best safety tech available - that being a fully boxed, reinforced 8x5" 10 gauge steel frame. You can pretty much ram anything and everybody else in all other cars will die except you in an accident. What more do you need?

This is why I bought my 2005 4Runner. One fine day I was driving my 6 month old 2004 Audi A4 to work, when a woman in a 4Runner who wasn't looking didn't realize traffic had stopped. She hit me at about 50 MPH and it totaled my Audi. Bent the frame and caused me to have spinal surgery a few years later. Everyone in the 4Runner was fine.

Got my insurance settlement and bought myself a 4Runner. That thing had some damage, but wasn't totaled.