General Questions for Current Owners - Likes/Dislikes?

[simplemind]

My biggest dislike is the cruise control programming. If it is slightly below the set speed, it sometimes drops 2 gears and really over cranks it, often exceeding the set speed and then settling back down. .

May be corrected in programming??? I would ask your service rep.

 

[sandcrawler]

Someone turned left yesterday morning in front of our 96 4R and it just couldn't stop in time. It isn't looking good for the truck. It will probably be totaled out ...

ugh. sorry to hear about your '96. it sucks when the decision to let it go is made for you (by a careless ninny).

Annoyances/Missing: For those of you who have already purchased the 5th gen...what things have you found annoying (or missing features that you would have expected - I mean the little things) like heated mirrors, in glass antenna only, placement of buttons that are impractical, or things that you don't know until you actually own one, say certain functionality of electronics (this with that). I know there is no V8 but are there any major issues beyond this that you feel might be a deal breaker?

for me, on the whole i think my 2010 Trail is a huge improvement over my previous 2006 Sport. yes, it has heated mirrors... too much has been made of the mast antenna, really... and let's be real—the controls are way more intuitive than the 4G... *cough, cough* HVAC controls *cough, cough*

as you already know, honestly, the V8 and standard Torsen are the really big items. and it's a judgment call how much they really matter to you. i'm only nearing 4K miles now and i have to say the new V6 is getting better as it breaks in—it more than moves the 5G. and its tone at idle really does sound like a diesel which i enjoy. dealing with maine winters, i was initially bummed about giving up the Torsen, but i immediately put on a good set of tires (learned my lesson with the Dunflops) and doubt this winter will pose any serious obstacles. after all, my '93 had part-time 4WD and with a set of Goodyear MTRs i wasn't rowing in and out of H4—ever.

Dog owners: Sliding Cargo Tray + Dogs = Seems like disaster....anyone have any input on this?

i have a large dog (had two until recently, sadly) and no problems with the slideout to report. i keep an LL Bean dog blanket smoothed out in the back and the big guy is comfy and content. he goes from back-seat to cargo area as he pleases. i did remove the cargo-stop, however.

Fold flat seats/Camping: ... Any feedback on this one? aftermarket solutions?

as previously mentioned, it's trivial to remove the flip-up cargo-tray stop and it will then fold down flat for sleeping. at 5'8" it feels roomy! when i removed the stop i put the metal bracket with the hooks back on and leave the cargo net in place (under the dog blanket) for those occasions when i need it. toss in a halfway decent sleeping pad you'll be sawing wood in no time.

Wheels 20": for $%# sake....20" wheels for something that will see dirt...geez. :ybrick: And I though my 18's were bad. Has anyone been successful with getting 17's at the dealer before the purchase?

my experience with dealers is that it'll be a cold day in hades before they go switching out wheels for you (at no cost). i agree, the 20"s seem way out of place... best option is to switch with an interested forum member.

Factory Nav: I have a hybrid disc in my 07. The whole locked out NAV was annoying. I use it about once a month with a passenger. Do hybrid discs work on the 2010 nav...or are there other solutions aside from something like Prestige Society?

i like the nav personally, though it does have its annoyances. (gimped iPod interface being perhaps the most egregious.) hybrid discs don't work, but a couple of guys have installed those push-button defeaters that trick it into thinking the vehicle's stopped. i'm waiting for the folks who make the Toyota Lockpicks to support the 2010; this fall, they say...

Ok I am not trying to beat up on the 5th gen.....I also want to know the "good" stuff too ... What big things have you discovered that would also be a deal maker? Things you hadn't thought about until after you owned one.

for me, i suppose it's a "whole is greater than the sum of its parts" kind of thing. but if i had to itemize it in no particular order...

• exponentially improved exterior styling
• exponentially improved interior styling (with much more room)
• Optitron instrumentation
• better seats; water-resistant fabric
• more "truck-like" stance and ride from the factory
• LandCruiser trickle-down off-road goodies
• KDSS

 

[T2Cruiser]

I agree with the positive experiences of the TE owners above. I traded an FJ for mine and am not looking back. Loved the FJ, and ditto for the T4R TE! Little things like more room, 4-doors, you can see out of the back, center armrest, NAV , lumbar support, more comfortable overall , still a capable and similar wheeling machine.

Am I the only guy on this forum that likes the sliding tray? Suits me fine and have used its functionality several times.

One minor peeve regarding the new T4R, foot operated Em Brake. FJ had a hand brake which I used often when on extreme uphills wheeling. I will miss this feature.

Since i didn't come from a 2,3,4th gen not sure if the foot brake is a common feature for 4Runners?

 

[shuly]

This has turned into such a positive and lively thread...thanks everyone!!

Since i didn't come from a 2,3,4th gen not sure if the foot brake is a common feature for 4Runners?

My 07 has the foot brake and I hate it. Our 96 had the hand brake in the middle. I can't say for certain but I think all 3rd gens had hand brakes and 4th gens had foot brakes. Don't know about the 2nd gens.

Ok back on topic...

 

[Quentin]

Dislike: Bluetooth controls aren't as good as they could be. I'd be a happy camper if the talk button worked w/ the iphone's voice control. Wife's 4th gen Nano gets error 3 code if you leave it plugged in when turning on and off. Doors sound tinny when opening. No OEM mudflaps available yet (gonna order the Husky ones, I think. TE exterior only available on the 4cyl SR5... but I'm OK w/ the limited look.

Likes: Leather steering wheel is excellent. The vehicle is very easy to drive on long trips. The suspension is a great compromise for on-road and off-road performance for the casual off-roader. Gas mileage is every bit of 22mpg observed. Reclining rear seatbacks will be much appreciated by all 4 adults on our 9 hr drive to the beach next week. The more I see the truck, the better it looks. LOVE the sliding rear glass.

 

[Uneek]

This has turned into such a positive and lively thread...thanks everyone!!



My 07 has the foot brake and I hate it. Our 96 had the hand brake in the middle. I can't say for certain but I think all 3rd gens had hand brakes and 4th gens had foot brakes. Don't know about the 2nd gens.

Ok back on topic...

2nd is like the 1st, IIRC. The 2nd has a T-handle that you pull up on the dash panel above the accelerator, near the right knee. Press a button behind it and twist to release.

 

[fxoffroad]

Hate: The entire buying experience was an exercise in the proper way to handle *******s. I will never buy another new vehicle from Toyota... ever.

I totally agree - Toyota sales is flat out the worst - which is why I bought from a broker instead.

I wish it had:

• Memory seats and mirrors
• 8 way power passenger seat
• 6-speed automatic transmission for better highway mileage
• A dome light in the cargo area
• User-programmable customizations for the windows, lights, etc.
• Factory/port options for secondary battery
• I'd also swap the locations of the forward cupholder on the center console with the rear window and seat heater switch locations.
• A flat cargo floor with removable rear seats.

Definitely!!!

...Bad: Sulfur smell sometimes when back window is down...

Seriously? I guess they could move the tailpipe?

The cruise control thing is very annoying.

What's the 411 on the cruise control?

 

[WRM1]

I wouldn't mind having the 185 liter (49 gallon) dual gas tanks I had on my 2003 Prado in Qatar. 600+ miles per tank. I also wouldn't mind having the 80 cent per gallon gas price here either. I suppose the extra tank would mean the spare would be on the tailgate (Prado had a rear door, not a liftgate).

 

[shuly]

I wouldn't mind having the 185 liter (49 gallon) dual gas tanks I had on my 2003 Prado in Qatar. 600+ miles per tank. I also wouldn't mind having the 80 cent per gallon gas price here either. I suppose the extra tank would mean the spare would be on the tailgate (Prado had a rear door, not a liftgate).

I mean no offence...

This was not meant to be a wish list sort of thing. I would love dual gas tanks and 80 cents/gal....but that's the kind of thing I am looking for here... Let's try to be realistic.. :wink2:

...back on topic...

 

[shuly]

Seriously? I guess they could move the tailpipe?



What's the 411 on the cruise control?

The tail pipe thing is an easy fix. I moved my tail pipe after smashing it on a trail....umm...more than once Just have any muffler shop cut it off and weld on a side exit. Lots of us have done it to our 4th gens. Works great...its a quick and cheap fix too. FYI: I have never noticed any sulfur smell with my rig...I did the mod specifically for 4wheeling.

The cruise control on our 96 and my 07 does the whole drops two gears to keep up speed on say a hill...just seems to be the way Toyota has decided to engineer it IMO. It does work...just seems to be a quirk that has remained for over 10 years (not a deal breaker for us).

 

[gamer]

The only problems I have with our 4runner are:

No memory settings for seats and mirrors, 3 would be sweet, 2 for sure.
No 6 speed automatic
More lighting in the cargo area
Needs a hand held parking brake

This is our 3rd Toyota, but first 4runner, as usual we are more than pleased. Past 4 wheelers have been Ford Bronco, Chev Tahoe(still running 260,000 mls been a great truck)
and a Jeep Grand Cherokee(trying to sell, worst buy in vehicles I ever made. Fix or repair daily).

 

[philsey]

I have a BP SR5. My first 4R, previously had 2 Pathfinders. The SR5 model suited me - it's a DD, so had no need for the TE, and did not want/need most of the amenities of the LTD. Nor did I want the 3rd row, or the slider. And, I actually prefer the selectable 4WD.

I've had many compliments on this truck, esp. the color.

I find the ride to be very good, the power to be very good and overall it feels strong and secure.

Had they been options I'd have likely opted for a V8 (just 'cause), and HID's.

Generally, I like it all very much.

My only real/continuous dislike is the info panel in the dash, and the radio face - both being difficult to read in the daylight - to near impossible with poloroids.

 

[el diablo]

Honestly, I would take my Tahoe back in a second. And I'm not sayin the 4 Runner is a bad vehicle, but it will be my last thats for sure.

 

[sandcrawler]

Honestly, I would take my Tahoe back in a second. And I'm not sayin the 4 Runner is a bad vehicle, but it will be my last thats for sure.

well, the Tahoe is a full-size SUV, whereas the 4Runner is decidedly a true mid-size SUV... so, yeah, you downsized your vehicle. and unless you proportionately downsized your needs/wants to accommodate and adjust, your remorse makes perfect sense, unfortunately.

but considering that the OP is a current 3rd and 4th generation 4Runner owner seeking input on vehicle's the latest iteration, your situation is likely irrelevant to him.

 

[DennisW]

I have a Limited 4WD after a fully loaded Jeep Commander Limited and 4 previous Isuzu Troopers. My issues...

- No seat memory
- Rear window wiper only wipes like 25% of the window
- TPMS does not display actual tire pressures
- Nav required expensive bypass to use while moving
- Transmission lag (got to get TSB fix...)
- Front window flow channels non-existent. Wiper fluid gets blown onto side windows.

Likes!
- Drives like a car! (In my SUV only experience)
- Stable tracking in wet conditions and potholes
- Smart Key system. I sit it other cars wondering what to do...
- 20" OEM tires worked great in the snow/slush/ice.
- Solid fit and finish and everything oozes reliable quality!
- Knobs looked goofy and first, but everything ended up pretty intuitive
- Great mileage after a performance chipped Hemi...

Not a lot of mid-size SUV choices nowaways, but nice to see that Toyota is still trying!

Dennis.

 

[GatorFL]

I share most of the likes and dislikes listed so far. My main gripe are the doors sound tinny when you close them. For this kind of money they should close with a thunk. I think I'll get them Dynomated.

 

[el diablo]

well, the Tahoe is a full-size SUV, whereas the 4Runner is decidedly a true mid-size SUV... so, yeah, you downsized your vehicle. and unless you proportionately downsized your needs/wants to accommodate and adjust, your remorse makes perfect sense, unfortunately.

but considering that the OP is a current 3rd and 4th generation 4Runner owner seeking input on vehicle's the latest iteration, your situation is likely irrelevant to him.

Size aside, point being I don't think he is gonna be blown away spending 42K on on of these things.

 

[sandcrawler]

Size aside, point being I don't think he is gonna be blown away spending 42K on on of these things.

point being, he's already spent a comparable amount for a comparable vehicle twice already. and look at his list of mods to his 2007 4Runner Limited V8... sorry, i just don't think he's in for any surprises.

i am sorry to hear of your buyer's remorse, however.

 

[shuly]

el diablo ... sandcrawler is just trying to put this back on topic. Not looking at a Tahoe and have no intenion of buying a Tahoe. If you like that ride...then by all means you should own one. However......over here 4Runners rule!!! This is T4R after all.

eace:

 

[el diablo]

point being, he's already spent a comparable amount for a comparable vehicle twice already. and look at his list of mods to his 2007 4Runner Limited V8... sorry, i just don't think he's in for any surprises.

i am sorry to hear of your buyer's remorse, however.

If you read his original statment he is already on the fence about the purchase and while I do appreiate the fact that he is here looking for a little help making his decision, in my opinion Toyota missed the mark with the 5th gen.And while to you a Tahoe is an unfair comparison, it's all the little things that make the difference. and buyer remorse is just the begining. :barf: