purchase day may be coming fast

[flownosaj]

I just stopped by the local Toy dealer after work and asked about the cladding option. He said that they should be getting them in a few months--but only on SR5, not the Sport "cause they want to keep it rugged."
Since he already knows I'm interested in the Sport or Limited, do you think he's trying "persuade" me into the Limited, or does this guy know something we all don't?

Since consumers seemed to have been able to change this aspect, I'm also wondering if the Runner has any other plans to address other parts for '04. Possibly puting the cruise control on the steering wheel in the bare spot?
I've seen some people talking bout the dash and lighting. I don't really mind the "pods," but I would love to see the illumination it in any color OTHER than orange. My wife's VW has some cool lighting and if you've ever seen the new Accord's gauge cluster....wow!

And I'm wondering why the climate control cannot be liquid crystal or lit LED's on a black background instead of that orange backlite. Granted, I've never seen the lights at night (only late afternoon in a building's shadow), so I'd need your feedback on it's looks or putz around the dealer's untill after dinner.

Speaking of all that, how is the lighting on switches and such at night? Other than the obvious lighting of the climate control and radio, how are the power windows and door locks (driver and passenger), mirror adjuster, steering wheel audio controls and anything else. I drive a long way to work at 0545 in the morning on pretty dark roadways and sometimes drive home very late, so lighting is always something that carries weight with me.



I haven't bought yet for various reasons; one being that we're waiting to see if my wife or I have to ship out overseas.
If I can wait a few more months for that, I could be willing to wait till summer for a '04 if I knew they were changing things. Let me know if any of you can find out anything on the Runner "from the Future" (crystal ball, ouji board, fortune cookie and spirit guide all accepable forms of reference).

Thanks

 

[Good Times]

The only news i've heard is the painted body cladding for the sr5's. They should be due in Feb.

I 've heard no word on the steering column change for the cruise control... I've yet to use it but the location of where it is now seems to be pretty effective if I were to use it so, I see not reason why they would want to change it to the steering column. Plus most of the 4runners come w/ the audio controls on the steering anyway, might confuse the simple minded people! hehe

The lighting might be abit dim, but for me it hasn't been an issue. I frequently drive in the dark (driving home) and I have had no problems w/ the center console - i.e. a/c-heater and radio buttons. They seem to do a good job and illuminating this area decently. Personally speaking, I don't speed much anymore since I have the 4runner so looking at the speedo is a non issue so looking to make sure that I am driving at a "reasonable" speed is a null factor!

I'd say if you plan get the 4runner, just get it! if u wait, there's always going to be better stuff out later anyway. It might be an impulse buy but hey, if it's what you want and you know u can afford it then, get what you deserve. If you don't agree w/ the body cladding then either get the limited or wait for the sr5's color coded body cladding (which should be only 350-500 more). If you plan to do alot of back country driving, then the uncolored body cladding should suit you better.

The choices in v8/v6 are a big difference too... v8 is fulltime 4wd while the v6 is only multimode. If you plan to tow anything then v8 will be better suited due to the higher torque. Other than that, the v6 is better suited for everyone unless you just want that v8 reliability (plus it's been out for awhile, since 98 plus it has the new 5speed tranny!!! well worth every penny!!!)

GL and I wish you the best in your decisions! Keep us posted!!!