Suggested improvements on the 2005 4runner?

[arouth]

Hello,

I've had a 2004 Sport for a couple of months and I really like it. I'm wondering if you guys had any suggestions for next years 4runner. To be honest I can't really think of that much. This is what I thought up....

1. Power drivers seat on the SR5 and Sport models

2. Make a satellite radio an option. I had a belkin xm radio installed later.

3. Put the 5 speed automatic on the v6.

Other than that I can't really think of anything. Anyone else have any thoughts?

 

[dcampen]

Sticking with inexpensive improvements:

Map lights that come on with the other interior lights when you unlock the truck.

Individual switches on the door pocket lights.

Default time for interior lights to stay on when the truck is unlocked should be more like 2 minutes instead of 30 seconds.

Default time for headlamps to stay on after ignition key is removed should be more like 2 minutes instead of 30 minutes.

Daytime Running Lights standard on SR5.

 

[NoDak]

these are minor issues, would be nice to have but otherwise i love my 04

01. put the heater blower back in for the rear seats (aka 3rd gen)

02. put in better seats cushions (i like the 3rd gen seats better)

03. map lights have a door setting like the overhead dome light

04. add a switch which you can turn on all interior lights (2nd gen)

05. get rid of the shifter pattern (too easy to hit reverse at times when trying to put into neutral)

06. give us the same options as SE region or gulf states when outside these regions

07. multi display (range/mpg/avg) needs to be easier (read brighter) to read during the day

08. front cup holders need more ratchet settings (always have cups too big or small for the only setting)

09. give all versions the same color palette (ie: no pac blue in SE version)

10. get rid of the hvac controls, go back to the 3rd gen buttons.

 

[dcampen]

7. multi display (range/mpg/avg) needs to be easier (read brighter) to read during the day

8. front cup holders need more ratchet settings (always have cups too big or small for the only setting)

Yep, these would also go on my list, especially #7.

 

[Mark86]

These are not major issues, but here they are:

1. Automatic on headlights on all models
2. Power seats available on all models
3. Leather available on all models with heated seats
4. Make autodimming mirror standard on all models and make side mirrors dim
5. HID headlights as an option like on the Sienna
6. Maybe I am being picky, but make the headliner smoother. I do not like the feel.
7. Maplights turn on when the doors are unlocked
8. Rain sensing wipers
9. Power folding mirrors
10. Park distance control
11. Memory seats
12. Finally, a driver assist handle

These are just things I would like to see in the 4Runner. I know some of them are a long shot. I am still very happy with my 2003 and these are only improvements.

 

[Kanab]

I would not change a thing. Best deal on wheels.

 

[sharp4runr]

DRL Standard across the model lineup. ($40 option should be free???)

Brighter lights on the HVAC controls. (I could barely see that the A/C light was illuminated in daytime hours)

Stock 3-1 should also have MP3 capabilities

Supercharger option for V6

Go back to the leather wrapped shifter for the Sports model

All I can think of right now..

 

[Brewster]

Other low cost changes -
1. A defeat switch for all interior lights and running board lights (as in Chevy Suburban). There are times when one wants to be able to open the door without triggering any lights.

2. Similarly, a defeat switch for the daytime running lights (also like the Chevy Suburban has, or had.)

3. Option to NOT buy running boards.

4. AUX input for sound system.

5. Full power seat option (incl. lumbar) on passenger side.

6. Let the steering wheel telescope back further. (Does it come back any further now than the non-telescope option?)

7. External door lock on passenger side.

8. Driver's side assist handle.

More major -

9. Diesel engine option

 

[mam4994]

I agree with PITBULL, everyone that has seen my 4runner, almost crapped their pants when I told them it cost me $30k for my sport.

I understand a few of the items would be great, but also realize that will increase the price. A few bucks here and there will increase the price pretty quick.

You have to realize that to design, change blueprints, etc., for a few items it would have to increase the sales potential of the vehicle in order to off-set the change in design, product research, etc. Even with the commonness of AutoCAD and the ease of making a change, it still takes money to make changes and make sure the product will still work in a mass produced environment. Furthermore, the addition should not increase the production time of the vehicle from start to finish since if the line is slowed down that is less vehicles that can be produced and a higher price will be demanded since there is less supply and fewer vehicles to offset the costs.

Sorry, if I over-killed it, but I am a CAPITALIST, and I think Toyota is too.

 

[V8Limited4wd]

1) more horsepower, there is no excuse for a v8 having less hp than a v6

2) bluetooth on dvd navigation for cell phone compatibility

3) voice ACTIVATED navigation

4) HID lights

5) memory seats

6) rain sensing wipers

 

[dcampen]

1) more horsepower, there is no excuse for a v8 having less hp than a v6

Worried about image?

Change the camshaft on the V8 and you could probably get more horsepower - at the expense of torque

4) HID lights

Another non-functional, image item that I could care less about. In a few years HIDs will be passe anyways.

 

[V8Limited4wd]

Worried about image?

Change the camshaft on the V8 and you could probably get more horsepower - at the expense of torque




Another non-functional, image item that I could care less about. In a few years HIDs will be passe anyways.

no not image... just want more (horse)power

and how are HIDs non-functional? they are brighter than the regular halogens so you can see farther down the road

 

[dcampen]

HID vs Halogen

HIDs ... are brighter than the regular halogens so you can see farther down the road

That is arguable, many would disagree.

 

[webshot]

Based on what I already have in the limited:

Rain sensing wipers

passenger side seat adjustable lumbar support and all the other settings the driver side has. Plus seat memory.

Easy to find accessories (including ones from Japan) and a parts person at the dealer who knows what the f*ck your talking about when you try to order the accessories. Idiots!

MP3 capabilities in both the head unit and CD changer they offer.

Glass break sensor on the Limited alarm.

 

[V8Limited4wd]

Re: HID vs Halogen

That is arguable, many would disagree.

i found that hard to believe. i'm not trying to argue here, but what car owners with stock HIDs complain that their headlights arent bright enough? And how high a number are you talking here by saying "many"?

 

[Mark86]

Re: Re: HID vs Halogen

i found that hard to believe. i'm not trying to argue here, but what car owners with stock HIDs complain that their headlights arent bright enough? And how high a number are you talking here by saying "many"?

HID headlights do not light up farther down the road, but they are a brighter light. They light up the road clearer, but there is no difference in the distance they light up.

 

[the_josh]

:iagree:

 

[EDGE]

Things for a 2005 improvement, since I drive the Limited I go with that

auto up and down windows on all the windows not just the drivers side

memory seats

HID's, this thing really needs better lights

auto tilt down mirrors when in reverse

auto dimming side mirrors and power folding (those are cool)

More Horsepower, at least 300 to compete with the other V8 in it's class

option to turn traction control off, a smokey burn out would be cool, plus it would be nice to fish tail without loosing all power

a stand alone wheel option for the Limited, maybe nice 18

rain sensing wipers would be cool

a 6speed auto

better seat cushions

a V10 turbo diesel option like the tourag

Their will probablt be minor upgrades each model year, some even mid year, the lifetime fluid was a cool upgrade but Im betting it will have slight changes nothin major in 05 but in 06 or 07 we will see a slight facelift with maybe a new rims style, the V8 horsepower will most likely get improved if the rumor is true about the 270 the GX will have

All in all whatever they do is fine, truck is awesome, really just wish it had all power up and down windows and memory seats.

edit:
remote start

 

[dcampen]

found that hard to believe. i'm not trying to argue here, but what car owners with stock HIDs complain that their headlights arent bright enough?

Well, I have Halogens and I don't complain that they aren't bright enough. As for who how many say that HID isn't better, there is Consumer Reports:
http://www.consumerreports.org/main...ASSORTMENT<>ast_id=389451&bmUID=1082434494475

IMHO, HIDs are like Sport hood scoops, 18" rims and tail fins - for looks, not performance.

 

[EDGE]

dcampen
HID's make a big improvement in visibility at night, drive a car with them and you will see, after all power windows are a pointless option, you could easily roll your windows up and down but you got to be cool and press a button,

HID's can be compared to a person who needs glasses but does not know until they go for an eye exam, after they realize they could see so much clearer they continue to wear the glasses cause they don't want to have fuzzy vision