Things I really miss

[DTro]

Ok, after having my 4runner ('03 sport) for a few weeks now, I can sit back and give my honest thoughts.

I am loving this thing. Great ride, looks great handles great.

I do have a few gripes though.

Yes these are minor, but still bug the heck out of me.

1. Where the heck is the mist function on the wipers?

2. Is it just me or does anyone else have a hard time with the spacing of the gas and brake pedals? I'm not big foot, but I seem to always be adjusting my foot to feel right. Is there some sort of mod for this?

3. A remote release for the rear hatch would be very nice, or even a release on the fob.

4. I thought computers were smart. So what gives on the mpg computer? You think they did this for the test drive? Easier sell?

 

[Falls]

I agree with the hatch release or at least let me put the window up on the key fob since I can put it down.

I know people complain about the comp., but honestly mine is pretty darn accurate . I've tested it with avr. speed and gas milage and its pretty much right there although it is meant to give averages.

 

[20runner]

When I first bought my 4R, I missed the mist function on the wipers too. Then I realized how much longer a gallon of washer fluid lasts! It's amazing how much fluid that mist function wastes! After three years of ownership, I've come to realize that this is just one of the many examples of toyota's practicality by design. There are a lot of features that toyota could put on vehicles that would be nice, but would add extra cost and maitenance. I would rather have something that adds to the long-term ownership experience and saves me money over the years...my .02 cents

 

[DTro]

How does the mist function use fluid? I would like it for foggy days or when it's misting out. Not only that, but when I do use the wash function, it auto wipes once. I always used the mist function on my camry and my wifes Rav to wipe it a few more times.

 

[Uneek]

1. I didn't notice the mist function missing, until members here brought it up--I took delievery of the 4Runner at the end of winter. The wipers will auto wipe if you use washer.

2. I don't have a problem with the pedal spacing, but because I position my heel under the brake pedal (so I don't need to shift my whole foot over from pedal to pedal, just pivot my foot on the heel), my foot or toes have slipped off the gas a couple times when my foot was too far over to the left. Yes, I'm lazy driver.

3. I guess the rolldown window button is as good as it guess. Only the RX330/350/400h and Sienna offers a power hatch.

4. A couple members have reported their MPG computer to be pretty accurate, mine is about 7-10% off. Maybe MS helped designed the 4Runner's.

 

[cjm5027]

I have a mist function. are the 03's without one?

 

[Mark86]

I don't think any of the 4th gens have a mist function.

 

[khaug]

And what, pray tell, is a "mist function"? Our wipers have a nice variable intermittent setting that I use a lot, and you can do one swipe by just nudging the stalk. You don't mean rain-sensing, do you? That's a big-dollar option that we've had on a BMW, M-B and Porsche we've owned. It's great, but it costs!

I, too, have no problem with pedal spacing, despite my size-13 Yangtzee-river-gunboat-sized feet.

Yep, a remote hatch release would be nice. But so would decent illumination for the overhead controls, window switches and the instrument cluster, not to mention an automatic temp control that doesn't switch to recirc mode all the time.

Our mpg trip computer function also sucks. Virtually everyone here has complained of the inaccuracy of this sorry device, which is really useful only to the Toyota sales staff. My advice: Get used to it. Someone a few months ago posted instructions for building a circuit to correct the error, but my take was that this was for advanced geeks only. I strongly suspect that those who think theirs' is just fine have no clue as to how to properly calculate actual mileage, and need to go back to 6th grade and do a few story problems to find out.

All this said, our '03 has been one damn fine vehicle. I'm now looking to replace it at 4.5 years, 62K miles of age, (still original tires, brakes, spark plugs, timing belt, etc). I'm having a helluva time coming up with any better alternative, price notwithstanding, to tow our new 5500# trailer!

Best regards,

 

[alaskaman]

"And what pray tell is a mist function"

A mist function is the switch located near the table at the bar in Palm Springs that sends irradescent cascading soft water onto the table which extinguishes the next door table cigarettes. :bigok:

 

[DTro]

When I say mist function, I mean like I had on my 05 Camry and my 04 RAV. Just push up on the stalk and it wipes as long as you hold it. Sometimes you need more that one swipe.

I think I may have discovered my pedal issue. I have all weather mats and I repositioned and it seems to be better so far.

I will now be subtracting 2-3 miles from the AVG mpg reading on the computer.

 

[juneau92]

I will now be subtracting 2-3 miles from the AVG mpg reading on the computer.

I had to do the same when my 4Runner was new. The MPG reading on my computer was off by about 3 MPG when I first purchased my 4Runner. It has been getting more accurate as I go. Now, I have just over 1000 miles on it, and the last reading was pretty close. MPG reading was 18.7, actual measured was 18.3. 4/10 MPG off, not too bad, hopefully it will get even more accurate. The range displayed on my 4Runner is very accurate.

Your readouts may improve, like mine did. There's plenty of folks here who have fairly accurate readings from their console computer displays.

 

[DTro]

no, mine is an '03 with 44k. It consistently reads 2-3 higher than my manual calculations. I get 17-18 and it reads 20-21

 

[juneau92]

no, mine is an '03 with 44k. It consistently reads 2-3 higher than my manual calculations. I get 17-18 and it reads 20-21

Oh man, sorry DTro I wasn't paying attention. :bash:

 

[ptung07]

When I say mist function, I mean like I had on my 05 Camry and my 04 RAV. Just push up on the stalk and it wipes as long as you hold it. Sometimes you need more that one swipe.

I think I may have discovered my pedal issue. I have all weather mats and I repositioned and it seems to be better so far.

I will now be subtracting 2-3 miles from the AVG mpg reading on the computer.

Ohh, after you explained what the mist function was, I now understand. Yes, I miss that too when switching over to the 4Runner. My 2005 Corolla S had that function too.

 

[brad6841]

1. Where the heck is the mist function on the wipers?

I've noticed this one on Toyotas, my dad's 02 Sequoia doesn't have it either.

2. Is it just me or does anyone else have a hard time with the spacing of the gas and brake pedals? I'm not big foot, but I seem to always be adjusting my foot to feel right. Is there some sort of mod for this?

Yes my size 14s have a hard time maneuvering to the gas pedal without bumping the brake.

3. A remote release for the rear hatch would be very nice, or even a release on the fob.

Or even as stated, allow me to put the window back up with the key fob, since I can put it down with the fob.