husband said:
I like the 4Runner, I really do, however I refuse to buy one until they make some changes. I want the 8 cyl Limited 4x4 with the navigation system and all options, completely loaded. This is why I did not buy this year. At a msrp of about $43,960 you still can't get a memory adjustment for the drivers seat HID headlights are not even an option. The dash is so old fashioned, look at the new Avalon that is so state of the art. This vehicle needs a re desighn so bad. Rain sensing wipers not, Laser cruise control no. Who picks the colors? 90 yr old men with one foot in the grave and another on a bananna peal? Lets have some pretty vibrant colors. They should call it old man red not red salsa pearl. I would love bright red or bright yellow, im alive these muted colors have to go. I also would like TRD options factory installed. The tires, lets put some really big ones on it, this is a 4x4 if I wanted small tires I would buy another lexus.
Aight, I'll play:
As much as you think the vehicle needs a redesign, it won't be coming until 2007-2008 minimum. Until then, do not expect major changes, although some options might be added/subtracted based on popularity.
IF the vehicle had HID's, memory seats, rain sensing wipers, laser cruise, and trd accessories from the factory, it wouldn't cost $44K now would it? It's already a heck of a value if you've ever followed the pricing of previous-gen 4Runners....Since you brought up the Avalon, look at the price of those; it's more than a Runner and doesn't even have AWD or any off-road/towing capability!
Bigger tires? The Runner's stock tires are roughly 31". That is about as big of a stock tire as comes on any stock SUV/truck, including such heavy hardware as 3/4 and 1 ton domestic trucks. H2's come with nice BFG A/T's stock, but then again, the price is much higher.
Things like dash design and HVAC controls are subjective, mine seem to work just fine and find the dash and controls refreshingly different from many other vehicles. There could be more colour choices, but yellow and bright red have never sold well for Toyota, so I would not hold your breath......afterall, it's not a Durango (thank Christ).
As for "the rest of us" being 4Runner dreamers....I suggest do a little searching around this site before running your mouth, as most of us have posted pics of our rigs.