What is your *least fav* 4G feature?

[Martinjmpr]

Hmmm...OK, I'll play!

First off, disclosure, I only read back to page 7 so I don't know if these have been mentioned. Most of my gripes are things that my 3rd gen (99) had that my 4th gen (07) does not:

1. No manual shifter for the 4wd. Yes, I know the electronic switch is very reliable, I'd just feel more comfortable with a mechanical, manual shifter. Loved the mechanical J-shifter on my 99 (having said that: I do love the multi-mode 4wd so IMO this is a worthwhile tradeoff.)

2. HVAC controls are not intuitive. I think I've finally got them figured out but they seem to have been intentionally made more complex than neccessary. By contrast the HVAC controls on my 3rd gen SR5 were stone-axe simple and mechanical.

3. No mirror defrosters. I realize they may not work that well, but WTH? My '99 SR5 had them, why did Toyota delete this standard feature?

4. Window control location very low on the driver's armrest. Again, WTH?

5. I'll echo the comments about the easily scratched plastic bits. This is a Sport UTILITY vehicle, hauling a load of wood from Home Depot shouldn't damage my interior.

6. Why did I lose a 12v outlet going from a 3rd gen to a 4th gen? My 3rd gen had a cig lighter and TWO 12v outlets in the dash.

7. What is that little angled flipout pocket on the front of the console supposed to hold? Right now I have my registration/insurance card in there but is it designed for some specific purpose? It's too small and flimsy to hold change.

8. This is probably a stupid gripe, but the center console is too big. There should be a tray or something in it to help keep stuff organized (if anyone makes or sells one, please let me know!)

Having said all the above, I'm still LOVING the 4th gen. Bigger and more powerful than my 3rd gen, and still gets better MPG!

Things that some people gripe about but I don't:

1. Factory stereo. Yes, it sucks. They pretty much all do. At least it's a standard double DIN unit so replacing it is easy.

2. Trip computer: Neat looking gadget but basically useless since it is so inaccurate. I have a Scangauge II which I can calibrate and it's much more accurate for determining both MPG and range (Distance to Empty or DTE.)

3. Running boards: Yes, they're pants-dirtiers, but that can be fixed by removing exactly 12 bolts.

4. Factory skidplates are minimal/lame, but then again, they all are. Most 4runner owners don't need them at all so the minimal ones are fine. Those of us who do need them just need to get beefier ones on the aftermarket.

 

[Synister]

Ill play, even though I love my truck and I know there isn't any vehicle that would make me a happier owner/driver.

1. Aux chord location--Really Toyota? The bottom of the center console is what you came up with for this? On the plus side, it easy to hide the chord when not in use.

2. TPMS light-my switch to aftermarket wheels and the fact I have a brain and opposable thumbs means I can check my own tire pressure. The TPMS bypass mod doesn't seem to carryover to '09s. My light has been on for 2 years.

3. Sunroof clatter when open-I live in SoCal and its great to cruise along the coast hwy on a 75 deg day with windows down and the roof open. Go over a pot hole or uneven pavement and the rattle is a buzz kill.

4. No auto down for passenger window--Some have complained about this already but I dont think Ive rolled my rear windows down but maybe 8 times so I get the choice by Toyota for manual there. But the passenger window? Come on, was that extra auto switch really that important to skimp out on?

What do I love? Everything else.

 

[TRDCal]

One of my biggest design gripes is where they put the fuel door release. I don't how many times I've popped the hood by accident.

 

[boondoggle]

Haven't had a chance to read all 10 pages and I'm sure someone mentioned it, but what is up with the location of the turn signal indicators on the dash? They're blocked by the steering wheel.

I don't want be one of those people on the highway who looks like the driving around the world to the right.

And the static shock thing from the seat materials gets me every time.

No light in the glovebox or the center console.

The lack of 'arm rests' while driving. The only thing that comes close is the drivers door window sill. The console is too low to rest my elbows on and the left door handle is too low as well.

Still love the truck though.

Oh, and I wish they'd just put the spare tire on the rear bumper where it belongs. Would've given us more interior space back there as well.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Ill play, even though I love my truck and I know there isn't any vehicle that would make me a happier owner/driver.

1. Aux chord location--Really Toyota? The bottom of the center console is what you came up with for this? On the plus side, it easy to hide the chord when not in use.

4. No auto down for passenger window--Some have complained about this already but I dont think Ive rolled my rear windows down but maybe 8 times so I get the choice by Toyota for manual there. But the passenger window? Come on, was that extra auto switch really that important to skimp out on?

What do I love? Everything else.

definitely agree with these 2, I hate having auto on just the drivers window, I also hate how you without the hack the rear window can't go up with the remote once you put it down.

Ya it's the JBL system. I didn't realize surround was controlling the center speaker. I wonder why the setting won't keep on what I set it to. Weird but pretty minor.

very strange, once I set mine it would stay

One of my biggest design gripes is where they put the fuel door release. I don't how many times I've popped the hood by accident.

Yes! I hate this as well, so many times you pull it and then just shake your head

 

[eli_lilly]

One of my biggest design gripes is where they put the fuel door release. I don't how many times I've popped the hood by accident.

I second this one. It's the only thing that really strikes me as bizarre.

-E

 

[NJshadow93]

Haven't had a chance to read all 10 pages and I'm sure someone mentioned it, but what is up with the location of the turn signal indicators on the dash? They're blocked by the steering wheel.

I don't want be one of those people on the highway who looks like the driving around the world to the right.

And the static shock thing from the seat materials gets me every time.

No light in the glovebox or the center console.

The lack of 'arm rests' while driving. The only thing that comes close is the drivers door window sill. The console is too low to rest my elbows on and the left door handle is too low as well.

Still love the truck though.

Oh, and I wish they'd just put the spare tire on the rear bumper where it belongs. Would've given us more interior space back there as well.

Funny you mention that, my '03 had the turn signals up above the gauge cluster (I assume your '04 has it in the same location?) But my '06 has them below it, it's definitely easier to see them where they are on the '06.

But the '03s odometer/trip controls were better IMO. I liked the buttons better than the little stick that's in the '06.

 

[rebelbowtie]

there seem to be some really picky people in this thread, my only real dislike about my 4Runner is that its not a Lexus lol. I am a sucker for luxury vehicles, my SR5 is the lowest trim model vehicle i have ever owned but I couldnt pass up the v8 and AWD.