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To the First 22,000 Owners - Toyota should Thank You
Upon reading that Toyota stated that there will be a $200 per vehicle increase beginning with shipments arriving at port on and after 2 September, I came to the conclusion that the early buyers earned a well deserved windfall. Think of all the valuable consumer criticism and vehicle testing that the first 20,000 buyers have provided to Toyota:
Discovery of radio glitch for satellite systems, XM and Sirius
Comments of frame rust at weld seams
Wet seat belts due to leaking roof rack attachments and/or suicide door seals
Failures of gas tank gauge level indication
Poor tire mounting procedures
Fit and finish of passenger air bag cover
Roof rack cross member rattle due to improper fit tolerance
Premature wear of seat fabric
Proper seat latching in slider rail when adjusting seat position
Loose lug nuts and failure of lugs when torqued as specified
Height of vent fitting of rear differential versus maximum recommended fording depth
Durability of interior plastic materials
What port installed options are popular and what is not
What factory built features are popular and what is so-so
It is probably safe to say that there are proportionally more hardcore off-roaders in the first 20,000 sales than there will be in future sales, but much is learned from the desires and critiquing of this group. Im sure that Toyota is or will be evaluating things such as:
Increasing wheel well clearances and trim frames to accommodate larger tire sizes
Skid plate protection (trailing arms, transmission, gas tank, etc)
Exhaust routing and low hanging cross over pipe
Optional bumpers with winch capability
Better windshield glass that is more resistant to damage
Final engine-to-axle ratios for crawl speeds in low range
Use of A-Trac with rear differential lock
Temperature gauges for engine, transmission and transfer fluids
Transmission cooler with tow package option
It is true that many FJ Cruiser buyers will rarely drive off the pavement, so Toyota will review amenities that fall into the creature comfort area (I have listed items that are 21st century common place, but not luxury class):
Map lights
Rear door windows
Rear quarter panel vents
Mirror heaters
Ample coverage sun visors
Locking gas cap door
Additional 12V connections
Sunroof
Inside release of rear window and rear door
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Kansas Law Dog for admiration of Tombstone, the movie, and the legend of Wyatt Earp
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