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OMG... I have illuminated door switches! As standard.

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nickc72

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
After several disappointing unavailable options on any trim in the UK... no heated wheel, no flappy paddles, no Panaromic camera, no digital rear view mirror, no 1.5kW outlet.

We do get 6.6kW charging across the trims, a decent version of the MyT app, electrically operated folding mirrors, and now I just discovered that the switches on the doors are backlit!

I'm so stoked about this small win! Had assumed they're weren't until driving at night recently. Was thinking I might need to swap it out for a backlit unit.

Really wanted the other gadgets but wasn't a deal breaker. Drivetrain and Toyota robustness and reliability was the big sell. I think if I wanted a gadget rather than a car I'd have bought a Tesla. Still, it is disappointing that Toyota don't make all options available to all countries. Driving around and parking up in New York, parts of SF, or Toronto (been there) I'd really want those massive mirrors to fold in. And I'd really want to run power tools, microwaves, tactical laser weapons off the 1.5kW outlet rather than the 150W one we get stuck with here. I can barely charge my laptop.

Wonder if Toyota will change this approach on their coming BEV range?

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#2 ·
1) Write to Totita UK, and tell them what you think.
2) Write your Government's auto regulator, demand the UK get the same or better, 1st world features other 1st world countries have.
3) Slam Toyota for giving the UK 3rd world features on Twitter, fakeBook, Snapshot, etc. The UK deserves better.
 
#3 ·
Toyota UK is the entity that can change your vehicle options (in the future). Social media and then news media is the way to get Toyota UK to change their minds. Good luck.

Congrats on the backlit door/window buttons!!! Good choice Toyota UK.
Are the overhead console buttons backlit? … and what is the part number!
 
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#4 ·
nickc72 said:
After several disappointing unavailable options on any trim in the UK... no heated wheel, no flappy paddles, no Panaromic camera, no digital rear view mirror, no 1.5kW outlet.

We do get 6.6kW charging across the trims, a decent version of the MyT app, electrically operated folding mirrors, and now I just discovered that the switches on the doors are backlit!

I'm so stoked about this small win! Had assumed they're weren't until driving at night recently. Was thinking I might need to swap it out for a backlit unit.

Really wanted the other gadgets but wasn't a deal breaker. Drivetrain and Toyota robustness and reliability was the big sell. I think if I wanted a gadget rather than a car I'd have bought a Tesla. Still, it is disappointing that Toyota don't make all options available to all countries. Driving around and parking up in New York, parts of SF, or Toronto (been there) I'd really want those massive mirrors to fold in. And I'd really want to run power tools, microwaves, tactical laser weapons off the 1.5kW outlet rather than the 150W one we get stuck with here. I can barely charge my laptop.

Wonder if Toyota will change this approach on their coming BEV range?

Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Awesome!

On a new car it is important to go to an independant shop and get your wheel alignment checked. Here in the USA there have been a number of issued with new RAV4s being badly out of alignment.
 
#5 ·
Chazz8 said:
Toyota UK is the entity that can change your vehicle options (in the future). Social media and then news media is the way to get Toyota UK to change their minds. Good luck.

Congrats on the backlit door/window buttons!!! Good choice Toyota UK.
Are the overhead console buttons backlit? … and what is the part number!
Click to expand...
Yes that would be great I can never find the right buttons at night
 
#6 ·
nickc72 said:
After several disappointing unavailable options on any trim in the UK... no heated wheel, no flappy paddles, no Panaromic camera, no digital rear view mirror, no 1.5kW outlet.

We do get 6.6kW charging across the trims, a decent version of the MyT app, electrically operated folding mirrors, and now I just discovered that the switches on the doors are backlit!

I'm so stoked about this small win! Had assumed they're weren't until driving at night recently. Was thinking I might need to swap it out for a backlit unit.

Really wanted the other gadgets but wasn't a deal breaker. Drivetrain and Toyota robustness and reliability was the big sell. I think if I wanted a gadget rather than a car I'd have bought a Tesla. Still, it is disappointing that Toyota don't make all options available to all countries. Driving around and parking up in New York, parts of SF, or Toronto (been there) I'd really want those massive mirrors to fold in. And I'd really want to run power tools, microwaves, tactical laser weapons off the 1.5kW outlet rather than the 150W one we get stuck with here. I can barely charge my laptop.

Wonder if Toyota will change this approach on their coming BEV range?

Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
More British fake news!

If you'd really been to Toronto you'd know that Tactical Laser Weapons are highly regulated and only available to Mounties on horseback!
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
NameofUser said:
1) Write to Totita UK, and tell them what you think.
2) Write your Government's auto regulator, demand the UK get the same or better, 1st world features other 1st world countries have.
3) Slam Toyota for giving the UK 3rd world features on Twitter, fakeBook, Snapshot, etc. The UK deserves better.
Click to expand...
Sounds like a plan.

Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
Chazz8 said:
Toyota UK is the entity that can change your vehicle options (in the future). Social media and then news media is the way to get Toyota UK to change their minds. Good luck.

Congrats on the backlit door/window buttons!!! Good choice Toyota UK.
Are the overhead console buttons backlit? … and what is the part number!
Click to expand...
Thanks for advice Chazz. Seems like a reasonable plan. Too late for me now but I change cars in under 3 years and I'll probably move to Rivian.

If there was an easy way of finding the part number I would but I'm not sure it will help. Right hand drive car so drivers switch set on the right.

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#10 ·
I already bought my backlit door/window button (driver) but I want backlit overhead light/moonroof buttons. Toyota really took all the light features out of our overhead console here in USA. There is no circuit board were the LEDs used to be and the buttons no longer have transparent caps and closed off on bottom. I’ll be hunting for a UK overhead console, if they are backlit.
 
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#12 ·
Jlhrstv said:
Awesome!

On a new car it is important to go to an independant shop and get your wheel alignment checked. Here in the USA there have been a number of issued with new RAV4s being badly out of alignment.
Click to expand...
Really I never heard if this problem or experienced it. I've had like 30 new cars in my time and never done that. I guess I saved a lot of money there. Thank god that's one area.
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
Chazz8 said:
I already bought my backlit door/window button (driver) but I want backlit overhead light/moonroof buttons. Toyota really took all the light features out of our overhead console here in USA. There is no circuit board were the LEDs used to be and the buttons no longer have transparent caps and closed off on bottom. I’ll be hunting for a UK overhead console, if they are backlit.
Click to expand...
Chazz. Night here so I just fired up to see what lit up on the overhead console. Not much. Only the SoS button is illuminated. And so dim I couldn't get a photo of it. Just a very faint red glow. Definitely illuminated but not by much and only that one switch.

Attached are door switches.



Image
Image


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#14 ·
nickc72 said:
Right hand drive car so drivers switch set on the right.
Click to expand...
Wow - They only let you use one hand to drive over there? I guess I shouldn't complain they install signs to use our right shoulder to install chains in the states :)

I did not realize they changed configurations so much between markets. The only indication of that I saw before was getting pulled over by a Bobbie in Bristol years ago. He asked a few questions and quickly discovered I was a yank then said he pulled me over for driving with my "rear brights" on (or something to that effect). I laughed figuring he was just messing with me, asked directions, then continued on my way. The next day I realized the car actually had "rear brights". Backlit controls are a really random thing to change. I would think it would cost more to install and manage all the different variations than it would to make them all backlit but maybe not. I can see cold weather features being standard in cold climate countries and variations based on LH/RH drive and maybe electrical grid differences but backlit controls?
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
Salmon said:
Wow - They only let you use one hand to drive over there? I guess I shouldn't complain they install signs to use our right shoulder to install chains in the states :)

I did not realize they changed configurations so much between markets. The only indication of that I saw before was getting pulled over by a Bobbie in Bristol years ago. He asked a few questions and quickly discovered I was a yank then said he pulled me over for driving with my "rear brights" on (or something to that effect). I laughed figuring he was just messing with me, asked directions, then continued on my way. The next day I realized the car actually had "rear brights". Backlit controls are a really random thing to change. I would think it would cost more to install and manage all the different variations than it would to make them all backlit but maybe not. I can see cold weather features being standard in cold climate countries and variations based on LH/RH drive and maybe electrical grid differences but backlit controls?
Click to expand...
Ha!

Yes, so by law here you have to have front fog lights and rear fog lights. The bobby was probably referring to your rear fog lights being on (they're just red like your rear lights but much much brighter). Probably 1 month a year I actually use them and not often in that. Usually Feb when we get the freezing fog. Plus the odd occassion at altitude with low cumulus cloud (3000ft cloud base common here).

Absolutely right logic on the different markets. Up in Canada or Scandinavia or even just in the most northerly US states you want the cold weather features. Understable options. But as you say, backlights? Surely that's every market just like electric folding mirrors. The number of times I've folded my mirrors in by pressing the button when driving I've lost count of. Just to squeeze past something on a narrow lane or on a trail. It's a big help for being parked up in a car park or on a road. No sticky out bits to get knocked off.

I suspect that Toyota didn't feel they needed to provide the gadgets (other than the HUD which I've got and love) to the UK market. Heavy competition from gadget filled Teslas in the USA. Perhaps they felt they needed to compete on the gadget front. Not so much here I guess. Main thing I would have liked is the 360 camera for checking curb and parking lines. The guided reversing camera is ok albeit like watching a pirate copy of The Extraterrestrial filmed off the movie cinema screen onto VHS long play in 1982 and the tracking is out on your thrift sale VHS player.

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#16 ·
Now that I remember driving over there I can understand folding mirrors and parking cameras would be really nice to have. As you say it is really more of a gadget in the US. Maybe not in the big cities but most everywhere else they are just not necessary.
 
#17 · (Edited)
Someone mentioned glow in the dark stickers or paint to help with finding the above console switches. I have thought about these below:

www.amazon.com

Amazon.com: DGZZI Rocker Switch Label Decal 120PCS Night Glow Graphic Text Rocker Toggle Switch Panel - Name Sticker Label Set for Boat RV Car Truck Vehicle : Automotive

Amazon.com: DGZZI Rocker Switch Label Decal 120PCS Night Glow Graphic Text Rocker Toggle Switch Panel - Name Sticker Label Set for Boat RV Car Truck Vehicle : Automotive
www.amazon.com
www.amazon.com

Amazon.com: TOMALL 2Pcs Control Switch Luminous Sticker for Car Outer Door Handle Button Switch Panel Night Safety Luminous Decals Glow in Dark Accessories for Car Window Door (Luminous Blue) : Automotive

Amazon.com: TOMALL 2Pcs Control Switch Luminous Sticker for Car Outer Door Handle Button Switch Panel Night Safety Luminous Decals Glow in Dark Accessories for Car Window Door (Luminous Blue) : Automotive
www.amazon.com
 
#18 ·
RetiredGamer said:
Really I never heard if this problem or experienced it. I've had like 30 new cars in my time and never done that. I guess I saved a lot of money there. Thank god that's one area.
Click to expand...
Here is what the failed right rear tire looked like on our new RAV4 due to alignment issues. Was not fun on the highway. The alignment report is below. Found out the alignment was like this since delivery, we were not informed. We also checked the dealers new loaner they gave us while they repaired ours. It was way out of alignment also. Now you have heard of it. Search this group if you want to hear of more.
Also, you didn't save a penny. You just got lucky. Alignment checks are free at many shops.
Image


Here is how our new RAV4 was aligned:
Image


Here is another new RAV4:
Image
 
Discussion starter · #19 ·
db821766 said:
Someone mentioned glow in the dark stickers or paint to help with finding the above console switches. I have thought about these below:

www.amazon.com

Amazon.com: DGZZI Rocker Switch Label Decal 120PCS Night Glow Graphic Text Rocker Toggle Switch Panel - Name Sticker Label Set for Boat RV Car Truck Vehicle : Automotive

Amazon.com: DGZZI Rocker Switch Label Decal 120PCS Night Glow Graphic Text Rocker Toggle Switch Panel - Name Sticker Label Set for Boat RV Car Truck Vehicle : Automotive
www.amazon.com
www.amazon.com

Amazon.com: TOMALL 2Pcs Control Switch Luminous Sticker for Car Outer Door Handle Button Switch Panel Night Safety Luminous Decals Glow in Dark Accessories for Car Window Door (Luminous Blue) : Automotive

Amazon.com: TOMALL 2Pcs Control Switch Luminous Sticker for Car Outer Door Handle Button Switch Panel Night Safety Luminous Decals Glow in Dark Accessories for Car Window Door (Luminous Blue) : Automotive
www.amazon.com
Click to expand...
Those look useful.

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