Any mods / accessory / upgrade regrets?

[Maximus4R]

Hi all -

Still trying to plan out my build roadmap and wondering if there’s anything you regret doing? Could be something that trashed daily usage or you just don’t think is worth the money after doing.

Thanks!

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[Tarekith]

Mostly just interior storage options I saw advertised here. One was a little shelf unit for the glovebox, and another was a small drawer compartment for the underside of the center console armrest. Both were cheaply made and rattled like crazy.

 

[Joe Dirt]

I'm in somewhat the same thought process as this is my third Runner. Looking back on past runners I can say lack of Dinero kept me from not making bad expensive accessory choices.

Speaking for myself only, this 25 being such a new vehicle I'm reluctant to add any crazy upgrades in case it has to go back to the manufacturer. Also reluctant to have anybody throw the void warranty flag up.

My Runners have always been utilitarian type of vehicles meaning, I can; and put Home Improvement items in the back like cement, bricks, sheets of wood, bikes and dogs in the back and various items on top, you name it. Then I take a vacuum and a blower and it looks and maintains it's daily driving comfort.

So I guess bottom line is form follows function for me and I slowly upgrade as needed. Take your time. Just my two cents

 

[brumey]

Like JoeDirt's comment, my 4R is utilitarian too. I have a truck for the heavy, dirty stuff like rock, cement, etc. so I keep the back pretty clean.

As for options, I went as minimal as I could. Factory/Port options on my SR5 included the steps and 4x4. The dealer forced a $699 paint protection and insurance which I got a refund for after researching the product. It was a $30 Polymer wax applied after a run through the car wash that created swirls and scratches.

I then added the OEM floor mats front, rear and cargo. I am disappointed in these. They look worn out after a week, especially the cargo mat. It shows every scratch in the mat, only had plastic grocery bags on it. I would opt for after market next time but probably not Weathertech. I'd look at Husky first and made in China if I had too.

I added the redline hood struts - Well worth it.

I added the Husky hood edge protector, Aero II (I think). Very low profile and matches the front quite well while protecting the vulnerable hood edge from rocks.

I added PPF to the front only. This was $800 and more than I really wanted to pay but I keep cars 10+ years.

I purchased Carista and a dongle - Worth it if only for the first year.

I might upgrade to a larger tire when the OEM's need replacing. Nothing too crazy, just larger volume to deal with the ruts and potholes better.

Maybe a protection plate in the front? I don't plan on doing any off road so possible don't need one.

I hope my minimal information helps.....

 

[FlaFlaFloFly]

I regret getting the illuminated emblem. I was at the dealer getting new wheels and my wife suggested it. I was so thrown off by an unsolicited accessory approval, that I bought it.
Knowing what I know now, I want the heritage style grille and more amber in front than white light.

 

[Maximus4R]

Like JoeDirt's comment, my 4R is utilitarian too. I have a truck for the heavy, dirty stuff like rock, cement, etc. so I keep the back pretty clean.

As for options, I went as minimal as I could. Factory/Port options on my SR5 included the steps and 4x4. The dealer forced a $699 paint protection and insurance which I got a refund for after researching the product. It was a $30 Polymer wax applied after a run through the car wash that created swirls and scratches.

I then added the OEM floor mats front, rear and cargo. I am disappointed in these. They look worn out after a week, especially the cargo mat. It shows every scratch in the mat, only had plastic grocery bags on it. I would opt for after market next time but probably not Weathertech. I'd look at Husky first and made in China if I had too.

I added the redline hood struts - Well worth it.

I added the Husky hood edge protector, Aero II (I think). Very low profile and matches the front quite well while protecting the vulnerable hood edge from rocks.

I added PPF to the front only. This was $800 and more than I really wanted to pay but I keep cars 10+ years.

I purchased Carista and a dongle - Worth it if only for the first year.

I might upgrade to a larger tire when the OEM's need replacing. Nothing too crazy, just larger volume to deal with the ruts and potholes better.

Maybe a protection plate in the front? I don't plan on doing any off road so possible don't need one.

I hope my minimal information helps.....

Super helpful! I am wildly disappointed in the oem mats as well. I don’t even do any big crazy with mine yet and the cargo mat looks 10 years old. I need to explore PPF on the front only, $800 feels worth it with how easily this paints gets damaged.

 

[Maximus4R]

I regret getting the illuminated emblem. I was at the dealer getting new wheels and my wife suggested it. I was so thrown off by an unsolicited accessory approval, that I bought it.
Knowing what I know now, I want the heritage style grille and more amber in front than white light.

I like the heritage grille but you gotta take advantage of unsolicited accessory approvals every chance you get! I really do think the illuminated emblem looks cool at night on the one I’ve seen. Maybe someone I’ll make some backlight heritage letters, wonder if that would end up tacky or cool. a lot of the Bronco owners run backlit letters.

 

[ryan.abbott61]

Meso Custom map lights. Install was a nightmare and had cost way more than the lights themselves. Should have just accepted the dim OEM lights.

 

[Maximus4R]

Meso Custom map lights. Install was a nightmare and had cost way more than the lights themselves. Should have just accepted the dim OEM lights.

Dangit. These were one of those things I kept researching. Thanks for saving me!

 

[RunnerRocks]

OEM PIO Mudguards - Not ideal for offroad. Will replace with RokBlokz when available, then sell.
OEM PIO Cross Bars - Will likely never use them, may remove until resale or sell.
OEM PIO Cargo Mat - is just okay. Easy to replace if further use deteriorates it.
OEM PIO All-Weather Floor Liners - Marginal coverage for rugged use, will sell. Husky X-act floor liners on the way.

Also bought the plastic divider shelves for the glovebox. Nice design, but like @Tarekith stated, it rattles. Removed for now until I add cushioning to prevent rattles.

 

[RandomSquirrel]

So far I'm pretty satisfied with my "mods":

1) Ceramic coating - a good buddy of mine (owns a high-end detail shop) did my entire TRD ORP (paint, glass, roof, bumpers, fenders, wheel faces). I do this on all my cars because, honestly, I'm too lazy to wash them often, so this helps a lot.
2) Front Window tint - I went with as close of a match to the other windows as possible. Seems to keep glare down, and again, I do this on all my vehicles.
3) PIO front/rear/cargo all-weather mats - meh. They seem to do "ok" so far (I'm only about 500 miles in to break-in). I told the dealer I didn't want them, so they too $100 off the price, but we'll see how they hold up.
4) Redline hood struts - worth the money
5) Lasfit LED switchback bulbs - I like the look of the white "running light" and the amber switch back when the turn signals/hazards are on. Just overall seems brighter and I like the look.
6) ScreenProTech - awaiting delivery, but I like to keep the screens protected. Will update once I install.
7) TRD skid plate - I removed the air dam and ORP "plastic skids" and installed this the day before we got this recent snow storm. 100% recommend as I was no longer "afraid" of the air dam ripping off, and now I have proper protection.
8) Front license plate mount - this was purchased only because I didn't want to drill holes in the new bumper. The mount is solid (may need an additional, nylock nut just to keep the 2 mounts from loosening up), the license plate is up out of the way, and no extra holes drilled. I'll see how this works out in the long-run.

As for other mods, I think I'll hold off for a little bit, just to get more break-in done and see how things go (and let the credit card cool down a bit haha). So far though, she's a beast in the snow, way more comfy than my previous '21 Wrangler Sport Altitude, and I'm super happy with my purchase.

 

[Maximus4R]

So far I'm pretty satisfied with my "mods":

1) Ceramic coating - a good buddy of mine (owns a high-end detail shop) did my entire TRD ORP (paint, glass, roof, bumpers, fenders, wheel faces). I do this on all my cars because, honestly, I'm too lazy to wash them often, so this helps a lot.
2) Front Window tint - I went with as close of a match to the other windows as possible. Seems to keep glare down, and again, I do this on all my vehicles.
3) PIO front/rear/cargo all-weather mats - meh. They seem to do "ok" so far (I'm only about 500 miles in to break-in). I told the dealer I didn't want them, so they too $100 off the price, but we'll see how they hold up.
4) Redline hood struts - worth the money
5) Lasfit LED switchback bulbs - I like the look of the white "running light" and the amber switch back when the turn signals/hazards are on. Just overall seems brighter and I like the look.
6) ScreenProTech - awaiting delivery, but I like to keep the screens protected. Will update once I install.
7) TRD skid plate - I removed the air dam and ORP "plastic skids" and installed this the day before we got this recent snow storm. 100% recommend as I was no longer "afraid" of the air dam ripping off, and now I have proper protection.
8) Front license plate mount - this was purchased only because I didn't want to drill holes in the new bumper. The mount is solid (may need an additional, nylock nut just to keep the 2 mounts from loosening up), the license plate is up out of the way, and no extra holes drilled. I'll see how this works out in the long-run.

As for other mods, I think I'll hold off for a little bit, just to get more break-in done and see how things go (and let the credit card cool down a bit haha). So far though, she's a beast in the snow, way more comfy than my previous '21 Wrangler Sport Altitude, and I'm super happy with my purchase.

I did the ProTech screen protector and it has been amazing. Will 100% be getting it for all of my vehicles going forward.

I really, really like the TRD skid plate, I need to bite the bullet during the next sale.

 

[Nodak]

oem automatic running boards.

• unless you or someone you drive with are shorter than 5ft 8in, not worth it. the vehicle doesnt sit high enough and they extend downward at a awkward height (your either too long legged to use them or your too tall to to use them)
• if you live in a snow state or go off roading and have the oem mud flaps, they dont save you the hassle of debris hitting the rear passenger door kick out (the mud flaps doesnt protect the rear doors where a conventional running board would)

i am looking for a set of mud flaps that extend lower than the oem's to cover the splash of snow/slush/dirt onto the rear door kickouts

 

[RandomSquirrel]

I did the ProTech screen protector and it has been amazing. Will 100% be getting it for all of my vehicles going forward.

I really, really like the TRD skid plate, I need to bite the bullet during the next sale.

Did you go with the HD or anti-glare covering? I went with anti-glare for the 14"...hoping I didn't "choose poorly". lol

 

[Maximus4R]

Did you go with the HD or anti-glare covering? I went with anti-glare for the 14"...hoping I didn't "choose poorly". lol

I did anti-glare and freaking love it. It pushed my screen protector install skills to the limit but I also have the eye hand coordination of a drunk toddler so results may vary.

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