I'll take cable-controlled any day. Electrical ones die, cable-controlled ones don't

Headlights on the '05, are they auto ON/OFF. If not they should be.

No they are not auto... and I like it that way. The Canadian version probably has Daytime Running Lights (as they had them on previous Xs).

Refer to p. 2-23 of the manual for a detailed answer to your question (they are auto on/off).

I'm sure you are addressing the above post. And since I do not yet own an X, I therefore would not have a manual to reference.

I'm glad they are auto ON/OFF.

They're not auto on/off on my OR...at least not daytime running lights. Don't think they're auto on/off at night.

One thing I noticed during my test drive was the seating position. In my '01 I always wished the seat was higher off the floor. I have a 1987 Mitsubishi Montero too and I love the seating position in it (very similar to the new X).

Newsflash - I just left my lights on for 5 minutes after shutting down the engine and they shut off automatically. Guess the manual was right on this one.

Oh I thought you meant auto on when you turn on the car (or it senses darkness) and off when it senses light. It doesn't do that...and daytime running only in Canada.

But yes, they will automatically turn off after 5 minutes if you turn the car off but leave the lights on.

Yea, you'd think with all that computing power under the seat it would be auto everything. So you are a Canadian Morvran? I think the running lights are a good idea. I wonder why we don't have the option down here? I turn my lights on a lot for that reason during the daytime. Is it the fog lights that come on? I don't think I can use them alone for running lights because the main lamps have to be on before the fog lamps will operate.

No no, Ohio-born and raised, living in DC atm. I just read that in the manual. I do prefer them though, and feel better when in a car that has them. On the X, I think it's the main lights that act as daytime running, but they shine at a lower intensity than normal.

My wife's Volvo has spoiled me with all its auto features. From auto-on lights (including the dash lights and nav screen changing when sensing light change) to water-sensing wipers.

Check out the third thread down from the top in the 2005 forum....

:rolleyes:
Then you must be thrilled with the idea of switching into 4wd through the use of an air-conditioning control knob..

Haha, I can't stand it! It's the one feature of these new Xs that I don't care for. Gimme a stick to throw into 4W and I'd call it just about a perfect match for me. :-)

I guess I should have more specific in meaning Auto OFF, that is when the key is out of the ignition.

I my self do not like things that are auto without a manual override. You would think that we should have the intelligence to decide for ourself when we want the light on or off. Sure, auto is OK most of the time, but is it worth the lost of control over the things you paid for? I believe in personl choice, and no once should force you to have the lights on in the odd times that you actually wanted it off. Same thing with the auto on AC when it is switched to windshield vent, I can turn it on IF I wanted it on...

I agree to a point. With headlights, I think all cars should have a daytime running feature. I can't say how many times I've been driving, in all different conditions, and thought to myself, "Man, that guy needs to have his headlights on...I can't see him". There are times when the car's computer may know what's best for the safety of the driver (or the number of people who forget to turn their lights on at dusk).

Then again, I would hate not being able to manually disable any of that stuff if I needed to.

OK guys... this thread is going out of control. It was originally made as a list thread for details, not opinions or comments made to previous posts. Keep it that way or I will be forced to delete irrelevant posts.

24. Firewall penetration is on driver's side, with perfect access on either side and plenty of room to work! Installed my HAM radio last night and they 05's location is 10x better than 1st Gen.

25. Access to the spare tire is protected with the tailgate down. This should help with keeping thiefs from taking your tire... but if they are going to cut the chain down under nothing has changed.

26. all speakers including tweeters are plug and play type. meaning they have the connectors on the end of the speaker wire that plugs to another connector on the speaker.

^SE w/ RF package (clarion speakers )....but im not sure if regular speakers have the same thing.

27. The exhaust pipe is located such that it won't get constantly smashed off road like the older X's - at least it looks to be a lot more out of the way.

28. There are two handy sets of pen/pencil holders on the underside of the center console storage bin lid.

At least that's what I'm using them for. Could put a tire pressure gauge in there maybe?

29. From the "What the hell is that thing for" department:

There is a "comfort clip" under the rear seat's driver side headrest. It's purpose is to hold the center seatbelt away the wearer's neck.

30. From the "What the hell is that thing for" department again:

Open the glovebox and pull the fuse cover. Look at the listing of fuse assignments on the left side of the cover and go up 7 from the bottom. On mine I see a 15A fuse for a "Cigar Lighter".

31. The visors now have extensions to block out annoying sun glare towards the back edge of the side windows. No more holding your hand up to the side of your face when driving north northwest late in the afternoon.