to NOT buy an FJ Cruiser. I know it's an odd request. But, yesterday the fiance and I test drove an FJ. We've always loved the way it looks. Now, we love the way in drives too(aside from the blind spots). I keep reading about how everyone loves their FJ... There has to be some drawbacks. What do you dislike about your FJ the most? Are the blind spots really that bad in every day driving? We plan on purchasing a used one. The fiance would use it as a daily driver(I'll keep my 95 pickup). We like to go rural camping though. So it would most definitely get used for that as well. We also have a five year old little girl. Do you see the rear seats being an issue with that? I appreciate any insight you can lend. Cheers!

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No vehicle is perfect. I would get it and get used to the blind spots.I am ot a fan of its looks, but it looks rugged enough. My .02

I dig mine as most here know.
Check out my build-up thread in my sig below, as well as my personal site.
Here is a thread too with a few pics.
http://www.yotatech.com/f123/show-of...inside-246335/

I have no rear seating now (more room for camping gear) but I hear and have read kids are no problem in the back seat.

you could buy a well maintained, older 4Runner Limited for significantly less money, then use the money saved for decent tires/wheels and a vacation somewhere secluded!

oh yeah, and - you can't take the top off

Your 95 will get jealous and sabotage it every night while you sleep.
You can do what you want but don't be surprised when you wake up to flattened tires and fresh mud caked all over her FJ.
Whatever you do, do not leave it unlocked, unless you want a surprise on your seat.




J/K

BUY IT!!!!!!! i love spendin other peoples money!

Definetly. With the money you save not buying new you can build a little bit older runner or something. :rocking:

My taco was 10K when I got it, in great shape but stock. Threw about 6K into. Now I got a way better then stock truck for under 20k that will last a really long time. (rock on wood)

But if your trying to get out of spending money at all.....then uh, well..I don't know

Haha, great advice everyone. I don't think I could convince her to get an older 4runner or Land Cruiser though...

But I'm still working on her. lol!

Go 4Runner or Tacoma crew cab!!! DONT BE CONVERTED TO THE FJ SIDE!!!!!

Find one of these and be done with it.

I just drove my friend's 05 Tacoma extended cab home 175 miles and compared to my 90 it rode like a cadillac. I would look into buying an older 4Runner or Taco if I was looking to spend 10K plus before I got and FJ, but that's just my opinion since you asked for it.

Fugly tail lights, don't buy one.

botox gone horribly wrong on a 4runner= fj
4runner having an allergic reaction to mud= fj
toyota tryin to distract you from recalls= fj

TEUF

My complements on the photography. What kind of equipment are you using?
Was into that field briefly myself.

When I was more active in the photography I used mainly 2 1/4 Hasseblads, Omega 4/5.
Speedotron lighting. I did that exclusively from 1981-2005. Now I am in welding school.

DONT DO IT

Get a Nineties Land Cruiser, Looks like the design team used legos for that heap.

I have been looking at an FJ as well, so I will put in my $0.02.

Looks aside, there is not a whole lot of room in these things for stuff, once the seats have been taken up. I have two kids, one is a back-seater for a few more years. The biggest draw back is that the front door needs to open for the rear door to do so. This means when dropping a kid off I will either 1. need to walk around, or 2. have her get out on the street side.

Now mind you, the 10 y.o. Wants an FJ. "It's like a submarine back here, Dad."
I wouldn't worry about the blind spots. The mirrors are big. It drives nice.
I am now thinking Rav4 for the mpg and the fact that it has as much space as my '91 Runner.

The 1/2 doors are a pia, especially with two small kids.

i was in love on my very first test drive. i have been driving a 22re 4x4 for seven years and started looking at newer at fj's and 4runners this summer. i found great deal on a 70k mile 07 (16k including bumper to bumper warranty). i love the looks, power and comfort,i have gotten used to blind spots not a big deal.

i have a couple buddies that own the FJ, they come out to TDS with us every year, they whell pretty well, look cool (IMO) and are pretty nice.. until there is a comparable year 4runner next to it.

id get one if i couldnt find a comparable 4runner.

One thing that makes me want one a bit less....

3rd gen 4runner cargo behind rear seats = 44.6 cubic feet
with rear seats down = 79.7 cubic feet

Fj Cruiser cargo behind rear seats = 27.9 cubic feet
with rear seats down = 66.8 cubic feet

When I go camping my rig gets stuffed to the max inside and thats with putting a bunch of stuff on my roof rack as well....I can't imagine loosing any cargo space. Fj's are neat looking but I'd rather build up my 3rd gen 4Runner!

Loving the responses. We are going to test drive this http://www.arenamotorgroup.com/web/u...yland/1020199/ friday. I'm scheduling an off-road shop to take a look at it since I freely admit I don't know enough about off-road modifications to be a good judge of quality.

You guys know of anything I should specifically look for?

my wife picked her 2008 fj over the 4-runner.i had my doubts.but i love it!!!

When you go on the test drive, YOU and your WIFE sit in the back while the salesmen drive you to the test drive area. Then come back and talk about space and comfort.

They will try and sell you on the offroad capabilities, well, because they are very good IMO. Thats how my buddy ended up in his 07, now he is looking to trade in on a 4runner.

i test drove several 4runners before i bought my fj, 02 v6 felt gutless and 08 sport v8 liked it and several other newer v6's,
the only one i prefered over the fj was a gx470 but it was out of my price range. you wont regret getting a fj.