FJ Cruiser

[*MAD DOG*]

I've never owned a SUV, 4X4, 4 Wheel Drive vehicle before. Ever since my latest trip to CA i've been thinking of trading in my Yaris for a SUV. I haven't test driven anything, but I do know i like the idea of the drivers seat being at the same height as my ass so all you do is just plant your butt and slide your legs in.

Also the idea of having some ground clearance appeals to me. Driving in that elevated seated position also appeals to me.

So I was originally thinking of getting a Ute (Pickup Truck). But now I was browsing the Toyota Australia website and came across the FJ Cruiser.

Anyway they release this model in about 40 days. I would like to get your advice on SUV's as i've never owned or driven one and i'm seriously thinking about getting this.

Check out the brochure i've attached and if you want anymore info clicky here

[ilikerice]

always been a fan of the FJ.. just always been out of my budget. i had a tacoma 4dr prerunner and i enjoyed it. had to trade it in for something smaller (enter the yaris) and easy on the monthy payments. no more roomates is expensive.

i say FJ is a good choice. do it!

[*MAD DOG*]

Originally Posted by ilikerice

always been a fan of the FJ.. just always been out of my budget. i had a tacoma 4dr prerunner and i enjoyed it. had to trade it in for something smaller (enter the yaris) and easy on the monthy payments. no more roomates is expensive.

i say FJ is a good choice. do it!

Thanks man Thinking about it, seriously.

[CTScott]

I love the looks of the FJ. The only negative is the gas mileage, which is just a wee bit better than my Xterra.

The FJ actually even share a few parts with the Yaris. I have sold few couple of my Passenger Occupancy Sensor Bypass Modules to people with FJs, who have switched to aftermarket seats for serious off-roading.

[YarisPR]

Originally Posted by CTScott

I love the looks of the FJ. The only negative is the gas mileage

+1
We traded my Passat for an FJ & the Yaris, I used it couple of months, I let my mom have it cause of the terrible gas milage, I use it sometimes but I hate watching the fuel gauge going to empty before a round trip.

Besides the bad MPG I Love It!

[MadMax]

Get a Jeep.

I've wheeled with FJs and while they are capable vehicles offroad, I would hate to take something that expensive and beat the hell out of it. My Jeep, on the other hand, is just as capable (probably more so) and I can fix just about anything that breaks or goes wrong with it.

Also, there is a much larger aftermarket for Jeeps. Heck, many companies put out catalogs as large as phone books on parts and accessories for them. The options are pretty much endless.

Lastly, a buddy of mine who owned an FJ said the visibility was horrible in it. Same was true for the Hummer H3. Of course, visibility is great in a vehicle that you can take the doors, windows and top off!

Just my 2¢. Good luck with your decision.

Cheers! M2

[marcus]

3 thumbs up.. been looking at fj myself.. just hope youre aware of the windshield prone to cracks on stone chip issue.due to angle position.. seating is not the most comfortable specially on long driving.

[cougar65]

I would get a ute if i lived in Australia I mean it's bad ass http://m.holden.com.au/vehicles/ute/...edline-edition
Granted this is not for off roading or well anything but! It's awesome!!!! I just like the el camino and stuff... So utes rub me the right way.

[big lo]

FJ, one word badass!!

[sickpuppy1]

Originally Posted by MadMax

Get a Jeep.

I've wheeled with FJs and while they are capable vehicles offroad, I would hate to take something that expensive and beat the hell out of it. My Jeep, on the other hand, is just as capable (probably more so) and I can fix just about anything that breaks or goes wrong with it.

Also, there is a much larger aftermarket for Jeeps. Heck, many companies put out catalogs as large as phone books on parts and accessories for them. The options are pretty much endless.

Lastly, a buddy of mine who owned an FJ said the visibility was horrible in it. Same was true for the Hummer H3. Of course, visibility is great in a vehicle that you can take the doors, windows and top off!

Just my 2¢. Good luck with your decision.

Cheers! M2

Dont forget, he's in Australia. Jeeps might not be as plentiful there.

[severous01]

my thing is.....IFS....sucks for an off-road vehicle. i'd rather have a chevy truck with an solid axle than a brand new 2011 X5, FJ, or any other IFS front end.

jeeps are AMAZING for their off-road capabilities. they get decent mileage. their support for lifts, wheels, lockers, bumpers, and any other aftermarket is through the roof...dependability is top notch. price is extremely fair seeing as how they're everywhere.

a second option for any serious off raoding vehicle would be any other make/model that had a solid front axle. older land rovers, suzuki side-kick, toyota tacoma or anything SOLID AXLE. they're easy to upgrade for bigger wheels/tires, long arms lifts, leaf springs are best but coils work as well.

[*MAD DOG*]

Originally Posted by CTScott

I love the looks of the FJ. The only negative is the gas mileage, which is just a wee bit better than my Xterra.

The FJ actually even share a few parts with the Yaris. I have sold few couple of my Passenger Occupancy Sensor Bypass Modules to people with FJs, who have switched to aftermarket seats for serious off-roading.

I think I would have it converted to run on LPG. Gas milage would be of no concern, LPG is about 60c per litre.

[*MAD DOG*]

Originally Posted by MadMax

Get a Jeep.

I've wheeled with FJs and while they are capable vehicles offroad, I would hate to take something that expensive and beat the hell out of it. My Jeep, on the other hand, is just as capable (probably more so) and I can fix just about anything that breaks or goes wrong with it.

Also, there is a much larger aftermarket for Jeeps. Heck, many companies put out catalogs as large as phone books on parts and accessories for them. The options are pretty much endless.

Lastly, a buddy of mine who owned an FJ said the visibility was horrible in it. Same was true for the Hummer H3. Of course, visibility is great in a vehicle that you can take the doors, windows and top off!

Just my 2¢. Good luck with your decision.

Cheers! M2

I'll test drive a Jeep before I make my decision. Thanks.

[*MAD DOG*]

Originally Posted by marcus

3 thumbs up.. been looking at fj myself.. just hope youre aware of the windshield prone to cracks on stone chip issue.due to angle position.. seating is not the most comfortable specially on long driving.

I have to be comfortable in the thing to buy it. When I give it a test drive if I aint gonna be comfortable in it, I aint buying it.

[*MAD DOG*]

Originally Posted by cougar65

I would get a ute if i lived in Australia I mean it's bad ass http://m.holden.com.au/vehicles/ute/...edline-edition
Granted this is not for off roading or well anything but! It's awesome!!!! I just like the el camino and stuff... So utes rub me the right way.

Was thinking about a Ute. If I can't find a 4x4 or 4x2 I like then a Ute may be a serious option.

[*MAD DOG*]

Originally Posted by sickpuppy1

Dont forget, he's in Australia. Jeeps might not be as plentiful there.

We have Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge dealers here. Jeeps have been here for ages, then Chrysler and Dodge joined the market.

[sickpuppy1]

So how much off roading are you thinking of doing? Serious or occasional. Mostly around town or is this going to become a new hobby...going out in the boonies to play in the mud and such. i guess these are questions to help with the decision. The Jeep has better aftermarket support, but the FJ may be a better around town kinda vehicle, comfy wise, with occasional off road bouts.

[*MAD DOG*]

Originally Posted by sickpuppy1

So how much off roading are you thinking of doing? Serious or occasional. Mostly around town or is this going to become a new hobby...going out in the boonies to play in the mud and such. i guess these are questions to help with the decision. The Jeep has better aftermarket support, but the FJ may be a better around town kinda vehicle, comfy wise, with occasional off road bouts.

The only off roading I plan to do is over nature strips to avoid grid lock. I'd be using the FJ as a daily driver to and from work. Off roading may happen, but mainly it will be city/motorway driving to and from work.

Another reason I like the FJ is it's interior looks roomy. I was in LTNoogies Jeep (forgotten which model it was), but I don't think i'd fit behind the wheel in it. I'm a big guy, when I say big i mean 6"4' 500 pounds approx. I fit in the Yaris, if i'm going to get a new vehicle it has to be able to fit me in it and me be comfortable.