TWICE...... I am very interested in that vehicle..... fun looks.. IMO... kind of expensive for what it is and my Xtera has features it does not..... but a very cool "car" ..... what do you guys think? what is the buzz?

please.....SUV haters .... I am one of the 5% that actually use my "X" off road and can't get there with less than a 4X4.....

 

Had serious intentions myself to replace a Tacoma 4x4, but after test driving it, I decided it would not offer the hauling capacity of the pick-up and I was disappointed in the use of interior space...too much of it around the driver, not enough in the cargo area. The instrument package on top of the dash in the one I test drove, seriously impeded my ability to see when turning right also.

I was looking for a bare minimum, stripped down version and the local dealers were adding too many extras before sale, even as much as $10,000 in extras which left it way overpriced, IMO...

 

I totally agree with your assesment of the interior space...... very small..... but I like the "rear doors"... and there are NO $21,000 units anywhere... they are all $28K to 34K..... what is funny is that I have seen the automotive journalist compare it to the Mini as a very nice re-do of an old design..... not surre I get "that" but I like the styling.... interior has asmall "birdcage" and is a bit dark..... but I like the dash.... and just an aside...the quality of the plastic used on switches and dials is less than used to be on kids toys 15 years ago..... oh yes... no lumbar support.... but I still like it....

 

I think it's a great design and I had been waiting on production since the concept was released several years ago.

Another downside, I wanted the manual transmission which is only sold with full-time 4WD. That would not have helped the fuel mileage numbers in some of the interstate driving that I would have done in it.

Seems more suited for the hardcore 4x4 enthusiast, but ya gotta get to the outback, right?

 

Interesting that you have the Xterrra & are looking at the FJ Cruiser. I'm hoping to replace my Audi A4 with a reasonably sized/priced SUV and its come down to these two. Haven't test driven the FJ Cruiser yet. I have a feeling the Xterra will win out in the end.

 

Spider ... check out http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpconta...2/article.html

comparison between 06 xterra and 07 FJ. I was looking as I was thinking of replacing mine with a FJ. FJ wins by a noise.

The video is here ( http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpconta...photoId=28766#
Click on the video tab

The car is targeted at the 24 - 34 year old crowd. What does the Xtrerra have that the FJ doesn't? Looks like it comes with all the goodies, options include a front skid plate. Light bars, etc. Only thing they dont like is the rear visibility.

As to pricing, carmax prices running about $28K. However, just like any other car, you can order whatever you want. Want a stripper, you can get one, just have to wait like waiting for a MINI.

If I do trade in next year, this is the one to buy ... FJ will last 30 years ... you will wear out before it does and then they will ship it to Hondurus for another 200K miles

 

The Toyota Land Cruiser was my work vehicle for many years in Central America. I absolutely love them. I drove mainly two versions of the jeep-like LC.

This was my daily driver for several years (1992 - 1994)





While this was what I used for special needs (1984 - 1987)



Get a new FJ if you want one, they come with a great heritage.

 

the X has much more room and a better lit cabin/ places to stand when you working on the roof / an easier roof line to get things on and off / better feel of the road / lumbar support / side runners you can stand on /tru 4 doors / decent rear seats / tie downs everywhere in the cabin / internal bike rack / long enough to sleep inside /

the FJ /looks cool/ looks more off road capable but the X is good enough for me / you don't see yourself coming and going / seems like better fit and finish /

both have very cheap interiors / leather available in the FJ but a worthless option for people and dogs that get wet and muddy.

I'm sure there is more but just off the top of my head

 

Not that we are in the market for a new vehicle, but Mike and I drove the FJ last weekend. The local dealer just happened to have a stick shift available so we said, sure, why not! I love the look...and am seeing them EVERYWHERE now... I'm not thrilled with the interior - it's okay -

The FJ would be first on my list if we were serious about replacing our Durango...however, we have the 3rd row seat which gets lots of use when we have many peeps to haul around..not quite willing to give that up just yet.

Donna

 

I love the FJ's looks, but have yet to really check them out. They are all over W.L.A.! We still have our old '88 Isuzu Trooper, but I was thinking the FJ would be a good replacement for it. Time for further research!

 

I really want one...... they are just cool

 

winter time in ne/nw ohio 4wd is a great thing to have. i will be regretting trading in my 4x4 come december

 

I like the FJ. I haven't driven one, but I appreciate the retro/throw-back styling combined with some new flavor and really fun colors. Don't hate on me now , but I think it's an SUV with a MINI vibe.

 

I totally agree with the Mini "vibe" .. there was an article...can't remember where that compared the vibe of the Mini and the FJ

 

I feel the MINI vibe in the FJ, too.

 

I love the looks of the FJ. The only way I would own one is if I can get it stripped down all the way to black steel wheels.

 

That's what I'm saying...dealership looked at me like I was nuts...I walked.

 

they claim a 21K vesion but 28k is the lowest I have seen

 

Hahaha! I find it hilarious that we all want stripped down versions!

I want cloth seats, ideally NO carpet, manual trans, etc. People look at me like I'm insane when I say I want a Manual SUV. I'm looking at this as something I can haul the dogs in, take to Lowes without worrying what'll get dirty on the inside, drive up to my parents cabin withouth worrying about my wheels.. that kinda thing.

My MINI is my baby.. which makes my 2005 Audi A4 my "beater" I suppose. It kills me to let the dogs scamper around on Audi leather. :impatient

 

Sorry for digressing, Stef, but why don't you have some custom seatcovers made to protect the leather? Cheaper than buying another vehicle!

I'd want a stripped-down MT, too! HEY! GROUP BUY!

 

Just order one like you ordered your MINI. CARMAX will order them

 

Can't you go online at the Toyota website & build your own FJ? Then you could build it w/no extras & buy it that way

 

Audi is a lease. It was one of the very last of the B6 platform & I conveniently bought it when they were trying to get them off the lot to have room for the B7s... so I got a fantastic deal. The plan all along was to buy the car at the end of the lease. KBB says the car is worth ~$8k more than the buyout. I realized awhile ago that while I love the Audi, its a bit redundant (two cars I'm afraid of getting dirty) so I considered just turning the car in.. effectively throwing away the $8k-ish. I figure I can buy out the lease (already planning on spending that money), sell the Audi, buy an FJ or Xterra, pay sales tax and still break even or (best case) come out ahead. Lot of elaborate planning going into this one

 

What a diabolical plan to buy an FJ!

 

I'm working a deal as we speak... I'll know more in the morning..... it is about 50/50