Screw those '06's

[Toecutter]

FJ Cruiser that is:

In a episode of recurrent temporary insanity, yesterday we plopped down a $500 PDP deposit on a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser, loaded up in Sun Fusion Yellow. Supposedly we only have to wait two weeks! I just hope we can afford it. Who needed a swimming pool, besides our nine year-old? She can have the whole back seat, and we'll just run her up to the lake whenever she complains about the heat. How's that for selfishness?

It seems like a perfect cage companion to the FJR, namewise at least. We were going to look at the Camry Hybrid. They didn't have one, but Eve saw the Cruiser there and that was about it. We drove a Camry, but since we already have an '01, she said "It just didn't make my skirt fly up". Hey, whatever makes her skirt fly up has to be good for me too, right?

Anybody want to buy a '93 Land Cruiser (193k miles) or an '01 Camry (72k miles)? Act now!

 

[twowheelnut]

Bu, bu, bu, bu, but... It's not a diesel... :dntknw:

 

[GOPHER]

I like it. I like how the auto companies are using design features that resemble their classic designs.

Looks like a good alternative to those poser Hummers.

What engine will it have......V8? We test drove a new Tacoma and I must say I wasn't impressed with Toyota's V6.

 

[madmike2]

Hmmmmm? Since its rumored that Yamaha does some research for Toyota, what is the possibility of a tick?

Seriously nice ride, T.C. Does this one have the ground clearance of the '93, assuming you will really use it off road? All the bells and whistles?

Sooo, are you going to get used to driving Bren's former ride, the Camray, since this vehicle, uh, "makes her skirt fly up"...?

 

[kaitsdad]

TC, these are nice looking vehicles -

I spend a lot of time every day idling up and down the 405 fwy here LA and OC - and I've seen two of these in the past week- both with DIST license plates. One was yellow (as in your picture), the other was a dark grey metalic. Very Nice.

Moving up on it's six, I wasn't quite sure what it was - but looking at it's nose, it was definitely a Land Cruiser - Toyota did a good job of capturing the look.

Me thinks youse guize are really gonna like it -

Jet and I bought a Sienna (I know - it's an effing minivan) in December - and I'm amazed at the quality of it - compared to the Windstar we drove for 10 years, it's a huge leap forward.

And swimming pools are very overrated - In fact, I'd be happy to give you mine- all you have to do is come and get it. (you might want to bring a back-hoe.)

:bleh:

 

[Scab]

Smart man. If mama's happy, life is easy. If that is what makes her little heart go pitter-pat, pitter-pat, then get one as fast as you can.

Some men will never figure out the wisdom of keeping mama happy. You are obviously not one of those, so go,dude!

 

[Toecutter]

Bu, bu, bu, bu, but...  It's not a diesel...  :dntknw:

No, and it technically isn't going to be mine, either. Someone of great wisdom told me the diesel would not be allowed into this state. I figure we could probably drive it a year or two and recoup some of our money, then maybe something more manly will be available.

Does this one have the ground clearance of the '93, assuming you will really use it off road? All the bells and whistles?Sooo, are you going to get used to driving Bren's former ride, the Camray, since this vehicle, uh, "makes her skirt fly up"...?

I'm confident the FJ will be at least as capable off-road as the 80 series is. Maybe a bit less ground clearance, but a lot less wheelbase and much better approach and departure angles. Add the rear diff locker and it should be pretty good. It's also supposed to have pretty good suspension travel.

The Camry is going on the selling block. I'll have me an FJR and a Corolla, except for the occasional time I get to take the Cruiser to work for cleaning duties.

What engine will it have......V8? We test drove a new Tacoma and I must say I wasn't impressed with Toyota's V6.

It's the same V6 (I think) as the Tacoma. It's a 4.0L. They'll probably get around to giving it the V8, like they did with the 4 Runner. I was hoping they'd have a diesel and manual tranny, but not this year.

Some men will never figure out the wisdom of keeping mama happy. You are obviously not one of those, so go,dude!

Hell, some guys will spend that much on a ring, so I figure I'm gettin' off fortunately, so to speak. I get to drive it sometimes!

Jet and I bought a Sienna (I know - it's an effing minivan) in December - and I'm amazed at the quality of it - compared to the Windstar we drove for 10 years, it's a huge leap forward.

Yeah, I've pretty much been a Toyota guy ever since I got bored of doing burnouts. I accidently happened upon my first Land Cruiser, a '71 FJ40 with a 283 and SM420 transmission. I was trying to buy a guy at work's 4X4 Chevy, but he decided to sell it to his son. What a stroke of luck that turned out to be. Another guy, when he heard of my 'misfortune' said. "Hell, I'll sell you my Land Cruiser". I eventually wore out the 283, then built a 350 for it which ultimately got throttle body fuel injection once CARB relaxed the smog inspections for it in 2001, about the same time I converted the front brakes to discs. I got the '93 for the former wife in '99, and inherited it permanent after the divorce. Cruisers were kinda like FJR's are now, the other woman. I sold the '71 to a buddy, after having it for 19 years. I doubt the FJ will provide service like that, but then, it's not a real Land Cruiser either.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

I saw a Silver one on Hwy 1 South of Carmel on Sunday. I thought: Cool. Toyota is making a real 4x4 again (I hope!)

If you live up to that promise to take your kid to the lake, it's worth it. Forget the pool. If you sit on your butts and stay home, you shoulda got the pool. The value of your investment is directly relative the to memories you build for your kid.

 

[Toecutter]

I doubt the FJ will provide service like that, but then, it's not a real Land Cruiser either.

I stand corrected. According to the brochure, Toyota thinks it IS a real Land Cruiser, and I'd guess they have some authority on the subject. I had gotten some conflicting info previously. It's based on the 120 series Prado, not the Tacoma chassis. It just got even better!

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

I doubt the FJ will provide service like that, but then, it's not a real Land Cruiser either.

I stand corrected. According to the brochure, Toyota thinks it IS a real Land Cruiser, and I'd guess they have some authority on the subject. I had gotten some conflicting info previously. It's based on the 120 series Prado, not the Tacoma chassis. It just got even better!

Very cool. Now I'm tempted.

 

[painman]

Oh no Mr. Cutter, they only told you it would be 2 weeks. They really won't be in until late 07......PM.

 

[Toecutter]

Oh no Mr. Cutter, they only told you it would be 2 weeks. They really won't be in until late 07......PM.

Actually, with my permission, they gave it to a lady whose lease comes due April 8th and put my name on the next one in line. Since then, I've been online looking, and I'm gonna hold out for one built just the way I want it. at 30 jumbo plus, I'm not gonna settle.

 

[Rogue]

I saw a blue one, the first I've seen in person, in front of a Toyota dealer yesterday... NICE! :thumbup:

 

[Toecutter]

I saw a blue one, the first I've seen in person, in front of a Toyota dealer yesterday... NICE! :thumbup:

I got to drive a blue one yesterday, at the MotorTrend show in Fresno. They had a bunch of dirt mounded up into an "Off-road" test track. I like how it wheels, good articulation and smooth suspension. The factory chaperone couldn't figure out how to get it out of 4WD. I hate when I know more about the product than the salespersons. I get to do the city street/highway thing Tuesday afternoon.

Below is an honest eval from a real world Cruiserhead:

Yesterday I drove the new FJ Cruiser in town and on interstate, no off

road.

The perky engine took us up the freeway ramp to 80 mph quickly and

transmission very smooth. I could not even feel it shift. Rode nice

on interstate and was not real noisey as I was told it was.

The dash is very nicely laid out. Sound system is for 20 year olds.

Plenty of power.

When you drive it you have poor visibility. The windshield (wind

screen for my UK and NZ friends) is about 50% of the height of my Land Cruiser.

The side mirrors are odd shape but big enough and I would probably get

accustomed to them. The interior rear mirror is small and really doesn't matter

as you can't see anything out of it anyway.

Because of poor visibility they have a sensor that sounds when you back

up if you are going to hit something.

The front seats were comfortable. The rear are extremely difficult to

get in and out of and very small once in. No visibility for rear

passengers so if they were going very far I would suggest rear mounted

DVD screens with a rotating video camera on roof so they can see the country side.

The rear window lifts but is so small and the storage inaccessible

through it that it might as well open. The access is blocked by the

rear mounted spare tire. The electric drive power steering felt good and

you could feel the road.

This one had almost all the options and was $29,500. There were 7

pre-sold and only one is completing the deal the other six when they saw it got

their down payments back. So what was to be an 18 month wait is reduced to I

can have a blue one next week or silver in April.

The details are what you would expect from a Toyota. The swinging door

locks so the wind will not blow it off. However, I was warned that if

you don't unlock it and force it, $800 to fix it as there will be body

damage.

All in all it would be a head turner. In that people would look at you

going down the road and to see out you will be turning your head a lot.

I think Toyota blew this one and for two years of hype I don't think it

is that hot. Mechanically I think it would perform well.

Base price is $24K but don't expect to see one. They are coming

loaded. The dealer is not happy as they were told they could order what they

want on them.

It is better looking than the pictures but not really that good.

Time will tell if they sell. The target market was people in 20-30 old

year range. So maybe that is why I do not get it.

Well though you might enjoy one persons view.

I'm still gettin' one. It still sounds better than my old 40 and physically, it's about all I ever envisioned modifying my 40 into, with the added benefit of better fuel economy, which means being able to drive it more.

 

[TheAxeman]

Very nice Toe, best of luck with it. Matches the color of my 2000 VFR. I drive a Toyota Tundra at the moment and swore I would never get another Toyota but the Land Cruiser actually has me interested. I remember seeing the prototype for it about 2 or 3 years ago at the NY Auto Show. They really had it decked out nicely with lots of auxiliary lighting, winches front and back, etc.... I'm sure you will see a ton of aftermarket stuff for it once it begins taking off. Can you say Farkle.....I'll bet you can.....

 

[painman]

A friend just dropped by with an 07 FJ, blue one, and it is really sweeeeeeet! I like the tonka look on the interior. This vehicle is made to 4-wheel. I think he said he paid 32K for it. Good luck with the new ride. PM. <><

 

[Toecutter]

I drive a Toyota Tundra at the moment and swore I would never get another Toyota but the Land Cruiser actually has me interested.

So, why did the Tundra make you swear off Toyota? I always thought the back seat looked really uncomfy myself, at least on the earlier ones.

 

[TheAxeman]

I drive a Toyota Tundra at the moment and swore I would never get another Toyota but the Land Cruiser actually has me interested.

So, why did the Tundra make you swear off Toyota? I always thought the back seat looked really uncomfy myself, at least on the earlier ones.

I just feel that dollar for dollar American Trucks are a better buy. I am a person who isn't married to a brand and have owned many different trucks over the years and this last time decided on the Tundra....mostly because a friend had just purchased one and it got high reviews from auto rags, and I wanted to try something different. After owning it for 3 years now, I'm not impressed. Yes it is reliable, yes it goes like a ***** ape on the beach, yes it is low maintenance....but so have all my other trucks been. Gas mileage sucks at 13 mpg, lack of little amenities such as heated mirrors, 3 powerpoints for electronic plug-ins that are all switched, leather that is coming apart at the seams after 60K, etc...Not the Toyota that I remember when I was younger. I had a Dodge prior to this, A Ford before that, a Chevy, an Isuzu Trooper, etc... and the Toyota was the most expensive. HOWEVER, I am willing to look again...just not at a Tundra.

 

[Toecutter]

Farkles, anyone? Hmmm, only about $2k w/winch. Eve might need that to get up the last part of the mountain that guards the approach to the grocery store.