Well ...
After days of searching for one with just the right options and some rather heated negotiations with local dealers (Wal-Mart & Toys R Us), I finally picked up my new VB FJ From TRU yesterday afternoon.
The First dealer (Wal-Mart) did not have much of a selection ... ok, no selection at all ... just a single VB with the standard options, plus a Tyco lift with custom Tyco wheels and some rather capable looking off-road tires ... not a bad package, and after a little negotiation (checking the bar code) we agreed on a pretty reasonable price at just shy of $20.
Now having had an FJ supply problem here in Denver for quite a while, though it appears to be getting better now (even though I still think we get screwed on pricing), I thought I better sign on the dotted line before someone else snatched it up and I missed my opportunity.
I was out and about I thought I might as well swing by my other local dealer (TRU) on the off chance that they might have a better selection. To my surprise they had a rather nice selection of FJs on the lot (shelves). There were several very nice looking custom painted (orange) models tastefully upgraded with some high performance Hot Wheels after market parts (and I think perhaps heated seats).
They were pretty bad a$$, the drool was dripping from the corners of my mouth, and I was all but sold ... then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw them ...
Two VB FJs partially obscured by an enormous black H2 ... they were LIFTED ... they were BIG ... no, they were HUGE !!! ... OMG, those tires look like they could crush ... empty beer cans.
Right then I knew ... That this was the FJ for me.
Ok, I have to admit I got a little sticker shock when I saw the window sticker (finding the price on the shelf), at just under $50 it was more than double the VB FJ from the other dealer. But I just couldn't help myself, all those incredible Nikko options (suspension AND body lift, gigantic tires, cool wheels, huge winch bumper ... no winch, and HID (working) headlights) were just too sweet to pass up … so I’ll have to cancel the deal at the other dealer (return the first one to Wal-Mart).
but ...
Like any good FJ owner, I just can't leave well enough alone and the mods have already begun. It has been completely de-badged and is being prepped for a custom paint job, have removed the wheels and tires so that the wheels can be painted, and the mirrors and bezel have been removed for the black-out treatment.
Not sure what I'll do to her after that, we'll have to see what's in the budget ... I'll keep you posted.
Mark
