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[pokerDawg]

My FJC was purchased early July 2007. Shortly after that, I found this website. Now I'm at my 1000th post and my rig is a little over 10k now. I'd like to warn new FJC owners/forum members what interesting things can occur in 6 months, 10k miles of FJC ownership, and 1000 post.

You might rediscover the town you live in. I've been in Los Angeles County for over 30 years. I didn't know SoCal had so much to offer for 4x4 adventures. I've played in the mud of Azusa Canyon OHV, watch my son play in the snow at Mt Pinos, drive through historic Old Mojave Road, climb hills at Hungry Valley SVRA, race through powerline roads at the Cali-Nevada Stateline, and drove on the beach at Oceano Dunes (Pismo beach).

You might become famous. Yes, I’ve become quite famous. I went to the Toyota Anniversary party at the Toyota museum. My FJC is seen in TWO photos on the Toyota website. Where you ask? Well it takes about 25 clicks to find the photos and you have to zoom in about 200% to see my mostly stock Black Cherry FJC. You can't miss it!

You will modify your FJC. This is a love/hate topic. You love to mod your FJ but you hate to pay for it. I've done very minor things but it really adds up. If you have limited funds (like me), plan and prioritize well. My favorite mod so far are the Trail Gear sliders. They are priced right, look good, and are functional. The only buyer's remorse might be on getting the Nitto TGs at stock size. I should have lifted the rig first so I can get bigger tires. I love the Nitto TG product though.

My FJC is holding up well. I've scratched it up inside and out. You have to learn to not give a sh*t about the paint job. It's like poker. Many great poker players will tell you that you have to "devalue" money to play great poker. Well, you need to "devalue" the paint job to have a great adventure when off-roading. My trunk's plastic interior is scratched up bad as well but you can't NOT bring gear. My center rear seatbelt is having problems. It doesn't click right away. I do have signs of fender bulges on both sides....well I think I do. I also have a few paint chips but no windshield chips. I don't measure MPG. What for???

The other thing that has happened has to do with my other hobbies. The FJ takes me to new places to photograph and video. One of my photos taken during the Old Mojave Road run was “photo of the week” at a photography forum site. I’ve also put together two YouTube clips which fulfills my interest in videography. I get a kick when I discover my Surf n Turf video is being linked to 4x4 forums in different countries.

I really enjoy the family environment here. When I see people taking their kids off-road, I wish my son were with me. I can't wait for my son to be a bit older to go on every trip with me. I've met really good people and have read about so many acts of kindness on the boards. It's impressive and I feel bad for those who don't understand what I'm talking about. This is a great crowd.

I thank all who have put up with reading a 1000 of my posts. I guarantee that most of it were useless, sarcastic, “x2”, “lol”, “WTF”, hijack, rants, and off topic comments. I can’t help it.

My future modifications include a lift and new front bumper. I hope I stop there for the rest of the year. Good luck to me. My future runs include 3 days in DEATH VALLEY! I’m wired for that! I’m dying to finally run Cleghorn and Truck Haven this year. I also have serious plans for SnT 2008.

Enjoy your FJ Cruisers and let’s all have a great 2008.

Don't say I didn't warn you!