Hello All!
My first post. I just joined the forum and have been looking around here for while now. I have read a whole bunch of different reviews online and have 2 concerns of which 1, I know no-one can change. That is the premium gas issue. Considering the cost of gas I am having a hard time with the whole idea of buying a new vehicle with the premium need. So that is one I will need to get over pretty quick.
The only other issue can see is the "poor visibility" that has come up in the reviews. I drive a 26' motor home so I know about blind spots, but seriously is it that bad or do you get used to it? I am thinking it is some pencil pushing geek who got the job doing car reviews because the movie review guy has not retired yet....your opinions?
The other thing is I have a friend who called one of the local dealers here in Edmonton and managed, with the one call, to get them to agree on a Black, C-package, MT6 for $38,300 all in (Includes taxes, delivery, freight, doc fee and a trailer hitch). What do you think? I am heading there on Wednesday to test drive and give them my deposit. I am very excited and cannot believe my better half has agreed to let me go ahead. ;o)
Have fun looking around, as far as the gas issue... it's been talked about in the forums a bit. The manual states you can use 87 octane instead of premium. I have been using it for 4000k now with no issues. The FJ does have some blind spots but I find if I position my mirrors it's not really and issue either. Hope this helps.
I agree with Kelo, the two you mentioned are really non-issues. You'll love it.
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" Life is not a journey to the grave with the intentions of arriving safely in a pretty well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming ... WOW! What a ride!"
Rear visibility is no big deal. I've learned to back into parking spaces. Makes leaving so much easier.
Haven't had any pinging, performance, or mileage difference between regular and premium. The difference is a few hundred $$ per year, but it does feel bad when filling up.
$38.3 sounds like a good deal. Bigger question is "Do you like and trust the dealer?" Personally, a good reliable honest dealer is worth paying a little more for.
Follow your heart. You didn't pick your better half by polling others and looking for a deal (I hope)! Who cares what a reviewer thinks? Who wants a vehicle that everyone loves? Where's the personality?
We really like our FJ and don't care at all if no one else does. And what we paid for it is our business.
We love our FJ. Gas..... don't use 87, ours pinged like a pinball machime. 89 or better. Outward vision...Drive it like a windowless van, you'll be ok. As far as the deal... I don't know about prices up in the "great white north" , but you can always try to get a better price. If you get it, ENJOY it, take it offroad and have some fun, post pic's!
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SF, A/T, Conv Pac,Aeroflow HLC's, Demello sliders, Demello Skid plate, OME 2" lift, BFG A/T, K&N filter, Magnaflow exhaust, KC 100 watt and 130 watt slim lights, Two tone air horn,Demello prerunner bumper, rear tow hitch,Allpro LCA's and Skids, Mile marker PE8000 winch, Amsteel blue winch rope, Delrin fairlead rollers, Demello 2wd tranny skid.
Treadlightly member.
Don't worry about the fuel issue. I have used 87 from the second fill. No pinging under load. Averaging about 21.5 mpg. 50% highway, 50% city. Have also used 91 for about the last 4 fills just to see what the mileage would do. Didn't get anymore mpg and no noticable improvement in giddy -up and go. The blind spot issue, yes there are some. You will quickly overcome them. I installed a back-up camera (VR3 from Canadian Tire) and it works great. I would say that the price is about right for the "C" package. I also have this package and I talked the dealer into a tow package, spare tire cover for winter, and a hood stone guard. Doesn't hurt to ask.
About the only other thing I will ask the dealer to install is a remote starter.
Based on all the reading on the net and review of this forum the FJ is the way I want to go.
My mechanic is a Toyota specific small shop guy who is the only mechanic I have ever trusted. No over charging and tells you whether something needs to be fixed now or could last another year. Anyway I was talking to him and he said the manual transmission is the way to go, He is adamant that I will not regret my decision and that he has 5 friends who have bought it and love it. Zero issues form any of them yet.
I will let you know how it goes on Wednesday after the test drive and the order is done.
The US and Canada use the same octane rating system. I doubt gas quality is an issue as fuel crosses the border both ways. I think the big difference is temperature. Our Subaru would ping in the summer but was just fine on regular in the winter.
From a winter driving standpoint, the manual is great because you have full time 4wd. Part time systems are a pain when driving on winter roads that have clear spots and really slippery spots. And isn't that most likely when there's snow on the road?
I hope you enjoy the test drive.
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