Three weeks into FJ ownership and I'm not experiencing all of these so-called problems with visibility I keep reading in the reviews. Yes the C-pillars are large, but with proper use of side mirrors you can negate the disadvatage from the rear corners. In case someone needs a tip; move your side mirrors out where you can barely see the side of the vehicle and you will be just fine. In fact you will almost be able to see something as small as a Yaris beside you on the highway. The extra height really helps add more side visibility than you can get in a car lower to the ground. This is coming from someone who's driven mostly cars for the past 15 years. The visibility "problems" are few and far between for me.
I completely agree with you. I haven't had my FJ for very long yet, but it seems like as long as you pay attention and use your mirrors there are no problems with the visibility. It definitely doesn't seem any worse than other trucks or SUV's that I've driven.
Folks, just drive with those side mirrors and forget you have a rear view and you will be good. I got some of the little "eyeball" mirrors for like $5 in the first year and they are still hanging on. Those will help you a little more..
Just my 2 cents is all.
__________________ Kim
Pura Vida!!! Costa Rican for"Pure Life" live every minute of it!
Three weeks into FJ ownership and I'm not experiencing all of these so-called problems with visibility I keep reading in the reviews. Yes the C-pillars are large, but with proper use of side mirrors you can negate the disadvatage from the rear corners. In case someone needs a tip; move your side mirrors out where you can barely see the side of the vehicle and you will be just fine. In fact you will almost be able to see something as small as a Yaris beside you on the highway. The extra height really helps add more side visibility than you can get in a car lower to the ground. This is coming from someone who's driven mostly cars for the past 15 years. The visibility "problems" are few and far between for me.
I think you will find just being very aware of whats around you and being aware of the blind spots will prevent alot of mishaps.
I use the little stickem mirrors inside the mirrors. I also installed a wireless cam on the rear right side bumper that I can see that little compact in my right rear side blindspot.
Do not make sudden lane changes to the right !!! You will most certainly crash somebody over time.
I've been lucky several times to avoid a collision, Believe me you I have recieved the Middle Finger more than once
Just try like heck to be aware of whats around you at all times, It seems like people these days have a death wish and are looking for a Compensation Ticket.
If your lifted like me the risk is tripled!!!!
__________________ Fabtech 6" Lift + OME 3" 20" BBS rims Nitto 35"s AT,1.25 spacers,Bushwhackers, VR3 The Toy Outfitters bumper ,55 watt fogs,TG sliders, Manik tailight guards, Stallion Light bar,55 watt Baja lights, Cobra 19 SXIV PA, Bandi 4' fire stick, K & N filter, Locker on demand, ATrac hack, VSC & DRL switches, TRD Cat back, Scuba Mod, Garmin Nuvi 200 BlueSeas 6 fuse Interior: leather seats, dual arm rests, dual factory DVD players, Diamond interior trim, Source 10lb, Rubber mats. TT and FJC Badge.
X3...Great read for anyone stuck on purchasing an FJ. The people who write a bad review for the FJ because of poor visibility, don't know how to drive. Once you become familiar with your vehicle, you understand it's size in relation to your surroundings. I've backed my FJ down a windy trail in the dark numerous times.
My only complaint which cannot be corrected with adjusting the mirrors is backing out of angled parking places with an suv or truck parked beside me. It's almost impossible to see out the back side window to check for traffic.
As for lane changes.. Thats easy
__________________ “Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called the sons of God.” - Matthew 5:9
My only complaint which cannot be corrected with adjusting the mirrors is backing out of angled parking places with an suv or truck parked beside me. It's almost impossible to see out the back side window to check for traffic.
As for lane changes.. Thats easy
Yeah, that is the only problem.....sometimes I can look through the windows of the SUV's beside me to spot any potential cross traffic.
Three weeks into FJ ownership and I'm not experiencing all of these so-called problems with visibility I keep reading in the reviews. Yes the C-pillars are large, but with proper use of side mirrors you can negate the disadvatage from the rear corners. In case someone needs a tip; move your side mirrors out where you can barely see the side of the vehicle and you will be just fine. In fact you will almost be able to see something as small as a Yaris beside you on the highway. The extra height really helps add more side visibility than you can get in a car lower to the ground. This is coming from someone who's driven mostly cars for the past 15 years. The visibility "problems" are few and far between for me.
It's amazing what we can do if we "just do it".
Driving is not that hard!
Kim
Fabtech 6" Lift + OME 3" 20" BBS rims Nitto 35"s AT,1.25 spacers,Bushwhackers, VR3 The Toy Outfitters bumper ,55 watt fogs,TG sliders, Manik tailight guards, Stallion Light bar,55 watt Baja lights, Cobra 19 SXIV PA, Bandi 4' fire stick, K & N filter, Locker on demand, ATrac hack, VSC & DRL switches, TRD Cat back, Scuba Mod, Garmin Nuvi 200 BlueSeas 6 fuse Interior: leather seats, dual arm rests, dual factory DVD players, Diamond interior trim, Source 10lb, Rubber mats. TT and FJC Badge.
Linear Mode
