To the First 22,000 Owners - Toyota should Thank You

[Kansas Law Dog]

Upon reading that Toyota stated that there will be a $200 per vehicle increase beginning with shipments arriving at port on and after 2 September, I came to the conclusion that the early buyers earned a well deserved windfall. Think of all the valuable consumer criticism and vehicle testing that the first 20,000 buyers have provided to Toyota:

• Discovery of radio glitch for satellite systems, XM and Sirius
• Comments of frame rust at weld seams
• Wet seat belts due to leaking roof rack attachments and/or suicide door seals
• Failures of gas tank gauge level indication
• Poor tire mounting procedures
• Fit and finish of passenger air bag cover
• Roof rack cross member rattle due to improper fit tolerance
• Premature wear of seat fabric
• Proper seat latching in slider rail when adjusting seat position
• Loose lug nuts and failure of lugs when torqued as specified
• Height of vent fitting of rear differential versus maximum recommended fording depth
• Durability of interior plastic materials
• What port installed options are popular and what is not
• What factory built features are popular and what is so-so

It is probably safe to say that there are proportionally more hardcore off-roaders in the first 20,000 sales than there will be in future sales, but much is learned from the desires and critiquing of this group. I’m sure that Toyota is or will be evaluating things such as:

• Increasing wheel well clearances and trim frames to accommodate larger tire sizes
• Skid plate protection (trailing arms, transmission, gas tank, etc)
• Exhaust routing and low hanging cross over pipe
• Optional bumpers with winch capability
• Better windshield glass that is more resistant to damage
• Final engine-to-axle ratios for crawl speeds in low range
• Use of A-Trac with rear differential lock
• Temperature gauges for engine, transmission and transfer fluids
• Transmission cooler with tow package option

It is true that many FJ Cruiser buyers will rarely drive off the pavement, so Toyota will review amenities that fall into the creature comfort area (I have listed items that are 21st century common place, but not luxury class):

• Map lights
• Rear door windows
• Rear quarter panel vents
• Mirror heaters
• Ample coverage sun visors
• Locking gas cap door
• Additional 12V connections
• Sunroof
• Inside release of rear window and rear door

[dau666]

KLD

As usual, great post....Now can we all get a check from Toyota???? Where are those TMS folks when we need them????

[JohnGalt]

ah...clever way to document the faults and write up the wish list.....<s>. Nice job.

[FJockey]

JohnGalt previously said:

ah...clever way to document the faults and write up the wish list.....<s>. Nice job.

+1! I've been putting together a list like this as a checklist of things to watch for when I buy mine. You've done the work for me! Thanks!

Anyone have anything to add?

[JohnGalt]

Ken:

I was thinking about your post. I'm one of the first 20,000 owners. Probably one of the first 1000. And you know... to your point Toyota should thank us - I feel like I can thank toyota as well.

What a great truck. Basically everything I'd expected, at least so far. And certainly anything that has come up has not been even close to a 'deal breaker' issue. Well, there is that rolling thing......<s>

Seems this transaction has lived up to one of my standards (call it a code of ethics):

One should always "trade value for value"

I think in this case both toyota and I got our value <s>

[VTFJC]

Good job as usual Kansas. But there's no need to thank me. Id like to thank them! My rig has no problems 7K+ miles
Cracked windshield of course- but that happens to all vehicles. and is more to the windshield manufacturer IMO- who has very much to gain (at Toyota's, insurance companies and FJ owners loss) as the OEM supplier of such a new product where there is no knock-off competition yet.
I still dont understand the desire to use a-trac with the diff locked! arent these mutually exclusive? I think solid axle and front lock is a more well founded desire for certain types of off-roading- but you wouldnt sell it to me at a comprimise of handleing and comfortable IFS.

[RubiconSS]

JohnGalt previously said:

ah...clever way to document the faults and write up the wish list.....<s>. Nice job.

It was clever... when phrased positively and constructively even I (lol) can agree.

I am ALL FOR making EVERYTHING in life better - including our/my beloved FJ.
As Dad used to say, " Don't criticize ANYTHING unless YOU have 2 or 3 good solutions".

It's easy to be a critic. The Guy or Gal that did all the work, took all the risk and stuck their neck out to bring something to market is always the target of criticism (usually by folks that have never had the balls or brains to ever do the same).
My only objection EVER of the FJ detractors was just that... unlike what Kdog did, where he phrased his OBSERVATIONS in a positive light. Many detractors just used their experience as a spring board to trash Toyota, FJ, and the whole experience.
WE, being the first buyers, also hung it out there. WE had the confidence and will to risk being the first buyers and (as KDog) said deserve a bit of special consideration.
I suppose Toyota considers our Diecast thanks along those lines BUT I for one would like to know that my fellow FJ owners who are experienceing some unfortunate and frustrating maladies receive prompt and courteous service form the Selling Dealerships "SERVICE DEPARTMENTS".
I think some times those departments need to go out, turn around and read what there sign says.

[FJR Colorado]

Nice summary!

All-in-all, this was a smooth product launch.

But KLD has valid points (as always) and the only fair way to settle this is for Toyota to give free air dams with off-road lights to the first 20K buyers who so generously promote this vehicle in parking lots, gas stations, Internet forums and virtually everywhere else we go.

Are you listening Mr. Toyota?

[Sparky]

marked and added to faq. thanks for summarizing the "first run issues list" so well KLD

[FJORD]

Wonder if the future owners get the little color matched truck?

I still haven't gotten mines yet!