Owners, a soon to be owner needs advice...

[MA-Hole]

OK

So I've been lurking here for a while, since march to be exact. While I'm not one to lurk around, I just didn't feel right posting if I didn't have an FJ. So here's my story.

After visiting every dealer in the Portland, OR area I placed an order with Vancouver Toyota in WA (only 10 miles from my house in PDX). They were the most honest and straight up with me. Every dealer wanted $500 Down that was refundable. Gladstone was a joke, seriously do not go there. They wanted to hit you up for so many extra fees and protection packages that I immediately walked out in mid conversation with one of their sales managers.

So I find out that after exactly 4 months to the day an FJ that closely matches what I ordered is going to me delivered. I make it down there that night, drove it, and was all set to take it. Voodoo MT6 C7, Upgrade 2 and rack, tow pkg included. They even offered me a discount off MSRP. I was all about it, until the trade came around. We couldnt talk trade as my truck was at the other dealer for a warrenty replacement in the front end, They said that I had until 1 the next day or they needed to sell it to the next guy in line at full MSRP.

So Long Story Short, They have a Stripped down FJ MT6 in Blue coming soon and that has been tagged with my name on it. All it has is the Rear Diff Lock, (I ordered CQ and a roof rack and wheels) My questions to you all are:

1. Is the rear tint necessary, or can you live without it?
2. The rear wiper, the base model doesnt have a rear wiper. Is this going to be an issue especially for someone that drives so much in the snow and junk going to the mountains.
3. The Alarm/keyless entry. Can VIP be added without keyless entry?
4. If I get the bare truck at $23k and change and they offered to sell me the port options at invoice is it worth it to get the TRD wheels through the dealer or after market then buy BFGs and sell the steelies on ebay or this forum?
5. If there is one thing that you would have ordered but didnt and wish you did what is it?

Keep in mind that I'm a true demographic buyer that Toyota originally targeted, a mid 20's guy, with some income, but not by any means a millionaire.

I plan on adding these options, am I forgetting anything:
-Convience Pkg with Tow Pkg, Roofrack, Tire Cover,
-VIP Alarm
-TRD Wheels w/ BFG

Thanks and please dont "Search Function" Me Some of you are so ruthless

[bingo.5]

Consider your tastes and what you'll be using the FJC for and that will be a good place to begin. You might wanna reconsider the tire cover. It's a matter of personal taste but I like the look of my full size spare perched back there. I opted for the security system as I feared the FJC would be a potential target for thieves. Other members have mentioned aftermarket security systems in other threads-you may want to consider those. Good luck!

[Mungo_Parks]

MA-Hole previously said:

OK

So I've been lurking here for a while, since march to be exact. While I'm not one to lurk around, I just didn't feel right posting if I didn't have an FJ. So here's my story.

After visiting every dealer in the Portland, OR area I placed an order with Vancouver Toyota in WA (only 10 miles from my house in PDX). They were the most honest and straight up with me. Every dealer wanted $500 Down that was refundable. Gladstone was a joke, seriously do not go there. They wanted to hit you up for so many extra fees and protection packages that I immediately walked out in mid conversation with one of their sales managers.

So I find out that after exactly 4 months to the day an FJ that closely matches what I ordered is going to me delivered. I make it down there that night, drove it, and was all set to take it. Voodoo MT6 C7, Upgrade 2 and rack, tow pkg included. They even offered me a discount off MSRP. I was all about it, until the trade came around. We couldnt talk trade as my truck was at the other dealer for a warrenty replacement in the front end, They said that I had until 1 the next day or they needed to sell it to the next guy in line at full MSRP.

So Long Story Short, They have a Stripped down FJ MT6 in Blue coming soon and that has been tagged with my name on it. All it has is the Rear Diff Lock, (I ordered CQ and a roof rack and wheels) My questions to you all are:

1. Is the rear tint necessary, or can you live without it?
2. The rear wiper, the base model doesnt have a rear wiper. Is this going to be an issue especially for someone that drives so much in the snow and junk going to the mountains.
3. The Alarm/keyless entry. Can VIP be added without keyless entry?
4. If I get the bare truck at $23k and change and they offered to sell me the port options at invoice is it worth it to get the TRD wheels through the dealer or after market then buy BFGs and sell the steelies on ebay or this forum?
5. If there is one thing that you would have ordered but didnt and wish you did what is it?

Keep in mind that I'm a true demographic buyer that Toyota originally targeted, a mid 20's guy, with some income, but not by any means a millionaire.

I plan on adding these options, am I forgetting anything:
-Convience Pkg with Tow Pkg, Roofrack, Tire Cover,
-VIP Alarm
-TRD Wheels w/ BFG

Thanks and please dont "Search Function" Me Some of you are so ruthless

First off, welcome.
I too was a long time lurker who found a voice (or keyboard) as the day of ascension neared. Tomorrow I shall join the heralded ranks of an FJ owner.
I read that you visited PDX area dealers, but did you inquire at Capitol Toyota in Salem? Their internet dept. absolutely rocks. Rory Casebeer is the ISM, and is very interested and helpful in getting folks the FJ configured the way they want it.
To address your queries: The rear wiper, the base model doesnt have a rear wiper. Is this going to be an issue especially for someone that drives so much in the snow and junk going to the mountains.Dude, we live in Oregon, a rear wiper is essential.
If I get the bare truck at $23k and change and they offered to sell me the port options at invoice is it worth it to get the TRD wheels through the dealer or after market then buy BFGs and sell the steelies on ebay or this forum?Car dealers sell cars to make money. Accessories are marked up. You would probably do better on this forum or eBay.
Those are the only two that I can address. Hope it helps!

[Crawdadjr]

skip the tire cover and tire package. buy rims aftermarket and BFG's so you can get what you want rather than the tires they offer. I have the tire package and wish I had done it after market.

[MA-Hole]

I Understand that we live in OR, but I was wondering how much a rear wiper actually does on such a small rear window. I could just rain-x the entire thing. The truck they have coming in for me now, doesnt have a rear wiper and one can't be added.

Just wondering how many of you have noticed that you actually use it, and if its necessary.

So I looked into TRD wheels from TRD Source, $689 plus shipping, then 5 tires at $160 each = $800, Thats $1500, that is what the dealer will charge me. I dont think its worth the hassle of getting the wheels shipped, then having the tires mounted then selling the stock wheels and tires, thats just my first thoughts.

[Hwtrader]

You should get that stripped down rig and sell it to me! There are alot of folks that would drive to Oregon (me included) to pick up that unit without all those "goodies" on it. I never use the back window for anything. Ever. So wiping it off is kind of a afterthought. Rear tint is nice. You can get better UV protecting tint without it being all limo like in the back (tinting over factory tint will do that) I think the factory tint is a handicap. Electric mirrors are nice. On a Navigator. And if you like the factory upgrade wheels so much (not the TRDs , but the factory 6 spokes) you can trade them straight across for those steelies. Take the MT6 with the diff lock (that is not an option by the way, it is already on the 4x4 MT6), and buy your rack etc with the 4 grand you will have lying around.

[dieselmitch]

I bought my Voo-Doo from Gladstone, OR and it was a really good experince. They did however throw in THE pinstripe & NW package for 'bout $1500 though. But yes, off with the wheel cover and buy an A-Trac buttion on-line through (TRD.com)? Good luck & enjoy!

[Mungo_Parks]

MA-Hole previously said:

I Understand that we live in OR, but I was wondering how much a rear wiper actually does on such a small rear window. I could just rain-x the entire thing. The truck they have coming in for me now, doesnt have a rear wiper and one can't be added.

Just wondering how many of you have noticed that you actually use it, and if its necessary.

So I looked into TRD wheels from TRD Source, $689 plus shipping, then 5 tires at $160 each = $800, Thats $1500, that is what the dealer will charge me. I dont think its worth the hassle of getting the wheels shipped, then having the tires mounted then selling the stock wheels and tires, thats just my first thoughts.

My endorsement for the wiper was more to do with road grime that seems to accumulate during the winter months (more so with trips to the mountain!) than for its actual rain swiping capabilities. Of course the final decision is yours, I used it constantly on the 4Runner I sold to get my FJ.
Good luck .

[Paul K]

I think you should buy exactly the FJ you want- I had a similar experience with being jacked around, ended up buying from Griffith Toyota in the Dalles. Give them a call and see what they have. Ask for Nathan. And like others have said, you need a rear wiper.

Cheers,

Paul.

[Noisycow]

I don't think you really want that Blue MT6. Convenience Package. Nah. Wait for something better. BTW, what is your real name and who are you dealing with so I can tell them you said it is ok for them to sell it to me instead.