Desperately trying to get a test drive

[ImaVunDerBrah]

hello hello

I'm in the midst of a vehicle search. Right now I have things narrowed down to the FJ Cruiser(!!), Xterra (ehhh), and Pathfinder (less eh than the Xterra).

I already have the FJ Cruiser all spec'd out in my head but I cannot get a test drive! There are just no local ones on the lots. Saw one on the lot, but it was already sold. Visited another dealer today and they have one coming in w/in the next 2 weeks. I'm sure I'll love the FJ, but I want to test drive the manual before I make a decision between auto & manual.

Here's my current ride. He'll be staying. The FJ will (hopefully) join him in the driveway. edit: oops. nevermind. I guess I can't post pics yet.

[FJCameron]

Welcome, fill out your location / state / province in your profile in User CP. Then maybe people near you can find an FJ to drive.

I loved the FJ when I test drove it Now with nearly 1500 miles in 2 months I am even happier with how it drives in the city, on the freeway and offroad on some logging roads / fire trails.

[ImaVunDerBrah]

done

The one arriving in 2 weeks is an auto. I really need to test drive the manual before deciding.

[Eksath]

ImaVunDerBrah previously said:

done

The one arriving in 2 weeks is an auto. I really need to test drive the manual before deciding.

I tried the manual as all my other cars are standards. I found it a little bit rough especially when getting it rolling. I figured i can train myself for that as opposed to the rest. But, the fulltime 4WD feature killed it for me.

Good luck on your decision. I got mine in auto and have not regretted it.:-)

[ImaVunDerBrah]

My MINI & A4 (leaving for the FJ) are both manuals and I can't imagine driving an auto. I'm totally new to the off roading though and I worry that I could burn out the cluch when playing around in the mud and such..

[fjtribe]

I originally had the same problem and it took me over a month to get my hands on one to confirm the drivability. Once I finally got behing the wheel, after about a mile and a half, I turned around and told the guy we'd go back and do the paperwork, Don't blame you, but I know you'll love it. I'd recomend the automatic, but you'll have to suit yourself. In any event, welcome to the forum family.

[FJCameron]

ImaVunDerBrah previously said:

My MINI & A4 (leaving for the FJ) are both manuals and I can't imagine driving an auto. I'm totally new to the off roading though and I worry that I could burn out the cluch when playing around in the mud and such..

My car that I traded in for the FJ was a 2001 Audi S4, great car - but I need more room / cargo capacity for cabin / backroads adventures.

Luckily the FJ is great in the city as well.

[Eksath]

ImaVunDerBrah previously said:

My MINI & A4 (leaving for the FJ) are both manuals and I can't imagine driving an auto. I'm totally new to the off roading though and I worry that I could burn out the cluch when playing around in the mud and such..

Yeah..i can relate! My BMW has a really silky smooth manual throw for a sports car. This monster is nothing like that! You will feel it it :-)

Auto can be better for offroad as sometimes you wont have time to clutch. Also,you can still down shift in the auto transmission. You have certain amount of control of the engine with the benefits of not using valuable seconds declutching/clutching while one is loosing traction....and sliding down the trail in a tailslide..:-)

[Hammer_In_Hand]

Get a Manual. You know you love it. The car is great in itself but the stick seals the deal.

[TCao]

ImaVunDerBrah previously said:

My MINI & A4 (leaving for the FJ) are both manuals and I can't imagine driving an auto. I'm totally new to the off roading though and I worry that I could burn out the cluch when playing around in the mud and such..

Welcome. FWIW, I let my friend drove my MT after he test drove the AT and he bought the MT two days later. With permanent 4WD, fuel economy will be less than the AT. MT shifting smooths out after about 3000 miles.