Hi,
After much research on this website, Thank you!! I made my decision to get the FJ Cruiser. However, I am VERY concerned about the windshield issue. I live in a mountainous area with gravel roads everywhere. The thought of having to replace the windshield concerns me. If it happens once over a period of 3 years, I would not be concerned, but I am concerned that it will happen multiple times in a year. Someone told me that the cracks are more apt to happen on an interstate where other cars kick a stone into your window verses a gravel rural road. What do you guys think? Also during the winter they put sand on the roads instead of salt. But again, these are rarely traveled roads.
Also, I read that I should get an internet quote. I worked up the fj that I wanted with the options and I sent it in. I immediately got an answer, but the dealer only sent me a quote that said INTERNET PRICE FROM $23,500. When I e-mailed him back asking why he did not include the options that I added he never answered me back. I am really depressed about that. I though that these internet quotes were legitimate. I want to feel prepared when I go in and negotiate.
I am wondering if the 08's will have the windshield fix? Does anyone think it will? Also, I really want an all black car. I heard that the 08's will have that, but if I get an 07 can you paint the top black. Has anyone done that.
Just be sure to change your insurance deductable to $0 for glass breakage... Mine only increased by like $12.00 for the year by doing that.. Cheap price for a lot of piece of mind....!!
Welcome aboard, I think you'll be very happy if you get an FJ. If you want an all black FJ stock I believe you will need to track down an 07 TRD SE, and there probably aren't very many left at Dealerships. From what I've heard the 08 Special Edition will be all white, and all black won't be available. Or, as you said, you could get an 07 OR 08 Black FJ and paint the roof. If you search for Painted Roof you should find several Threads with Pics where people have done that. I think your experience with that quote was unusual, and you should try some other Dealerships. From Toyota's website you can also go to various Dealer websites in your area and see Pics of what's on their Lots. I don't think the Windshield will be any different on the 08's, the only thing I can recommend is pay more for your Insurance to lower or eliminate the deductible. Hope that helps some.
Brian
Just be sure to change your insurance deductable to $0 for glass breakage... Mine only increased by like $12.00 for the year by doing that.. Cheap price for a lot of piece of mind....!!
But what if your windshield breaks more than once a year; I am concerned that an insurance company can either drop you or raise your rates. I have been with the same company my whole life but I am sure that if they see something like that they may still drop you. Maybe I should consider the Nissian Xterra because of the windshield issue.
Hi Mariah! I've seen all the post on windshields but it hasn't been a problem. We live in a rural area with lots of dirt roads and we off road a lot. We have had rocks hit the windsheild, we even have a tiny pit but no cracks. I agree with the others, just adjust your insurance. Let us know how it goes and welcome to the family! Montana Tailgunner
Welcome aboard, I think you'll be very happy if you get an FJ. If you want an all black FJ stock I believe you will need to track down an 07 TRD SE, and there probably aren't very many left at Dealerships. From what I've heard the 08 Special Edition will be all white, and all black won't be available. Or, as you said, you could get an 07 OR 08 Black FJ and paint the roof. If you search for Painted Roof you should find several Threads with Pics where people have done that. I think your experience with that quote was unusual, and you should try some other Dealerships. From Toyota's website you can also go to various Dealer websites in your area and see Pics of what's on their Lots. I don't think the Windshield will be any different on the 08's, the only thing I can recommend is pay more for your Insurance to lower or eliminate the deductible. Hope that helps some.
Brian
I have not had a windshield problem yet (knock on wood). I've owned my FJ 10 months and have over 11,000 miles, but am fully aware of the windshield complaints and drive accordingly. Never follow anyone closely on highways and hang back when offroading. There are a lot of dirt road near our town, and when I see someone coming from the opposite direction going fast, I drive down the center of the road (dirt road are narrow with barrow ditches on either side), which (to date) has gotten the other driver to slow down before I steer to the right and we pass. I will say the 90% of the drivers are courteous and drive slow when approaching another vehicle from the opposite direction.
Many will say the windshield glass is more fragile than other vehicles, but I wonder if the vertical angle of the windshield is as much to blame for cracks from kicked up rocks. Rocks tend to glance off sloped windshields better.
One thing though, the cost of windshield replacement is high versus other vehicles.
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