Finally got one 35 years later!

OlDrifter · 08-17-2007, 07:54 AM

I think I was 21 or 22 when I went in and test drove an FJ40 in about 1971 or 72. (So now you know- I'm an old geezer; 57!!)

I fell in love with that thing but just couldn't come up with the $4000 a new one cost back then. Sounds silly now, but I had a good job and made $600 a month so a $125 car payment for 36 months seemed like a LOT at the time!!!

I had a friend who had one that was about 5 years old at the time and I had a chance to buy it for $3000- but it had a bazillion miles on it and needed work so I would have been better off paying $4000 for a new one.

Anyway- I've thought about buying one now for 35 years and fell in love all over again a couple of years ago when the FJ Cruiser hit the auto show circuit.

I went in last year and there were waiting lists and mark-ups over MSRP so I waited. After 35 years... what difference could another year possibly make!?!

So... Monday I stopped by my local Toyo dealer and there were 20+ all lined up including three Black Cherries- one with roof rack and automatic. (My wife long ago gave up any desire to drive a stick).

So... at more than $3000 off MSRP my FJ finally came home- just 35 years later. Even with that big discount, it still cost me $20,000 more than the going price in 1972!

Stupid part is if I had bought the 1971 model, it would probably STILL be running and STILL be worth more than $4000 today!

I have to say- when I look at the front end styling, I feel 35 years younger

Better late than never,

Steve

taltyman · 08-17-2007, 08:01 AM

Congratulations. Your story about salary and car costs reminds me of when I was in college. I was making about 10k per year and quit college since I thought that was pretty good pay. 10 years later I went back. Welcome back to your 2nd or 3rd childhood.

**Gottagetone** · 08-17-2007, 08:10 AM

Congrats on the purchase, you will love your FJ. If you had kept the old one if would definately be worth more than the original purchase price.

Have fun!

***MrsTennesseeSquire*** · 08-17-2007, 08:17 AM

Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the forum.

OlDrifter · 08-17-2007, 09:01 AM

I guess a photo couldn't hurt either- though we all know what they look like

Thanks for the welcome,

Steve

FJYankeeFan · 08-17-2007, 09:07 AM

Congrats on the beautiful new ride!!!!

bisdak · 08-17-2007, 09:57 AM

Congrats and welcome!

PHLCHB · 08-17-2007, 10:06 AM

Patience is a virtue...er, Good things come to those that wait...Ah, heck, great story. Congrats.

**BigDouggieDoug** · 08-17-2007, 10:12 AM

Hi OlDrifter, Congrats on your purchase of a long time love at a great price!

. I hope I'll still be on the trails with mine in 35+ years.

Landdozer · 08-17-2007, 10:20 AM

I did the same thing, looked at a FJ40 in 1980 when I was making 11K/year in my first job. The 12 mpg scared me so I never looked further. Plus my friends told me scary stuff like they ride very hard, etc. and I got scared since it was my first car purchase. Drove several 4x4 trucks and SUV's since 1986 until the Voodoo FJ I just got. It makes me feel like 1980 returned again!