Hello from another new FJC owner

Catt22 · 10-17-2007, 08:54 PM

I've been lurking and soaking up all the info here for a few days now and finally decided to jump in.

Just bought a new 2007 FJC about three weeks ago and I must admit I am in love. Went to the dealer to take a look at the 4 Runners. Test drove the V6 and then the V8. Not bad, but they have grown fat and cushy over the years. Not at all the 4 Runner that I am familiar with from years ago. While parking the 4 Runner V8, backed in next to an FJC. Told the salesman i needed to take one for a spin and see what it was like. I was sold before almost as soon as we left the lot. This truck was much more me than the plush and fat 4 Runner. Only problem was that they really did not have one on the lot that had the options I wanted in the color I wanted. I liked the Brick Red and also the Voodoo Blue. The only one that had the Roof Rack, Rock Rails, Skid Plate etc was the hideous yellow one sitting in the center of the showroom. The salesman wanted to close a deal that evening. I declined and went home to do some of the due diligence stuff online and wherever else I could get some feedback. The reason that I was in the market for a new ride was that my ancient 1989 Bronco II was dying. The previous week, reverse gear went out and right then I knew the end was near. Went to another dealer to check out the year end sales deals and on the way back, the Bronco died of something serious. Not sure if it was a blown head gasket, a cracked head, or a cracked block, but it I was not about to pour any more money into it regardless. So, called trippel A for a tow and borrowed my moms care to get to work the next couple of days. The Bronco died on a Sunday evening. So happens, the Toyota salesman calls me on Tuesday mid morning and tells me all of the FJ's have been sole except one. That was the yellow one with the options I wanted. The salesman suggested I come back and take another look at it and he would come up with a rock bottom price for me. I decided another visit could do no harm. By this time, the yellow had begun to grow on me and I liked it more and more. Did my homework and found the numbers for invoice on the car and accessories. I made the salesman spit out his number first and we were close enough to satisfy me that I was not getting screwed too badly. We shook hands on the deal. I told him I would come back in a day or so with a check and we could proceed. He said absolutely not! Told me I was going to drive this beauty home tonight and I did! Still in shock, I watched them open the big showroom doors and roll my baby out onto the lot. A few more steps with the finance guy and I wa on my way. I have never looked back and have not a single regret. Yes, the gas mileage is ****ty and the rear visibility is also ****ty. Not a problem for me at all. I know how to drive using the mirros and I was not looking for a Honda Civic's mileage. I knew going in that the gas mileage would be less than desired, but I wanted a truck that would not bore me to death and one that had substantial power and off-road capability. No wimpy RAV4 for me. As another poster said, just looking at this thing sitting in my driveway makes me smile every morning. You probably won't understand that until you have one of your own. Not a hint of buyers remorse here. None! I hated the yellow paint at first sight, but now I absolutely love the Sun Fusion yellow. I hardly believe it myself, but when I see it next to all of the extremely drab, boring and bland typical SUV's out there, I know that this was the perfect color choice for me. Damn this truck gets a lot of attention! Almost too much attention as I am sure it will stand out to the highway patrol as well.

FYI, I bought the full three volume set of factory repair manuals which just arrived today at a cost of nearly $400. I am an experienced mechanic and plan to do much of the maintainance myself. The manuals are a good investment in my opinion. Much like tools, can't see how buying the manuals could be a bad deal. I plan to own my FJ for a very long time, or at least until they come out with a diesel version.

Thanks in advance to all the forum members for their contributed posts. Lot's of good information here and also very few jerks compared to the general population.

Don't let my nick fool you. I'm a guy and I make my own beer (another homebrewer, yes!) I will be lurking and reading a lot from now on with an occasional post if I have anything to contribute.

Happy Trails,

Catt22