Newbie here, currently have a 2003 Subaru Forester XS with a few offroad mods and 80k miles. It just isn't standing up to the abuse I've been giving out (new clutch just installed, now I've got a noise from the transmission). I love Subarus, but you just can't expect to push a car past it's limits and expect it to perform reliably. I'm averaging 20k/year (bought it in '04), and I honestly want to get into a new vehicle before this one really falls apart.
I'm currently considering an FJ Cruiser and a Xterra. The reviews between the two are pretty close, altho I haven't been able to find reviews pitting the two against each other for the 2008 models (if anyone has a link to one, that'd be great!). I was leaning towards the FJ (altho I haven't driven either yet) because of the offroad prowess without major mods, but came across the thread about the body rips. What tha??? Is this seriously a common problem? The two things so far I don't like about the FJ are the blind spots (again, I have not driven it yet) and that the rear seats do not fold down flat (unless they've changed this). I DO like the lower center of gravity, lighter weight, better gas mileage, and better looks that the Xterra.
I love forums, they always have much better information than the dealerships. I'll be cruising around here for more info and answers to my questions, but what is everyone's opinion on the Xterra vs the FJ? Thanks!
Location: Originally PA, now Wrightsville Beach NC
Posts: 7
Re: Newbie considering FJ purchase
I'm a fellow newbie and currently FJ-less...I have an 05 XTerra, haven't really had any problems with it aside from LOTS of creaks and rattles that neither I or Nissan (and 3 other dealerships) can "track down"
The X-terra performs pretty well off road very comparable. If you want to do lots of mods like bumpers and such there is more out there for the fj. the body rip thing was only on some of the earlier models inner fender engine bay area. it's been redesigned and so far nobodies had a problem. I have one of the early ones and so far have not had any problems. give them both a test run and do your homework you'll do well with either one. but make sure it's the right one for you.
Thanks Rig! Budget's always pretty tight (most extra funds go towards motorcycle mods), so I'll probably be adding basics to whichever I go with. That's why, on paper, I like the FJ a little better, seems to be more capable right off the lot.
Thank you so much for the update on the body rips. That was definitely a major concern.
I was concerned about the blind spots until I drove it. After a few days, with the mirrors set properly it hasn't been a big problem. And I've had to back up several hundred feet (a few times) at the end of a narrow dead end trail. The only time I really notice it is when I have to park in a 45 degree angle parking spot (our little town has several streets that way). I installed the Toyota backup camera and now no worries (especially for my wife). I don't have any body rips and I four wheel as often as I can.
DEWFPO
__________________ 2007 FJ, 5AT, Sun Fusion Yellow, CQ, UP, GY, RB, 2Q, EL, VS.
"Wanted - young, skinny, wiry fellows, not over 18. Must be expert riders willing to risk death daily. Orphans preferred"
Original newspaper add placed by William Hepburn Russell, founder of the The Pony Express
Much appreciated. I grew up driving an ancient Land Rover you couldn't see **** out of. I found the same thing held true: get the mirrors right and you adjust.
The two things so far I don't like about the FJ are the blind spots (again, I have not driven it yet) and that the rear seats do not fold down flat (unless they've changed this). I DO like the lower center of gravity, lighter weight, better gas mileage, and better looks that the Xterra.
You'll learn to drive with your side view mirrors, nothing to worry about...the backup sensor helps when its dark out. I have a 2008, my rear seats fold all the way flat...you just need to remove the rear headrests.
Well that's easy. Remove headrests.... (Note taken) I don't have a huge use for rear seats but I do like to have them, or else I'd get a truck. Thanks!
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2003 Subaru Forester XS M/T
Taken to its limits
Time for an upgrade!
What tha??? Is this seriously a common problem? The two things so far I don't like about the FJ are the blind spots (again, I have not driven it yet) and that the rear seats do not fold down flat (unless they've changed this). I DO like the lower center of gravity, lighter weight, better gas mileage, and better looks that the Xterra.
2007 FJ, 5AT, Sun Fusion Yellow, CQ, UP, GY, RB, 2Q, EL, VS.
"Enjoying the Journey"
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