"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
Of course I know I will get the biased opinions of FJ owners, but I'm hoping, objectively, they will give me their opinions on their experience with the FJ.
I like Toyota brand....had a Corolla in the past I kept for 11 years, so I know the reliability of the brand. Just wanting more the practicality of the FJ on a daily basis, and the thoughts on that.
That's great, you seem to know what is going on. I guess the best way to answer your question is with a PRO/CON list, so here it is:
PRO
1- Toyota quality, fit and finish (some may argue with this because of early model problems but for the most part the FJs are very well built and in line with other Toyota vehicles).
2-Fun to drive on and off road (i.e. versatile)
3-Comfortable and handles great at stock.
4-Rugged and has many after market upgrades/mods.
CON
1-Gas mileage (poor compared to an average car, average compared to trucks, and good compared to monster SUVs...you get the idea).
2-Visibility is Poor but not horrible. I personally have not had any problems at all, but I use my rear bumper sensors all the time along with side mirrors (side mirrors on FJ are great); you can also have a rear view camera installed if you like.
3-Stereo. Many have complained about the stock radio units, but again this is subjective.
4-Lack of luxury options (some people will laugh at me for saying this, but the FJ does not have auto dim mirrors, homelink buttons, leather seats, etc.). It's true most of us don't give a dang about this, but I thought I'd mention it anyway.
I'll stop here and let others add to the list. Hope this helps.
I'll throw this out there and hope nobody punches me....
One thing to consider is your mobility. I know that as I have gotten older, I have had difficulty getting into certain vehicles because of a back and leg problem. If you are healthy enough to get up into one then I'm sure you'll love it. If you have difficulty getting up into a vehicle then it might be something to consider.
My mother is a bit older than you (mid 60's) but she couldn't get into my Isuzu Trooper without a lot of assistance because of a back condition. There is no way she could have driven it as she wouldn't be able to get in on her own. Just something to consider. Make sure you really try one out. If your health is good then why not? Drive something you enjoy!!!!
I agree with you on this one that it's a factor to consider. However, I've seen people get into my FJ a lot easier than my old Honda Prelude! Even a sedan such as the Camry or Accord requires some bending. The FJ is (for lack of a better term) butt-level when stock.
Moonbeam, you'll be able to do SO much with the FJ and there are a lot of people you'll find you actually like to hang out with on this forum.
Moonbeam, I'm 60 my wife is 58. We both love the vehicle and have no problems with blind spots or getting in and out. My daughter has an Element and I would say the interior storage space is slightly bigger in the FJ. The gas milage is slightly better in the Element but not much. Test drive one (see if the dealer will give it to you for the weekend) and make your decision. Good luck and welcome the the forum.
3 words: go for it! I'm just a couple years behind you anyway. The other day I saw a woman in a silver FJ and she had to be 75. Made me smile. Why can't anyone enjoy the vehicle of their choice?!
My MOther roll in an Ellement which I have driven quite often. You will really like driving the FJ. Go for it!!
__________________
K/N up the front / Flowmaster out the back / 6sp M/T in the middle / attatched to my hand / leads to a foot on the floor / leaving a Sun Fushion blurr / Silvania Ultras lighting the way with a little help from my Hella 550's / HunterTruck "Bull Bar"/Bandi Mount/Wilson Antenna/Cobra 19 lll c/b/ ???
I'm pretty convinced to go ahead and get one! Something I'm not sure about.....what is it with the new white ones??? I really like them, but are they hard to come by???
Those are the new TRD editions (Toyota Racing Division). They only made 3200 all black ones for the '07 edition. Now Toyota is scrambling it up a bit by making them all white. I have heard that some white non-TRD versions have shown up in Canada but they are not quite the same.
Personally, if you do alot of off road type stuff and want to be extremely different, then they are worth the money. But, if you would rather buy one without all the bells and whistles and then mod it the way you want it done, don't buy a TRD. Nice rigs though.
Kim
__________________
Kim
Breath in, breath out, move on... Jimmy Buffet
The Cherry Garcia!!! '07 Black Cherry 4x2!!! Came home on August 10, 2006!
Convenience Package, OEM Roof Rack with Coleman rack on the front. OEM Predator Bars, RR Diff Lock, MPac System,
Garmin Nuvi 350 GPS, SS Exhaust Tip, PIAA lights, FJammer, Wet Okole FJ Seat covers, 3" OME Lift with Bridgestone 285 Dueler AT Revos on 17" stock rims. Blacked out and loving the look!!!!
2007 FJ, 5AT, Sun Fusion Yellow, CQ, UP, GY, RB, 2Q, EL, VS.
"Enjoying the Journey"
Linear Mode
