Wind noise, backseats and compromises - Page 2

Dean · 08-28-2006, 02:48 PM

I've had a sunroof installed ... while I've never actually sat in the back seat while the vehicle is moving I can only imagine it opens the back seat up a bit with daytime light and viewing.

ToyBoy · 08-28-2006, 07:39 PM

Even the slightest scent of diesel in an upcoming FJ makes me hesitate at the dealership. I'm ready to buy but.....

landrvr1 · 08-29-2006, 07:00 AM

Compared to my 1999 Land Rover Discovery II, the interior of the FJ is like a soundproof chamber whilst flying down the expressway....

Having said that, the Disco is just a hair more acceptable in the noise department than my 1973 Land Rover Series III, LOL.

I've driven a number of SUVs recently, and find the FJ easily compares to many.

E.G.F.D · 08-29-2006, 11:39 PM

Two things on this thread. From doing off roading here in colorado for the last ten years I can say a couple of things. It's better to have a capability and not need it than to need it and not have it, within reason. Do you absolutly need a locking diff, no. Do you have to have an auto vs a manual, or vise versa, it depends. I have come to preffer the auto since when I got into the steep rock crawl'n s*%t I didn't have to work the clutch, brake and gas with only two feet. So unless your going to install thumb throttle control on the gear shift, it's gonna be tough. If your not going to be in a situation like that, and are going to have the time to work a manual on a trail then go manual if you like it better. If your new to offroad then it's usualy better to learn on "less built" rigs. I learned on a stock jeep cherokee and international scout. Both of which are similar to the Fj in that they roll off the line trail ready. It's kinda suprising what a stock rig can do, especialy with this type of liniage. Enough on that.

Dean- what was the cost for the sunroof? Were there any structural problems to the install? What company did the work? Thanks

jbd2002 · 08-31-2006, 07:36 AM

I had to ask similar questions before getting my FJ. I loved the looks, but I have three kids (10,9, and 7) and I take them to school every morning on the way to work. I haven't heard a single complaint out of them. We have a Suburban and they would rather be in the FJ. We'll see if that is the same in a year. We also use the FJ as the primary around town vehicle when all five of us ride and again there are no complaints. One thing that you may need to consider is that if you are using a child seat, particularly one that is rear-facing, the rear doors could be a real problem. That being said, I went from a sedan (Volvo S60) to the FJ and I find the FJ is much more user friendly for dealing with family issues than the Volvo.

I have the factor roof rack and I do not have the issue with wind noise. I'm not sure why some have it and others do not.

I'm not a hardcore off roader. I have the manual transmission and really enjoy it. This is the first vehicle in many years that I have had with a manual so it is novel right now. I have done some very mild off-roading since I got this and the manual worked really well. I will never be doing the Rubicon so it really wasn't a cosideration for me. I can see that if you are in stop and go traffic or want to drink a coffee during the morning commute than an automatic might be a better option.

The plastic is cheap, but it hasn't bothered me yet. I like the fact that we can get in the FJ after getting dirty and not worrying about getting the carpet messy. I guess the utilitarian aspect of the FJ outweigh the texture of the plastics to me. This is a great family vehicle from that aspect.

I think if you decide to get one you will really enjoy it. You just have to make the call on what you would be willing to compromise to get some of the other benefits of the FJ.

Good luck in your search.

gerard · 09-09-2006, 07:19 PM

A couple of things that I can tell you. When I picked up my FJ from the dealership, they told me that they had moved the cross memebers on the roof rack to the lower position to cut back on the noise. I don't notice any wind noise from them.
The back seat, well, I thought that it looked a little cramped back there, but adult passengers have reported being comfortable with enough leg room.
Last but not least, after a couple of months owning it, I still pat myself on the back at least once a day for making such a great decision to buy it.

Kzoocruiser · 09-09-2006, 08:14 PM

As mentioned earlier; a sunroof is the best option that you will ever put on this vehicle hands down (literally night and day).