One more FJ for you guys in SoCal

socalastro · 03-03-2006, 01:06 PM

After dealing with several dealers and their BS about selling OVER MSRP, I went with a 2003 G500.

While it cost more, it was not about the $$, just the principle.

Peace,
Leon

www.socalastro.com

Percy · 03-03-2006, 02:28 PM

While I am sorry to hear that, I can't blame you one bit. Congrats on your new vehicle purchase. Feel free to continue to come and play...

socalastro · 03-03-2006, 03:46 PM

Thanks Percy,

I'll still be here checking to see how things progress :-)

I still think the FJ is a great truck and would love to read about how you guys/gals end up using it once you get your hands on 'em.

Good luck to all perspective buyers - hang in there.

-Leon

VeilsideGS4 · 03-03-2006, 10:00 PM

Quote:

socalastro previously said:

After dealing with several dealers and their BS about selling OVER MSRP, I went with a 2003 G500.

While it cost more, it was not about the $$, just the principle.

Peace,
Leon

www.socalastro.com

Congratulations, the G 500 is a kick ass vehicle. If I don't get an SUV either an FJ or LX 470, I'm going to pick up an 03' S 500.

***Landrover*** · 03-04-2006, 06:51 AM

Wow! Nice pics Astro. I have wanted to get into astronomy for a while now, but I don't quite have the budget for a Takahasi scope (HOLY MOLY!!!). Is there a nice beginer scope that you might recomend? I have been looking at some like Orions, Meades, Celestrons and the like. Likewise, is there a type of scope you would recomend: refractor, reflector, cassigrain, etc...? I would be buying at the high end of a beginer, $1-$2K range. Some type of auto-tracking would be a must for my impatient arse.

I suppose you have seen the newest pics of the Orion Nebula from Hubble? Intense. Yeah...I know this is off-topic.

socalastro · 03-06-2006, 10:33 AM

Quote:

VeilsideGS4 previously said:

Congratulations, the G 500 is a kick ass vehicle. If I don't get an SUV either an FJ or LX 470, I'm going to pick up an 03' S 500.

After two weekends with G, I am very happy. Very glad I got his car, though not without it's quirks.. It's too nice on the inside my muddy and sandy shoes :-)

All-season rubber floor mats are a must if you like to go offroad.

-Leon

socalastro · 03-06-2006, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Landrover previously said:

Wow! Nice pics Astro. I have wanted to get into astronomy for a while now, but I don't quite have the budget for a Takahasi scope (HOLY MOLY!!!). Is there a nice beginer scope that you might recomend? I have been looking at some like Orions, Meades, Celestrons and the like. Likewise, is there a type of scope you would recomend: refractor, reflector, cassigrain, etc...? I would be buying at the high end of a beginer, $1-$2K range. Some type of auto-tracking would be a must for my impatient arse.

I suppose you have seen the newest pics of the Orion Nebula from Hubble? Intense. Yeah...I know this is off-topic.

Depending if you want to do serious or just some casual imaging, I would go with a Meade 8" LX-90. Good all around performance for a decent price. Computerized GOTO is very nice and makes getting started less frustrating. Check out www.astromart.com for used telescopes and accessories.

I personally like refractors just because the vies are more pleasing - to me.
If you can, look through different scopes first and decide which do you like more and go with it. Buying a really big scope is not always best as it becomes a PITA to set-up and transport :-)

-Leon