Percy / caliFJ,
I'm not what you think. I chose the sign-on "Kansas Law Dog" because (1) I live in Kansas (Colorado transplant that needed a good paying job) and (2) I thought the roll Kurt Russell played as Wyatt Earp in Tombstone was classic, especially when he totally ignored Ike Clanton as Ike said "We don't like Kansas Law Dogs around here."
That said, thanks for the compliment. I have been monitoring this website for a while - it is the best on FJ Cruisers, bar none. The discussion by most of the members is invaluable and it seems that everyone has some special knowledge to contribute.
I agreed with others that Toyota looks at this site from time to time and I wanted to add my two cents about my desires in the Cruiser and how I expect to be treated by Toyota. Hence, the poem.
I am a long time Landcruiser owner. The first was a 1978 FJ40 that I traded in on a 1991 (because kids were too little to strap into the facing rear seats) and then traded the 91 for a 99 because the V8 is such a sweet power plant. So I have continuously owned Landcruisers for 27+ years. However, the 99 is too expensive to be a toy and bounce over rocks. I really miss my old 1978 for its ruggedness.
The new FJ isn't perfect, but neither was the 78. (It was a rust icon and the engine consumed oil, even after a complete ring job). That said the FJ is my top pick for my next 4x4. It can transport my briefcase to the office everyday, and carry my fishing gear and high top boots when driving to a secluded alpine lake in the Rockies. Furthermore, the 8 hour drive on I-70 from Kansas to the mountains will be in comfort.
I don't have an FJ on order yet and intend to wait a year. Toyota will not be able to incorporate many changes from year one to year two, but I believe that a sunroof is a real possibility. Also, by then they should have a dark tan interior to provide an alternate to the charcoal interior. Exterior colors such as red, tan and green (hopefully forest green like my 78) will make more sense. Also, I have FJ's papa to drive for another year while I decide on the options on the FJ that are right for me.
The target buyers are young adults, but this old codger wants one. Maybe Toyota will take pity on us old guys and realize that we can't hear anymore and speakers in the roof are a waste and won't change our hair color. My hair is white and I want the wind from the sunroof and rolled down windows to blow through it. Also, there needs to be a way for the air flow to vent out the back. The Landcruiser has back wing windows for that purpose. No need for the FJ to have electric wing windows, manual will be fine. Also, I like the tail gate operation of the 1999 Landcruiser, better than the swing gate on the FJ, but I predict that change will not occur for a few years.
The town where I live in Kansas has diagonal parking (as opposed to parallel parking) and that large C pillar will be problematic with the vision restriction while backing out. Maybe if I practice good boating skills and honk with two long blasts before backing up the people driving down the street will recognize an impending disaster and provide room for me.
Finally, only the 4x2 should have running boards, the 4x4 should all be equiped with rock rails as standard. Toyota - what were you thinking?