[PandaFJ]

The FJ Cruiser is the complete opposite of what I had been looking for. Originally I was going to get a BMW 135i... but looking back on my current BMW 325ci... it's just too hard to let go of it plus I most likely am getting sponsered to get a supercharger put into it.

So on the way home after test driving the 135i as I was driving on the freeway I spotted white FJ Cruisers with black wheels at one of the Toyota dealers next to the freeway!!! A color combo that I just love on 4x4's. I have always liked the FJ cruiser, but didn't like the color schemes they had... except for the sandstorm & black TRD edition ones.

So I turned around and checked it out. The dealer had 4 of them. Up close they look really mean... like a Panda on steroids!!! Didn't drive like the manual 135i I just drove, but they aren't meant for driving around the canyons... they be meant to drive deep into the canyons. But it drove really nice for an SUV. I also really like the sound of the TRD exhaust as I stompted on the pedal.

To top it off, it is exactly how I would want an FJ Cruiser... white, blacked out wheels and trim, various TRD parts... I usually get a serious mod bug when I get a car, but I think the only way I would modifiy this beast is by getting mud all over the white paint.

How is the FJ as a daily driven day to day car? Can it swallow alot of stuff from Ikea, Crate and Barrel, or Costco?

This wouldn't be a garage queen... my BMW will probably end up being a garage queen/ weekend track toy... this FJ is gonna go where my BMW can't go. I already have a license plate I want to get... PANDAFJ to compliment my BMW's plate... WLDPNDA.

I checked with Costco's autobuying program... and turns out the dealer I went to particpates in it... so they are quoting me a price of 29K (not including tax and license). Can a better deal be had?

Should I jump on the deal? Or should I give me some time to cool off and put things in perspective?

 

[neworleansparrothead]

Welcome!!!! Sounds like the bug bit you pretty good. I have had my FJ for pushing 2 years now. August 10th will make the official 2 year mark so you can do the math.

The FJ is my daily driver and I LOVE it! I mean it takes me where I need to go with my job (which can get a little squirrelly down here in New Orleans) and it can also take the abuse of running a household too. From getting the dry cleaning to getting building materials, the FJ can do it and do it proudly!

There are loads of mods you can do for interior storage that will allow you to keep all your off road toys nice and neat too, so get ready to go to work on those!

As for that 29k price, I think that sounds pretty doggone good. There are others here much more experienced with the pricing of the TTs and the SEs but that is alot of rig for that price. Me, I paid right at 28k for my 4x2 in August of 06 (TT&L included) but that was back in the time when they really did not deal down here at all on them.

Hope this helps!

Kim

 

[SafetyDave]

Yup, just do it. You won't be sorry.... unless you hate spending money on mods or gas.

 

[Kintama]

Hey, hey, I got the Panda FJ. Nah just joking.
Exactly what I was thinking when I wanted mine. It reminded me of the Initial D Trueno in the panda paint scheme. Always wanted a hachi, but now I got a super sized one. (Sorry if no one is familiar with the series).

Dude, the beamer is bad ass, but the FJ is hot too.
If you can keep both, do it.

I just got mine, and love it.
Later.

 

[ATXFJ]

Originally I was going to get a BMW 135i...

LOL me2

TTs are sweet. The color scheme is my favorite. Doesn't show scratches and dings as bad. I don't need to change the wheels, and exhaust like I usually do when I get a new car. I also like the low build numbers.

 

[PandaFJ]

I was thinking of the Initial D Trueno too on my way home... the "Panda86"

I really like the series, but it also has to do with my last name too.

Just got home and was talking to my significant other and she just smirked and said... "just go out and buy it so you can get it out of your system"... LOL!!!

Uggh, but the way she said it... I know she means something else (wants a rock on her finger)... what to do!!!

 

[fjlarry]

29K sounds pretty good. The TT FJ's look great. Fold the seats down and you can fit alot of stuff in it. Show us some pics when you get it.

 

[The_big_G]

Had mine a month now and just love this thing.

 

[pathfinder]

You joined the forum, so you might as well buy a TT to go with it. :cheers:

 

[PandaFJ]

OK so in a kinda fed up way, my significant other told me last night to go and get it already... I know she was using reverse psychology... but it's not gonna work.

I just contacted the dealer, I've already been approved through Costco/Capital One so just waiting for them to send me the check... hopefully if they still have them next week, I will be picking one up.

Seems like everyday a new member on this forum is getting a TTSE, checked surrounding dealers too & not many have them on inventory... interesting.

 

[SLOTRKR]

I got mine through the Costco fleet deal too for $750 over invoice. I couldn't find anyone around that was willing to beat that price. He did not have one on the lot, so he had to work out a trade (which was tough because dealers did not want to give them up). They can disappear fast- the first day we looked there were 4 within 300 miles. By the end of the next day they were all gone. He had to trade from the master allocation list.

Mine is my daily driver and it has worked out great. Takes a little adjusting with kids and the suicide doors, but no big deal. I went off roading within the first week and the FJ was amazing. You'll love it.

 

[FJGEZR]

Just do it! I got mine 2 months ago through Costco-$675 over invoice. I have always had smaller sports cars and have no regrets. Wait till you take this thing off road, amazing!! Post some pics when you get it..

 

[tyree326]

What's the word? Did you buy it?

 

[PandaFJ]

What's the word? Did you buy it?

Still waiting for my Costco Autoloan check to come in... I think it takes up to a week.

But when I called the dealer, the Costco Sales rep didn't seem to interested or excited to sell the truck or to take a deposit to put one on hold for me until my check comes in.

He just told me to schedule an appointment with him once my check gets in.

Wonder if I can just go in once I get my check in hand... and show my costco card for the Costco pricing.

It would be nice if the check comes in today, being that its my birthday and all. It would be a nice present to myself... ha!!!

 

[bkreece]

You should definately jump on the TTSE.

I just got mine this week. Its awesome! Still looking forward to hitting the trail with it, but in town I love the sound system, sound of the TRD exaust, comfotable interior, smooth ride at high speeds and its ability to jump curbs with ease. I am also a huge fan of the 'panda' color scheme. Its a great look. Good luck tracking yours down.

 

[PandaFJ]

Actually I have had it for the past week!!! I am really enjoying it!!! Can't wait to hit the trails around the area...

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/introductions-new-arrivals/61668-finally-got-my-ttse.html

 

[chrisngrod]

Couple weeks ago went offroading with an Ikea tabletop and kids' table set!

Good choice and welcome!