Advice on a new FJ..

Cancruiser · 11-03-08, 11:26 PM

Hi all,
I currently have a '90 HDJ81 and we would like to add a FJ Cruiser to the family. My wife will be driving it most of the time (no off-roading

) We are after a 6-speed manual.

As much as I'm excited we are getting a new FJ but I personally hate the experience of buying a new car with all the shopping around and haggling with dealers. And no matter what, I always get the feeling that we've been ripped off.

I was wondering if fellow Albertans may recommend a dealer they felt were honest and upfront with their pricing. You may PM me to keep it confidential. I would not like to tear businesses apart due to one reason or the other...

I appreciate your help..
Thanks and Regards,

joebob2586 · 11-04-08, 01:27 PM

If you arent planning on doing any wheeling dont you think it would be a better idea to get the automatic since its not all time 4 wheel drive?

Cancruiser · 11-04-08, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joebob2586

If you arent planning on doing any wheeling dont you think it would be a better idea to get the automatic since its not all time 4 wheel drive?

That's a good point. I never knew that the auto is part-time 4wd. Anyway, she likes to drive manual transmission plus it is cheaper/less parts to break. Calgary in winter is a 4x4 type environment anyway

PhilC64 · 11-04-08, 02:37 PM

When you do get the FJC, my advice would be to get it bone stock with just the rear locker option. The rest is over priced. You can order an ATRac switch from a few places for under $65. The dealer would charge you well over for just that option. All FJC's have the ATRac built in, you just need the switch to activate it. Stay away from the FJammer it's over priced just like most of the other options offered. Oh, and have fun with it!

Cancruiser · 11-04-08, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhilC64

When you do get the FJC, my advice would be to get it bone stock with just the rear locker option. The rest is over priced. You can order an ATRac switch from a few places for under $65. The dealer would charge you well over for just that option. All FJC's have the ATRac built in, you just need the switch to activate it. Stay away from the FJammer it's over priced just like most of the other options offered. Oh, and have fun with it!

Thanks Phil...
I am learning more and more about FJ's now. You guys are great!
Keep those suggestions coming...

FelixLeiter · 11-04-08, 03:00 PM

I am up in Edmonton and bought last January from a GMC/Hummer dealer...it was slightly used (12,000km) and I got the "C" package in automatic with all the options (brush guard, skid plates, running boards, 6-CD etc) for $29k (list was almost $40).
In my searching for a slightly used FJ I found that the Toyota dealers were way overpriced (within a few grand of new) but I did find several at domestic dealers that were underpriced and the sales staff seemed to know nothing about Toyotas (it was easy to talk them down).

PhilC64 · 11-04-08, 05:37 PM

I have all the bells and whistles on mine and have replaced a lot of the Toyota bling stuff over the last 2 years. Oh and get the black steel rims! The suckers...er I mean folks in the Blew room will over pay you for them along with the cheap rubber on them.

One other thing that "might" be worth it are the rock rails. I've beat the dog snot out of mine and they held up perfectly! Then again I don't think you'll be off -roading this too much. Don't get me wrong, I love the FJC off-road and did a ton of damage to mine. I just prefer to damage my older stuff now.