Big and Tall

[treerootCO]

here's treeroot in one. he's on the small side of average male size.

The small side of average? I'm not sure if that was an insult but I think it was. For the record and my own self esteem...I'm 6'1" and 235lbs so there

Here's Ige in one...I'll be nice and just say that with the seat all the way forward, we might have to add some blocks to the pedals.

 

[nuclearlemon]

Here's Ige in one...I'll be nice and just say that with the seat all the way forward, we might have to add some blocks to the pedals.

at least a 4x4

 

[LandCruiserSteve]

Well, I finally got to try one on for size and drive one. (Keith Pearson Toyota, Jacksonville, FL.) Surprizingly, it was very roomie in the front passenger compartment with the seat all the way back.

However, inspite of its actual physical roominess, I still got a claustraphobic/closed-in feeling. Maybe due to the lack of windows in the sides and back. Visibility was not as good as I had hoped . . . . neither out the sides and rear, nor over the front of the hood. Who knows, maybe it's just me being used to openness of an FJ25/40 or my current DD (a Chevy Silverado).

Otherwise, the truck drove very nice (even though it took a while to get used to the touchy brakes). Although I didn't get any off-road time, it handled quite well on the highway. Pretty comfortable ride actually.

But, the big turn-off was the dealership's smug attitude when I was told that a $6k premium was tagged onto the existing sticker price. That brought the price of the particular FJC I test-drove up to $37,900 . . . . hardly the "mid-20s" that Toyota has been proudly touting.

The salesperson confidently informed me, "we know we can get that price out of anyone who really wants one that badly."

At this time, I apparently don't really want one that badly . . . . .

 

[Living in the Past]

Hey Steve if you were still out west you could of had one on Wednesday with no dealer premium markup. How did the steering feel? Spec shows the turning radius only 3" better than the Sequoia. The 100 series is over a foot better than the FJ Cruiser. The 4Runner is over two feet better. It sure would seem funny if you have to go bad and forth to get around a rock or tree and have the 4Runner behind just drive right threw. If the steering is really this limited it would be a big disappointment. One of the things I always like about cruisers is the sharp steering.

John

 

[nuclearlemon]

here's mike demonstrating the "roominess" off the back seat.

 

[Vitesse_6]

What about that pic of slee in the driver seat?

 

[Sp@nky]

What about that pic of slee in the driver seat?

Just came across his pic in the front see at:
http://birfield.com/postt397.html

 

[LandCruiserSteve]

Hey Steve if you were still out west you could of had one on Wednesday with no dealer premium markup. How did the steering feel?

Once the prices come down (or I can find an honest dealership that's not taking advantage of its customers' desperation), I'll probably seriously consider one. Like I said, it's pretty roomy up front and I like the way it drives. And, its style/looks is starting to grow on me.

The steering radius wasn't all that bad, John. I didn't think it was any worse than other comparably-sized trucks. However, I didn't get a chance to really test the tight-quarters manuvering capabilities. (They were running people through test-drives on this one unit like cattle . . . . I was lucky to get 10-15 minutes of wheel time. )

 

[LandCruiserSteve]

here's mike demonstrating the "roominess" off the back seat.

Reminds me of flying coach on Delta Airlines.

 

[bulldog-yota]

But, the big turn-off was the dealership's smug attitude when I was told that a $6k premium was tagged onto the existing sticker price. That brought the price of the particular FJC I test-drove up to $37,900 . . . . hardly the "mid-20s" that Toyota has been proudly touting.

Wow Almost $38k for the FJC, you can get a 4Runner V8 LTD for that price. Something is just plain wrong. I think people will get a far better deal in a year or so.

 

[GXO]

I drove my sister's tonight and I fit in the driver's seat no problem.

again, 6'4" and 250. I had plenty of room and had no issues with pedals, etc with the driver's seat not all the way back even!

 

[CandyPants]

You are right, the price tag is a biggie. I am Dan's sister and bought one yesterday. I traded in a Nissan Xterra and they gave me WAY more than it was worth to work the price down. They also pulled off that stupid dealer premimum. I was ready to drive that thing home, and they wanted to move it so they can get more out of Toyota. Dan drove it tonight and I think he fit pretty well, Dan?

 

[LandCruiserSteve]

Wow Almost $38k for the FJC, you can get a 4Runner V8 LTD for that price. Something is just plain wrong. I think people will get a far better deal in a year or so.

It appears that the southeast dealerships are playing the premium tag-on game, while the rest of the country is selling them around MSRP. (Who ever thought you'd get a good deal on anything in California. )

 

[GXO]

hehe, I replied to her, even before she asked!

 

[Trollhole]

It appears that the southeast dealerships are playing the premium tag-on game, while the rest of the country is selling them around MSRP. (Who ever thought you'd get a good deal on anything in California. )

Speak for your self. I've talked to two dealerships. They state they will not sell it for more than MSRP. Period.

 

[LandCruiserSteve]

Then it must be a Georgia / Florida gimmick.

 

[GXO]

Florida and Georgia do not participate in the rest of the country's reality.

Simple solution to this huge issue with premiums...don't pay them.