Convincing the wife

[albino rhino]

Gentlemen... I need some good points to add to my argument why I should get an FJ versus a car that obviously will get better gas mileage. We are planning to test drive several vehicles (the FJ being the first). We also have a 1 yr old and I have read the posts on child seats, family friendly, etc. Spending $3500 in gas a year will need some justification.

I currently have an 81 FJ60 with 3 inch OME lift and 33 inch tires and the wife hates it. She can't even drive it because it is hard enough for her to get into the vehicle and it is temperamental due to a bad carb. I told her I would get rid of the 60 if I get an SUV to replace it, but I will keep it if I get a car.

I would like to get an FJ because I will not have to constantly replace parts and deal with the upkeep of a 20+ year old vehicle.

Maybe some of you have been in this same situation...any input helps, thanks.

 

[inkpot]

Howdy! Tell her you MIGHT even get an FJ with the automatic transmission so it's easier to drive. John

 

[albino rhino]

Automatic....check

 

[inkpot]

Automatic....check

Howdy! I should add that I've wheeled with a bunch of them since they came out, and they do just fine on the trail. I think you can get them with the fancy traction control, and a rear Elocker. Check on the FJ board for more details about options and such. I've been thinking kinda the same way, and my wife is ready to buy. I just can't find one for FREE anywhere! John

 

[toynut]

Bait and switch, start looking at the nastiest most fuel ineficent rig H3 :; , v10 crew cab truck whatever, let her steer you back towards the fj .

 

[jgordon]

Give us some context - why do you need a new car in the first place? Why not keep the 60 and fix the carb, and get something like a used VW passat diesel?

 

[DBS311]

I say use the money you would have spent on the FJC and put it in your real Land Cruiser. Put the 3FE head and electronics on top of the 2F!!!

On a serious note (although I was serious with my comment above), I don't think your wife will like the FJC+baby+car seat. My wife took one look and said "No thanks".

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Get the carb rebuilt for $300.

Buy a 3 year old minivan for $10,000.

Everybody is happy.

FJC is too small for kids. You need space.

 

[PhilC64]

Lots of valid points on kids and the FJC. If mine were little and in car seats I wouldn't buy one. Get her a decent ride of her choice and use the 60 for yourself.

If you are bent on getting an FJC get it bone stock with just the rear locker option. All the other upgrade packages are a waste of your money. You can get the ATrac switch for under $50, install it, and have that option for less than the dealer price. Stay away from the FJammer option. The black stock radio works and sounds just as good.

 

[zuluzeugma]

Buy a Prius if you care about MPG.

 

[macneill]

Ditto on the FJC being too small with kids.

Get a used 100 and keep the 60!

 

[Niner]

I don't have any kids but the niece and Nephew love to ride in the FJ.

Get yourself a used FJC or dealer left over and buy her a mini van. but keep every cruiser you ever own.

 

[jmylie]

My 14 yo son likes riding in the back of the FJC. He doesn't like having to wait for me to let him out.

Remind your wife that at 4300 lbs., the FJC will be safer.

 

[1911]

Lots of valid points on kids and the FJC. If mine were little and in car seats I wouldn't buy one. Get her a decent ride of her choice and use the 60 for yourself.

If you are bent on getting an FJC get it bone stock with just the rear locker option. All the other upgrade packages are a waste of your money. You can get the ATrac switch for under $50, install it, and have that option for less than the dealer price. Stay away from the FJammer option. The black stock radio works and sounds just as good.

+1 on both counts.

 

[Lemony]

Hey if you aint got the balls to buy what you want.... you get "Prius".

1. After the first and most likely last time you bang it up or scratch the heck out of it she'll have you wishin you were riding that prius.

 

[cruiserloco]

Gas mileage is not a good excuse, I drive my 62 everyday because it does better in gas than the FJ. Keep the 60 and get her Wat she wants, because if she is unsatisfied with the FJ she is going to remind you believe me.

 

[BRICKTOP]

Totally disagree about the kids and FJC. We have a 2 year old and getting him in and out of the child seat is easier than the 4 Door Jeep. I would agree for a rear facing seat, but front facing is perfect with the way the doors work. Nice big opening!

 

[CRAW]

I have a four year old boy (still in a car seat) and a 6 month old girl, and it's just as hard putting them in the FJC as it is in our 2003 Altima. The only way you're going to make it "easy" is to get yourself a mini-van.

 

[gaylonw]

I have a '07 TRDSE with Automatic and TRD CAI and ...

The economy is 20 to 21 MPG all the time. I drive about 30K per year in the Baltimore Washington area.
I have a 5 year son that loves his car seat center mounted in rear seat.
I bought it with a DVD player in the ceiling and it really helps Josh enjoy the ride.
I have a '90 62 and a '96 80 that I love to drive, but I cannot stay out of the FJ.
I have 49K on it and except for some advanced seat wear in the front bolster area it is great.(talking to Toyota on that issue)
The BFG's tires are at 10/32's and the brakes are at 50%.
The back seat has plent of room for up to teenage sized kids.
Down sides- Windows don't wind down in the back and the front passenger has to open the front door to let the rear passenger out.
I would like to buy another one,a Trails Edition, but I can't bring myself to sell one of my other cars. I love them all...gm

 

[albino rhino]

I appreciate all of the good advice and she is starting to become more interested in the FJ. As for getting her a car she wants she has a Volvo S60 which she loves because it is safe and AWD. As for getting the kid in and out it is not the easiest (have to watch out for the head).

The wife is sick of me working putting money into a 20+ year old vehicle otherwise I would keep the thing and get a DD. If we test drive the FJ and she does not like it then I will probably start looking at a car and keep the 60.