Finally got test drive in an FJ - questions

[mts]

The local Toyota dealer I like to use hasn't been able to keep an FJ in stock so I broke down and went to the "big" Toyota dealership (where you get treated like cattle) to get a test drive. I was both impressed and disappointed at the same time.

What impressed me was how well the on-road manners of the vehicle were. It had an impressive ride and was significantly more quiet than I would have thought. I was also surprised at how much better I liked the auto than the manual.

On the downside, I don't think I've ever driven anything that had that poor of visibility......felt a bit like I was driving while sitting in a bath tub with a huge floppy hat on. The blind spots also seemed to be pretty massive. In addition, the drive was a bit "sloppy", by that I mean normal driving would be fine, but towing of any type seems like it would be hard to handle.

Questions:
1) Did any of you feel the same way about the visibility initially then "get used to it" over time? Also, it was tough to tinker with during the 30 minute test drive, but can you actually get the side mirrors set up to help lessen/eliminate those massive blind spots?

2) Is there a quick and dirty way to tighten things up a bit for towing? Perhaps some different sway bars and shocks? I wonder if the special edition might help with that?

Thanks

 

[gearguywb]

The rear view for me is not an issue simply because I have always used the outside mirrors instead of the rear view mirror.

As far as hadling towing goes....depends on several factors including what you are towing and it's weight. I just towed a 6x12 enclosed trailer, loaded, from Colorado to NC with no problems. One thing that I think helped is that my FJ has a lift with OME springs, medium in the rear, which helps to support a heavy load.

 

[Jim S.]

I tow an adventure off road trailer. I gotta look in the mirror from time to time just to make sure it's still there. Even the Princess doesn't mind towing it. Ditto on the side mirrors for vis, similar to my Tundra.

 

[roosterdo]

Questions:
1) Did any of you feel the same way about the visibility initially then "get used to it" over time? Also, it was tough to tinker with during the 30 minute test drive, but can you actually get the side mirrors set up to help lessen/eliminate those massive blind spots?

2) Is there a quick and dirty way to tighten things up a bit for towing? Perhaps some different sway bars and shocks? I wonder if the special edition might help with that?

Thanks

As long as you remember your driver ed lessons of using your mirrors and turning your head the visibility is not a big problem. If anything I am more active about paying attention when doing lane changes and such. After towing 4500 lbs over 35,000 miles in the FJ the vehicle is pretty good stock.

 

[Corey]

As long as you remember your driver ed lessons of using your mirrors and turning your head the visibility is not a big problem. If anything I am more active about paying attention when doing lane changes and such.

Ditto.
I drive a forklift for a living, and talk about blind spots.
First day I sat in mine and drove it home (also the first time I had ever driven one) I had zero issues with seeing out of the rig.

 

[Brazenhead]

Blind spots are not even an issue. I learned to drive in my fathers 78 Ford Econonline van, you know the one with 30 feet hanging behind the rear axle. Now that had poor visiblity!