Why buy the FJ Cruiser?

[Zack1978]

Hey everyone,
Before you all get mad and start flaming me, le t me say this: I AM A TOYOTA GUY! At this point I own an 87 FJ-60, 00 Celica GT-S, and a 79 4x4 p/u. I am in the market (or will be within the next 6 mo or so) for a new truck to replace my BELOVED 1995 Pathfinder, the NJ winters have taken their toll.
In light of the dealer SCALPING on the FJ Cruiser, and the high cost of option packages, I assume that the aveg. FJ Cruiser is going out the door around the $30,000 range. I like the FJ, I saw it in person for the first time at the Auto Show on Wed. The truck is very capable, and I think it looks great; but at $30,000?
For many of us price does matter. I realize that some on "mud" can care less about price and they just want an FJ! For those that can do that great, but I can't! So I guess my point is why would I get an FJ, when I can get the X-Terra with the off-road package and the 6spd and the Rockford sound system for at least $5,000 less? I went to look at the X-Terra, and the orig sticker was at almost $29,000. I was able to talk the guy down to $25,000, that IMHO was a good deal. I didn't buy it because I want to save more, but still why go FJ Cruiser? Hell, for the price that some are paying on the FJ, you could even go with a 4-Runner for about the same price!

AGAIN I AM NOT FLAMING TOYOTA, I AM A TOYOTA GUY!

Zack

 

[Zack1978]

Oh and one rant about the auto show trucks! Next to each FJ Cruiser they had the window stickers on display. All three of the FJ Cruisers were at almost $30,000, however on the top of each window sticker they put in BIG numbers $22,000 or $23,000 to grab the eye of people but you had to look at the fine print to see the real price!!


Zack

 

[Zack1978]

So many of these threads belong in chat.

NO!! I don't think this belongs in chat at all. This is FJ Cruiser related and FJ Cruiser only!


Zack

 

[MoJ]

NO!! I don't think this belongs in chat at all. This is FJ Cruiser related and FJ Cruiser only!


Zack

Chat



I will say that if you're concerned about them being too expensive now is not the time to be buying one.

 

[TLCgrappler]

Zack has a good point, which I made previously regarding the 4runner, but which also applies to the competition. Apparently toyota sees the comparable chocices as the xterra, h3, and rubicon according to the salesmans manual that was posted somewhere and which I downloaded.

The price is going to go below the msrp, as it seems to with all cars. It depends on how many show up how soon. I would assume that people are willing to pay somewhat more for toyota than nissan....that is my impression. So the street price should settle in at some logical premium above a comparable exterra. Exactly where that price level will be will be determined by the market.

 

[montanafj]

I thought about your question, I am a nissan owner not a Toyota guy, till the FJ. I own 5 Nissan Patrols, their value is not much compared to the FJ 40's who have people wanting to buy an old one and willing to pay top dollar. I see the same comparision between the new, many of the same features and both capable units but Nissans just don't hold their value. It's that way with the entire Nissan line of cars from the old roadster to the new Maxima. I bought my FJ because I liked the uniqueness and dependability. It's not for everyone.
As my father always said "May you get what you want and may you want what you get.
Good luck with your decision.
Vern

 

[Go4aRyd]

One more thought....Toyota has, in the past, introduced a new line selling at a premium, similar to the FJ. Just before full production improves general availability, they offer a few new "factory options", like a new color, or a sunroof option, or ?, and simultaneously (or immediately prior to) raise the MSRP. I seem to recall they did this for the early 4-runner line. Anyone else remember this type of Toyota marketing?

Eventually, demand will lag a bit and selling price will come down - but I've not seen Toyota lower MSRP on anything in quite a while.

 

[FirstToy]

Zack, you're making a big deal out of nothing.

The FJC is brand new and in demand. Dealers are price gouging. Welcome to reality.
When the orig Xterra, Miata, PT Cruiser, etc came out (same fierce demand) dealers were price gouging too.

If you want the FJC at a good price, wait until the hysteria dies down.

 

[Granger]

While $30K FJCs were more or less the standard when this thing launched many less equipped models will be hitting the showrooms soon.

The least expensive example I can think of can be found here:

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2918

To summarize:

My incoming So Cal (First week of May) extremely hard-to-find $22,890 BASE MODEL Sun Fusion 4WD manual tranny FJ will be up for grabs. The MSRP is WELL BELOW $24K including the destination charge!!! Floor mats are the only option ordered. Try to find one of these at a Toyota dealer!!! Yes, the deal is for MSRP as well. This vehicle has been on order since October of 2005. My practical side took over and I ended up buying a 4 door pickup instead after taking a new FJC for a test drive.

Contact me via this forum (meaning that forum) and I will hook-up the first serious buyer with my sales associate. I would rather have it sold to a member than someone off the street!

While this is an example of an ordered model, many are coming without the upgrade packages. Obviously, ordering is a viable alternitive for those willing to wait.

 

[logic2]

I agree.
I'm going to wait before buying my next one

Hopefully, in 2 years or less, they should have more attractive colors, sunroof, better stock bumpers, etc... I think Red would look very cool.

 

[Cali_FJC]

i couldnt wait. made my 6 year old go out and upgrade his lemonade stand to beer and shots.

 

[FJCruiserOwnersGroup]

I agree.
I'm going to wait before buying my next one

Hopefully, in 2 years or less, they should have more attractive colors, sunroof, better stock bumpers, etc... I think Red would look very cool.

The special edition FJCs should offer new colors (like red and tan) and be out by mid summer.

 

[SurfPonto]

The special edition FJCs should offer new colors (like red and tan) and be out by mid summer.

Hi,

What is your source for this?

Bob

 

[SnyderMan]

Hi,

What is your source for this?

Bob

this is most likely the source,

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=108519

in summary:
"Look for things like shocks, tires, wheels, and off-road performance features," said Mark Amstock, Toyota's national truck and SUV market planning manager here at the launch of the FJ Cruiser on Tuesday.

Amstock said Toyota is working with tire manufacturer BFGoodrich on the yet unnamed special-edition FJ Cruiser. He added that Toyota designers are "pushing for traditional FJ colors, including tans and reds."

Downside is these will probably demand premium dollars

 

[FJCruiserOwnersGroup]

this is most likely the source,

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=108519

in summary:
"Look for things like shocks, tires, wheels, and off-road performance features," said Mark Amstock, Toyota's national truck and SUV market planning manager here at the launch of the FJ Cruiser on Tuesday.

Amstock said Toyota is working with tire manufacturer BFGoodrich on the yet unnamed special-edition FJ Cruiser. He added that Toyota designers are "pushing for traditional FJ colors, including tans and reds."

Downside is these will probably demand premium dollars

Hadn't seen that, but it's in line with what I've heard. And you're right, they're probably going to cost more. Sort of like the difference between a Wrangler and a Rubicon; one's got more neat stuff. I didn't see in that article anything about the soild-color (no white top) black option or mention of the supercharger, though. I guess that's still under wraps...

 

[Nautidog]

Hooked on FJ

I got a chance to drive an FJ yesterday and I really liked it. I owned an FJ many years ago and I think it is a personal thing. I'll be buying one and wouldn't consider anything else.

I own an LX450 now that I bought just because of the memories of my old FJ. While the LX isn't even close to my old truck I guess I'm just hooked.

It's personal with me. It could have a squirrel cage for an engine and I'd still buy it.

 

[uhoh7]

Xterra or 4runner....they are both miatas compared to the FJC.

Spend a little time in one and you'll see comparisons with these rigs are silly.

FJ and the nearest thing like it

pavement in sight...

 

[alaskacruiser]

uhoh- looks like Subaru-terrain to me. Comparisons silly? Sorry, but the XTerra is quite a capable SUV and would definitely give the FJ a run for its money offroad.

 

[007-FJC]

Actually, you guys are a bit wrong. I bought an FJ. I went to price a Xterra. My FJ was cheaper than the Xterra fully loaded offroad package. About 3 gs cheaper. The FJ has a much more refined ride, the engine sounds bad arse in the FJ versus harsh in the Xterra, and the seats in the Xterra are... well, wtf are up with them dumb seats?

Anyway, the FJ is fare more capable than an Xterra with greater articulation, ground clearance, approach, departure, breakover angles and the FJs materials are way finer. Open up the engine compartment in both of these. Under the Toyota hood, you find a fine looking engine with a darthvader shield and lots of room with a very clean setup. Very mechanic friendly.

The Xterras engine is lazy on the launch compared to the FJ. The FJ when you punch the gas, its full speed ahead. The Xterra gives a nudge, then its lazy to about 3400rpm and wakes up like if somebody pinched it in its ass.

Under the Xterras hood, its just crowded and cluttered. What I really really really didn't like about the Xterra was that chunky plastic steering wheel and the knob that controls the transfercase. Anyway, its my oppinion as I own an FJ and I have driven, picked, touched, the Xterra; I am very proud of my choice. Im still sratching my head thinkin about what makes the Xterra 3 gs expensiver than the FJ???

 

[Beowulf]

Anyway, its my oppinion as I own an FJ and I have driven, picked, touched, the Xterra;

I owned an Xterra for over 3 years and spent some time last weekend driving, touching, and playing off-road with the FJ Cruiser.

The Xterra is a nice car but the FJ Cruiser would be my truck choice for many of the reasons pointed out by 007-FJC; especially the part about the sucky seats on the Xterra.

I am very, very impressed with A-Trac after seeing it in action off-road for 2 days.

-B-