Author Topic: Sandman (Read 1105 times)

Ripsnort · « **on:** January 05, 2007, 06:08:58 PM »

I'm going to test drive one of these tomorrow...

Depending on the trade in value they give me, I might be a new owner as well....

I had a chance to spend 20 minutes checking one out offroad earlier in the week....fell in love.

vorticon · « **Reply #1 on:** January 05, 2007, 06:16:00 PM »

the blind spots must be huge.

Mark Luper · « **Reply #2 on:** January 05, 2007, 06:23:52 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by vorticon
the blind spots must be huge.

Autoweek stated that very thing in this week's issue. It is thier long term tester and some of the editors love it, others hate it.

Mark

Ripsnort · « **Reply #3 on:** January 05, 2007, 07:15:03 PM »

Nissan Xterra vs FJ Cruiser:
http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/MediaNav/videoId=20090252/modelId=100505527/firstNav=Gallery

DiabloTX · « **Reply #4 on:** January 05, 2007, 07:17:53 PM »

You know it's times like these I really miss Beat1e...

Looks like a cool ride Rip, best of luck!

Ripsnort · « **Reply #5 on:** January 05, 2007, 07:32:55 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by DiabloTX
You know it's times like these I really miss Beat1e...

Looks like a cool ride Rip, best of luck!

I have many reasons to buy this one, but I have just as many reasons to hold my current car:

Reasons for a FJ:
-Can transport the dog, kids and wife.
-Automatic...wife can drive it (she hates my stick in the BMW, but that's kind of a good thing...cause she never drives my car!)
-Can pull the boat, I won't need the 10 mpg Truck for local boat towing operations.
-Plenty of room in the back (Seats fold down in the rear) for my photo business when I transport the tents, tables, samples and photo equipment.
-I only commute 2 days a week, so gas milege (18 mpg avg.) is not an issue.
-Mileage is getting up there on the BMW.

Reasons to hold the BMW 330ci:
-Dependable as taking a crap the same time every day.
-Great gas milege
-with a tune up, new shocks, new brakes, I'm good for another 90,000 miles.
-I love this car, and the way it drives. Steering still feels like its a new car.
-I still get "looks" and people asking if its a new car.
-My garage has a 4 ft. BMW emblem painted in the interior stall with a carpeted garage.

We'll see....if they don't give me what I want for a trade in, all bets are off...

bj229r · « **Reply #6 on:** January 05, 2007, 08:04:18 PM »

I just paid my 60th and LAST $492 a month payment on on Xterra (had nuthin for trade-in)....I plan to drive it for another 10 years or so--love the thing:aok

Mark Luper · « **Reply #7 on:** January 05, 2007, 08:09:20 PM »

Rip,

One other thing Autoweek had to say about the FJ was that it required premium fuel.

Something to think about.

Hope you fully enjoy whatever it is you buy

Mark

rpm · « **Reply #8 on:** January 05, 2007, 08:15:30 PM »

A Toyota? Are you going to work for Airbus or something? The Gods of the Blue Oval will smite you.

Ripsnort · « **Reply #9 on:** January 05, 2007, 09:05:49 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Mark Luper
Rip,

One other thing Autoweek had to say about the FJ was that it required premium fuel.

Something to think about.

Hope you fully enjoy whatever it is you buy

Mark

Its recommended, for towing, or mountainous offroad. Not required. Besides, I already use premium (Required) in the Bimmer.

Thanks Mark!

Sandman · « **Reply #10 on:** January 05, 2007, 10:19:50 PM »

I like the FJ, but here's another opinion from Car and Driver:http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/10776/2006-hummer-h3-vs-2006-jeep-grand-cherokee-laredo-4wd-vs-2006-nissan-xterra-off-road-4wd-vs-2007-toyota-fj-cruiser-4wd.html

I'd be torn if I were to buy another SUV. I'd have to drive both first. I do like some of the improvements they've made to the 2nd generation Xterras, expecially the Offroad edition with the locking rear diff and the throttle mapping.

That said, I think this FJ looks bad ass.

Rip... FWIW, all the reasons you listed for the FJ can apply to the 2nd gen X, but I hear the X has more room and is easier to enter/exit the rear seats.

I don't think you can go wrong with Toyota or Nissan. After 6+ years, I have no complaints.

Sandman · « **Reply #11 on:** January 05, 2007, 10:23:48 PM »

Oh... and be sure to get yellow.

Nilsen · « **Reply #12 on:** January 06, 2007, 03:50:39 AM »

I guess that is a design you either love or hate. Im afraid its abit too Teletubbies to me so i belong to the latter group. Im sure its fun to drive around in tho.

Slash27 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 06, 2007, 04:21:12 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Sandman

That said, I think this FJ looks bad ass.

Dont care very much for the paint scheme but that is pretty sweet. They all have white tops correct?

Suave · « **Reply #14 on:** January 05, 2007, 10:03:22 AM »

If you're going to spend that much money, why don't you just get the real thing?