Hi, I am about to move from Italy to California. I am a outdoor enthusiast and I love offroading. USA offer so much: desert, forests, mountains and sea.
While the FJ Cruiser is not offered on the European market, since I saw it at a local Toyota dealer I loved it and my girlfriend loved it too (oh I just married her, she's now my wife ).
Unfortunately the salesmen here in the silicon valley have *no clue* what is offroading about. I read the Toyota website about the FJ cruiser and it was evident I knew more than them. Everyone tried to push the model they had on display without even considering I want to do offroading. One even said the 2x4 version was a great value for me
So here the question: what options and package do you think is best for me? I won't be using this car too much to commute (I plan to buy a scooter for that) but I want it ready for some great fun. What would you suggest? What about aftermarket items such as a winch and similar?
Also: as a European I am used to the manual shift. I generally do not like the automatic shifts, especially the ones on the lousy rental cars I've driven until now. What is your opinion?
Try to understand it is all completely new for me and I am not sure on the details how the American car market works
Thanks Alessio
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Re:Disposable salesmen
Date: 2007/12/31 21:57
By: admin
Status: Admin
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"Also: as a European I am used to the manual shift. I generally do not like the automatic shifts, especially the ones on the lousy rental cars I've driven until now. What is your opinion?"
Sadly, as an American a manual shift transmission isn't really a good option for many of us. You see, it's too hard to shift while steering, shaving, changing the radio stations, yelling at the kids and entering a new address in the GPS.
Seriously though, for offroading manual is probably the way to go.
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Re:Disposable salesmen
Date: 2007/12/31 23:23
By: manoweb
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F.J.C.O. n00b
Posts: 9
hehe there are times when my right hand is busy with sometihng and I have to shift with the left hand eheh
In the meanwhile I read many forum posts and I got the idea that, it's better to try to get the FJ at a "base" level (maybe one they already have at the dealer's) and fit aftermarket accessories; is that correct?
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Re:Disposable salesmen
Date: 2008/01/01 02:06
By: Runner_Ryan
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For offroading, the manual is my choice. Plus, if you get the manual, not only is it cheaper than the auto, but you get the rear locking diff for nothing extra. You need the rear locking diff for offroading. I got myself a base model, as I knew I'd be taking it offroading. If you get the manual base model, you can add the A-trac by adding the switch to turn it on. Aftermarket front winch bumper is a good idea. Aftermarket rock rails also. Stuff from the dealership isn't the best quality. A 3" lift and 33" tires would help. And a winch if you think you might need it. Oh, and I've heard it can be quite difficult to locate a true base model. I didn't have any problems...I was able to get 2 of them. But some people don't think they exist.
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Re:Disposable salesmen
Date: 2008/01/01 03:29
By: jerrym59
Status: User
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F.J.C.O. Rookie
Posts: 10
I don't need no stinkin wench. what am I a tow truck? I don't want to spend my 4x4 time pulling out those H3s
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