New here!! FJ or 4R??? help...

[RonMAIDEN]

You take a risk driving anyway and the odds that that exact senario playing out is pretty slim to none and it won't stop me from owning any 2 door coupes. I rarely have more than 1 passenger anyway but if you toted kids on a daily basis it might be something to consider.

 

[Neversummer]

I think the 4Runner would serve you better.

 

[BamBam]

I went with the FJ, simply because it fit my budget better. I already have a Honda Pilot, and the 4Runner just felt like overkill. I will use the Pilot for trips.

I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort and stability of the FJ. It beat my 2003 Pathfinder hands-down in comfort and road manners. The Pathfinder is a good vehicle. The FJ is a great vehicle. If you have driven a big truck and know how to use mirrors, then visibility is a very small issue. I have driven some semis, so the FJ doesn't bug me.

I have the Trail Teams edition, and I really love the suspension and features this thing came with. I feel like a kid when I am driving it, and that is good for me! I have a 4 year old that climbs into the back with no issues.

 

[Thai]

I have the Trail Teams edition, and I really love the suspension and features this thing came with. I feel like a kid when I am driving it, and that is good for me! I have a 4 year old that climbs into the back with no issues.

The '08 TT SE is my favorite! If i were to get a FJ now, then that would be it.

As for the incident above, it just shook me hard when i heard/read about it on the M3 forum. I was not that traumatized by it then as i am now after the birth of my son. I am just being overly paranoid being a first time parent and all.

 

[BamBam]

I know how the worry thing goes Thai. One thing that made me feel good about the FJ was the fact that my son can't open the doors while we are on the freeway or driving around.

I realize all cars have child locks on the rear doors, but it is always a worry that something might malfunction. I fell out of our van as it was going about 45 mph when I was 5 years old, and I landed directly on my head. It was a pretty traumatic experience, and I have never forgotten it, and I am certain I never will.

I am just giving the flipside here. There are drawbacks, but there are also positives. I feel like my son (and new baby that is due to arrive in October) will be safe and secure in the back of the FJ. My son also had his feet sort of smashed against the seat in the Pathfinder. I was always afraid if we got in an accident that his legs would break against the seat. That type of accident is much more common than the type you described above. Children are strapped into infant or booster seats anyway, and they would need your help to get out no matter what. I just don't think the suicide door is much of an issue (even though it is a creepy name for a style of door!).

 

[Thai]

That makes sense, BamBam. I know that i am paranoid.

Although suicide doors are better than just having two doors, i am still a bit hesitant that 4 people in a FJ has to depend on 2 doors and 2 windows to get out in an accident. The above incident was tragic and rare, but at the same time, i can imagine other scenarios that could trap the rear passenger and it would not involve a rollover or fire. For example, if i am driving my son around town...just me and my son. My son is in the rear and he is old enough to seat with the seatbelt. A car T-bone my side. My door is stuck...or i am unconcious. My son cannot get out of the FJ at all in that instance unless he could climb to the front seat to open the passenger door...but to do that, he must be smart/old enough, not panic, and able to extricate himself from the rear seat.

I know...i am paranoid...and i am just going on for discussion sake. I just like to hear people's views on this topic.