Today is decision day....

[BamBam]

That's funny. My brother really wanted a Nissan Pathfinder, or a 4Runner. He went the instant gratification route and bought.... a Ford Escape!

I waited and drove my Isuzu into the ground and about a year later I bought a nice Pathfinder (the same year as his Escape, but previously used as a lease vehicle). I could tell he was envious, especially since I paid less for the Pathfinder and it was way nicer (leather, and other nifty features).

I learned a long time ago that I can wait for what I want. Heck, it took me about 8 years to convince my wife to marry me! Every time I've jumped into a big decision I've regretted it.

 

[BamBam]

I'm digging up a super old thread... but it is funny how things work.

When it was all said and done I bought a Trail Teams FJ Cruiser new off the lot for waaaaaay less than I had any business paying. I emailed the dealer for price quotes on 4Runners and happened to ask for an FJ quote too just for fun, and it came in way lower than I thought it would (like below invoice).

I went in and verified and they said that it had been special ordered and was sitting on the lot for over 2 months. Some guy had paid $43,000 with a "market adjustment" for the same vehicle 2 months before. I paid what I thought was a very VERY fair price for the FJ. I drove it for the last two years and enjoyed every minute of it. BUT, life throws you curveballs. A guy who is coincidentally the uncle of a few kids I've taught (and he lives 1000 miles away, how weeeeird) wanted an FJ Trail Teams since he had totaled his. He couldn't find one anywhere. He ended up offering me $2000 more than I was originally asking because I decided I might hold onto it. He wanted it BAD.

So he flew in yesterday and picked it up, and my FJ days are over. I ended up getting just about $600 less than I paid for it brand new 2 years ago. That's amazing. It only depreciated that much. Basically I paid $50 a month to drive the thing for 2 years and loved it. But as others have said, the back seat sucks. My son is now 6 and hates getting in it, and we had a little surprise that we found out was coming along just after I purchased the FJ and it has been a pain getting her in the backseat.

So tomorrow.... I am going to test drive a few and most likely pick out a 2006 or 2007 4Runner Sport with a V8 to buy. Funny how things come full circle. If I had it to do over again, I probably would have not gotten the FJ but only because I was so horribly sad to see it go. I've never loved a vehicle like I've loved that. It was the first and only time I've ever bought a new car off the lot, and it looks like due to my life circumstances that it will be the last time I ever do. It was certainly fun while it lasted, but it is gone now and the 4Runner will be taking its place soon. I'm excited to move forward and my kids will be more happy and comfortable in the Runner. So welcome me into the club for real or something eh guys?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Great story! Welcome back, again Good luck on the hunt for the new ride.

 

[SurfToy]

So tomorrow.... I am going to test drive a few and most likely pick out a 2006 or 2007 4Runner Sport with a V8 to buy. Funny how things come full circle. If I had it to do over again, I probably would have not gotten the FJ but only because I was so horribly sad to see it go. I've never loved a vehicle like I've loved that. It was the first and only time I've ever bought a new car off the lot, and it looks like due to my life circumstances that it will be the last time I ever do. It was certainly fun while it lasted, but it is gone now and the 4Runner will be taking its place soon. I'm excited to move forward and my kids will be more happy and comfortable in the Runner. So welcome me into the club for real or something eh guys?

Great story. Welcome, and make sure to post pics once you have the new rig.

 

[Maz]

In case a V-6 would suffice this time, here is a new 2009 Sport in Salt Lake you might look at. I thought about it, but bought an identical Titanium one just before New Years day. I know you're looking for 2007's, but considering Toyota gave me a 4% loan and the with recent very bad publicity you might get a huge discount for this vehicle. A new car with full warantee and cheaper financing may be an option you should consider. Just a thought anyway.

I couldn't get a link to work...the dealer is Brent Brown Toyota in Salt Lake. Stock # T26881, and the VIN # is JTEBU14R69K039653

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...on=findacar::ispsearchform&min_price=&drive=4 wheel drive&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=92648&advanced=y&end_year=2009&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=573&standard=true

 

[BamBam]

In case a V-6 would suffice this time, here is a new 2009 Sport in Salt Lake you might look at. I thought about it, but bought an identical Titanium one just before New Years day. I know you're looking for 2007's, but considering Toyota gave me a 4% loan and the with recent very bad publicity you might get a huge discount for this vehicle. A new car with full warantee and cheaper financing may be an option you should consider. Just a thought anyway.

I couldn't get a link to work...the dealer is Brent Brown Toyota in Salt Lake. Stock # T26881, and the VIN # is JTEBU14R69K039653

Cars for Sale: 2009 Toyota 4Runner Sport in Orem, UT 84058: Sport Utility Details - 266036691 - AutoTrader.com wheel drive&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=92648&advanced=y&end_year=2009&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=573&standard=true

That's beautiful. Too bad Brent Brown tried to scam me on the FJ purchase, or I'd hit them up on it for sure. It is a niiiiice vehicle. I like it. I have never been treated more poorly than there unfortunately. They said they'd beat Menlove's price, and I figured I'd keep the deal locally and offer them first shot. So I brought in the written quote from Menlove and Brent Brown's sales manager accused me of fraudulently creating it. He embarrassed me in front of my family and friends and said "Don't come back crying to us for a deal when you can't buy that vehicle for that price at Menlove." I took it into Menlove and paid that price with their REAL quote and was out of there in 20 minutes.

Brown called 2 days later to see if I was ready to pay their price. I said that I had really paid what Menlove quoted me and it was a real quote. Did I get an apology? No.... I got a "Yeah right" treatment and they hung up on me. I've never been so disrespected in my life. It was truly humiliating. The worst part is that a family I knew (and was the teacher of one of their children) was in there buying a van. They saw it go down and got up and left without buying as well, but they saw how they talked to me and I am sure that the way Brown was talking about me made them question MY integrity for a moment. I explained it all later, but to be attacked like that in front of people who need to trust you is just inexcusable.

Too bad too, because I would have been all over this truck. It looks perfect and like what I'm looking for. I'd take the V6 if I could get a new end of the 4th Gen. But I guess I'll pass unfortunately, which is a bummer.

 

[BamBam]

Got it.... 2 years later. Haha. Here it is... 2007 Sport V8. Toyota Certified (I guess that is good) and a V8 with full time 4x4. Me likey. 32,000 miles, and I cut my payment in half over what I was paying for my Trail Teams FJ, plus this has more power, is more comfortable, and easier to get the kids into. Win-win-win. I miss the FJ like heck, but what can you do? Someday I'll save up and buy another one as a funmobile.

 

[Lexusbstrdchild]

Very nice, great color choice too BTW! I would have liked to get that same car but they dont come up!

 

[BamBam]

Hey thanks for the reply and compliment! It's funny you chimed in. I was actually going to seek you out and ask you how you liked the Husky liners. I am so used to the rubber FJ floor that I am going to order Husky or the weather techs and am just trying to decide which one is better before I put down the last of my car cash on it and maybe a navigation unit (still not 100% sold on that though).

The carpet feels very weird to me. I have been FJ-ified I guess! I have always kept my membership here though and learned so much that when it was time to buy something new it was a no-brainer (which is perfect for me). The only vehicles I even considered were 1- 4Runner 2- 4Runner 3- 4Runner 4- 4Runner 5- Tacoma 6- GX470.

 

[chaz]

congrats, huskys are good, but weathertech floorliners, while they cost more, in my opinion are a better look & fit. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/accessories/32311-weathertech-floor-cargo-liners-pictures.html

 

[bobbarker]

Nice, looks just like mine. I almost went ahead with an FJ a couple years back, and luckily that purchase didn't happen. Recently picked up the 4Runner and am so happy with my choice...

Needs some good tires now.

 

[Lexusbstrdchild]

Hey thanks for the reply and compliment! It's funny you chimed in. I was actually going to seek you out and ask you how you liked the Husky liners. I am so used to the rubber FJ floor that I am going to order Husky or the weather techs and am just trying to decide which one is better before I put down the last of my car cash on it and maybe a navigation unit (still not 100% sold on that though).

The carpet feels very weird to me. I have been FJ-ified I guess! I have always kept my membership here though and learned so much that when it was time to buy something new it was a no-brainer (which is perfect for me). The only vehicles I even considered were 1- 4Runner 2- 4Runner 3- 4Runner 4- 4Runner 5- Tacoma 6- GX470.

Theres plenty of opinions on the husky liner thread that was started, i would start there. I love mine, they were cheaper, and dont have the holes in them for the mat hold down hooks like weather tech. The weather techs do look better, and many people say they fit better. I would probably agree they look better, but in my financial situation i cant justify the extra cost.

 

[BamBam]

Theres plenty of opinions on the husky liner thread that was started, i would start there. I love mine, they were cheaper, and dont have the holes in them for the mat hold down hooks like weather tech. The weather techs do look better, and many people say they fit better. I would probably agree they look better, but in my financial situation i cant justify the extra cost.

Thank you! I actually searched that thread out today as somehow I had totally missed it (d'oh!). It was good to read over the opinions and I appreciate your opinion here. I'm not big on overspending either, because I just spent way too much on a vehicle.

 

[Lexusbstrdchild]

Thank you! I actually searched that thread out today as somehow I had totally missed it (d'oh!). It was good to read over the opinions and I appreciate your opinion here. I'm not big on overspending either, because I just spent way too much on a vehicle.

yeah thats exactly how i felt afterwards. Id say you got a good deal, but its that feeling of wtf did i just do! you always end up spending more than you want to on cars, you find the one you want and you have to have it! at least thats how we were.