Originally Posted by
Mongoose87
FJ Cruiser hands down. I love the utilitarian look and "cool" factor of it. Also, I hate factory navigation because most of them will not let you do anything unless you are stopped with the parking brake on. being able to type in an address while doing 60 mph up an onramp while smoking a cigarette, drinking coffee, screaming into your cellphone, and typing on your laptop FTW. Seriously though it is a pain in the ass if you are on the interstate and want to do something and have to pull off...
I love the utilitarian look too. That's the main thing that attracts me to them. But I'm pretty confident I want factory navigation. You bring good light to the situation, but I already know I'm not going to be interested in attaching my Magellan GPS to the windshield of my brand new, ~$30,000 crossover/SUV/whatever.
Originally Posted by
Mongoose87
The blind spots are pretty bad but nothing you can't get used too from what I've heard/been told.
That's a really big concern though. If it was just a daily driver, it would be one thing, but to be using it to pull a trailer with a hot air balloon in it, is another.
Originally Posted by
ritz
I agree with everything Dave posted.
Mandi is looking at getting rid of her GTI one of these days and really wants an Element SC, so we went to the new car show not to long ago and checked one out. While we were there I sat in an FJ and there didn't see like much room at all behind me for any passengers that would be riding in the back.
Do you think that has anything to do with them being a two door? Or are they just small no matter which way you slice it? The ability to fit four average adults seems a little important to me.
Originally Posted by
Flite
FJs do look dumb when they're stock, but they look great with a good lift and some nice wheels/tires. The downside is.... price. A mild lift for an FJ is pretty pricey and if you ever mess anything up off-road, the cost of repair is astronomical. If you want to go off-road and put big tires on it.... buy a Jeep and put a hard top on it.
In the real world, you'll be happier with the Edge. You're not going to go off-roading in the FJ. If you buy the big wheels and tires, you're going to end up with a vehicle that rides bad, handles worse, and drinks more gas. It'll look good, but you'll get used to the looks and it won't be a big deal anymore. The Edge is a good looking, good driving, and so far reliable crossover. I had one for a rental a little while ago and was EXTREMELY impressed. I honestly felt like it's build quality was on par with my Pilot. My Pilot rides a little better and has a more usable interior, but the Edge was right there....and that says a lot. I LOVE my Pilot.
To me, this is an extremely easy choice. Better build quality (yes... for the Ford), better ride, better handling, better interior, more comfortable, quieter, bigger interior, more options, etc etc.
The FJ gets the nods in the looks department, but only if you put a lift, wheels, and tires on it. That's not enough to justify the purchase to me.
That's great information. I have yet to drive either vehicle and I really need to do so. As far as the extent of off roading will be, either vehicle will commonly run across soft fields, mild wet lands, sandy areas and hills. It's not going to be doing heavy duty off-roading... Basically just driving out to a landing site, packing up, and returning to paved surfaces.
Originally Posted by
elambz
Brock, talk to Chad(Black Nugget) and come down here and test drive the FJ. I can agree with those who have mentioned the blind spots. Visibility is a major
with them IMO. I looked at them when they first came out, but the practicality isn't very high. If you drove your Mustang more it might not be bad, but you aren't gonna fit 4 people of your size in it with ANY comfort. I've never looked at the Edge, but I don't like the exterior at all.
I definitely need to do that. I'm sure driving either vehicle will greatly influence my decision. The problem with that, is that I'm separating the Air Force soon and talking of large purchases like a new car, with a new job gives me the jitters. It's hard to go to a dealership and talk to them about test drives when you're not 100% ready to sign papers.
Originally Posted by
WillSol
Why not a Wrangler or Cherokee? You can get the Cherokees with a Diesel... It was an option.
I'm specifically focused on these two cars because I trust both manufacturers and I like the way they look in their respective ways. I wouldn't trust a Wrangler with a 2,000lbs+ trailer, nor do I want the crude, almost barbaric interior of one. The only Cherokee I'd buy would be a Grand Cherokee and I'm not interested in feeding one of those with gas.
Originally Posted by
Corey
Crazy talk. I actually love the way they look.
As do I. I wholeheartedly believe they're the nicest looking crossover on the market.
Originally Posted by
Spic, Amen.
I'm pretty sure he wants something new.
Correct.