Feeling out a new car

[Jenny Cruiser]

I'm surprised you didn't like the FJC. I originally had no interest in them for the same reasons as you, but after driving one for a bit I changed my mind. I most liked the fact that out of the box it can go just about anywhere and the manual has good power/fuel economy. I still think it's one of the worst looking vehicles Toyota has ever produced - especially from the rear.

My mom has a 01 DC Taco. I like it, but it's small and plain Jane compared to the LX or an 80, but still leaps ahead of what you're driving now. I think you'd be happiest with the DC Taco.

I'd love to have a TDI Passat Wagon, but everyone I know who owns a VW has had all kinds of electrical gremlins.

 

[baileyfj40]

Matt, Katie and I had to get another vehicle as well. Ended up getting an 03 F-350 crew cab dually diesel. So much for small.

 

[FJ 432]

Matt,

Another possible option might be finding a vehicle that fit your needs that can tow a utility trailer. When I purchased my FJ Cruiser I traded in a Nissan Titan. I love having a truck but the reality was that I used it only on occasion. I now have a small trailer and although it's not as easy, it takes care of most of my needs on hauling material from home depot, etc. A cheap alternative and costs about 17.00/year to plate.

Randy

 

[corsair23]

Matt,

You need one of these --> http://www.f650pickups.com/indexb.html

One pulled up next to me the other day at a light...OMG is that sucker HUGE

Should have no problem dragging the LX, the popup camper, and the 40 to Moab though

 

[subzali]

I want that color too

 

[Azrael]

While I have no "compensation needs" to own one, I have a soft spot for the 650 for some reason. I love the one I saw at the Denver Auto Show this year.

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k254/Azrael_Denver/DAS2008/IMG_4278.jpg

 

[LARGEONE]

Matt...I can totally sympathize with your car decison.

I had a '76 FJ 40, sprung over, 35s, locked, etc and a subaru outback. The dogs wouldn't fit in the 40 with all of the camping/climbing gear, so I was stuck driving the outback, when I really wanted a more capable off-roader. So, I sold the subaru and got a 4th gen 4-runner (V8 limited) which was really wayyyy too nice to just toss the dogs or a spare axle in the back and expect the leather to not get roughed up. So I had your same dilemma. I "traded down" (definitely not) and bought an 80 series, sold my 40 and still had money left to get a commuter car (mazda 3) and a utility trailer. My only regret is selling my 40, so please don't do that!!! But the 80 I think is the ultimate EVERYTHING vehicle. If you want slightly better gas mileage than the 80, I think some of the newer 100s (post '03, I think) get slightly better gas mileage than the '98-'02? Can even go over 20mpg?

Best of luck with your decision. As someone else above stated....there's definitely something to be said for NO CAR PAYMENTS!!!

BTW...you can borrow my utility trailer any time you want. For the times where you "NEED" a truck, the utility trailer solves the issue.

 

[Hulk]

You need one of these -->

Hell yeah!

 

[DaveInDenver]

Hell yeah!

Yeah, I guess that's OK, unless you have a big family then...

Or you want to doing some crawling...

 

[corsair23]

The one that pulled up next to me was a tad more....subdued?

I must say, it definitely made me look a couple times. It didn't clear the stop lights by much so I imagine parking garages are out of the question ...

Looked like this with maybe a little less chrome:

If I had $80k burning a hole in my pocket I might be tempted to pick this one up

 

[Hulk]

If I had $80k burning a hole in my pocket I might be tempted to pick this one up

If I had $80k burning a hole in my pocket, I would take out a loan for another $30k and buy this.

 

[DaveInDenver]

If I had $80k burning a hole in my pocket, I would take out a loan for another $30k and buy this.

If I had holes in my pockets and $80K, I'd probably start with buying new jeans so that the other $79,950 doesn't fall out.

 

[Hulk]

You need to go to Kohl's. My jeans are only $20.

 

[nakman]

Hey quit talking about pants you pansies and start talking about big trucks again. this is a 4x4 forum, geez.

 

[subzali]

you guys are ruining my thread

 

[nakman]

here this will get it back on track..

 

[Hulk]

What about this?

 

[Hulk]

Sorry about the last one. How about this one?

 

[Jacket]

 

[corsair23]

you guys are ruining my thread

I thought it was already decided that you were getting an 80