Picked up the business vehicle...
11-15-2006, 02:59 PM
#1
Picked up the business vehicle...
Obviously we'll get it vinyled in Dec or Jan, but for now we can just use it for whatever. Picked it up this afternoon from a dealership about 70 miles away or so. Got a killer deal, so we did not have a problem driving to get it.
Pics also came out kind of blah since it isn't the nicest day here (rain on and off), so when it's nicer I'll get some better and more aligned pics
. Enjoy....
Pics also came out kind of blah since it isn't the nicest day here (rain on and off), so when it's nicer I'll get some better and more aligned pics
. Enjoy....
11-15-2006, 03:48 PM
#4
Well, the reason we bought it is that people either love it or hate it... but either way it gets noticed. Perfect for a business vehicle
The deals you get depend on the area you live in. Right now CA has the best deals with people getting them for a few hundred over invoice. They're still hot and popular everywhere else though, but from what I've read on the forums, you should be able to get under MSRP. The more loaded it is, the more room they'll have and you could be $1000-$1500 or so under MSRP nicely equiped. We got such a sick deal that the dealer didn't even make any money on us, even including holdback (we saw the paperwork showing all of that). I told them I'd recommend them to the FJ Cruiser forum members and they gave us an offer we couldn't refuse hopeing we'd send more business their way. They have had people from Tennessee and Florida coming to them to get one... so they're really looking to reach out beyond their trade area and I guess they're hoping I can help .
The deals you get depend on the area you live in. Right now CA has the best deals with people getting them for a few hundred over invoice. They're still hot and popular everywhere else though, but from what I've read on the forums, you should be able to get under MSRP. The more loaded it is, the more room they'll have and you could be $1000-$1500 or so under MSRP nicely equiped. We got such a sick deal that the dealer didn't even make any money on us, even including holdback (we saw the paperwork showing all of that). I told them I'd recommend them to the FJ Cruiser forum members and they gave us an offer we couldn't refuse hopeing we'd send more business their way. They have had people from Tennessee and Florida coming to them to get one... so they're really looking to reach out beyond their trade area and I guess they're hoping I can help
.
11-15-2006, 03:54 PM
#5
Nick
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I test drove one a couple months ago and really like it. My wife thinks they're weird, but they're just weird enough to attract me. Plus it has nice room, not too huge, can tow my other car to the track if needed, and rides very nice, not at all overly truck-like. I'm leaning toward black or silver. The ones I saw were very well equipped, I think all options, just a small amount over $30k and that local dealer was selling at sticker.
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11-15-2006, 04:28 PM
#10
Senior Moderator
I like those. 
11-15-2006, 04:55 PM
#15
Yeehaw
Bizarre looking vehicle, but I've heard good things about them performance-wise...and like you said, catches attention whether you like it or not.
Seems like it would be more aesthetically pleasing in a single color with a little less plastic trim.
Seems like it would be more aesthetically pleasing in a single color with a little less plastic trim.
11-15-2006, 07:57 PM
#19
Three Wheelin'
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Originally Posted by jz-97-c7
definitely a look only an owner could love...i like the color
I don't think so...I don't own one but I like it. (Then again, I drive something uglier)
me too
11-16-2006, 06:32 AM
#22
Vollgas auf der Autobahn!
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That is pretty cool Juniorbean, too bad they are only available in Germany on a Graymarket basis. Then again I am sure that machine is thirsty. But it would be cool to freak out the locals with that.
Jens
Jens
When they first came out, I circled the block to take a look at one.
11-16-2006, 02:54 PM
#27
Sorry guys... been busy working with the banks on financing the last two days... plus we have guests in from NY, so I've been a little busy. Answers to those who asked questions below!! 
Damn, that would have been cool. We know about 4 business owners to print the vinyl, but haven't found anyone (yet) to do the install!
Perfect... any reaction is a good reaction b/c it means you are noticing it
Actually we were very surprised when we test drove it. They are very comfortable and easy to drive. And you would think the blindspots would suck, but the huge mirrors give you excellent visibility. Hopping in and driving it home ~70 miles from the dealer on interstates and local roads was no problem.
Middle 3 gauges are a compass, outdoor temp, and inclinometer (aka tiltometer).
When I release the business info, you'll understand the color choice (besides for us wanting it to stand out)
Actually, they're not that bad. Guys on the FJ forum are reporting anywhere from 23 to 27 highway and 14-18 City. Most of our driving will be highway and local roads (but the local roads are 45-50mph with little to no lights), so we should be OK mileage wise. Plus, it's a business expense 
We almost drove up to Maryland to get one until this "local" dealer beat their offer!
Haven't "announced" it on the board yet. I'm kind of superstitious with stuff like that, so I'm waiting until all of the I's are dotted and T's are crossed
.
Originally Posted by o2cls
damn, if you werent so far away i'd help lay the vinyl.
Originally Posted by daemonicus
just like the honda element...every time i see one i get sick.
Originally Posted by Shoofin
Love it! only thing is, it's not so easy/comfortable to drive, and you've got blindspots galore
Originally Posted by Crazy88
Nice car
What information do those 3 guages in the middle of the dash give?
What information do those 3 guages in the middle of the dash give?
Originally Posted by Beltfed
They are neat, I guess from the business perspective its cool.......but that color is a tad much for my tastes.
Originally Posted by JensH1963
That is pretty cool Juniorbean, too bad they are only available in Germany on a Graymarket basis. Then again I am sure that machine is thirsty. But it would be cool to freak out the locals with that.
Jens
Jens
Originally Posted by NSXNEXT
Nice ride. Need to bring it up here this winter to test it out.
Originally Posted by extremetls
what business?
.
Last edited by juniorbean; 11-16-2006 at 02:59 PM.
11-16-2006, 04:30 PM
#29
Originally Posted by KCPreki11
I understand the dealer cutting you a deal for word of mouth...But seriously, they didn't make anything off you?
!! He said that he honestly did not know why the sales guy gave us that price, especially since we were from Charlotte, which is not their trade area. I guess b/c we negotiated the OTD price and they beat it from another dealer (since I told them to give me a reason to drive ~70 miles each way to buy from them) they couldn't work in all of their usual BS fees, and in the end after all of their costs were calculated, lost out a bit.And on top of that the sales guy threw in All-Weather mats ($150) and wheel locks ($60) for free. So add whatever their cost is on those parts to the negative price above for the real amount (maybe add another $100 or so making it ~$450).
We did not believe it either, but once he turned the screen to show us (after saying he's never showed anyone that screen, but he wanted us to believe him), we were convinced (and very surprised).
11-17-2006, 02:55 AM
#32
Vollgas auf der Autobahn!
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Actually, they're not that bad. Guys on the FJ forum are reporting anywhere from 23 to 27 highway and 14-18 City. Most of our driving will be highway and local roads (but the local roads are 45-50mph with little to no lights), so we should be OK mileage wise. Plus, it's a business expense
Nice deal to have the company pay for the fuel. But those mileage numbers are based on typical US driving conditions, wo do drive a bit faster here (
), we get to drive at typical US highway speeds on our secondary roads never mind the Autobahn where you can floorboard it till you run out of gas. But overall it is a cool vehicle. I saw a report in a local car mag. about it where they said quite few good things about it.
Jens
Nice deal to have the company pay for the fuel. But those mileage numbers are based on typical US driving conditions, wo do drive a bit faster here (
), we get to drive at typical US highway speeds on our secondary roads never mind the Autobahn where you can floorboard it till you run out of gas. But overall it is a cool vehicle. I saw a report in a local car mag. about it where they said quite few good things about it.Jens
11-17-2006, 09:04 AM
#34
Originally Posted by Straightup80
kool car for work... was there other options?
The Scion's are a dime a dozen, and there are many of them around here vinyled for business, so it's not that unique. Plus, it's too small. Same with the Element as far as popularity, so it wasn't unique enough. The Hummer H3 will stand out, but Hummer's aren't the most reliable, plus, it's not really the image we wanted for the business. The Trailblazer SS was only on the list b/c it met the minimum weight requirement for the $25k federal business vehicle deduction by one (1) pound... but like the Hummer, not necessarily reliable, plus, the V8 and lack of uniqueness (most people wouldn't tell the difference between a regular Trailblazer and the SS), we passed. So the FJ Cruiser won out. It's fun, attracts attention (like it or hate it), and had the space and towing capacity we'll need.
11-17-2006, 05:00 PM
#37
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Originally Posted by juniorbean
We were toying with a Scion Xb, Honda Element, and Hummer H3, and Trailblazer SS in addition to the FJ.
The Scion's are a dime a dozen, and there are many of them around here vinyled for business, so it's not that unique. Plus, it's too small. Same with the Element as far as popularity, so it wasn't unique enough. The Hummer H3 will stand out, but Hummer's aren't the most reliable, plus, it's not really the image we wanted for the business. The Trailblazer SS was only on the list b/c it met the minimum weight requirement for the $25k federal business vehicle deduction by one (1) pound... but like the Hummer, not necessarily reliable, plus, the V8 and lack of uniqueness (most people wouldn't tell the difference between a regular Trailblazer and the SS), we passed. So the FJ Cruiser won out. It's fun, attracts attention (like it or hate it), and had the space and towing capacity we'll need.
The Scion's are a dime a dozen, and there are many of them around here vinyled for business, so it's not that unique. Plus, it's too small. Same with the Element as far as popularity, so it wasn't unique enough. The Hummer H3 will stand out, but Hummer's aren't the most reliable, plus, it's not really the image we wanted for the business. The Trailblazer SS was only on the list b/c it met the minimum weight requirement for the $25k federal business vehicle deduction by one (1) pound... but like the Hummer, not necessarily reliable, plus, the V8 and lack of uniqueness (most people wouldn't tell the difference between a regular Trailblazer and the SS), we passed. So the FJ Cruiser won out. It's fun, attracts attention (like it or hate it), and had the space and towing capacity we'll need.
i would have taken teh trailblazer SS. that thing is mad power. i seen my co-worker flip over in one of those on a test drive. *sad scene*
11-17-2006, 05:04 PM
#38
The sizzle in the Steak
^^ 
11-18-2006, 02:04 PM
#39
fap fap fap
Originally Posted by Straightup80
i would have taken teh trailblazer SS. that thing is mad power. i seen my co-worker flip over in one of those on a test drive. *sad scene*
cool mang i will go buy one right now
