View Full Version : 2008 vue or 2007 toyota fj cruiser
aat1982
12-27-2006, 07:49 PM
I have had my 03 saturn vue awd for a short while but between the repairs that had to be done on it and all the headaches, I'm seriously considering trading it in for the 2007 toyota fj cruiser or the 2008 vue when it comes out. Both cars are nice but I'm leaning more towards the toyota. A few of my friends have toyota's and from what I have seen so far, it seems like a good car brand. Right now I'm financing my vue. I still have $14k to pay off. My vue has little under 43k miles on it. I have been told I might be able to get $7K-$10K trade in from dealers, maybe. The fj cruiser is about $25k and I'm thinking that will be about the same price for the 2008 vue. What do you guys think? I'm always open to second opinions.
danemobile
12-27-2006, 08:10 PM
Have you looked at the Toyota Rav4 V6?
I realise it is not as heavy duty as the FJ cruiser.
Comparing my wife’s Rav4 V6 2wd Sport with my 2004 V6 2wd Vue.
Rav4 Gets better gas mileage,
Has a full size spare, though it does hang on the back,
A quieter interior, no creaks and rattles.
Engine is marginally more powerful and has a timing chain not a belt.
No dent free body and cost a couple of thousand more but you can’t have everything.
djb383
12-27-2006, 08:40 PM
It's my understanding the FJ has serious driver visibility issues. Take a good long test drive.
aat1982
12-27-2006, 08:53 PM
I have considered the rav 4 or even the highlander, but I think the rav 4 is a little more costly than fj cruiser. In regards to the visibility issues with the fj cruiser, I have heard some complaints about blindspots. I will be setting up a test drive before I make a decision.
I have made a list of possible choices in addition to the fj cruiser.
Honda crv
mercury mariner
toyota rav
toyota highlander
mazda cx-7
honda pilot
nissan xterra
chevy equinox
as well as a few others.
fatabbot
12-27-2006, 09:03 PM
Right now I'm financing my vue. I still have $14k to pay off. My vue has little under 43k miles on it. I have been told I might be able to get $7K-$10K trade in from dealers, maybe.
Why do you need a new car? You could be up to $7k upside down. I know you're young, but stop being so stupid. Pay off the car, pass on the urge for something "newer and better". It's just a car, not something worth getting into a revolving door of debt over.
Use your brain.
page2171
12-27-2006, 09:19 PM
You might want to look at the cost of operating the new vehicle. The FJ is probably going to get significantly worse mileage than the Vue you are looking at replacing.
aat1982
12-27-2006, 09:25 PM
No comment to that reply from earlier. I'll bite my tongue.
aat1982
12-27-2006, 09:36 PM
Well the FJ is a 4.0 L v6, while the vue I currently have is 3.0 v6, but the cost of mileage is not something I'm worried about. Reliabilty is what I'm looking for. Ive noticed alot of posts on the board about problems with the 03 vue model.
It's my understanding the FJ has serious driver visibility issues. Take a good long test drive.
I saw those reports too. I didn't notice it when I drove my friend's a couple of weeks ago. It's more "truck like" than the VUE, but it was an absolute billy goat offroad. Actual working AWD and everything. :) He says he's getting about 21-22mpg in mixed driving and it's cheaper than the V6 VUE by a few grand, I believe, even though it's got similar horsepower and noticibly more low end torque. I'd also be a lot more inclined to trust the reliability of the FJ Cruiser than the VUE for the long haul. If you're into offroading at all, it's a no brainer.
Cheers,
You might want to look at the cost of operating the new vehicle. The FJ is probably going to get significantly worse mileage than the Vue you are looking at replacing.
The mileage on the FJ cruiser is only slightly lower than the V6 VUE.
Cheers,
Well the FJ is a 4.0 L v6, while the vue I currently have is 3.0 v6, but the cost of mileage is not something I'm worried about. Reliabilty is what I'm looking for. Ive noticed alot of posts on the board about problems with the 03 vue model.
The 3.0L V6 was a turd of an engine. :hmm:
BobbyP
12-28-2006, 01:46 AM
The styling of the FJ looks like it came from "Thunderbirds Are Go". Definately check out the visibility issues... I'm driving a Chrysler 300 this week and I feel like I'm in a box with the short window layout.
The styling of the FJ looks like it came from "Thunderbirds Are Go". Definately check out the visibility issues... I'm driving a Chrysler 300 this week and I feel like I'm in a box with the short window layout.
Yeah, my wife had the older gen 300M (which we loved). When she totaled it recently, we checked out the new 300C and had the same "closed in" experience. While she was test driving that, I snuck around the block in a Charger SRT-8....YOW!!! But alas, she wanted something more soccermom-ish, so we wound up with the VUE a few days later. :(
Cheers,
SLAPSHOT
12-28-2006, 08:25 AM
Well the FJ is a 4.0 L v6, while the vue I currently have is 3.0 v6, but the cost of mileage is not something I'm worried about. Reliabilty is what I'm looking for. Ive noticed alot of posts on the board about problems with the 03 vue model.
That's odd, I read these boards quite regularly and haven't seen "alot" of posts about problems with the '03. The 3.0 is a great motor, and other than a couple of minor issues, our '03 has been solid. I just think you're trying to make up excuses to justify a new ride, which is obviously what you really want. So go ahead and carry $7K in debt to your new vehicle.....it's your credit. :rolleyes:
cdp326
12-28-2006, 09:58 AM
I saw those reports too. I didn't notice it when I drove my friend's a couple of weeks ago. It's more "truck like" than the VUE, but it was an absolute billy goat offroad.
Cheers,
Aren't the rear corners/pillars thick? (Don't have an FJ C pic in front of me.)
fatabbot
12-28-2006, 10:03 AM
No comment to that reply from earlier. I'll bite my tongue.
I'll apologize for the harsh tone of my previous post. Was in a bad mood last night ;)
However, trying to carry as much as $7k of negative equity over to a new car is not a wise decision. You'll never actually own a car at that pace. In fact, the car will own you.
Aren't the rear corners/pillars thick? (Don't have an FJ C pic in front of me.)
Yep, but I didn't find it limiting and I was curious about it too since I'd seen commentary about that in some car rag. The low end torque was very nice.
Cheers,
djb383
12-28-2006, 10:11 AM
Of all these posts, fatabbot has given the best advise. Paying for 2 cars and driving one is not a good idea.
Nuke-Em
12-28-2006, 10:14 AM
I would have to recommend against trading in your vehicle before its paid off. While you may have a new car, it will be in the back of your mind that you're still carrying the debt from your previous vehicle.
The 3.0L V6 was a turd of an engine.
Coming from someone who drives an SC1? ;) . That engine/transmission combo was great in the L300--that car could hustle.
Matt
Of all these posts, fatabbot has given the best advise. Paying for 2 cars and driving one is not a good idea.
That is indeed true. Reducing or eliminating debt as a young fella are one of the best moves you can make for long-term financial health. Of course, convincing a younger person who's full of piss and vinegar that they should save their money instead of getting a new flashier car is an uphill battle.
That said, if I was starting out from zero (no existing debt) and had only the FJ Cruiser and the VUE to choose from, I'd pick the Toyota...and that's coming from a current VUE owner. :)
Cheers,
fatabbot
12-28-2006, 10:17 AM
That said, if I was starting out from zero (no existing debt) and had only the FJ Cruiser and the VUE to choose from, I'd pick the Toyota...and that's coming from a current VUE owner. :)
I tend to agree, although it depends on what the vehicle will actually be used for. Personally, I like the new VUE (from as little as I know at the moment), but the FJ would be fun and it's a Toyota (which generally means good durability and resale value).
greyhound bus
12-28-2006, 10:25 AM
The FJ Cruiser may be one hell of a vehicle, but you couldn't pay me to drive that ugly thing. It looks like the illicit love child of an H3 Hummer and a 70's era Land Cruiser. ;)
SLAPSHOT
12-28-2006, 10:26 AM
Coming from someone who drives an SC1? ;) . That engine/transmission combo was great in the L300--that car could hustle.
Matt
Uzzy's been talking noise about that motor for a long time, while not having a shred of evidence to support his claims, other than the opinion of a mechanic friend of his. :rolleyes: He and I have "debated" the topic previously on these forums. :yes:
mrwag
12-28-2006, 10:36 AM
The new Jeep Patriot has been catching my eye lately. I think they are just now coming to market, so it might be tough to find one. Very reasonably priced too.
thatjerryguy
12-28-2006, 10:48 AM
While I've never driven the Toyota FJ, I have sat in one, and to say it has blindspots may be the understatement of the year. I've driven the 300C, and while outward visibility is tight, the 300C is like sitting in a glass bubble compared to the FJ. I'm not sure what Toyota was thinking, aside from "if we build it they will come".
:us:
sspeer
12-28-2006, 10:52 AM
Smart thing is definitely to keep your VUE. 7K upside down is alot Could be a different story if you were only a grand or two under.
Get this: Consumer Reports actually rates the FJ below the VUE!!! LOL. It gets a 36 versus the VUE's 49.
BobbyP
12-28-2006, 11:27 AM
Smart thing is definitely to keep your VUE. 7K upside down is alot Could be a different story if you were only a grand or two under.
Get this: Consumer Reports actually rates the FJ below the VUE!!! LOL. It gets a 36 versus the VUE's 49.
Great news... If not for the "VTI experiment" the FWD VUE would probably be a recommended vehicle.
Consumer reports recommends the Cadillac CTS as one of the top 10 family travel cars. It was the only American car. Funny, they didn't list the Toyota Camry... It was in the company of the Audi A6 and BMW 5 series...
Dorian
12-28-2006, 12:06 PM
I did some research when I was looking for an SUV a couple of months ago. My main use for the vehicle would be camping and towing a couple of heavy full dress motorcycles. I narrowed my search to the FJ Cruiser and the Vue. (the Vue wasn't even on my wish list when I began).
The FJ offered everything I could want in the way of odd-road excitement. But I got into really looking at how much I would off-road and came to terms with the fact that I only off road under contigencies (camp ground washout, hang-glider landing where it shouldn't have, etc...). But I was bothered by the number of recalls surrounding the FJ. The tires were the only recall directly related to the FJ but I found that the towing packages (hitch wiring) were getting recalls on multiple different models. Additionally, just about every aftermarket item from Toyota, including wheels and electronics were getting recalled almost as fast as they were introduced. It looked to me that Toyota was too quick to get items to market and are relying on the customer to accomplish their QA.
I was pleasantly surpeised at the newer Vue's (06 and 07). At least at the NHTSA level they were pretty solid. The towing package on the V6 (as well as the power/torque) met all my requirements which surprised me on a crossover. And on that rare ocasion that I might find myself having to sleep in the back of a vehicle (camping and rock climbing carries its risks) the Vue is much more accomodating than the FJ.
Trying to make a decision about the '08 Vue right now is a roll of the dice. The only information available on it comes from Marketing and biased reports. You have quite a while to make your decision if you want to keep your cash flow manageable. You might want to readdress this issue in about 10 months.
smacmartin
12-28-2006, 12:26 PM
Smart thing is definitely to keep your VUE. 7K upside down is alot Could be a different story if you were only a grand or two under.
Get this: Consumer Reports actually rates the FJ below the VUE!!! LOL. It gets a 36 versus the VUE's 49.
most dealerships won't even finance a car with being that much upside down, and if they do, the interest rate will be astronomical, but as someone else said earlier, not my credit, but in actuality it might. think about it, the more finance companies lose to people who can't payback their loans, the more they charge everyone else to make up for their loss.:cry:
DesertPuma
12-28-2006, 01:15 PM
Uzzy's been talking noise about that motor for a long time, while not having a shred of evidence to support his claims, other than the opinion of a mechanic friend of his. :rolleyes: He and I have "debated" the topic previously on these forums. :yes:
Yeah, I have noticed that as well. My VUE has that engine in it and I have had exactly ZERO problems with it. (ok the water pump had to replaced once, but that technically is not part of the engine.)
I think it's just an opinion. :yes:
Dorian
12-28-2006, 01:16 PM
I just wanted to apologize for my typo's in the last post. I'm only able to type with one hand this week (thanks for those new kitchen knives for Christmas, mom :blockhead) I have downloaded iespell (http://www.iespell.com/) to try and help me with future posts.
aat1982
12-29-2006, 12:00 AM
Hello guys. I appreciate all the feed back. I see a few a posts with people making pre-mature assumptions about my age being incoporated in my decision to trade my vue, not that I have made a decision yet. But anyway, be that as it may, I will take all the advice given to me into consideration. Thank you and God bless. :)
BobbyP
12-29-2006, 02:13 AM
I just wanted to apologize for my typo's in the last post. I'm only able to type with one hand this week (thanks for those new kitchen knives for Christmas, mom :blockhead) I have downloaded iespell (http://www.iespell.com/) to try and help me with future posts.
The Google tool bar has a spell checker that works well with this site.
fatabbot
12-29-2006, 07:58 AM
Hello guys. I appreciate all the feed back. I see a few a posts with people making pre-mature assumptions about my age being incoporated in my decision to trade my vue, not that I have made a decision yet. But anyway, be that as it may, I will take all the advice given to me into consideration. Thank you and God bless. :)
Well, we only bring up the age thing because we've all been there. I know I've made a ton of mistakes whenever I got the new car bug. We're just trying to keep you from being a slave to a car ;)
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