Considering a Toyota FJ Cruiser - what do you guys think?

Don't plan on driving it back to the NE.

I guess I do care about performance a bit, but I'm actually quite ignorant about cars (even though I in theory understand how engines etc work).

I'm quite tempted by the Acura TL...

Edit: I'm mainly going to use the car to commute to work every day (about 20 minutes each way), drive to girls' houses to bang them/drive them around, and make the odd roadtrip from Scottsdale to LA/SF/Vegas/Tijuana.

I need something that's reliable, but also semi attractive to girls.

(01-09-2017 06:31 AM)weambulance Wrote:  Re: G35 vs generic Japanese sedans, do you care about performance at all? And are you ever planning on driving it back to the northeast in the middle of winter?

2013 Hyundai sonota limited.

(01-09-2017 04:56 PM)Slim Shady Wrote:  Don't plan on driving it back to the NE.

I guess I do care about performance a bit, but I'm actually quite ignorant about cars (even though I in theory understand how engines etc work).

I'm quite tempted by the Acura TL...

Edit: I'm mainly going to use the car to commute to work every day (about 20 minutes each way), drive to girls' houses to bang them/drive them around, and make the odd roadtrip from Scottsdale to LA/SF/Vegas/Tijuana.

I need something that's reliable, but also semi attractive to girls.

(01-09-2017 06:31 AM)weambulance Wrote:  Re: G35 vs generic Japanese sedans, do you care about performance at all? And are you ever planning on driving it back to the northeast in the middle of winter?

The biggest distinction between these cars is the Infiniti G35 is rear wheel drive (or AWD available, I'd pass on that, it sucks if you don't need it) while the <2009 TL and Accord are front wheel drive. I have a very strong preference for rear wheel drive--both in terms of handling and because of maintenance concerns--if I'm not worried about snow, so for me that would be the deciding factor from the start.

To more-or-less equal the G35's performance with the TL, you'll need to buy the Type S trim. The regular TL is a bit less powerful with a softer suspension. The Accord will be a noticeable step down in performance.

They're all going to be reliable as long as they're maintained.

The TL and G35 both require premium fuel as far as I know. Not sure about the Accord, but it seems likely to me it will run on regular 85-87 octane gas.

I think the G35 is the best looking of the lot.

The Acura TL has a timing belt, which you'll need to change at ~100k miles, while the G35 has a timing chain which will last the life of the engine. That's a big minus for the TL because it's not a cheap job having the timing belt replaced. $1000ish is standard; it's a lot of labor, being a transverse mounted engine. And it's also not something you can afford to risk not doing because if the belt goes, the engine will be seriously damaged. It's an interference engine, which means if the timing is wrong your valves and pistons will collide and that's obviously not good. Depending on the year and engine, you may have the same problem in the ~2012 Accord.

Plenty of people really like the TL but the G35 looks like the best choice to me. I will admit I barely considered the Accord in the running at all.

Thanks for the info man. I'll definitely look into all of this. I'll start test driving these this weekend, and won't make a final decision probably for another week or so.

Edit: Found a pretty good deal on a 2011 Infinity G37 too ~ 75k miles. Seriously considering that. The look of the Infinity is definitely superior.

(04-18-2016 09:40 AM)[email protected] Wrote:  I drive a shitbox and have been spending a lot time thinking about getting a used 2013 Toyota 86 for around 18k toward the end of 2016.

Did you do it?

For the record you want the GTS not the GT.

The G37 is a great car. Just keep an eye out for wrung-out examples. Also, some of the interior trim doesn't wear well - mainly the brushed metallic inlays on the door cards and the soft-touch material surrounding the center stack. Many of these cars begin life as leases by middle-aged women, so expect curb rash on wheels and fingernail damage on the interior.

Look for at least a Journey package; most have rear cam and sunroof and Bluetooth. I've sold many used G37s with mileage in the 50s-80s and never had issues.

TLs are good cars as well, but I would recommend a G37 for the reasons Weambulance mentioned along with that Honda/Acuras tend to eat up front ends (ball joints, shocks, CV axles) quicker because of the front-drive layout. Handling-wise, Honda can't figure out torque steer. Also, the VQ35/37 motor in the Infiniti is very stout for a high-feature, higher performance powertrain- Ward's 10 Best several years running.

This could possibly go in the OJ Simpson thread, but the new Ford Bronco looks cool:

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/fut.../?zoomable

70's/80's retro styling



Edit: ^^^ that might not be the actual Bronco. I don't think it's a two-door

I think this is it...not as cool:

(01-10-2017 05:25 AM)JackinMelbourne Wrote:  

(04-18-2016 09:40 AM)[email protected] Wrote:  I drive a shitbox and have been spending a lot time thinking about getting a used 2013 Toyota 86 for around 18k toward the end of 2016.

Did you do it?

For the record you want the GTS not the GT.

For the record, I failed to push the trigger (I'm a pussy).

I am currently negotiating a brand new 2016 BN series Mazda 3 SP25 auto for 25k drive-away. Either that or 30k for the SP25 GT auto that comes with leather seats and halogen+LED lights. The plan is drive for 2-3 years and sell, buy a new car, repeat. This way I can perpetually be driving progressively better cars. By my estimation, I would only lose out 5-7k in depreciation every 3 years assuming the car is in decent condition. People that bought the SP25 3 years ago are selling their cars for 20-22k.

I was also considering the 2016 10th generation civic but it's not that popular in Oz and would affect resale in a couple of years.

Thanks man.

I'm definitely leaning Infinity G37 now.

There's a 2008 Coupe I'm looking at, as well as a 2011 Sedan. The coupe looks better, but the Sedan seems more promising as it's newer but for the same price. Both around the 75k mile range.

(01-10-2017 07:46 PM)dicknixon72 Wrote:  The G37 is a great car. Just keep an eye out for wrung-out examples. Also, some of the interior trim doesn't wear well - mainly the brushed metallic inlays on the door cards and the soft-touch material surrounding the center stack. Many of these cars begin life as leases by middle-aged women, so expect curb rash on wheels and fingernail damage on the interior.

Look for at least a Journey package; most have rear cam and sunroof and Bluetooth. I've sold many used G37s with mileage in the 50s-80s and never had issues.

TLs are good cars as well, but I would recommend a G37 for the reasons Weambulance mentioned along with that Honda/Acuras tend to eat up front ends (ball joints, shocks, CV axles) quicker because of the front-drive layout. Handling-wise, Honda can't figure out torque steer. Also, the VQ35/37 motor in the Infiniti is very stout for a high-feature, higher performance powertrain- Ward's 10 Best several years running.

For those wondering why I would buy a seemingly beta car instead of a run-of-the-mill American muscle car (eg Mustang), it's because of Australia. These things cost double or triple what they cost in America, even when you factor in currency exchange and everything. For example Mustang = 25k in US, 60k in Aus. Chev Camero is 95k+ here.

I like the artist rendition of the Bronco over the actual Bronco. If an automaker is going to resurrect an old model, they should keep some of the old styling (see Dodge Challenger). The actual new Bronco just looks like an enclosed F-150.

(01-10-2017 09:14 PM)[email protected] Wrote:  

(01-10-2017 05:25 AM)JackinMelbourne Wrote:  

(04-18-2016 09:40 AM)[email protected] Wrote:  I drive a shitbox and have been spending a lot time thinking about getting a used 2013 Toyota 86 for around 18k toward the end of 2016.

Did you do it?

For the record you want the GTS not the GT.

For the record, I failed to push the trigger (I'm a pussy).

I am currently negotiating a brand new 2016 BN series Mazda 3 SP25

I had the same plan and did pull the trigger... was hoping to have an 86 buddy on the board here. The thing is super fun around corners and just a great feeling cruiser... low seat position, everything's within reach and the steering and balance is tight! (unfortunately no torque down low but whatevs).

The Mazda 3 is a decent all rounder for Oz... it's the Golf of Mazda and I totally understand why you're going for it... you responsible pussy

(01-10-2017 08:03 PM)RexImperator Wrote:  This could possibly go in the OJ Simpson thread, but the new Ford Bronco looks cool:

That looks like a beefed up Lada Niva remix. Would drive.

(01-10-2017 10:45 PM)Slim Shady Wrote:  Thanks man.

I'm definitely leaning Infinity G37 now.

There's a 2008 Coupe I'm looking at, as well as a 2011 Sedan. The coupe looks better, but the Sedan seems more promising as it's newer but for the same price. Both around the 75k mile range.

Links...?

(01-09-2017 02:23 PM)FlyHigher123 Wrote:  Considering a Toyota FJ Cruiser - what do you guys think?

Depends on how much money you have to spend, I would advise against it since last time I checked it's a 30k vehicle. For 20k (or much less if used) you can buy a Jeep Wrangler which will also get panties moist.

2008 Coupe: https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-for-sa...g37-coupe/


2011 Sedan: https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-for-sa...g37-sedan/

The Coupe people have been very desperately calling me though, so that's kind of a red flag.

Others:

2013 Acura ILX: https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-for-sa...acura-ilx/

2008 Acura TL: https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-for-sa...code=85281

I'm also thinking that if I get a car like the TL which is not in production anymore, it might be harder to get parts. Maybe not since Acura/Honda parts should be pretty easy to find.

(01-11-2017 10:29 AM)dicknixon72 Wrote:  

(01-10-2017 10:45 PM)Slim Shady Wrote:  Thanks man.

I'm definitely leaning Infinity G37 now.

There's a 2008 Coupe I'm looking at, as well as a 2011 Sedan. The coupe looks better, but the Sedan seems more promising as it's newer but for the same price. Both around the 75k mile range.

Links...?

(01-11-2017 04:04 PM)Slim Shady Wrote:  2008 Coupe: https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-for-sa...g37-coupe/


2011 Sedan: https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-for-sa...g37-sedan/

The Coupe people have been very desperately calling me though, so that's kind of a red flag.

Others:

2013 Acura ILX: https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-for-sa...acura-ilx/

2008 Acura TL: https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-for-sa...code=85281

I'm also thinking that if I get a car like the TL which is not in production anymore, it might be harder to get parts. Maybe not since Acura/Honda parts should be pretty easy to find.

Though not technically in production (The TL and TSX have be supplanted by the TLX), parts and service are plentiful and easy to find. Much of the drivetrain is related to the Accord V6.

If you're considering an ILX drive one to make sure you like it since you're going to a compact premium cars versus a midsize entry luxury car. The last ILX we had was a '13 2.0 w/Tech Pkg and it road loud. Hondas are notorious for road/wind noise and you could tell this rides a Civic chassis all day long. Also, they are noticably tight inside.

Definitely evaluate and make your own choice, but my first pick would be the G37 sedan. Good compromise of mileage and recent model year, you get the newer 7-speed gearbox (more responsive, slightly better economy), plus likely cheaper on insurance and has a usable back seat (if that's important to you). The coupe has a very small trunk by comparison, so keep that in mind if you carry lots of stuff with you, but has a sexier look.

Best of luck!

I'm pretty surprised by this but I actually think the G37 sedan looks better than the coupe. It's the line of the roof, it just looks sleeker for lack of a better word. I expected to prefer the coupe, as I almost always do.

Since there's no apparently significant difference in weight, weight distribution or wheelbase between the sedan and coupe, and a sedan is much more convenient than a coupe in many ways--especially parking in tight spots--I vote for the sedan.

Yeah maybe it's the fact that it's a 2011 vs a 2008.

I know in the Hondas that 2010 was a big change year.

Thanks a lot for the info guys. +1 dicknixon

weambulance, I'll keep you posted on how many lays the new car gets me. Might be valuable to my SA game, if I use it in February. Most girls in Scottsdale are vapid and materialistic anyway.

What are your thoughts on Toyota 4Runner? I have a need for a reliable vehicle that would go in city as well as country. I was looking at 4Runner or Tacoma/Frontier with bed cap.

I'll play along.

I've got two cars:

Daily: 2004 Lexus ES330


Weekend/summer: 2003 Corvette 50th Anniversary Edition

^

Well, I like Toyotas quite a bit... hard to know what else to say without knowing more about how you intend to use it. Compared to the various domestic SUVs and trucks I've owned the build quality and engineering are excellent in Toyota vehicles.

If you get a Tacoma, don't get the four cylinder engine with an automatic transmission. It's a really shitty gutless combination. Four cylinder manual transmission Tacomas are just fine if you don't ever need to tow anything heavier than a single motorcycle trailer.

I have almost no experience with Frontiers, so no opinion there.

I drive a subaru impreza, I love the 4WD in north america's harsh winters.

(01-12-2017 03:31 PM)MOVSM Wrote:  What are your thoughts on Toyota 4Runner? I have a need for a reliable vehicle that would go in city as well as country. I was looking at 4Runner or Tacoma/Frontier with bed cap.

New or used?

4Runners can run up the sticker VERY quickly if you're not careful. Both command rather hefty prices versus their competiton, but also punch way above their weight on the resale market.

Auction figures for 4WD versions (and I'm making the assumption 4WD is why you're seeking these vehicles) of either are always high because there is a healthy export market in Latin America and West Africa for these vehicles, even with oftentimes absurdly high-mileage.

The Frontier is...old. You can feel its age in ride quality, build quality, and the cabin. Hasn't seen a major cosmetic or drivetrain update since 05MY.