car buying: last year's model?

I don't mind paying for the new with an off roading vehicle. 75k miles on an off roading vehicle isn't the same as 75k on a Lexus sedan. And I'm looking at something like 5k off msrp. After that, what I'm paying for "the new" Isn't very much

 

Yeah I'd prefer the wrangler, but the Toyota dealers just seem far more ready to deal. That, and I qualify for the 750 dollar Toyota military incentive but not the Jeep 500 military incentive. Pretty dumb, and it pushes me pretty quickly over into Toyota's camp.

 

Gotcha. I rented the FJ for a weekend to get a feel for it. The poor visibility is what turned me off along with the cramped space inside the cab.

As long as you get what you want and it fits your needs. It took me over a year to decide going back and forth. We camp, hunt, ski and hike a lot here in Colorado and it worked out that the Wrangler fit the need in a 4 door model. The space inside the cab is what it boiled down to, having a family of three and all the gear that goes with each season.

This is a fun addition to any SUV, Little guy Rough rider:

 

Nice! Yeah I do prefer the wrangler, but not 3000 dollars more. The space in the rear seats suck, but I don't even have a spouse yet so eh. It won't be an issue for me for at least a few more years.

As much as I prefer the wrangler, the fj does have some advantages. It drives a bit better on the road (it does lose on the off road area - except for "open" off roading like on dunes.... which I will never do). It has much better safety ratings, and the package I have is supposed to have a backup camera. Haven't used that, but it should fix most of the issues with the poor view in the back. The FJ does better in water but... that isn't a huge bonus for my style, though it could help.

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Oh and nice wrangler. I think it looks best in green, esp. The commando green.

 

Well I finally decided. FJ Cruiser, a green one with a bunch of options. Their upgrade and convenience package, roof rack, Sirius xm, floor mats, etc. Etc. Got 4000 off msrp, then 4500 for my trade in (which is above the kbb excellent value, and mine has issues with the top, abs, and ac - all of which I disclosed), and another 750 off for military discount (they apply their to IRR). So after my trade and taxes, fees etc., all said and done I owe 7084 under msrp. Oh, and btw, I got it for thousands under invoice, and it's in a color I like.

First new car. I can tell you that I'm excited. I can't wait to hit the trails in MN.

 

Have you tried USAA car buying service?

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...iDU6NL5x55N4cctAhIHAoUQ&bvm=bv.72676100,d.b2U

 

Haha that's what I started with to get dealers to negotiate. Then when I got them lower and lower eventually the USAA price wasn't as good as what I got. I mean I got a really good deal. I'm paying like 85% of msrp, and got more than my car is worth on trade, and then this car - the fj - after three years with 36k miles is worth 81% of msrp. I'm happy with that.

 

well done on the negotiating.. good vehicle choice, my toyotas have never let me down, super reliable/tough vehicles...

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And the dealer will still make a profit...

 

Yeah thanks, I was pretty pleased with the negotiating on my part. The best part is that I, you know, living in the 21st century, don't use checks. I have direct deposit (or mobile deposit) on everything, and use cards for purchases. When I would really need a check, I make an ACH transfer. Funny thing - the dealership said they weren't set up for ACH when I wanted to give them my down payment. So I made this little face. ^_- followed by a devious little face. I said the only other way I have is by card, and they agreed to take a card. So I called my bank, increased my limit, and paid over $20,000 with my cash rewards card. It's a 1.5% cash reward - and I'm paying it off right now. Sometimes I love myself.

But yeah, I'm very pleased with the vehicle. Like really impressed. Now that I'm behind the wheel of it, I will say that I am glad I didn't get a Jeep. Today it rained crazily in my town, and some areas had a few feet of flooding. When I took my brothers in law out for a ride in it we went through one that was deeper than I thought - it was actually a little over four feet. Well, the FJ handled it like a beast. It was clean water, but to give you an idea, it was probably about six inches deeper than this.

[video=youtube;2L_1yjdT-4s]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L_1yjdT-4s[/video]

 

and the water stays out of the cabin?...I don't know if I'd attempt that deep a water crossing in my Tundra,2ft deep at most...in 7 yrs I've rarely gone into 4hi, 2 wheel drive has sufficed even in the worst blizzards, 4hi for times when the roads turn into skating rinks or slush soup...I've never used 4lo...

 

Yeah. To be clear, I didn't sit in it. I slowed down of course, but I still went through fairly quickly. Nothing got in the cabin.

But I wouldn't have done it if I thought that the water was that deep. I won't do anything that deep again until I get a snorkel kit.