[Harvey Wallbanger]

I just got promoted at my job, and have been anxious to discover if the bigger paychecks would give me room in my budget for a new Element. I check these message boards nearly every week and have been convinced that I need one. But today I came across a new Toyota FJ Cruiser concept vehicle on the company's web site, and I'm thinking I might just save as much $$$ as I can in case it's released.

So my question is: How long until this FJ Cruiser makes it to the market? And will it look as good as it does in these photos?

http://www.toyota.com/html/shop/look_ahead/index.html

Or should I just dive in with the new Element and finally see what all the owners on this board have been raving about?

 

[Kayakin' Dan]

As a concept in 2003, you gotta figure, if they do the marketing research, (1year), the finale design phase(2 years) and then IF it looks fiscally Feasible and Toyota really pushes it through, you might see production start in 2007 at the earliest and even then it has a high probablility of being radically different from the concept vehicle. Not to mention what the price might be. If they were to produce it in the same class as the Element, it might be in the mid to high 20's by 2007, 2008. Or it could very well be in the same class as the current Toyota Land Cruiser, which has a starying price of $55k. So yeah, if you start saving now, you might be able to come up with a down payment.
Me, I'll drive my E til then. Good luck.

 

[firetruck41]

It's supposed to be released in the fall of 2005 as a 2006 model. I am thinking I may get one when they come out, it wouldn't replace the E (wife's car) but maybe replace my 93 Landcruiser as my daily driver.

 

[ropedart.1]

Looks like it will have good offroad ability. If you are looking for that why not buy an Xterra right now?

 

[Harvey Wallbanger]

All very good points. Maybe I could buy the E and get some trade-in money for it in the future.

 

[tortuga]

The two are very different vehicles. I have a '96 4X4 Tacoma and I've taken that truck up severe trails and through mud pits that would swallow an Element whole. If you're looking for extremely capable off roading abilities, wait for the FJ. If you need utility and plan on staying on roads whether they are dirt or snow covered, the Element will work.

 

[ElementalWon]

The Toyota looks pretty cool. I'm sure it won't look that cool when they produce it. Most vehicles don't look as good as the concept. But if it looks close, that will be a eye catcher.