Originally Posted by bjohnston,Aug 27 2008, 10:15 AM

I second the used FX35 idea. We're on our 3rd ('05, '07, and '08). If you're not into off-roading, it seems a much better choice than the FJ. At least it is moderately fun to drive. I doubt the same can be said of the FJ (never driven one, but I have driven some 4-Runners, and they are boring as sin). It is also the best highway car I have ever driven (quiet, unless under acceleration, with great seats, driving position, stereo, etc.), so I think it will serve you well on those longer trips. We've had zero problems with all 3 of ours. You should be able to get a nice '06 or '07 for under $30K without much trouble, I would think. Good luck.

Originally Posted by EP Heart,Aug 27 2008, 10:55 AM

The Forrester (at least those years you stated) aren't much bigger than a WRX wagon of the same year. The only real noticeable thing to me was it has more head room. The back seats are still pretty cramped (and the benches are too short, think in the back-to-knees direction) like the WRX wagon and the trunk doesn't seem much bigger except for the height and a little more width near the top (since it doesn't slope as much as the WRX wagon).

I don't think you could go wrong with either one, though, but I prefer the WRX's looks.

Originally Posted by Carbon Blue,Aug 27 2008, 09:20 AM

thanks alot for your descriptive input sahtt. Was your fathers FJ a 6speed manual or the 5 speed auto? From even more thinking, it looks like the FJ is the winner. Ive been on fjforums for a while now, and from the videos that I have seen it is ASTOUNDING, even in stock form! One guy is doing a full trek from frisco, to canada, alaska, back down to mexico, and all the way to argentina or brazil IN the FJ. I believe he's somewhere in the galapagos or entering south america right now.

www.alongdrive.com and you can find it on FJ forums on the expedition pictures sub section

aklucsarits
I found out the horror stories after searching in the warranty section of NASIOC. Geez what a waste, now it seems that the re map of the ecm is just a temporary band-aid to cover the problem. Now it seems that some sti's even have defective pistons. Out goes that option, and Im not willing to deal with a problem that the dealer could just laugh and say "better luck next time pal", why should I even have to purchase AP to get a stage 2 map on a freaking 40k$ car! HELL NO!!!

Originally Posted by CG,Aug 28 2008, 06:23 AM

I don't remember if you said no VW's but have you driven the R32? It's not STi fast but they are pretty nice.

Take a look at this one, wrong tranny but you get the idea:

R32 # one.

Originally Posted by pbm317,Aug 29 2008, 10:06 AM

I agree an R32 would fit with a sportier slant than an FJ.

Great car, good versatility with the hatch, AWD, etc. I owned one for about 4,000 miles (this new generation) before realizing that I needed something bigger. But it was a great car if you can get along with the DSG (no manual available with this generation).

Had both the FJ and the R32, I'd say you can't go wrong with either. i just decided to consolidate on one car.

I ended up with the 07 MDX Sport. While I liked the FX, it didn't quite have the space I was looking for. The MDX with Sport suspension is quite nimble, and good power for it's size. 300 HP out af a 3.7L v6. SH-AWD system has worked well too. But you won't be able to find a current gen MDX Sport for under 30K sadly.