Visibility Problems? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

peterk9 · 07-03-2006, 09:33 PM

I have heard that the all-round visibility in the FJ is not that great. Because the windshield is so far forward and virtually is straight up, I have heard comments that it would be almost impossible to see a traffic light if you were the first in line. Some reviewers have mentioned that you have to lean forward in order to be able to to see the traffic light. Even the salesman mentioned this. Also visibility to the rear and right rear would seem to be limited again due to the small rear window and outside mounted spare tire as well as the rather large pillar behind the side rear doors. Although I have sat in one in the showroom, I have not had the opportunity to test drive one yet to really check it out. I would welcome any comments on these concerns. Thanks.

BadChicken · 07-04-2006, 06:53 PM

I've been hearing people refer to them as the moving blind spot, yeah not exactly the most visible vehicle but lots of fun to drive

Racing Toys · 08-04-2006, 07:45 PM

I would suggest that FJ owners add round convex mirrors to their side mirrors. A 2-3 in. dia. should help alot, you can't always make out what's there but you will at least see an object. It gets alot easier to judge the distances with use .

Michael2000 · 08-15-2006, 02:01 AM

I've heard complaints about the traffic light problem, but have not noticed it myself. I'm in Calif., and they usually put the stoplights at the far side of the intersection, while in the midwest they hang them in the middle of the intersestion, so it could be more of a bother there. Of course, a lot of people go far beyond the limit line, so that may be their problem.

Rear visibility is limited, as well as, side rear. I use the mirrors, and park distance alert.

The visibility is not that big a problem for everyday driving, so I would let it stop you from enjoying a very nice truck.

Michael

gdtaylor · 08-28-2006, 05:17 PM

I have owned mine for over 3 weeks now and have had no problems with blind spots. It is a joy to drive. Commue every day with it to Toronto from Ajax. Took it up north to the cottage and really enjoyed offroading. Best vehicle I have ever owned!

peterk9 · 08-30-2006, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gdtaylor

I have owned mine for over 3 weeks now and have had no problems with blind spots. It is a joy to drive. Commue every day with it to Toronto from Ajax. Took it up north to the cottage and really enjoyed offroading. Best vehicle I have ever owned!

Glad to hear that you really like your FJ. I have an '06 Highlander Ltd. but am interested in the FJ. The salesman said that it rides better and is quieter than the 4Runner, which I was also thinking about.
One of the automotive TV show guys said that he found the tires noisy and the vehicle was all over the place because of the tires being for off road use. Did you experienced these problems, and what brand tires came with your FJ?

As for another suggestion to use convex mirrors, I have used those small 2 inch (I think) mirrors on all my vehicles for the past 20 years. They really help.

TRDSteve · 08-31-2006, 04:10 AM

I have had an FJ since May. Rear visibility is poor, but I have parking assist. Side visibility is fine, if you know how to use your mirrors. The aforementioned supplement mirror is also a good idea. Traffic light visibility is both a function of driver's position and the slight nose-down rake of the vehicle. However, stopping slight short of the intersection can solve this problem.
Overall, visibility has not been problematic for me on or off road. Good luck.

Superfun · 10-27-2008, 10:09 PM

I have 3" convex mirors on both sides, greatly improves situation.
Still learning with the rear beeper, never thought I'd need one of those!
Front window is surpisingly good, much better than my MINI at least!
Superfun

Racing Toys · 02-21-2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterk9

Glad to hear that you really like your FJ. I have an '06 Highlander Ltd. but am interested in the FJ. The salesman said that it rides better and is quieter than the 4Runner, which I was also thinking about.
One of the automotive TV show guys said that he found the tires noisy and the vehicle was all over the place because of the tires being for off road use. Did you experienced these problems, and what brand tires came with your FJ?

As for another suggestion to use convex mirrors, I have used those small 2 inch (I think) mirrors on all my vehicles for the past 20 years. They really help.

My FJ came with Dunlop Grabber's which is NOT an off road tire, I did ask about getting the BFG All Terrains that came on the 4x4 Tacoma...dealer said not possible, I didn't push it but the Dunlops are at best an all season tire, even with the little amount of snow we usually get here they fill up & spin instead of "grabbing" [ I had to slip into 4 wheel to move ]. The Dunlops are very quiet on the hwy, will probably wear well & contribute to decent hwy gas mileage. Im seriously considering getting a 2nd set of rims / tires for off-road & winter use.

Cogen Man · 04-11-2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterk9

I have heard that the all-round visibility in the FJ is not that great. Because the windshield is so far forward and virtually is straight up, I have heard comments that it would be almost impossible to see a traffic light if you were the first in line. Some reviewers have mentioned that you have to lean forward in order to be able to to see the traffic light. Even the salesman mentioned this. Also visibility to the rear and right rear would seem to be limited again due to the small rear window and outside mounted spare tire as well as the rather large pillar behind the side rear doors. Although I have sat in one in the showroom, I have not had the opportunity to test drive one yet to really check it out. I would welcome any comments on these concerns. Thanks.

The visibility issue was there at first front and rear but I quickly got use to it. I think it made me a better driver.

The little convex mirrors on the outside ones are a good suggestion. I haven't done that yet myself but others have and they say it helps.

C-weed · 04-16-2009, 12:17 PM

Key to any vehicle is getting used to it, isn't it?
I was in a Jeep Comander the other day. same issue of forward flat winshield.

just my 2bits.

aquaholic · 04-25-2009, 01:15 PM

the whole truck is one huge blind spot. front left, front right, both sides and the rear (unless the car behind you is more that 30 yards back). had mine for 2 years and drive it everyday. thats the price for cool. would i want to drive anthing else. NO. i like the fj. if blind spots are an issue for you buy a 4runner or something else. you wont be happy with the fj. and yes, seeing traffic lights is extremely difficult when your 1st in line. its an fj. you wanna play, you gotta deal with it.

David73034 · 09-17-2009, 11:52 PM

I went to Walmart and bought a VR3 wireless backup camera - installed it behind try on license plate holder. The 2-1/2" screen mounts on dash over clock and gets power from plug in.

With the mirrors and the camera all is great. (I did not want to back over any kids).

Granbubba · 06-28-2011, 09:24 PM

Yeah so it's a rolling blind spot. Learn to use the mirrors. The mileage sucks, but what did you expect from a large high compression V-6? I bought mine for fun, not visibility! DOESN'T ANYBODY TEST DRIVE CARS BEFORE THEY BUY THEM ANYMORE? My biggest peeve is idiots in Minis & Civics that tailgate so close they are completely invisible. Wish there was someway to activate the rear camera while moving forward. What's the deal with Minis anyway? They look like golf carts with doors.

Jmdwifi · 07-25-2011, 10:04 AM

I have just installed a Pioneer Avic z130bt in my 2010 cruiser. I spliced the rear cam option into the stock camera. When I first drove it i noticed these things but after getting use to them its no problem.

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