toyota FJ cruiser

not for towing or anything..although I have tried towing my boat a short distance and it was ok...looking for the wife's vehicle...what kind of gas mileage are they actually getting

Pretty much the same as the Tacos. A buddy of mine averages 17-18 mpg. Have you or your wife driven or rode in one before? I liked them at first, but once I rode in one, my perception changed. I drive a 6" lifted Tundra and the FJ has rougher ride than my Tundra does. On the other hand, I've heard those things can go just about anywhere.

I believe they require at least mid-grade gas as well, something to keep in mind. Sweet Ride

Ride quality and visibility are junk. Cool looking rides though their a lot like jeeps for people cool at first but the novelty wears off unless you're hard core.

Here is from the fuel economy guide for an 08:
TOYOTA
4Runner 4WD A-5 4.0/6 16/20 $3,475
A-5 4.7/8 14/17 $3,942
FJ Cruiser 4WD A-5 4.0/6 16/20 $3,669 P
M-6 4.0/6 15/18 $3,900 P
Highlander 4WD A-S5 3.5/6 17/23 $3,109

THe biggest complaint i've heard is too many blind spots. But on the plus side they seem to be giving them away as compared to when they came out.

When will the convertible model arrive?

I heard that they have the biggest problem with their windshields - since the angle of the windshield is straight and not on an angle, when rocks hit the windshield they cause cracks instead of deflecting off.

I know from experience how much of a pain this can be, especially to have to change a windshield once or more a year. Save yourself the trouble.

A guy here at work bought one. He just traded it on a Hummer...... they gave him $3k back.
The mileage was OK, 16 - 18 mpg. But tons of blind spots. And the back seat sucks.

I like em and have been considering purchasing a TRD model. Ton's of blind spots though. I took one out wheelin and while it went wherever I wanted it to, I definitely needed an extra set of eyes to help negotiate some obstacles. All in all though, I havent heard many complaints from any owners other than those listed in the thread. I love the look of the flat windshield, but then again, I have had a few 60's and 70's broncos and those things are damn near vertical

my buddy has a trd model. this last winter i was not able to get back to my cabin for over a month. he was able to get back there 1 week before i could. they do really well in snow and mud. the winch got used a lot pulling other people out. he loves it, but there is some blind spots.

The blind spot issue is well known. My wife drives an 07 TRD. She loves it. We don't off road in it, but the offroad junk contributes to the rough ride. It does great in the snow and mud. As with everything else, your gas mileage is a reflection on how you drive it. I'd say we get 16 or so.