Placed my order May 2000. Built in Hermosillo, Meh-hee-coe in June, took delivery in July from Joe Cotton Ford in Carol Stream, IL. Got it loaded except for side curtain airbags and ABS. Had the dealer install cruise control on my 5-speed before I drove it away. The main reason I joined [FJ] was to research how many cat-back exhaust systems there were available. I ended up with my 1st gen MBRP (it is still on the car to this day). The other reason I joined FocalJet was to try and find some 17" wheels with bolt pattern that fit. I eventually found some Enkei Inazumas (21lbs each, ugh). They served me well for five years. I was one of the first Foci to try both the Falken RT-215 and then the RT-615. Here's an insane picture of how a 225/45r17 raised the car about 1/2" (this was before my lowering springs and Konis):
Let's see, a list of parts failures:
1. Wiring Harness (dealer installed cruise control wrong) - this happened within a few months of newness.
2. I don't count rotors and pads since they're a wear item and I occasionally track the car and AutoX it monthly. I usually change them once per year.
3. Things I'm amazed haven't broke: throw-out bearing, wheel bearings, DPFE sensor, & MAF.
4. Three motor mounts replaced at 84,000 miles.
5. New downstream O2 sensor needed at 84,500 miles.
6. New high-flow catalytic converter 85,500 miles.
Mod list:
MBRP Catback
Energy Suspension bushings
H&R 24mm swaybars f&r
Steeda Springs
Koni Yellows (single adjustable)
Steeda ShortRam intake (I left on the stock snorkel that diverts air from the hood opening and curls under the battery. It points right at my filter.)
LCR race camber plates
Brembo sport slotted rotors
Hawk HP+ pads
Mintex rear shoes
SCT chip tuned by FS
Steeda short-throw shifter
Intermittent wiper switch
MSD Blaster coil
MSD 8.5mm wires
OZ Ultraleggera 15x7 race wheels 42mm offset (11.6 lbs each)
SVT Headlights
Random Technology high-flow cat (McNew's)
Focushacks.com foglight mod
(I'm probably missing something)
I change the oil religiously every three months with CastrolGTX 5w-30. I switched to high mileage Castrol at 75,000 miles.
Just recently only hit 86000 miles. One repair I currently need is a new A/C evaporator. I am waiting for my tax stimulus check to pay for the $800 job.
Here's some more recent pics:
The last pic is special to me. May 2005: It was not only the first event I ran after I had the springs/struts installed, it was the first time I won my class at an AutoX since I started in 1998 in a D Stock Neon. Not to mention the sweet Three Wheel Action !!!
arty: I <3 [FJ]
arty: