Toyota FJ Cruiser

weseeeee · weseeeee's Garage

I'm thinking of buying an FJ Cruiser. Why? They just look cool to me. Anyone have any info for me regarding this vehicle?

Justin@Athens · Justin@Athens's Garage

Rear visibility= non existent, but I think they are cool too!

Scott R · Scott R's Garage

My wife wanted one, but the ride was harsh and MPG was really bad. Maybe it's evolved.

Crowbob · 07-12-2013, 06:36 PM

Sure. Very capable off road vehicle in stock form. Enormous aftermarket. Very reliable. Slightly underpowered. Highest resale value of any vehicle sold in America as of 2012. MPG 17/22. Not the most cushy ride but comfortable for what it is. Terrible rear visibility. Towing capacity of 5K, tongue weight 500# MAX. Short wheelbase. 2, 4wd, auto and 5 speed manual configurations. NOT a family car due to rear seating ingress/egress. Lousy stock audio. Full drive by wire. 100% Japanese, shipped fully assembled save for options.

I love mine.

onewhippedpuppy · 07-12-2013, 07:12 PM

I like them too. Lots of 4Runner guts, which means it is basically bullet proof. The back seats are actually surprisingly spacious, though it's a bit of a climb to get back there. I would definitely drive one.

varmint · 07-12-2013, 07:18 PM

Very popular here in Alaska. Still very expensive used, even with high miles. And so far haven't found a manual transmission one.

Might as well buy new.

weseeeee · weseeeee's Garage

Thanks, My wife and I have recently became empty nesters so it's not really going to be a family car. We just want something different. Crowbob, do you work for Toyota

Crowbob · 07-12-2013, 07:25 PM

Resale value of 65% after 5 years. Tacoma drive train. No rake to the windscreen = bug magnet, sloppy windshield wipers. Significant wind noise, aerodynamic as a brick. Cavernous with rear seats folded. Very, very competent in all weather conditions. It is what it is and is great at it.

See www.FJ Cruiserforums.com for encyclopaedic info.

Crowbob · 07-12-2013, 07:34 PM

Great empty nester vehicle. Doors are humungus requiring LOTS of space when parking. I did work for Toyota (until I paid it off).

It is a specialty vehicle classified as an SUV. Very popular with first responder types.

look 171 · 07-12-2013, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott R

My wife wanted one, but the ride was harsh and MPG was really bad. Maybe it's evolved.

No, at least not the mileage. Everything else in wagon form has gotten better. Never ridden in the new FJ or the newest LC

look 171 · 07-12-2013, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crowbob

Sure. Very capable off road vehicle in stock form. Enormous aftermarket. Very reliable. Slightly underpowered. Highest resale value of any vehicle sold in America as of 2012. MPG 17/22. Not the most cushy ride but comfortable for what it is. Terrible rear visibility. Towing capacity of 5K, tongue weight 500# MAX. Short wheelbase. 2, 4wd, auto and 5 speed manual configurations. NOT a family car due to rear seating ingress/egress. Lousy stock audio. Full drive by wire. 100% Japanese, shipped fully assembled save for options.

I love mine.

Which one do you own?

look 171 · 07-12-2013, 07:52 PM

So sorry. I am mixed up with the other LC thread. The red one from Sacramento.

JavaBrewer · JavaBrewer's Garage

It's the perfect SUV for Mrs. Incredible.

steve185 · 07-12-2013, 08:55 PM

We have one,
great in snow
hard on gas
Terrific acceleration, lots of power
great brakes
comfortable, good sound system
ours has a back up camera which you definitely need in an FJ.
steve

aigel · aigel's Garage

Might buy a Toyota FJ, any insight?

Read Kaisen's input on the early model, if you are at all considering buying used.

I am glad I held off. I don't think these are aging well and the mileage soon will be better on an F150 if it isn't already.

G

JTO · 07-12-2013, 09:39 PM

Owned mine for two years. Six speed manual 4x4.
14 mpg around town. Horrible rear seat access but roomy up front
Well known problems with brakes related to poor coordination of hydraulic system and electronic Abs. More than one occasion of losing braking power on bumpy, lose surfaces ( check FJ cruiser forum). Good power, awesome traction, horrible blind spot out the back. I would recommend a 4 runner.
Troy

onewhippedpuppy · 07-13-2013, 03:25 AM

Varmint hit one other big selling point in my book - you can get them with a six speed manual gearbox.

weseeeee · weseeeee's Garage

Thanks for all the advice. We are looking to buy a new one so I'm hoping most of the issues are worked out. I will check out the FJ forum.

not sharp · 07-13-2013, 05:32 AM

have had two, combined 200K miles. Zero problems!

Seahawk · 07-13-2013, 06:27 AM

My Daughter has a 2007 we bought used in 2009 with 20k miles.

It now has just over 100k on the clock and has been flawless. Since she is attending college in Arizona I have had all the service done at a dealership, including oil changes.

I enjoy driving it since it is very roomy up front. I've driven it across country twice and would happily do so again: It cruises effortlessly at 75mph and you can then hit off road places along the route.

I camped off road in George Washington National Forest, Smoky Mountains, Ouachita National Forest, Wichita Mountains, Gila National Forest, Tonto National Forest, Moab, etc.

All the above criticisms are fair with the exception that I feel the car is aging very well. In certain age groups the thing is beloved.