Edumacate me on Toyota FJ Cruisers

varmint · 03-08-2014, 07:31 PM

the truck has seen it's last winter. time to move on.

there are two FJs not too far away.

2007 6 speed manual, 80k miles, $18,000

2010 automatic, 120k miles, $14,000

what are the known issues with these things? what should i look out for?

weseeeee · weseeeee's Garage

I don't know of any issues but ours is a 2013 and we love it. There's an FJ Cruiser Forum that may be able to help you out. Good luck!

GH85Carrera · GH85Carrera's Garage

I always wondered, does the FJ stand for Fake Jeep?

nynor · 03-08-2014, 08:23 PM

i had an FJ40. i loved that thing.

dondarnell · 03-08-2014, 09:10 PM

I think the media didn't like 'em - not even C&D, who can't suck enough Toyota ****.

dafischer · 03-08-2014, 09:21 PM

We're really happy with my wife's 2014 FJ. She bought it in December when her 2003 F150 was diagnosed with near terminal frame rot.
I never thought that I'd drive a Toyota, but I kind of enjoy it, since it's not the typical "appliance". Auto trans and all. Plus, her's is all white, not a two tone, which I think looks goofy.

speeder · speeder's Garage

Seahawk has one in his fleet, I think it's been trouble-free. Maybe he'll see this thread.

dafischer · 03-08-2014, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dondarnell

I think the media didn't like 'em - not even C&D, who can't suck enough Toyota ****.

Consumer Reports doesn't like 'em much, either. BFD

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

Very similar to the Tacoma. Great trucks, not exactly gas sippers, but still a good truck.

Nickshu · Nickshu's Garage

That seems like a lot of money for such high mileage cars.

onewhippedpuppy · 03-09-2014, 04:34 AM

Quote:

That seems like a lot of money for such high mileage cars.

I believe they have the best, or very near the best, resale value of any vehicle. Bad when you buy, good when you sell. The driveline is similar to the 4Runner/Tacoma, so bulletproof. Gas mileage is very mediocre. Rear visibility is mediocre. I'll take mine in white with a manual gearbox and the TRD off-road package please.

. Love those trucks....

Seahawk · 03-09-2014, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speeder

Seahawk has one in his fleet, I think it's been trouble-free. Maybe he'll see this thread.

I do, sort of...it is my daughter's.

It is 2006 auto we bought used in 2008. The few times I have spent meaningful time in it, I really enjoyed it. Everything makes sense and it is very roomy.

She loves it, takes care of it and has no plans on selling it. In over 100k it has had zero issues.

Gas mileage, as mentioned, is the only real detractor in my mind..

weseeeee · weseeeee's Garage

They have a large (cult like) following which keeps resale prices high. As for the gas mileage it's not too bad considering the thing is not aerodynamic at all. At least it takes reg fuel which is better than the rest of my vehicles.

MMiller · 03-09-2014, 09:16 AM

They are great trucks...I have bought 2 of them. Built like a tank..no body flex, squeaks or rattles. Very dependable and well screwed together....built at a plant in Japan.

Mine averaged around 17 mpg

Great to travel in. Quite and comfortable.

Only negatives I found were....hard to see out of...have to drive it like a panel van with your mirrors. The other is windshield replacement...the glass is near vertical and is prone to damage...further it is very expensive to replace because the trim has to be replaced also. Very poor design in an otherwise brilliant vehicle.

Regards,

varmint · 03-09-2014, 10:25 AM

they have the reputation of being an excellent winter vehicle. and i don't drive any great distances. so mileage is not the most pressing concern.

but they are expensive, even used. want a manual just in case i ever d go off road. and because it will keep people from wanting to borrow it.

have been skimming a couple FJ forums. more niggling complaints than real problems so far.

Crowbob · 03-09-2014, 02:36 PM

They are what they are. Mine has been trouble-free since 2007 except for replacement of a front wheel-bearing assy.

Mileage sucks but I can get 21-22 if I drive like Hugh.

Really crappy rear visibility and it is definitely NOT a famiy care. Kinda noisy dpending on the tires and the stock sound system is junk.

FJCruiserforums.com has more info than you'll ever need on 'em.

There was/is an issue with the inner front fenders (inside engine compartment) buckling and rear differentials breaking but both seem to be due to hard off-roading. I haven't had either problem.

I really like mine. Alot. Very, very competent on and off road.

aigel · aigel's Garage

Read Kaisen's input here:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/591680-might-buy-toyota-fj-any-insight.html

G

EMJ · 03-10-2014, 07:48 AM

Had an '07 new - awesome little rig. Bullet proof. Small rear seats, though. And yes, super high resale value.

930LDR · 03-10-2014, 10:57 AM

Had a 2010 with a 6-speed. Rather fun with the manual. Tough rear access and small rear seats. In hindsight I would by a Wrangler Unlimited next time.

JavaBrewer · JavaBrewer's Garage

From the online reviews it appears to perform very well for what it was designed to do - which is not very broad. There are many trade-offs when using it for DD duty. Only you (or the wife) can determine if those trade-offs are tolerable. The good thing is that if you buy one with high miles and tire of it you won't suffer much depreciation on it.