The Toyota FJ Cruiser Is The Least Depreciating Car In America - Here’s Why YOU Should Buy One Now!
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- Опубликовано: 16 окт 2024
- GIVE THE GIFT OF A TFL T-SHIRT! You know the truck and car lovers on your list want one. (www.duckco.com.... In this episode of TFL Talkin' Cars, Tommy and Roman discuss one of the lowest-depreciating cars around - and no, it's not the Jeep Wrangler. It is, in fact, the Toyota FJ Cruiser, which can set you back nearly as much as they cost to buy new! Here's what you need to know, and why you should consider picking one up. Or, if that's too much for your blood, consider a 4Runner.
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I just bought ‘12 Cavalry* Blue w/ 168,000 miles today for $19,999 out the door! I pick it up Saturday in Raleigh. I can’t wait to be s part of the FJ Family. My first Toyota at 58 years old!
Least Depreciating = Most Appreciated
This is sound logic.
Much appreciated
Oh Yeah!!!!
Just bought two FJ Cruisers this year. My wife drives an 07 and I’m driving a 14, both great cars and plan to keep them both a long time.
@Randall Swanson irs not a problem for either of us, but it improves if you have a back up camera or a small wide wide angle mirror attached to the outside mirrors. They just stick on.
My fj sucks at the pump, but I also have a drinking problem so no judging
Yeah I don’t understand why the mpg is so bad. It’s a pretty small vehicle. My 02 Tacoma was a more efficient.
Mpg is the one reason I would never daily an FJ. Perhaps I would buy one for weekends.
@@bob15479 I think it's largely due to the fj having the aerodynamics of a brick. I have one and you can just tell from the wind noise you get sometimes
LOL :)
@@bob15479 I daily mine, and yes the mpg sucks, but is a very reliable car that was made to be used and abused. If I ever get a second car , it would be something unconfortable enough for the traffic jams, something like a sports car
OMG you too!?
I have a 2012 (bought used in 2014 for about 26k; they wanted 38k for a similarly equipped new one. I figured I'd save that 12k and get the used one with 23k miles on it). Zero issues. I did replace the stock breaks (which didn't need it yet) and the spark plugs both around 75k (they are rated from factory to go 100k, and, I'm sure they would have exceeded that). But, I'd rather replace before any issues happen. Other than that, just two oil changes a year, every 6 months, no matter my miles (well, as long as I don't go more than 10k between changes, which I never do in 6 months). Mobile 1 advanced synthetic. Replace my engine and cabin filter once a year (only need to really do this every 3 years, but, it's so cheap and easy to do yourself).
I've thought a few times of selling it. I used to have a Jeep Commander (which is similar inside as a 4Runner). That extra space in back was nice, and, I do miss it. But, I don't think I can ever sell this FJ. It is just too amazing of a vehicle: it's rare, it's reliable, it's capable. It's everything good; well, except for gas mileage. But, I also have a 2008 Civic that gets great mileage . I like to drive my Civic mostly now, to try to keep my FJ's mileage down. That's hard to do because I love driving the FJ so much.
I just purchased a FJ after looking for 7 years. I first seen the FJ when going to Disney World when we stopped in Kentucky. In 2007 they were unloading them. Now after all these years I found one no rust 62,000 miles. I've debated over and over to Mod. I already have a Tacoma Pro built. So I've decided to leave it original. It is flawless looks new engine is incredible . So it stays parked in garage and stays dry. But im going to have to agree with Dad. Stay original mine is nothing been touched. I've been told that the one I purchased from Texas has never seen the rain.
Just bought one because this very reason and it’s the last true out of the box off road vehicle with very little maintenance and breakdown
Its not even good offroad
@jonc2914 see you on the trail 😁
An FJ cruiser purchase is money well spent. It's like money in the bank as long as you protect the underbody.
I just bought my second 2007 FJ- both are manual- I bought my first one, when they first came out.
Just got my second one 2 days ago-
I love it so much
I have a 2014 fj and I love this vehicle, I had a 1999 4runner loved it the same,I also now have a 98 4runner so I'm just a lover of these vehicle don't have no faults just a lover
I owned a 2009 Fj and now a 2013 FJ. It is 2022. I have never had a single maintenance issue. My only issues are oil changes and brake pads and tires every now and then. I used to own two Land Rovers at the same time and I was always a 1 car family then. We replaced one of the Discoveries with a Sequoia and drove it to 200K miles. We now are 152K with the lexus we replaced it with. Never in the shop.
My neighbor passed away last month. His wife is selling his prized 2014 Ultimate Trail Edition for $57K. It only has 387 miles on it and the interior is still wrapped in plastic.
Drove an FJ on a 8000 km road trip up to the Yukon, went on any off road trails any chance I got. Was an excellent road trip and wheeling vehicle. Comfortable and capable. Way better than my Jeep TJ for that type of trip.
Hiw many hours did u drive? How many times did u stop for gas?
@@debronsmedley931 many hours, the trip from my house to Whitehorse was 3 days (drove about 10-12 hours a day). I lived up there for the summer and drove all over the Yukon exploring. I can’t remember exactly how many times I stopped for fuel, probably 20 times or so.
How many hours did it last until u had to stop for gas the first time?
@@debronsmedley931 I think I stopped at about 5 hours?
Wow! 😳 thats pretty good
Change the tires to KO2 or something, update the headlight bulbs to led and you'll be good.
Exactly the way mine is set up. 2014 trail teams addition.
KO2's are perfect for the FJ
@Justin Turdeau im running the AT3s on my truck, never had any problems. My personal favorite tire
will they work on the stock 17" wheels with no lift kit?
Thanks guys I bought a 2010 FJ Cruiser in March I absolutely love it I owned A Jeep before I would never go back it is a great comfortable car and so fun I wouldn’t Mod it my opinion 👍🏼
Already bought one last year.....2007 with 6 speed manual, 150k miles
Less rust than my 11 f150
Just bought a 2012 with only 55,000km. Definitely enjoying the FJ. On the clamshell design for families it’s actually really easy to get kids in and out as I can ‘stand’ inside between the kids and get them strapped into their seats. Definitely the doors make it so much easier. Fuel consumption is not great and will have to retrofit the long range tank eventually - but I didn’t buy this as a daily driver.
I've never had a problem with visibility in my FJ after owning it for 12 years. I've driven it for 14 hours at a time with no issue... its got a lot of leg room for my 6'6" frame... I went to the FJ from the vehicross so when I got into the FJ it was like sitting in a glass palace.
I’d agree. I was worried about the blind spots but Toyota sorted it with great mirrors and reverse camera.
They’re talking about the visibility for off-roading. You can’t really see the rocks around you. The front end is really tall. But it’s like an army jeep, so it makes sense if you look at it as a tank on wheels.
Exactly! It just requires a little extra attention, but I’ve never had an issue.
I went to the top of some mountains in Colorado in my stock FJ with my cuz camping. He had a map with a shortcut on the way out. Turned out to be the most sketchy situation I’ve ever been in. Couldn’t turn around if I wanted but after a day of moving rocks and praying I managed to make it down. As I left, a team of jacked up Jeep’s were heading up that trail and couldn’t believe I made it down in a stock FJ. I knew then my purchase was a good one.
Keep up the great work TFL team. I own the ultra rare 2011 Package 3 also known as NSSE (Not So Special Edition). Bought it in 2014 with 25K miles. Now it has 50K miles. Love it but use it sparingly last couple of years. I definitely think it is a modern classic. It comes from an era when the public demanded retro, and it was rare moment for Toyota to bring a quirky (not for everyone) prototype to life. Thank you Toyota! I believe the success of Scion (back to basics design) during that time also had a lot of influence on how the FJ prototype was able to be adapted for actual production. Please reach out to me if you want to chat about my NSSE. The Package 3 is the unicorn of FJ's best I can tell, but happy to debate if you can find any other package or model that is 1 of ONLY 52 made!
The NSSE should be more expensive than any TTSE, hopefully it will
188k on my 2008 and only a failed right rear wheel bearing. Other than normal wear every part, bulb, switch is original. Simply amazing.
I live in Southern California and my FJ has gone all over the Mojave Desert and Death Valley and has done some very serious offroading. I think they are very capable for this if I do say so myself. Mine is a 2014 and I worked in an office until I retired, I commuted by train to work so she still only has 63K miles on her, so I am betting she's going to last me many more years.
you dont buy an fj to keep it stock... MOD IT! Just like James said, you just have to tastefully mod it. put in good parts and you'll get return out of it.
agreed but even stock FJs have a good return.
My 2014 will stay stock. I will let the next owner do the mods.
Hey guys, I say mod the FJ but do it tastefully. The FJ doesn’t need much. Just do a steal bumper with a winch, a few lights and a little bit bigger tires. I had a 2012 6 speed manual that I put 285/70R17 KO2s and didn’t need to mod it. Also would like to point out that the manual has all wheel drive as it’s regular driving mode and not 2wd. Great videos on the FJ, keep them coming.
What about shocks? Doesn't need to change it?
Absolutely love mine. The blindspots aren't bad once you get used to it. If you do mod it keep it simple. Its a very capable rig.
Agreed. Put fishbowl blind-spot mirrors on and it’s fine. The only real visibility issue I have are things close in to the body. I am planning to add a backup camera to mine though.
I live in the uk and have an 07 Voodoo blue and I LOVE it.Such a rare vehicle here.Aint never gonna sell.
In 07 it wasnt called Trail Teams it was TRD Special Edition.
I drive mine on the highway on road trips all the time back and forth from Seattle to Spokane and back. I’ve never had issues with restricted sighting out the front and sides. However, the blind spots and rear are terrible to see out of. Plus mine has no backup camera. I still love it. I also drove it from Miami to Seattle and had a blast.
Just agreed to purchase one. I was thinking a new Bronco and then got to thinking about how the values will hold. FJ's seem to have low or no depreciation. That is appealing, particular knowing they will always be easy to source parts for, basically being a Fore-Runner with a different frame and sheet metal.
I purchased a 2010 in January after listening to some of the reviews of the new Bronco, which I was really wanting. I thing in the near term, the FJ will keep its value or appreciate especially if not heavily modified. Give the Bronco 2 or three years to shake things out but the FJ will still be equivalent or better.
I need the FJ to depreciate a little more so I can get one 🤣
You can always get a Dodge for 1/10th of the price hahahaha
Just get an 07 2WD with minor accident, 5 previous owners and 250k miles 👍 lol
Just like housing, people are still waiting for the price to go down. Could be a long wait or never.
Purchased a 2wd version with 38k mikes a year ago from Arizona with zero rust. Love the look and dependability. 2wd is not good for resale but I have no plans of selling and no serious off-roading. I do live in the Midwest so I use fluid film in the frame to prevent rust.
I recently bought a used 2014 for my first new car after driving a 97 CRV +350k miles. Yes, there are blind spots but driving this thing has been so fun I don't mind. I'm a whole lot happier and excited to learn more about this vehicle especially with this epic community as a backbone.
Bought a 2010 yesterday, excited to do mild mods
Congrats man I’m hoping to get one this month 🤞🏽
I’m 16 and I’m thinking about getting one later once I drive and hopefully have a good job I think it’s a worth it car
what mods have you done / planning on?
This is the most unique best off road vehicle ever built , and by the way…. COOLEST to drive 😃
I enjoyed your information on the FJ cruiser. I purchased mine brand new, 2014, I keep it stored, completely stock, with over 14,000 miles. Mine has never been off road, original tires, wipers, battery, etc. It appears your FJ is the same color as mine. My wife and I love the car.
Coming from someone who had a 2010 fj it got totaled so I went with a 2014 trail edition 4runner because fj were getting expensive. I can tell you there is a big difference in how the fj acts in 4x compared to 4runner.
The fj's shorter wheel base helps a ton. I also like that the fj is wider you don't feel cramped in it I'm 6'4 325 and it's easy and comfortable to drive.
As far as lift I went with OME springs with bilstein 5100. Set at 1.75
And NO not all modded FJ look a like.
My 07 had a panoramic sunroof and leather seats. The paperwork was in the glove box and showed that the original dealership had 3rd party companies install the sunroof and leather.
It did get hp boost in later models. Trail Teams model came with upgraded suspension ( more off road ability ), and crawl control. It was more than an optics package. I would recommend Bilstien 5100 package, it basically just levels. It’s what came on Trail Team pakage. Man, that is the most beat up rear compartment I’ve seen!😄😄. I believe you modded your gladiator and Ford 250.
Best father and son talk joined by common interest. My son is 10 made his first car drive in an FJ A week ago.
I am an Aussie FJ owner. Mine is a 2013 set up to tow my 2 ton caravan. FJ has a bull bar, roof bars, towbar, UHF radio, driving lights, cargo barrier, extra battery and a g.v.m. upgrade. I paid A$55000 new for it and I love it so much that I would accept A$110000 for it. I will keep it for ever.
I just don't get the whole fuel sucking thing. Bought a brand new FJ in 2017 (last new 'white' one in Australia), and it costs no more than my prior Rav4. The FJ doesn't need to be pushed (though it's fun when you do!), and am wrapped in the excellent fuel consumption. It also handles better than many sedans, amazing vehicle.
I've got a 2011, great vehicle. Not much in the way of mods. Good offroad tires is about it. You start adding bumpers and stuff then you'll really see the gas mileage go down. Besides, if you walked up to two 1983 FJ40's, one was modded with bumpers, lifted to high heaven, etc, and the other was completely stock, which one would you take home?
Own a 2007 here, first vehicle we have bought that I plan to keep until the wheels fall off.
For a Toyota, that is a very long commitment
Yes mod it but keep it simple. Rock sliders and a very simple 2 to 3 inch lift so you can go up 1 size in tires. Keep all the factory parts for the next person. It is worth the difference offroad especially because it is IFS up front.
The FJ has the same suspension, drive train and mostly the same frame as the 4Runner.
Where it differs is the wheel base is about 4" shorter and the body is about 8" shorter.
Basically is the same vehicle with the same reliability. Both are incredibly awesome and great off road.
The FJ cruiser is not based on the 4runner. It is based on the Land Cruiser Prado, the same as the Lexus GX
There is tons of aftermarket for the Fjcruiser. Roman is wrong. Also there is all the mods the owners came up with themselves that can be do at home. Look at FJCruiser forums. Part of the fun of modding is doing it yourself. Huge improvement is upgrading all the bulbs. I recommend the Hikari led headlight replacements and Luyed led bulbs for the dome lights, map lights and mirror bulbs. All Can be bought from Amazon for less than $100
Great show fellas. Really appreciate the distraction from the election news. Love the FJ.
who you vote for ? could be the the distraction
You can thank Jonathan Ward for that FJ Cruiser. He advised Toyota on the design of that car.
Mod it! That's what most enthusiasts are doing. No need to go overboard. Add rock rails & skid plates that would have come with it. Max out tire size with small lift...again lift was available new on TT edition.....and the only non stock availability add would be bumper with winch. Winch could be used for self recovery and to demonstrate ability to recover others (utility for your channel as well). Recommend an aluminum winch bumper to keep weight down.
PS. Colorado 2007 TRD special edition with TRD supercharger owner here.
Bought a new one in beige here in south africa 3 days ago. So far I love it.
2013 TTE Cement 6spd 4x4 owner & my daily vehicle. Recently hit 80k & mildly modded with Fox 2.0s, 315 BFG KM3s, Expedition One front bumper with fender flare & washer bottle delete, Toyota sliders, raised rear exhaust & full skid. I love my FJ & wheel it every chance I get/make. We have 3 other Toyotas & unfortunatley a Chevy Tahoe for any family required room that doesnt or wont fit in my FJ.
Bought my 2012 FJ cruiser with only 26k miles on it. traded my jeep commander. The FJ was almost 32k used! That being said its paid off and has 150k miles of fun driving. Dont plan on ever getting rid of it. Yes blind spot is bad, but i can take a water hose and clean out the inside, since no carpet. I would like the read seats to fold all the way down but i still love mine.
I loved mine and regret having sold it. Lol I have sellers remorse not buyers remorse.
As to your question about modding? Buy a wrangler and mod it leave this as a classic!
My FJ is 2007, it has radio controls on the left side of the steering wheel. It has android audio with a backup camera that is on a full-time switch if needed, helps to see out Beter. I have never gotten Beter than 13 mpg. It has a small fuel tank if you want to go back country you will have to bring extra fuel. I love it!
FYI there are places to gi off reading in texas lol 😆 I'm from Texas and have a 13 cement TTE FJC lol I picked mine up less than a year ago, with 68k miles on it. I paid 12k for mine (bought it from a good friend of ours) but would have been well over double that at least if I would have bought it else where. I will literally NEVER get rid of this vehicle and will have it forever lol super safe and super reliable, if you ever have the chance to get one, do it! You won't regret it!!! There's a huge aftermarket support for mods for it too and mods are always a plus :)
I have a stock 2010 with 72,000 miles. Bought it a year ago as a second vehicle. I love it. I look forward to seeing off road adventures with yours and the reviews.
@LLC 5016 Don't hate. I also did the same thing and worked hard to get here.
I bought my 2014 Trail Teams in June of 2016. It had 13,400 miles on it! It now has 70,000 on it and I have no intention of getting rid of it. I also have a 2005 Tacoma. They are also very similar in drive train. The reason the FJ is no trouble to get into Low 4WD is that the shift is actually mechanical, using the shifter, unlike the electric switch on all other Toys. I hate this electric shifting for the reasons you have experienced. The suspension on the Trail Teams is different. It has the red coils on the front and beefier shocks with the reservoirs attached. The only mod I would recommend is changing over to All-Terrain T/As. By the way, I have consistently averaged 20mpg. There is no way I would trade this for a 4Runner. I had two 2000 4Rnrs and loved them. They have gotten too big, and again, the shifting to low range is atrotious. My other caution, watch out when jacking up the front. It is easy to catch the actuator for the front dif engage. Yay for the roof rack.
Lightly mod it with an upgraded suspension. That’s all. By the way, the basket on the roof rack is there to keep the weight over the rear axle.
Another querk is that those side mirrors are not heated but Toyota ran electricity in them for lights and adjustment.
Mod it, but do it like your Gladiator, use TRD parts, 2" lift, rock rails, nudge bar and some driving lights. And please address the rust before it takes hold. I was so close to buying one in 2011 but a tsunami took out a lot of the parts suppliers in Japan and sent the waiting time in Australia past 6 months, so i bought a Wrangler instead. Good luck with the build.
I love my used FJ cruiser. It’s the 2nd I have. I had sold my 2007 and I missed it so years later I bought another one 🥳
I’ve got one of the ultimate edition 2014 man do I love it got 78k on it. don’t ever wanna sell it
Have a TTUE only 12,00 miles used to go hunting and fishing. Around town drive mamas RAV 4. Grandson wants it in my will to be his.
Other then the ok gas mileage and the huge blind spots it's a great vehicle.. I am never selling my FJ❤
Bought my 2014 black new and it sits in the garage most of the time with 20k. Kept it stock for the most part with small spacer lift, larger all-terrain tires, and rock sliders, heck it still smells new inside. Wanted the orange color but wife hated it. Still want an orange one.
I have & love my 2013 6-Speed Trail Teams FJ! I say Yes mod it.
I have done bumper, winch, Rock sliders, SCS wheels, Icon/Metaltech suspension, 35" tires, gears & Baja Designs lights to name a few of the things I have added.
It is one of if not the best vehicle I have ever owned.
I bought a 2014 FJ before they discontinued it; been driving it for over 6 years now and I get notes under one of my windshield wiper blades asking to buy it lol
much more dependable than your guys defender.
They’re worth it. Started looking for an older one a few days ago.
Don't mod it, it will keep the value up.
My favorite car of TFL ever.
This video would have been so much more helpful if you showed either photos or videos of the features you described
Roman you asked about the exhaust on your FJ. That chrome tip was an available port installed option. Here in Texas GST installed a ton of those!
You guys make a good team. Father n son passion. Great info. video on FJs.
Amen on the simplicity of the radio! All these integrated radio/HVAC controls do not improve the user experience in my opinion. When shopping for a budget off road vehicle, I initially was looking at a GX 470, but ended up getting a V8 4th gen 4Runner because I absolutely wanted Apple CarPlay, and the 4Runner radio is easy to upgrade. Toyota really missed the mark with the HVAC controls in the 4th gen 4Runner though. Buttons that look like knobs? Who thought that was a good idea? I like the simplicity of the FJ HVAC controls. Nice discussion guys. FYI, I would like to see you modify it and report on the livability as you go along. Good or bad. A little lift, winch, sliders, underbody protection. Then it can be easily returned to stock form.
funny you mention the lack of a left arm rest for the driver. I was just wondering today if toyota would install an arm rest on each seat's side that is missing it. will have to look around.
Most people will talk about the FJ’s off-road prowess and rightfully so but what endears me to my 2013 FJ is the Highway comfort! Buttery smooth suspension and roomy as heck at least in the front seats!
Have a 2007 FJ in black cherry metallic(the rare metallic color before they switched to enamel colors) that was bought by the original owner and shipped down here to FL. It's 2WD(don't plan on going off-road),have had it for 1 1/2 years,top of the line packaging. If all I have to be concerned about is so-so mileage,then I'm a happy man.😊
well i have had them all over the years just sold my lx450 now run a 2010 FJ . This is great and all the good options
I guess you have to base your decision on views of this series. Your financial situation is in all of your viewers best interest. If you mod it, which I hope you do, make it where it's totally reversible. Really I'd only modify it if you think it will substantially improve off road performance. I wished you had bought an older version for less money so you wouldn't worry about really pushing the vehicle. Thanks for doing this series guys.
Funny thing is I bought a Clean 13 FJC Calvary Blue with CRAWL with 89k in Denver, Colorado for 23k in March 2020 and couldn't find another cleaner or cheaper. Super happy
Hey guys! I definitely think you should do some mods to the vehicle. I feel - series surrounding overlanding mods and maybe a dive into the Toyota community as well as an event at the FJ summit with your own FJ!
My FJ doesn't have range anxiety since I got a combined 39ish gallon fuel capacity. As far as rear visibility, my FJ has a massive fridge and a bunch of camping gear. ATRAC can be used in combination with the rear locker. I've got a front locker.
As for as the armrest issue, a company called offroad garage makes arm rests that match the door panel. Steering wheel controls were available through all years.
I bought a 2008 in 2014 with 63,000 miles for $17,000. Now it have 93,000 miles in it. I love my truck. Lifted 2” in front and 3” on the back. Steel brush guard bumper in front with fog lights and two KC lights and a winch. Steel bumper on the back with tow hitch. This are mods changes that I have done to the FJ. In Puerto Rico where I reside at the moment and I shipped my truck from Florida when I left, the same 2008 FJ with over 175,000miles it sales in Puerto Rico for $25,000.
It’s an amazing truck and a piggy bank. Lol
Want to know the secret sauce? ACTUAL ROUND HEADLIGHTS, people like them and they make retro styled designs look much better.
My 07 FJ has 180K miles, and in my opinion the 2007, 2008, and 2009 FJ’s are the better ones in terms of reliability. Hasn’t had a single problem besides typical maintenance, and is in Indiana with minimal rust on the frame. Mine also has the steering wheel controls, but not for bluetooth on the later models. Pretty much they didn’t change any of the options among all of the years, they just got better like with a-trac. Mine has the sub in the back, the 3 gauges, and the painted interior trim on the doors which was a rare-ish option for one to have it all.
I love my FJ. I bought mine in Black Diamond (that was not a great idea)..got it repainted White. I have an '07 originally paid 35k
I got mine, a 2007 - 3 years ago, for 10k and put about $1500 into it. Thing is bulletproof now. It will most likely outlast me.
love my FJ, it's just a special truck to me. It's unique, it's big, it's fun. I baby it. I want to keep it stock because I want to keep it as a collectable.
I live in Mexico I’m looking for FJ it’s hard to find it but I have 4 runner, hilux and tacoma really happy with it
You have 4runner in mexico that's cool i think toyota just sell the 4 th gen in v8
Bought a 2014 ultimate trails edition with 93'000 Miles 3yrs ago have 104'000 miles on it. Most of the time it's in the garage.paid 27'000 now I was informed that I can sell for 35'000. Every time I take in for service at Toyota they ask me if I want to sell it.
How's that Defender? Got the Lemon lawyers involved, it won't matter in a yr you won't be able to afford fuel but in CO y'all just take another toke and chill 🚬
The FJ had upgrade options to get TRD exhaust & intake at the time of purchase. This applies to the side chrome TRD exhaust tip - and the entire exhaust system. I had a 2012 FJ with these upgrades. Regarding mods, it's very market driven in terms of ROI. I bought mine in 2018 w/ 130k mi for $22k. I sold it a year later in 2019 for $19k - AFTER spending $15k in premium mods, i.e. OME-BP51, KC Hilites Spy Lights & roof rack, front/rear bumpers, wheels, KO2s, tires, etc... I also live in the mid-west, WI - where the off-roading market and enthusiasts are no where near west coast and mountain west. A buyer actually flew in from Thousand Oaks, CA and drove it back. So, your decision in keeping your FJ stock is the right decision to maintain its value. If you'd like to take a look at my mods, here's a link: imgur.com/gallery/GnWtkFg
The loosey goosey steering is likely because the stock wheels are so narrow (probably 7 inch) with deep sidewall tires. I had the same problem when I bought my 2016 4Runner SR5. I bought larger wheels (diameter and width), and it transformed the steering, handling, and braking.
Tommy's point...that its similarly purpose-built as a 4Runner is why i got a 4Runner. a Toyo certified tech told me when i was in the market...that when you remove the body...all of the underneath is exactly the same FJ=T4R...and when you have a growing family of four, you need the real doors and real back seat that a 4Runner can provide...and prbably why many former FJ owners are moving up into Trail/Off-Rd level 4Rnnrs these days. FJs do rock tho...
@TFLtalk at 25:53 that's probably the best demo of ATRAC you can give :-) back right and front left both having low traction, you can see them spin and brake, the truck kinda herky-jerks, stay on the gas and over. Awesome :-)
Enjoying all the FJ content! Keep it up!
(p.s. I make a cameo at 10:38 haha, thanks Tommy)
I purchased my FJ Cruiser in 2007 and have had zero problems and also no rusty frame issues. Love the vehicle and would definitely buy another one if they were still being manufactured. Great job Toyota!!! Oh, by the way I was offered a lot of $$$ for my FJ but I decided to hold on to my favorite vehicle.
I think simple mods on the FJ Cruiser not a bad thing. I have a black 2007 with 6 speed manual and a 2014 white automatic. Some simple mods that not only help performance but knock the looks out of the part is doing a leveling kit and gentle lift and adding new 16” wheels and 285/75/16 tires, I’m running Method Race Double Standard wheels and Goodyear Duratrac tires. Did also a Rough Country 3” coil over lift. Only other mods are adding fog and off-road lights. But to each his own.
Toyota called me a few times to buy my FJC. I turned them down, this thing is not going anywhere. Hardcore fan here 15 yrs and counting. 🤪
You have to buy a 4Runner trd pro to get the same options that a Fj cruiser has basically stock all Fj come with manual 4x4 shift which is way better then push button.The 4Runner is just getting to expensive and there’s like 4-5 different trd packages.