The FJ is a "mountain goat" off road. If it has not been geared to compensate for the 35" tires the transmission and torque converter are being stressed to much and they will fail way sooner than they should. The lift of an IFS takes away from the droop, and that's what an IFS needs. You also could have mentioned the driver lever that raises seat height for better visibility when needed. The controls are large and easily grabbed without looking therefore taking eyes off the road. It's a purpose built off road utilitarian vehicle. Take it off road and you will know it immediately....
mason north I believe it man.. I Wish I was able to have taken this beast of road.. but was a dealer car.. I think you bang on about the large controls aswell. Also heard there easy to use with gloves on😅
2007 fj purchased last week. It’s my favorite car by far and the last one I’ll ever buy. I’ll start using the AI self driving Tesla taxi’s when they come out but I’m not buying another car and I’m keeping the FJ for life
I have a 2010, and after running all the pros and cons determined the sweet spot of usibility vs.cool offroad was a three inch lift and 33 inch mud tires. after 33s, the upgrades costs explode, like the regearing, replacing all sorts of parts, etc. As I wanted more of touring vehical, rather than a rock crawler, reliability starts becoming an issue, not to mention gas mileage crashes. It will handle 90% of most off road situations I have ever encountered. to squeeze that last 10% of capability out of an FJ, means spending around another $5,000+. probably more like $10,000. simply not worth it.
Good review! This is the SUV to get if you want 4Runner capability (Hilux/Prado in Australia?) but don't want to be literally every suburban mom that owns one. The off-road community loves these and I'm sure this video is going to get you some views :)
West Van Garage ah m8 cheers for the kind words🙌🙏 yes the Prado land cruisers are everywhere hoping to get one on the show soon😅 as you guys didn’t get them since the 60s I believe 😅 few nice 4x4s we have hope to test out.. but yes this was very different from everything else and was a lot more fun 🙌 I seen your review and it did well man, hoping to have a similar result 😅 but will see haha
As somebody who was lucky enough to be able to get one of these as his first car I can confidently say if it’s under 250,000 miles and it doesn’t have any mechanical issues can be daily regardless of what you do
@@RossReviewsau My 3rd FJ an 09, 13TT, and when told the end was near bought a 14 Trail Teams Ultimate Edition at 69 I am sure it will be my last. Have you seen the 2020 edition available in Australia? Much changed outside identical interior.
Thanks for the videos, man. Great FJ you have here. I’m wondering if you can tell me the brand of that front tubular bumper, I’m looking for one of those. Thanks
They look like the result of a Range Rover mating with a Jeep. Sexy. Just wish they came in diesel for off road economy. Great car though i bet it's more than capable off road. Great review mate.
78Giddo agreed bro! I think because they had no plans in actually making these FJs.. so when they did decide to make em they rushed em into production.. probably why we never got a diesel option🤷♂️ Thanks for the support glad you enjoyed the review 🙌
If you live where they sell diesel hilux (I do) of similar years, it appears the diesel motor will bolt in with very few to no modifications (like they planned to offer one someday). I can probably get a motor from wrecked hilux for a few thousand where I live. If the motor ever gives up, I might give it a shot.
My FJ is from Japan and the back-up camera uses the navigator screen so, no problem with the quality or size. Also my back mirror is a screen that uses another camera that I have on the back window.
Standard diff locker makes these cars fantastic off road. Only real problem is fuel tank size. Increasing wheel size dramatically increase fuel usage and the factory tank is way to small on the early models. Need aftermarket tanks to go on overnight trips.
scotty and ryder thanks bro.. it is hard to find an angle on how to review it 😅🤣 but I tried my best and soon I will do some proper off-road reviews 📸🤙
Good review Ross. I have the same fj cruiser xtreme, but I noticed that it has steering wheel vibration when it reaches 80km/hour speed. Brought it to Toyota service center for check, they say it is common for lifted car like mine. Do you have any thoughts on it? Thanks.
Nose Bleed it is a common problem.. even this had a slight amount of road noise on the HWY.. I would suggest getting a less aggressive tires fitted.. won’t be as good off-road but will be much more pleasant to drive on the road..
That Toyota dealer is either stupid or lazy. Take it to a good wheel alignment shop and they will get rid of the vibration you feel in the steering wheel. Another possibility is an unbalanced front wheel, but I’d bet it’s your wheel alignment being slightly out. My steering wheel vibration went away after a proper alignment.
After seeing the video of a stock fj slaping around a modded one, I think I'll keep mine as it came from the factory. Cool looking rig though. Ps 20in tires for offroad? Really? Definitely more show than go on this one.
My clutch bearing squeals so much. Its like someone using a knife scratching ceramic plates or metal counters. Wind noise is also unbearably loud on the highway. My audio is maxed and I gotta scream to talk to anyone
I'm 6'4'' and I'll tell ya I've never gabbed a bag outta the back through the open window and nobody else ever has. It's not an engineering feat either because they should have had a button on the keyfob to pop the back window open, It's annoying to have to use the key.
Back up camera is not bad at all, it’s a good size, does the job. Try cleaning the lense. Back seats have a great amount of space. Try sitting in the back of a TJ wrangler and then you can complain.
Those climate controls are Awesome ! Why it that such a big deal. It adds to the look / cool and if You need to You can't miss using the controls. Your camera comment is soooo off. I didn't have a camera before and I can use that " tiny little " screen very well. You need to own one so You can appreciate it. The Torque is perfect. I climb hills in Colorado like nothing. Are You a race car driver ?? I've had friends comment on how much pick up My 2014 FJ has.
I don't consider that a heavily modified FJ cruiser. It probably drove sluggish because the owner probably didn't regear it to match 35 inch tires. Those tires look generic. Not the tire I would choose to take it to the outback. No matching spare tire. I think that is a semi-mall crawler. But still a beautiful car
peter tran it felt preety good didn’t feel to slow 🤷♂️ but I do know the owner who bought it does frequent off road seems to go alright from what I’ve seen.. but yes more of a city/daily off road build I guess
Daily dividing means daily driving? What about inner city car parks and getting it in the garage? What’s the height? I like the car but the review not so much
No Offroad worthy FJ has steps sorry. The dials are big in case your wearing gloves by the way. With 35” tires it should be geared down to 4.88’s and its much quicker light to light.
John Smith 😅 I think the steps are alright but probably not really needed.. yes easy simple dials for when you have gloves on makes sense.. I believe the vehical was I just didn’t mention it.. it had an aftermarket throttle control also
Ross Reviews yeah I read you had commented below on a previous comment and should have revised my comment omitting that globe and dial explanation. 😉. The spare tire not being the same size is the biggest nono I can think of though. Good video though and I gave it a thumbs up. 👍
John Smith yes needs the full size spare for sure 😅 appreciate the support m8.. hope to feature more suv off-roaders soon.. (and actually take them offroad🙏🤣)
I appreciate the time and energy put into this video. But it’s one of the worse reviews I have seen on the FJ. Trying to hard to be cool and not hard enough to be thorough. Just my $0.2.
I don’t get what the hype is all about. These things are so cheap on the interior. This one looks ok because it’s got a shit ton upgrades but they look like a giant Mini Cooper stock.
They aren’t meant to be a plush luxury vehicle. The interior suits its utilitarian purpose perfectly. Driving an FJ feels great because of the way it feels on the inside, and the angle of the A-pillars.
I paid off my 2014 last year. 5 year note all done. Still rides like a dream.
good on ya m8.. great vehicles
Lucky. I have 2 mores years and my 2013 will be paid off. Kept it in great condition and still worth nice sum of money
I have a 2013 FJ and I simply love it and I also will be keeping for for life💖💖
👌 good stuff
The FJ is a "mountain goat" off road. If it has not been geared to compensate for the 35" tires the transmission and torque converter are being stressed to much and they will fail way sooner than they should. The lift of an IFS takes away from the droop, and that's what an IFS needs. You also could have mentioned the driver lever that raises seat height for better visibility when needed. The controls are large and easily grabbed without looking therefore taking eyes off the road. It's a purpose built off road utilitarian vehicle. Take it off road and you will know it immediately....
mason north I believe it man.. I Wish I was able to have taken this beast of road.. but was a dealer car.. I think you bang on about the large controls aswell. Also heard there easy to use with gloves on😅
2007 fj purchased last week. It’s my favorite car by far and the last one I’ll ever buy. I’ll start using the AI self driving Tesla taxi’s when they come out but I’m not buying another car and I’m keeping the FJ for life
they are great!
i also have the 2007 fj , & feel the same about keeping for life
I've always appreciated the oversized shifter, climate controls, door handle etc., because they can be operated with thick winter gloves on. :-)
Stuart Higano this is very true! They stick out lol but for the car I think they are actually functional for that exact reason 👍
I have a 2010, and after running all the pros and cons determined the sweet spot of usibility vs.cool offroad was a three inch lift and 33 inch mud tires. after 33s, the upgrades costs explode, like the regearing, replacing all sorts of parts, etc.
As I wanted more of touring vehical, rather than a rock crawler, reliability starts becoming an issue, not to mention gas mileage crashes. It will handle 90% of most off road situations I have ever encountered. to squeeze that last 10% of capability out of an FJ, means spending around another $5,000+. probably more like $10,000. simply not worth it.
Good review! This is the SUV to get if you want 4Runner capability (Hilux/Prado in Australia?) but don't want to be literally every suburban mom that owns one. The off-road community loves these and I'm sure this video is going to get you some views :)
West Van Garage ah m8 cheers for the kind words🙌🙏 yes the Prado land cruisers are everywhere hoping to get one on the show soon😅 as you guys didn’t get them since the 60s I believe 😅 few nice 4x4s we have hope to test out.. but yes this was very different from everything else and was a lot more fun 🙌 I seen your review and it did well man, hoping to have a similar result 😅 but will see haha
I love daily driving my FJ.
same here :)
Likewise! It’s the funnest vehicle I have ever owned
@@daymonpancheri9700 agreed
I love my 10 mpg with a bone stock fj. Awesome
As somebody who was lucky enough to be able to get one of these as his first car I can confidently say if it’s under 250,000 miles and it doesn’t have any mechanical issues can be daily regardless of what you do
great car thats incredibly reliable..its what toyota is known for
Just went over 11,000 mi. on my 2014 TTUE (Father's day fishing w my son) only use it for hunting, fishing and nasty winter days.
great rigs
@@RossReviewsau My 3rd FJ an 09, 13TT, and when told the end was near bought a 14 Trail Teams Ultimate Edition at 69 I am sure it will be my last. Have you seen the 2020 edition available in Australia? Much changed outside identical interior.
Michael Sheedy join FJ Cruiser Nation on Facebook! Great group to be in. I have a 2012 TT.
@@anthonykuri7799 Thank you for the invite, appreciated! But old guys like myself have no Facebook presence.
They also came with a 4.7L V8 special order from the factory
Thanks for the videos, man. Great FJ you have here. I’m wondering if you can tell me the brand of that front tubular bumper, I’m looking for one of those. Thanks
They look like the result of a Range Rover mating with a Jeep. Sexy. Just wish they came in diesel for off road economy. Great car though i bet it's more than capable off road. Great review mate.
78Giddo agreed bro! I think because they had no plans in actually making these FJs.. so when they did decide to make em they rushed em into production.. probably why we never got a diesel option🤷♂️
Thanks for the support glad you enjoyed the review 🙌
There are complete Toyota diesel conversions they run about 40k but if you have a clean frame that motor will run forever
If you live where they sell diesel hilux (I do) of similar years, it appears the diesel motor will bolt in with very few to no modifications (like they planned to offer one someday). I can probably get a motor from wrecked hilux for a few thousand where I live. If the motor ever gives up, I might give it a shot.
@@cenccenc946 please do. Also make a video of the swap, it'd be epic. I'm going to sub to you incase it happens.lol
Yup! Yes you can. 😁 I had mine for 14 yrs. 😎
That's awesome!
My FJ is from Japan and the back-up camera uses the navigator screen so, no problem with the quality or size.
Also my back mirror is a screen that uses another camera that I have on the back window.
More capable of going off road? Stock, It’s the most capable climber ever
Standard diff locker makes these cars fantastic off road. Only real problem is fuel tank size. Increasing wheel size dramatically increase fuel usage and the factory tank is way to small on the early models. Need aftermarket tanks to go on overnight trips.
this is a really good point i should have mentioned! thanks man!
seems in like the 2018 model Toyota offers a second or larger tank option. They should fit any 2010 or later.
New dream off road build
killer rig eh
I love daily driving mine!
Driver Denali great daily vehicle👌
What front bumper is on that?
It's not a car or truck but a suv fj cruiser that different from anything else on the road a suv fun ride
I missed the dearliship my dad used to work at :( this car was at the dearliship he worked at
was a good place..
Good effort. Thatd be hard to review a offroad car without going off road
scotty and ryder thanks bro.. it is hard to find an angle on how to review it 😅🤣 but I tried my best and soon I will do some proper off-road reviews 📸🤙
Would the owners not let you take it bush?
scotty and ryder dealer car so ya can’t really 🤷♂️
Good review Ross. I have the same fj cruiser xtreme, but I noticed that it has steering wheel vibration when it reaches 80km/hour speed. Brought it to Toyota service center for check, they say it is common for lifted car like mine. Do you have any thoughts on it? Thanks.
Nose Bleed it is a common problem.. even this had a slight amount of road noise on the HWY.. I would suggest getting a less aggressive tires fitted.. won’t be as good off-road but will be much more pleasant to drive on the road..
Ross Reviews. Yeah, I guess I need to consider changing my tires, to help solve my problem. Thank you Ross. Appreciated it.
That Toyota dealer is either stupid or lazy. Take it to a good wheel alignment shop and they will get rid of the vibration you feel in the steering wheel. Another possibility is an unbalanced front wheel, but I’d bet it’s your wheel alignment being slightly out. My steering wheel vibration went away after a proper alignment.
After seeing the video of a stock fj slaping around a modded one, I think I'll keep mine as it came from the factory. Cool looking rig though.
Ps
20in tires for offroad? Really? Definitely more show than go on this one.
ya i would not recommend the massive tires.. i think would have been better with 18s or even 17s. liked the overall look of this rig tho
My clutch bearing squeals so much. Its like someone using a knife scratching ceramic plates or metal counters. Wind noise is also unbearably loud on the highway. My audio is maxed and I gotta scream to talk to anyone
I'm 6'4'' and I'll tell ya I've never gabbed a bag outta the back through the open window and nobody else ever has. It's not an engineering feat either because they should have had a button on the keyfob to pop the back window open, It's annoying to have to use the key.
you know ...you know ...you know ...yeah I know
Back up camera is not bad at all, it’s a good size, does the job. Try cleaning the lense. Back seats have a great amount of space. Try sitting in the back of a TJ wrangler and then you can complain.
C.arlitos _ valid point.. back up camera does do the job but it is kinda ridiculous lol love the car tho wicked suv
Is that bumper available in North America? Also, is there a place to mount D shackles on it?
Those climate controls are Awesome ! Why it that such a big deal. It adds to the look / cool and if You need to You can't miss using the controls. Your camera comment is soooo off. I didn't have a camera before and I can use that " tiny little " screen very well. You need to own one so You can appreciate it. The Torque is perfect. I climb hills in Colorado like nothing. Are You a race car driver ?? I've had friends comment on how much pick up My 2014 FJ has.
I love my FJ
Paul Navarro beast suv🔥
Where i can find rear bumper light
www.carid.com May have something you’re looking for
I don't consider that a heavily modified FJ cruiser. It probably drove sluggish because the owner probably didn't regear it to match 35 inch tires. Those tires look generic. Not the tire I would choose to take it to the outback. No matching spare tire. I think that is a semi-mall crawler. But still a beautiful car
peter tran it felt preety good didn’t feel to slow 🤷♂️ but I do know the owner who bought it does frequent off road seems to go alright from what I’ve seen.. but yes more of a city/daily off road build I guess
which headunit is that?
What year or trim is this vehicle?
Daily dividing means daily driving? What about inner city car parks and getting it in the garage? What’s the height? I like the car but the review not so much
all good points sorry you didn't enjoy the vid
Steering wheel is on the wong side
Uncle Fjester 🤣
Any idea who manufacturers the rear backup camera cover as well as the back bumper?
Joseph O'Brien ? Toyota.. pretty sure they are stock.. not sure tho to be honest
I’m sure the back bumper is some kind of Australian spec because it has those giant lights
That thing is sweet!!!
LWRC BCM what a Beast eh🤙
Too big of wheels. I run 17’s on mine. Might even drop to a 16” wheel next.
i will agree they where to agressive and even rubbed slightly on hard turning
I have stock wheels on mine. Though5 of going up but may not
Just bought a 2014. 88k miles. Getting harder to find in the states
nice buy.. they are a good investment
No Offroad worthy FJ has steps sorry. The dials are big in case your wearing gloves by the way. With 35” tires it should be geared down to 4.88’s and its much quicker light to light.
John Smith 😅 I think the steps are alright but probably not really needed.. yes easy simple dials for when you have gloves on makes sense.. I believe the vehical was I just didn’t mention it.. it had an aftermarket throttle control also
Ross Reviews yeah I read you had commented below on a previous comment and should have revised my comment omitting that globe and dial explanation. 😉. The spare tire not being the same size is the biggest nono I can think of though. Good video though and I gave it a thumbs up. 👍
John Smith yes needs the full size spare for sure 😅 appreciate the support m8.. hope to feature more suv off-roaders soon.. (and actually take them offroad🙏🤣)
Bro u are the best from Marty
bumper info PLEASE
*REAR
Needs a spare tire that matches those 35s
true..
My jeep wargeller it feels like the fj curiser
He Must have been a toddler when the fj came out. This car is built for a man.
Have one and love it but very lazy of Toyota not to change the tail gate for left hand drive. You’re standing out in the traffic to open it
typical tho unfortunately
Hah! ...... I beat the Blue Mountain Reprobate! Suck that up chum. I win!
Tony Buhagiar haha🤦♂️
My dad has this car
Jack Justat exact one? They are really good 4x4s 🤙
Really good 4x4s
The climate control knobs are big making them usable whilst wearing gloves.
Yup spot on mate
"You know" x 112.
i've been working on my speech lol that was very hard to stop saying
I’ll swap you a 1990 300zx? 🥵🥵
C'mon, they modeled it off the tonka trucks...
My dad has this car!?
awesome very nice FJ! enjoy it!
I appreciate the time and energy put into this video. But it’s one of the worse reviews I have seen on the FJ. Trying to hard to be cool and not hard enough to be thorough. Just my $0.2.
I don’t get what the hype is all about. These things are so cheap on the interior. This one looks ok because it’s got a shit ton upgrades but they look like a giant Mini Cooper stock.
its there off road capability for the money.. very good n fairly bullet proof
They aren’t meant to be a plush luxury vehicle. The interior suits its utilitarian purpose perfectly. Driving an FJ feels great because of the way it feels on the inside, and the angle of the A-pillars.
One day I will have one to replace the one that was taken by the Houthi terrorists
You yelled at Us so Loud We jumped and almost shut You off. Calm down dude - - !!!!
Your review is 🙄
#bowdensown
Ugly car
It’s not a car.
What front bumper is that?