Good afternoon man. This is Ted from Texas. I've had my Toyota FJ for 6 years now. I purchased it used with 56,000 miles on it, it's a 2007. It has 121000 on it now. It has been a good reliable vehicle for me. I love driving the vehicle and hope to drive it for years to come. Thank you for sharing your video with us.
Good evaluation, I agree with most of your findings. FJ's are excellent off road vehicles, not so much for daily drivers. You can tell at first glance what they were designed to do, they're not for everyone.
I have the exact same FJ as you. But, I've put 15k into it. All off road mods. Now I can hang with a Jeep Rubicon with 35 inch tires. You're right about the handling and my gas mileage is at 14 mpg. Even after a regear. I do have 34 inch tires and a 3 inch lift. Still I love the FJ. I would love to get another one and keep it stock. I think it will be a real collector car if stock. I think I'll look into the intake and 14 inch exhaust you have done. A bit more power would be good. Being I'm much heavier than stock. So thanks. Steve from So Cal. But moving soon to Payson. Cuz California sucks. So do the liberal jerks that destroyed this state.
Looks like You beat the crap out of it. My back door panel and small lockers have never been damaged. Those marker lights just need stronger bulbs. I replaced mine with bright Amber bulbs. This vehicle is NOT about milage - hahaha. To each His own - - ->>
Bug guard does help. I Love the tall shifter. I rest My arm on the rest with fingers on the shifter - Perfect. What are You putting to the right seat ?? The shifter is in the way ?? What - -hahaha ?
This is a very mediocre review. This is one of the most durable SUVs ever made, and toyota claims it's the most durable in their lineup. It's built on the famous land cruiser frame, etc... come on dude 🙄
The FJ isn't a shortened 4Runner, It is a LandCruiser Prodo base. The closest thing we have in the USA to it is the Lexus GX. The GX and the FJ are USA market Prodos basicly. You don't have a base FJ you have upgrade pk1 (I think because no subwoofer). Your ride is pretty well optioned compared to a base. The kick likely isn't the transmission's fault. It is an issue with the slip joint on the prop shaft. The slip joint binds and then you get that kick. Lube it or replace it/ upgrade the prop shaft. Lubing the prop shaft is important and must be done every oil change or more often if you upgraded to synthetic oil. After 2010 Toyota did try to mitigate it but if someone blew out the slip joint seals by over greasing them then that could be the issue.
Bumper can come in handy. Or a bull bar. While driving through the Colorado mountains a huge bird / owl flew at the front of my vehicle (Jeep Commander) at 2am on a dark mountain road with no lighting. Hit the front grill, luckily didn't make the radiator leak (But broke a lot of the front end plastic and paint). My friend was driving my vehicle and luckily kept straight, while breaking. Turning would have resulted in the 3 people, 2 dogs, and 1 cat in the car to fly into a ditch. Didn't have one of those bull bars or bumpers on my Commander. Did have one on the Wrangler I owned a the time. But, luckily we were able to drive not and not freeze in a ditch at 5 degrees.
22:17 this is the worst thing for me. I love to drive with the windows down even at speeds ~60 mph. As for the windshield, if you are used to driving a vehicle with better visibility off-road, this will fill too small. And the point you made about the clips when replacing it is very important. Trust me you don’t wanna drive on the highway with a bad roof/upper clip.
Wow you did a great job👌🏼I had just bought at 2010 TRD FJ in March 2020 and I love it I used to have a Jeep Wrangler I appreciate all the info you gave in this video just to let you know I have a pioneer stereo with back-up camera and it takes care of the blind spots it is very worth it!! Let us know what you put on the back of your seats. Thank you!
Great video. Way more information on the no only your year, but the past models. I'm looking to get one and your video was the best and the most detailed . Thanks for all the tips
I get it with the fake hood scoop too. At the very least, from afar, they don't scream "hood scoop" like in some of the 4Runners. Every single thing you talk about is legit. From almost hitting someone crossing the street, to not being able to see traffic lights out of the windshield. And I also have a RAV4 too. You've hit the nail on the head on a lot of points here.
@@jaygill3037 I had that, moly grease in the slip joint, don't over fill, will hydro lock. Lithium in the u joints only. Toyota does indicate in service manual. Took care of my clunk in 2012
Just in the buying process for an 09, should be picking it up today. Great tip about the cargo sliding around and the plastics, I will be careful when I load my tote for cold weather gear I keep at work as I was unaware of this. How much mpg did you increase removing the roof rack on the highway? Not sure if I will use it.
Total BS. The early motors were better. The late motors added a truck load of parts to gain 20hp and they have less TQ. Sorry but I like simplicity. Both are great motors but I prefer the KISS method. As for spacers to lift it thats a morons approach.
The style is not my thing, but to each his own. First thing I notice was indeed the large A pillars. Rear mirros should indeed be turned 90 degree. That and the large pillars are just an accident waiting to happen. Cool exhaust sound :-)
Before You condemn something You need to drive one for more than a day. Those " blind " spots are a joke to Me. After using My road skills of motorcycling riding for 30 + years moving My head around while driving I have No Blind spots in the FJ. I laugh every time I read that criticism.
@@DYNABIKE1 - Thank you for saying this!!! It's like everyone jumps on the blind spot wagon just to be complaining about something. Who taught these people how to drive? Use your mirrors, yes! But the best defense is to use one's head on a swivel!!! Learn to LOOK before changing lanes, taking off from a traffic light with a crosswalk, etc. It's really not that hard. Especially knowing the build design of the FJC creates blind spots.
@@veek3982 Exactly !! I was on the freeway last weekend enjoying My FJ and looking to see " What Blind Spots " The mirrors are fine if set correctly. We must lead the blind by hand Vee !!
@@DYNABIKE1 - I understand the complaining. I just don't find it to be this huge issue. Most of it seems to arise from a laziness in drivers. Mirrors are there to assist the driver, NOT be their eyes!!! Geez! Same thing when bitchin' about not being able to see traffic lights. So don't pull up so close or bend down so you can see. And not to take away from the gist of the video, but legit issues are: 1. The back passenger windows don't roll down!!! 2. There are no vents back there either. 3. There really should be a way to open the suicide doors from inside the FJC. 4. Pairing the Bluetooth is a tedious, horrible experience. 5. That front windshield. Sheesh! Since 2006 to 2014 Toyota did nothing to rectify this obvious and ultimately expensive problem! Bulletproof glass the thing, for crying out loud!!! (Which I'm looking into. I think it's doable. Probably un-Godly pricey, but in the long run, should pay for itself compared to insurance costs or out of pocket expenses for replacements!). 6. Crappy gas mileage. (I'll eventually replace the OEM gas tank with a 30 gallon tank.) Thanks a lot, Toyota. Perhaps fixing issues such as these would've improved sales enough to keep the FJC in the States beyond 2014. I know the aftermarket folks are creating good solutions to some of these issues.
Texas DPS lists it as a Truck FYI - - ->>. Do You even know that radio is for Sirius XM radio ?? Just sign up and You're there. Love mind. No change needed.
@@davinsrandom3142 Sirius XM just gave Me all access to every channel they have on all My devices in the truck and the house for a Year= $ 99.00 !! " No commercial music "
@@davinsrandom3142 a tune will sort out that 5th gear on highway and overall shift points, power. If you've already done the exhaust, maf calibrator, and a tune will wake it up from that poor fuel metering.
let's face it, the FJ is not a great daily driver. yea, ypu can do it. There are better daily drivers out there. But, if you don't live or drive in a city much, they are way fun.
Good afternoon man. This is Ted from Texas. I've had my Toyota FJ for 6 years now. I purchased it used with 56,000 miles on it, it's a 2007. It has 121000 on it now. It has been a good reliable vehicle for me. I love driving the vehicle and hope to drive it for years to come. Thank you for sharing your video with us.
Why don’t you just trade it in for a Prius grandma!
Hahahaha I so agree. This guy does not deserve this great FJ. Baby talk !!!!
The vent on the hood is homage to the FJ 40, it had a similar looking vent on its hood.
Must be a design flaw 🙄🤣
Good evaluation, I agree with most of your findings. FJ's are excellent off road vehicles, not so much for daily drivers. You can tell at first glance what they were designed to do, they're not for everyone.
Had my 2012 since 2014. Not a single issue.
Best detailed review of Fj!!! AND YOU ARE THAT GUY, THE PHOTOGRAPHER!!!!!!!!!!
I have the exact same FJ as you. But, I've put 15k into it. All off road mods. Now I can hang with a Jeep Rubicon with 35 inch tires. You're right about the handling and my gas mileage is at 14 mpg. Even after a regear. I do have 34 inch tires and a 3 inch lift. Still I love the FJ. I would love to get another one and keep it stock. I think it will be a real collector car if stock. I think I'll look into the intake and 14 inch exhaust you have done. A bit more power would be good. Being I'm much heavier than stock. So thanks. Steve from So Cal. But moving soon to Payson. Cuz California sucks. So do the liberal jerks that destroyed this state.
I moved 4 years ago lol you'll love some other states! Love my fj too 👊 49 state legal 😉🤣
Getting a Sprint Booster or a Petal Commander may give you the extra kick you need. Was a game changer for me 👍
Looks like You beat the crap out of it. My back door panel and small lockers have never been damaged. Those marker lights just need stronger bulbs. I replaced mine with bright Amber bulbs. This vehicle is NOT about milage - hahaha. To each His own - - ->>
Fj in its stock form handles surprisingly well even better than the Prado
The reason for the short side mirrors is for clearance when on the trails.
Must be a design flaw 🙄🤣🤣
you can tell, this dude doesn't do any offroading at all. I am not sure why he even bother buying this.
I actually actually love the side mirrors. But I’m short. Back Up camera solves most blind spots.
Bug guard does help. I Love the tall shifter. I rest My arm on the rest with fingers on the shifter - Perfect. What are You putting to the right seat ?? The shifter is in the way ?? What - -hahaha ?
My camera bag. It got caught on the shifter constantly. good to know about the bug guard. I wont bother.
This is a very mediocre review. This is one of the most durable SUVs ever made, and toyota claims it's the most durable in their lineup. It's built on the famous land cruiser frame, etc... come on dude 🙄
The FJ isn't a shortened 4Runner, It is a LandCruiser Prodo base. The closest thing we have in the USA to it is the Lexus GX. The GX and the FJ are USA market Prodos basicly.
You don't have a base FJ you have upgrade pk1 (I think because no subwoofer). Your ride is pretty well optioned compared to a base.
The kick likely isn't the transmission's fault. It is an issue with the slip joint on the prop shaft. The slip joint binds and then you get that kick. Lube it or replace it/ upgrade the prop shaft. Lubing the prop shaft is important and must be done every oil change or more often if you upgraded to synthetic oil. After 2010 Toyota did try to mitigate it but if someone blew out the slip joint seals by over greasing them then that could be the issue.
Bumper can come in handy. Or a bull bar. While driving through the Colorado mountains a huge bird / owl flew at the front of my vehicle (Jeep Commander) at 2am on a dark mountain road with no lighting. Hit the front grill, luckily didn't make the radiator leak (But broke a lot of the front end plastic and paint). My friend was driving my vehicle and luckily kept straight, while breaking. Turning would have resulted in the 3 people, 2 dogs, and 1 cat in the car to fly into a ditch. Didn't have one of those bull bars or bumpers on my Commander. Did have one on the Wrangler I owned a the time. But, luckily we were able to drive not and not freeze in a ditch at 5 degrees.
True! I hit Javelina once in an s10 on the freeway. Luckily it was still drivable.
22:17 this is the worst thing for me. I love to drive with the windows down even at speeds ~60 mph.
As for the windshield, if you are used to driving a vehicle with better visibility off-road, this will fill too small. And the point you made about the clips when replacing it is very important. Trust me you don’t wanna drive on the highway with a bad roof/upper clip.
Very good point about keeping it nimble, its truly carlike and one of the reasons I chose this over the highly competent VDJ79.
Wow you did a great job👌🏼I had just bought at 2010 TRD FJ in March 2020 and I love it I used to have a Jeep Wrangler I appreciate all the info you gave in this video just to let you know I have a pioneer stereo with back-up camera and it takes care of the blind spots it is very worth it!! Let us know what you put on the back of your seats. Thank you!
Do you like the fj better than the jeep?
Yes my FJ is a much better ride love it!!
Great video. Way more information on the no only your year, but the past models. I'm looking to get one and your video was the best and the most detailed . Thanks for all the tips
I get it with the fake hood scoop too. At the very least, from afar, they don't scream "hood scoop" like in some of the 4Runners. Every single thing you talk about is legit. From almost hitting someone crossing the street, to not being able to see traffic lights out of the windshield. And I also have a RAV4 too. You've hit the nail on the head on a lot of points here.
do you have the same transmission clunk he mentions?
@@farrous13 I do occasionally but it just means you need to grease the U-Joints.
@@jaygill3037 I had that, moly grease in the slip joint, don't over fill, will hydro lock. Lithium in the u joints only. Toyota does indicate in service manual. Took care of my clunk in 2012
Just in the buying process for an 09, should be picking it up today. Great tip about the cargo sliding around and the plastics, I will be careful when I load my tote for cold weather gear I keep at work as I was unaware of this. How much mpg did you increase removing the roof rack on the highway? Not sure if I will use it.
Thanks for the window tip.... Im put off them now, Dodged a bullet there
You should take a look at getting an Exoshield windshield protection film applied if you replace your windshield again.
I will look into that. Thanks.
Then sell it to somebody who'll appreciate it. All that whining...
this guy has a problem with everything. might as well not have a vehicle. walk....
Is that a 928 I see in the background!
Total BS. The early motors were better. The late motors added a truck load of parts to gain 20hp and they have less TQ. Sorry but I like simplicity. Both are great motors but I prefer the KISS method. As for spacers to lift it thats a morons approach.
So a manual transmission in older model would be better? Ditching this auto 2011
"Your windows suck. 4runners rule"
- Bob the PittBull
The FJ is MEANT to be modded
Don’t like the mirrors? Change em!
Don’t like the hood? Change it!
Don’t like the shifter? Buy a new one!
the 4runner is better. I had a 2013 limited 4runner and it was great, now I have a 2012 tundra rock warrior.
The style is not my thing, but to each his own. First thing I notice was indeed the large A pillars. Rear mirros should indeed be turned 90 degree. That and the large pillars are just an accident waiting to happen. Cool exhaust sound :-)
Before You condemn something You need to drive one for more than a day. Those " blind " spots are a joke to Me. After using My road skills of motorcycling riding for 30 + years moving My head around while driving I have No Blind spots in the FJ. I laugh every time I read that criticism.
@@DYNABIKE1 - Thank you for saying this!!! It's like everyone jumps on the blind spot wagon just to be complaining about something. Who taught these people how to drive? Use your mirrors, yes! But the best defense is to use one's head on a swivel!!! Learn to LOOK before changing lanes, taking off from a traffic light with a crosswalk, etc. It's really not that hard. Especially knowing the build design of the FJC creates blind spots.
@@veek3982 Exactly !! I was on the freeway last weekend enjoying My FJ and looking to see " What Blind Spots " The mirrors are fine if set correctly. We must lead the blind by hand Vee !!
@@DYNABIKE1 - I understand the complaining. I just don't find it to be this huge issue. Most of it seems to arise from a laziness in drivers. Mirrors are there to assist the driver, NOT be their eyes!!! Geez! Same thing when bitchin' about not being able to see traffic lights. So don't pull up so close or bend down so you can see. And not to take away from the gist of the video, but legit issues are: 1. The back passenger windows don't roll down!!! 2. There are no vents back there either. 3. There really should be a way to open the suicide doors from inside the FJC. 4. Pairing the Bluetooth is a tedious, horrible experience. 5. That front windshield. Sheesh! Since 2006 to 2014 Toyota did nothing to rectify this obvious and ultimately expensive problem! Bulletproof glass the thing, for crying out loud!!! (Which I'm looking into. I think it's doable. Probably un-Godly pricey, but in the long run, should pay for itself compared to insurance costs or out of pocket expenses for replacements!). 6. Crappy gas mileage. (I'll eventually replace the OEM gas tank with a 30 gallon tank.) Thanks a lot, Toyota. Perhaps fixing issues such as these would've improved sales enough to keep the FJC in the States beyond 2014. I know the aftermarket folks are creating good solutions to some of these issues.
What is the name and model name of sony streo
My side marker lights r LED, meaning their my main headlights cause my actual headlights don’t do anything
Texas DPS lists it as a Truck FYI - - ->>. Do You even know that radio is for Sirius XM radio ?? Just sign up and You're there. Love mind. No change needed.
Im a spotify guy
@@davinsrandom3142 Sirius XM just gave Me all access to every channel they have on all My devices in the truck and the house for a Year= $ 99.00 !! " No commercial music "
@@davinsrandom3142 a tune will sort out that 5th gear on highway and overall shift points, power. If you've already done the exhaust, maf calibrator, and a tune will wake it up from that poor fuel metering.
@@svnbit8408 Any brand suggestions?
@@davinsrandom3142 vr racing
....but your tire didn't blow.
How the fuck does anything on the passenger's seat get twisted up with the shifter 😂😂
Since you seem to dislike so many things about the FJ why do you have one? Oh and you whine a lot...just sell it and move on.
I Mack I agree. Stupid human. He probably got it so he could say he had one.
As much as I agree, there's a lot of people that buy these because of the lack of depreciation.
If You don’t like it fj. sale the sample it’s
Daniel Larusso talking ?
let's face it, the FJ is not a great daily driver. yea, ypu can do it. There are better daily drivers out there.
But, if you don't live or drive in a city much, they are way fun.
My 2016 Fj = Daily Driver. The car you need in this decade, incase fuknuts hit you.
This guy is wayyyy tooooo picky