FJ CRUISER OVERVIEW (what to look for and consider when buying)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 มิ.ย. 2018
- We discuss the FJ Cruiser and what to look for and consider when buying. These are common questions that are frequently asked.
FJ Cruiser Forum: www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/
FJ Cruiser Facebook: groups/fjcru... - บันเทิง
One point I forgot to mention in the video is many FJ Cruisers have seen mileage hit over the 300k mile mark and like many Toyota products are very reliable.
Another gripe of the FJ is that the rear windows do not roll down. The make a kit called Freedom Windows makes the rear side door windows removable. A few good articles about the FJ.
www.hagerty.com/articles-videos/articles/2017/10/31/toyota-fj-cruiser
www.forbes.com/pictures/ehmk45eflmi/1-toyota-fj-cruiser/#4c8cb9fd48c4
www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/01/top-10-vehicles-with-the-best-resale-values.html
th-cam.com/video/iHB_xu2i4Ac/w-d-xo.html YAY!
WHAT A GREAT VIDEO MY FRIEND! THANKS A LOT!!!
Are these FJ's all wheel drive?
I have 412k on a 08. Daily 4wheeling out Hatfield and McCoy trails in WVa, on the strip mines, and all around surrounding property. It ran constantly from 9am - 6pm 5 days a wk, for 8.5yrs.
I have changed front brake calipers about 7 times, each side... 1 rear. A alternater around 300k.. Reseal oil pan. Changed 1 universal joint, 1 wheel seal, 1 drive shaft seal, 1 differential vent.. 4-5 front wheel bearings.. And that's it!! God knows how many oil changes, but always... After the light comes on..
It feels like a tank, I feel really safe in my FJ. Owned since new, never selling.
The trans shudder is caused by the loss of friction additives breaking down in the fluid. Plus it's a shift solenoid computer issue as well. DON'T waste your money on a new torque converter clutch. Long story short I purchased 2 high milage 07 FJ's both had the shudder. Toyota dealers refused to flush the fluid said it was a lifetime fluid. I knew that was a crock. I replaced the fluid and the internal filter on both. Shudder is completely gone on both rigs. Do not flush just do an exchange. A flush will cause damage to the transmission. Hope this helps someone. Only use TOYOTA brand WS trans fluid.
A transmission cooler and regular flush is a must. Same A750 transmission is used in other vehicles and has proved to be very reliable. In the Land Cruiser 100 it came with a standard factory transmission cooler and there are very few if any issues on that vehicle.
Hi Dave D, so did you just drain and fill the trans fluid, or did you drop the pan and drain what was there?
How easy is it to add tran cooler?
I absolutely love mine. She'll go anywhere. Iv drove it across the country 8 times round trip and took it to the swamp as soon as I got back to go hunting. I run 35 12.50 on 16x 10 wheels with a huge offset. Drives like a dream
Toyota. Needs to bring back the FJ to the USA
Agreed, I love the FJ, like everybody else.
no one buys them, only select a select few....
I could buy one brand new right now ......IF I lived in Qatar Middle east
Got my 07 last month. A six speed manual with full time 4x4.
I love it.😍
Solid I had a six speed manual myself and unfortunately it got totaled so I ended up picking up an automatic transmission after
@@rodrigoibarra2546 which one do you prefer? Let's say I am planning to go off-roading occasionally.
@Heywood Jablowme The manual transmission has full time 4wd, I own one. Look it up in Google, all FJ cruiser with manual transmission has full time 4wd.
@@kelvinchan2430 overlanding us ok with Manual transmission its fine, Rock Crawling I would go automatic transmission, humans will never be as good as a Torque converter when it comes to Crawl speed.....
The point about the clips after replacing windshields is spot on. I went to a reputable glass company, and they glued the corner pieces back on because they didn't have the clips! Great heads up.
Can confirm flushing the transmission is an easy DIY repair to the torque converter stutter - I recommend you use Valvoline MaxLife ATF - it is Toyota WS certified and is a superior synthetic able to handle much higher temps before breaking down vs the Toyota fluid. My FJ had 200k miles and had never been flushed. Within 100 miles of the flush the stutter was completely gone. 12k miles since then and the trans shifts like new. I hooked a hose to the outlet of the trans cooler and drained to a 1 gallon jug. My method was run engine, drain 1/2 gallon, engine off, top off 1/2 gallon, repeat till fluid looks new. I used 5 gallons.
Thanks for the straight forward delivery of info without the hype, jazz or over achieving attempts at a winning personality. So manyTH-camrs fail miserably at that because it's obviously just not natural looking. Your delivery is winning and honest and oh so refreshing in the world of TH-cam where people are more wanting to be a personality rather than an educator.
TYVM!!! Glad you enjoyed the video and found it helpful.
Great overview sir. AND your FJ, so so clean, especially for an '07! I love my 2012 quicksand model. This is a great video for anyone interested in purchasing an FJ.
Using your excellent advice I bought my 2013 FJ Cruiser! I have never been happier handing over my hard earned money and love driving mine every single day. Thank you so much for your channel. I have been doing slow mods right now such as LED light replacement. It is an absolute beast of an SUV. I'm never selling it. NEVER. I really have no complaints about it - other than I haven't been able to take it off road yet. I'll take it off road stock first then think about mods.
Great review. My FJ has just over 50,000 miles. I do Ziebart every year. Thing to look for is a roof corrosion, and I have them to treat it every year, so looks like new. Another thing is the mouse is getting in alongside of wiring in the left rear tool hideaway. I have sealed mine with RV rubber caulking. I put a metal window screen on the top of cabin filter after the mouse got into the fan wheel. Mine also corroded under the hood rubber bumpers. Treat that to stop rust. Open that back window and clean all moss and gunk in there on the top part.
Very thorough. This is the only seriously in-depth video I've seen so far about what to look for in an FJ. I wish I had this video back when I purchased mine. Take care and happy trails!
Jim Fowler
Thank you very much.
Subscribed. This channel looks awesome
TYVM!!
I live in the UK, these are rare here, Ive allways wanted one of these, their prices here are eye wateringingly high. I’m currently looking at a few and cannot thank you enough for this fabulous in depth review!
You are welcome, thank you for the kind words and supporting the channel.
Super thorough! Thank you! I am considering purchasing an FJ for me and the Hubs to enjoy some adventures...you helped a lot!💙
Very, Very well presented and articulated!!!
Just got an 07 FJ & can’t wait to start modding!
How has it been? A coworker is selling her 07 for around $10-11k and I'm considering.
Great video, very informative. I’m considering buying a used 2007 same color as this, in perfect condition. Great job.
The guy nailed it, excellent review and lookout!
I did see a comment mentioned about the tail lights. I just got me an fj cruiser recently and decided to put led bulbs in yesterday and dropped both of my reverse bulbs in the light. Came up with a solution to get the bulb without removing the entire light. A narrow stick and duct tape. Get a piece of tape wrap it around the the stick with the sticky side up go in the light and put a bit of pressure on the bulb and slowly pull it out and wala bulb is out and didn't have to remove the tail lights. 👍
this video is great value👌 Thanks sharing all that knowledge!
Great video, I installed a cluster gauge on my 07 FJ that I bought on ebay, on one of the fj forums, I found step by step instructions with photos, you will need to buy a wiring harness and use part of it. Not related, my ABS dash lights were coming on and at times my shifter would be stuck in park. After some research on line I discovered it was the brake light switch ($40 oem) attached to the brake pedal, can be replaced in 60 sec. They have a habit of going bad. No issues since I changed it months ago. Good luck.
This was very informative. I learned a lot and am very appreciative regarding this vid regarding the FJ Cruiser. Thank you for sharing this valuable information.
Glad it was helpful!
Nice video. Very thorough and everything was explained clearly.
Thanks for giving such a thorough overview of features and issues!
My 2008 fj cruiser just hit 247k still going strong
hey, just wondering would you recommend buying a used fj cruiser around 250k mileage? with one or two previous owners. i just need alittle advice if you dont mind
@@l8nightvibes Hey, For what my opinion's worth, Mileage doesn't seem to affect much things much as long as the FJ received its due service.
I've had a relatively trouble free 07 90k mile and recently acquired an 08 140k mile one, besides some moderate rust, Engine and power wise feels just as good as the 07.
Best investment you'll make, The value overtime barely takes a hit.
@@eliubfj oh ok. well its a too late any. i already got it. traveled lik 250 miles to get this car. and yu are correct on the mileage not mattering bc i did more research on this vehicle. turns out it can last up to 500k mileage with the on time services
LONEHYPE Congrats! Mine just turned over 203k and it runs like a champ.
Jesus Ortiz I’m going to look at an ‘07 with 142,000 miles tomorrow. 🤞🏻
Great video. Thanks. If you're adding the instrument cluster there is a wiring harness that needs to be replaced. This was for my 2012 model.
I found on my FJ if I want good MPGs, Let the engine warm up. My work commute is about 1.5 mi. If I just get in and go I get about 9mpg. However if I let the engine warm up to a bit under half temp I get 16mpg. You will find some forum posts where if you have a bad thermostat it can cause MPG issues. The same is true for very short hops. The engines computer seems to run excessively rich when cold. Not sure if this is true for the 10-14 but my 07 defiantly hates to run cold.
Good video and thanks for the tips.
My favorite mod to date is the power rear window kit, sold by Chitown 4x4. The light stays off when open and it removes all of the annoying wind buffeting caused by window down cruising.
Years ago I had the torque converter shutter. 2007 with 58,000 miles....had the trans fluid flushed. Now have 120,000 miles zero issues still
Yea, usually a flush clears it up most times.
This is a great informational video. Thanks much.
Thank you sir we're looking at a 08 and hit on all my questions! Great video
Glad to help
Dude BIG 👍👍 this video is super informative
Thanks for the advice. It is very very informative and relevant. I am getting my FJ in a couple of days and will do the checks before the in-house warranty. Cheers mate
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome video! Thank you.
Thank you very much for this lots of info!
A couple of minor peeves that I have with mine:
You can't open the rear door from inside. I have slept in the back on mine a couple of times, and have had to climb out over the front seats to get out. This is a big one for me because I like the idea of being able to jump in the back and sleep.
The instrument gauge and cluster are very dim when you have your lights on. This is a pain if you want to run with your lights during the day. I have to turn my lights off so they will go bright to see what time it is or what radio station I am on.
If you like to drive with the rear window open like I do, the interior dome lights will stay on because it sees it as the door being open. You can shut them off though, so it's not that huge of a deal.
The stock antenna is fragile and will break in a car wash if you do not take it off. If it breaks, it can be a major pita to fix. I tried backing out the broken bit, but I couldn't. I purchased an entire stock replacement, but it takes a bit of work to replace the original.
About the windshield and rocks. I have replaced mine once already due to a rock hitting it. Even if you don't get a rock off the windshield, you may come to the point you wish one would so yo ucould replace it. The windshield gets sandblasted over time from road grit, and can get to be very hard to see through at night.
All said though, I love my 2013 FJ!
Thanks for the great video. It is very comprehensive.
I know it's been posted a year ago... but for anyone else reading this, it's easy enough to mod the rear door, so that you can open it (and the rear window while at it) from the inside.
hey, just wondering would you recommend buying a used fj cruiser around 250k mileage? with one or two previous owners. i just need alittle advice if you dont mind
@@cdf8821 hxll yeah i did!!! my facebook is @Carlos Glover.
@@l8nightvibes did you end up making the purchase? if so how has it worked out?
Usually you can adjust the dash lights with the mileage clear button but I do have to turn it on by pulling the headlight swtch halfway out to get the dash lights on.
Im 15 and in two months the FJ is gonna be my first car. I love it, they are pretty and Im excited. I research all the information and this video is the best information source. Thank you so much☺️☺️
You are welcome!!
Great overview. Thank you.
I’m coming close to 193K and it’s been solid.
Only thing I’ve had to replace is the Alternator.
Thank you. I been looking at getting one and this has been very informative.
Glad it was helpful!
This is Dave Ramsey's Brother.
So weird, the video I watched before this was a Dave Ramsey video and I was like wtf is going on lol. Glad I'm not the only one who thought this
As soon as a he started talking I couldn't figure where I'd heard that voice before ....... good call . Sounds just like Ramsey
As soon as he started talking 🤣
Greg Wallace debt freeeeeeeeeeEEEEEEEEE
I can hear it now: "you can drive the FJ to deliver pizza while you get out of debt"...
Getting my first 07 FJ tomorrow can't wait! 4x4 A-Trac/diff lockers, Silver like yours, never taken off road, 114k miles, $11,700
Great video, thanks for the heads up on what to look for
ended up with a one owner 08 Voodoo Blue FJ with low miles instead!
@@speedymedic19 sweet!! Getting my first on Thursday May 28th 2020! 2014 with only thirty-nine Thousand Miles. And beautiful! Wanted one all my life!
Peace fj fam!
Plays in the dirt how much?
@@ozziejohnny2230 35K Worth every penny!❤
@@cdf8821 i love mine!😁👍
Great video, thanks for info
Nice and useful video
ARB makes air lockers for front and rear for these in case you didn't opt for the factory E Locker
Great video BTW, very informative......
I always loved the FJ but I live in Portugal, we don't have these here. I mean there was ONE for sale but for €52.500!!! I work at a campsite and last month a Dutch couple pulled in in one of these. I was all smiles...the Dutch couple had to import one from the US because they couldn't find one for sale in all of Europe! One day....maybe one day...
GuidaOnline I have one in spain
Thank You Sir, Very Good Review. I lost my 07 due to divorce, was Very fortunate to get the last 2014 as it came off the boat. Goes Anywhere and they will bury me in it. The Best off-road vehicle I've ever known. I'm HOOKED. (I live on the north rim of the Grand Canyon in a converted Cargo-Trailer) one happy camper. We All worry about the price of gas and have Zero control over that. One last thing, for over two years now I only put 'Blu-Gas' in. No Ethanol just Real Gas. She loves that.👍God Bless.
I just have to say...that it one sexy vehicle sir! Thanks for all the great info!
Thanks!! Glad you found the info helpful.
Excellent video, thanks for posting, learned a lot.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video! 2014 FJ's with low miles are selling for several thousand more than the purchase price. I've got one with 1500 miles and the Blue Book is creeping up every year. They are smart purchases.
79 thump
I agree.
79 thump 194,000 on a 2013...KBB offers 18,000 for it! Lol
I just saw on a Toyota lot a used immacculate 2014 with 94,000 mi for 45,000. I don't know if they'll get it but they must be confident in asking that price. That's far more than the new price. The market could go soft too, like any other car. So far, so very good.
I bought a silver 2008 FJ. The FJ forum was a great help but this video was EXTREMELY HELPFUL! I bought a 2008 that was manufactured July of 2008 and has the extra reinforcement apron in the fender. They started installing these on FJ'S in June of 2008. That being said some people have still had the fender bulge/tearing issue. Thankfully I do not have it ....yet lol. I completely love this vehicle. I have always been a huge fan of sports cars ( I actually kept my sports car and the dealership was trying very hard to get me to trade it in 🤣) but I have owned a few SUV'S. Absolutely nothing compares to this vehicle!!!! Even bone stock the FJ is a very capable rig. This is hands down my favorite vehicle I have ever owned.
Here is something to look for, not sure if you covered it. In 2010 they put a stronger rear axle known as the 8.2 inch into the FJ and 4Runners.
Great video. I have a 2012 that just started the “bump” I will grease my driveshaft today. Thanks
I had the bump but I started to drive in d4 and I don't get it anymore
6 grease fittings down there. And put it in 4wd once a month for a couple miles
@@EnkiTwo and don't forget to use the diff-lock every so often...
Great video, very informative. I was on the fence about buying one, and this was the video I needed to see. Getting a FJ instead of a Tacoma for sure.
I have enjoyed mine. My favourite vehicle I have owned and I have owned some cool cars over the years.
Great video. Only thing missing is the CV axel issues. Like all CV axels the boots tear. Unlike other vehicles, I think it’s worth keeping the stock axel and paying to have them re-booted. Aftermarket CV axels at usually cheaply made.
I have a stock lift (thanks to my low garage) on 2012 and decided to throw on some 285/70/17s. There was some rubbing when I turned hard while breaking. That lasted for the first couple of thousand miles or so. Either it rubbed down enough to quit rubbing or maybe I changed the way I drive, but I haven't noticed any rubbing in a while.
I was so concerned about the seat worn at hip height when I first purchased this vehicle. Mine was a second-hand Fj and the seat worn location is exactly at the seat airbag and my car happened to have a moderate stone chip at the front ... it keeps me worried if the airbag has once been opened etc... And so just realized it was nothing major after watching your video, thank you so much!
Thanks for honest and informative review.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for this great video. I’ve been taking my FJ to different mechanics even the dealer to check what that bump was.....you stated it’s the driveshaft. I thought it was the transmission but no code came up and I didn’t have any issues shifting gears!!!
Get yourself some MOBILE 1 synthetic grease and you should be good.
Ok I’m going to have to do that next. Thanks!
I had the "bump" on my 2002 Tundra. In July 2017 I had a new slip yoke installed and greased with Motocraft PTFE Lubricant which is specifically made for slip yoke noise. Still working perfectly.
I had bump then I started driving in d4 and it stopped
very detailed good vid. Thanks.
This was excellent information! Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for this video. I might buy one with 200K miles.
The fender bulge is on 07 only. Toyota corrected the issue 08 an on. Also there is a kit you can buy to fix the bulge, it is a bracket that gets welded on and you are good to go.
You have a good looken FJ, don't get rid of it man!
TYVM!!
Guns and Gear Network Did a good job with the video. Been thinking about making one but seems like you covered the majority of them. I've built mine from stock and wheel it often. If you're ever in Va message me an we can hit a trail
Would love to meet up and hit some trails. What part of Va are you in?
Guns and Gear Network Roanoke
I've owned both 07 and still have my 08 white Trail Teams FJ and my 08 does have a slight bulge on both sides. Both were used for many offroad trips and my 08 is still getting dirty.
I'm glad Australia only had one model........... I love my 2012 Cement..... thanks for the info.
we did get the 07 as well, with a lower powered engine. wish they did the trd supercharged version here.
Good video!
I bought a Trail Team Cement paint color and I love it. best SUV I ever bought
Nice my favorite color is the sandstorm
hey, just wondering would you recommend buying a used fj cruiser around 250k mileage? with one or two previous owners. i just need alittle advice if you dont mind
Owned a 07,12 and when I heard last year bought a 14 TTUE only 2500 made. Will keep it till I can't drive anymore, than my grandson wants it. Was a 4runner owner (4 of them) before the FJ.
Great video, good knowledge, good explanation got more motivated to buy FJ . Thanks for sharing
Glad it was helpful!
@@GunsandGearNetwork absolutely 💯 👌, loved it . Thank you 😊
Transmission flush fixed the shutter in my 2008. 150k miles. most likely 1st time done.
wow thank you so much. This makes me want one more!!!
Any time!
Love so much i have 2 looking for my 3rd
Great video mate, much appreciated. When upgrading my last 4x4 my wife talked me into taking the FJ for a test drive... loved it and bought it! It’s taken me to some awesome spots here in Australia (I’ve got a few ‘low quality’ vids on TH-cam of some of these trips). But awesome vehicle...never want to sell it !
Thanks, Love my Aussie mates!! I set my FJ up similar to the way you Aussie guys do. Got much inspiration from guys like Ronnie Dahl and other Aussie guys.
Hahaha. Great stuff... good to hear. Yep Ronnie Dahl is fantastic... Love watching his vids. Keep up the good work mate!
Look at your fj's lines. They're really even. It shows how well it's made.
I don't have an Fj cruiser, but this is really informative thnx.
I have a 2007 with 232,000 mi. The transmission is smooth as can be. The fluid is red. I have none of those probelms YET. (Knock on wood). I get 17 plus mi per gallon. Premium.
Thanks for the video-looking to purchase a used one soon.
Glad I could help
Good videos-
We own a 2012 FJ Cruiser, 108xxx miles, no problems whatsoever. Made by Hino Corporation.
Was considering a Tacoma then found out that USA Tacoma’s are made in Mexico the. Texas, no thanks.
Keeping our FJ Cruiser, buying a used LandCruiser next. True Toyota’s are made in Japan.
Mike P yes sir I agree. 01 4Runner with over 300k miles no problems!
M P ......didn’t know they were made by Hino
Thankyou for your info.
I bought mine in May and it came with 20 blackrhino rims and thank God the tard at least had BF Goodrich alltarrains on it.but I'm looking to get 17 on it so it will look better.and I used to baby it but now I just treat it like a tank and it runs like a beast
Thanks for a great video! I have an '07 with just over 285,000 miles. My only complaint is the subwoofer. As much as I like the sound it's not worth the MAJOR pain and $$$ of removing it just to replace the taillight bulbs.
Tell me about it. I did a video about what a pain in the rear it is. Especially if you drop the bulb into the light housing and have to remove the entire light assembly. LOL
About to buy one, thanks for the very informative video.
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome! Thanks man!!
I bought mine new in 2008. It's barn red, automatic, and has the locker. Garage kept. Current mileage (Sept 2018) is only 8,800 miles.
800 miles a year??? How?
I have the same a 2008. Toyota calls it Brick color.
Wow, selling? Lol
Amazing....but Get out there and Drive it! That's why it's fun even though it's a great Value!
The actual color is called Brick Red NOT Barn Red. Good investment! Enjoy your FJ.
Thank you for your video!
You are welcome!
Outstanding video valuable information, I own a 03 4runner with 106k miles and love with it, looking to make an upgrade to the FJ, BTW awesome RIG you got...!
Glad it was helpful!
Damn Straight Great INFO!!
Greatat video super good info
I've been looking at an 11 model with barely over 100k miles love the build of it ....an sir yours is clean very nice 👌
Thanks! 👍
I like when you shut the driver door😂😂😂😂slam!!!
I bought a 2007 model back in December. It will go over 289,000 miles probably around the middle of May 2020, and it runs perfectly. No rattles, squeaks, vibrations...nothing. It feels like I'm in a new vehicle, but without the new car smell.
How do you turn on the lights attached to the side view mirrors? I have a 2007 and love it!
that front end looks fantastic
Thanks!!
Very informative video, thank you. You mentioned the susceptibility of rocks hitting the windshield. Would a wind deflector help this problem?
Debra Alfaro NO not really.
My five year old 2014 FJ Cruiser has just 14.5k miles on it.. it even smells like new lol
Great video thanks love mine
Thanks for watching!
I test drove an FJ Cruiser and I loved it (perfet condition) but it was making a loud hum towards the back passenger wheel. They told me it was the wheel tread. But I wasn't sure about it. This was the less expensive RWD 2008 (12 years old) at $13K and 97K miles. That night they told me that one of the wheels was the wrong side. I told them I would buy another wheel and if the noise went away I'll take it. They said they'll get back to me. The next morning they told me they sold it.
Thinking ab getting one
Great video......they are more like tractors!!!👍
Thanks 👍
I own a 2010 fj. I have a 3 inch lift on 315/75/16 with a body chop mount . No issues with rubbing .
Fantastic! Thank you!
I have an 07 FJ I bought new. It has 101,000 miles on it now and the only thing I have done other than regular maintenance is I recently had to replace the alternator and last year a new battery. The same color as yours and I am curious about the current value. I may sell it or start fixing it up with some upgrades. The only thing I don't like is the blind spots which have almost caused some accidents changing lanes with lower, smaller cars alongside me - good thing they had a horn!
Fantastic review!! Absolutely beautiful car ❤!! I’m getting this ARB bumper soon but struggling to find a warn (or other brand) winch that’s compatible with ARB bumper. Any idea what model you have installed? Was there any modifications needed or just straightforward plug in?