We have on 07. Our kids were 5 and 3 when we bought the FJ. The FJ is what momma wanted and we made it work and we still have it. Our youngest who was 3, is now driving it. Its been an extremely reliable vehicle.
@@LiL13izzy7 lol. No. We bought our oldest a used tundra and my wife was still driving the FJ at the time. We bought her a 4Runner now that the youngest is old enough to drive so the youngest gets the FJ
My wife wanted a vehicle like this and I found one a couple hundred miles away and bought it for her. When I went to pick it up I had the chance to drive it back home. That drive sold me on the FJ Cruiser so the very next weekend I found another one just an hour drive away so I went and bought it for myself. I couldn’t be happier to have two of these in my driveway. I am sure to keep them properly serviced and expect them to be with me a long time. Reliable, fun and comfortable. My wife’s 2007 with manual transmission remains stock with the TRD from the factory while I have modified my 2014 with suspension and lift, bigger tires, larger roof rack, front bumper with winch and added off-road lights. I’ve taken mine on Jeep trails that I would never have attempted with another vehicle and it never once disappointed me. Love the FJ!
@@GenuineLand well she now drives a 2014 as well but mine is still better! Lol! She had a shoulder injury on her right shoulder and couldn’t operate the 6 speed safely so we sold the 07 and got her an army green 2014 loaded out.
My kid’s not being able to open the door - until I open the door - is a beautiful thing! Specially when dropping them off at school. Keeps them safe. 😊
I timed the shutting time to shut both doors today. Came in at 2.37 seconds. My sunroof in my Volvo comes in second at 3.91 seconds. @@stephenfiore9960
Amazing. Back in 2013 I almost bought one of the trail teams editions brand new and it was $37,000. I thought it was way too much for the "faults" of the FJ.
I absolutely love my FJ! Even though it’s a 2008, it has less than 100,000 miles on it. One of the many reasons I love it is, because it’s not a fancy computerized car, it doesn’t take much to repair it. You don’t have to take half the car apart just to change the battery or a headlamp, for example. Very simple so that even this old lady can do it herself. 😉
Crawl Control was added in 2013 as part of one of the offroad packages. That's the same year that Toyota moved the RR DIFF LOCK / ATRAC buttons to the roof (IF equipped with crawl control), so it can be confusing to look at an FJ and not see those buttons below the radio. Then you remember to check for it up top. Having offroaded both the FJ and 4Runner extensively here in Colorado, the main difference is how big the back end of the 4Runner feels. Departure angle, rear quarters all start to feel big on tight trails in our area on the 4Runner.
EVERYONE gets the idea of the secondary doors wrong- it’s not meant to compete with a four-full door vehicle. That’s the 4Runners place. The FJ is a two door SUV that has those half doors to add to its usability. Compare it to having to squeeze between the tilted front seat and the B-pillar of a two door Jeep or car- that’s where it makes sense. It’s not meant to be a four door mommymobile; it’s a two door suv that has easier access to the rear seat.
@@canalesivany they do and that’s my point - where they put down a ton of salt, FJs don’t last longer than ford or jeep because they all rot out in 12 or so years.
But it's still a garbage compared to Bronco and wrangler , and it will get stucked before even trying to compete with Bronco , typical turdota fangirl logic playing reliability card to defend their garbage hahahaha
I have a 2013 FJ in Army Green. I bought an immaculate used one, with a 89k well documented miles on it, for $18k in 2019 just before they exploded in value. I'll never sell it no matter how much it goes up in worth. It's the best car I've ever owned. Its such a major improvement in quality over the 2015 Forester I used to drive (which actually died 5k miles outside the warranty). The FJ just feels so solid. And it is an absolute BLAST to drive. It makes me smile every time I get in it. According to this video, people didn't really like the suicide doors when this vehicle was on the market, but for me that was always the biggest selling point. It kept the vehicle short. I live in LA and I don't want to deal with driving a monster 4Runner in the city. The FJ is Toyota's ONLY compact 4x4. A Rav4 simply cannot do what the FJ can do offroad. Between 2008-2019, and until the FJ showed up, your only option for a modern compact 4x4 was a Jeep. Sure, Jeeps are a lot of fun, but they are wildly impractical and their reliability is just horrible. I suppose Land Rover was another option if you wanted to throw down $75-$150k on something even less reliable than a Jeep. The FJ Cruiser just has it all. It's compact, it's unique and fun, it's wildly capable offroad, and it's useful both as a play vehicle and a work vehicle. Toyota desperately needs to revisit this market, which is the compact off-roader. The only thing I could see lowering FJ prices is if Toyota finally released another true 4x4 that fit within the segment. Ford recognized our desire for compact offroaders, and they jumped right in with the Bronco series. Those cars look like a ton of fun and they capture a lot of the spirit of the FJ, but they are also Fords and they have yet to prove themselves as beacons of reliability (I'd easily take them over a Jeep though). The FJ is proven. In fact, it is one of the most solid vehicles Toyota has ever made. To date, there is not a more reliable compact, off-road SUV on the road.
I saw a guy who bought a Maserati double the price of this fj cruiser and it depreciated in a year let alone being at the mechanic several times. This alone makes me think Toyota is a gem the world need to see.
@@TurnMaster you could be right. But their consistency in reliability over several models is what makes them known for reliability. In addition to that, since you can find it almost everywhere and many mechanics knows to work on them, there could be reasons.
Canceled my Bronco order and purchased and FJ today. Drives as well if not better than the Bronco. Makes Jeep look like a tinker toy. I flipping love it!!! Toyota reliability all the way!!!
look at it underneath for frame rust - I have a 2014 and it's exactly the same problem as the tacoma frames it's criminal that they won't stop making frames that are like swiss cheese after 10 years like mine the rest of mine is perfect and looks to be in amazing condition until you look underneath
Im from Saudi Arabia and have had a yellow 2009 FJ cruiser since 2011- it was a great offer with zero kilometers. Now with almost 200k miles on it (313k Km) and it still drives amazingly. They are still made and sold to GCC countries with some tiny interior changes- But overall it’s the same car. Hassle free, quirky and lots of fun, most importantly it is damn reliable when you need it to be - especially when taking it off road onto the sand dunes. I’ve owned a wrangler jk 2012 at the same time - also loads of fun, but not issue free. I dont think I can ever have to stomach to sell my trusty fj - it’s outlived a lot of cars over the years that were nicer and faster, and it still impresses the hell out of me when I thought I’ve seen everything this car is capable of.
@@karusorobles6807 that used to be the case around 2 years ago. Gas prices were on the rise, now they’re subsidized by the government and a liter of 95 octane is around $0.5. Definitely not as expensive as stateside, but at one point gas was cheaper than water.
I own a 2007 FJ 4x4 Base model with TRD exhaust, factory rock sliders, ATrac, rear differential lock, parking assist, premium sound and a 400 watt power inverter, it’s in better condition then a lot of 2014 models I’ve seen. It’s a great little rig and completely rust free. I will never sell it........ keep the FJ videos coming. 🙂👍🏻
I absolutely love my FJ, I've wanted one since I was very first starting to drive but needed a truck for towing horse trailers. Now that I am out of that world, I purchased mt FJ last year and I am IN LOVE. It's so safe feeling, easy to drive, sturdy, spacious inside, and so versatile. I love the doors actually, at first I was hesitant but it makes it so spacious when you are opening it up and working inside, or camping in there. As well as the back door opening sideways, love it! Blind spots are easily fixable with extra mirrors and the right sitting position. I love it and I hope I never have to sell it.
I have the o7...have it for 4 years...I have 180,00. Same tranny, same engine..not much but fluid changes..big expense was a rear diff pumpkin..that's it still going.
My parents got the 2007 FJ brand new and still own it. The only issues they’ve had have been with the trim above the windshield. Other than that, 200k+ miles later it still runs perfectly
That's coincidentally hilarious because the EXACT same scenario can be said about my neighbor who I asked to check out his FJ cruiser, his is also an '07 and that exact same issue with the trim above windshield is the only issue he had. And it wouldn't have even been an issue in the 1st place if the people replacing his windshield didn't tear it off like a bunch of wild animals, not taking care to consider it might be clipped into place.
I had my windshield replaced & started to get a noise while driving that was the piece above the windshield vibrating as air was being forced under it & the rubber seal was not coping. I ran a piece of pvc electical tape along the full length sealing the rubber to the windshield. No more noise. I redo it before winter & it usually lasts a year.
Nice. I have a 2014 BMW X5 that broke down more times than I can remember... and boy is it costly to fix. Should have listen to my dad when he told me german cars are made of chinese plastic.
They are being built; they just aren't being sold here. I've heard they're sold at least in the Middle east and in the Philippines. I'd love to see them update them and bring them back to the US.
Yes!!...you would think Toyota, being the money and market-savvy corp that they are, would cash in on this insane US SUV market. Perhaps they think the FJ dilutes their 4Runner, Sequoia, Highlander, Land Cruiser families?
Had a 2007 TRD Special Edition in Black that I ended up putting a 3" Walker Evans reservoir coil over lift on and it was great. Got rid of it with around 200k miles on it still running like new. It was a ton of fun offroad which I did 3 or 4 times a month for the entire time I owned it.
Every review talks about the split doors as a negative. Remember when the first suicide half door for a extra cab trucks was a huge deal. Everyone loved that. Works the same. For me the thing everyone misses is the size of a FJ. It's the same wheelbase and length of a K5 Blazer or original full size bronco. Just 2 inches narrower. It's the perfect size. Great cargo room without folding seat down. Also because of the large rear door and side doors. You can access the roof rack easily. Not all of us need 4 doors. One more thing. Since Toyota still builds the exact same FJ and it still would meet crash standards. Toyota could easily bring them back in. Do a limited run each year. Sell at $50k+ they won't because those people will just buy a 4 Runner. Also have you looked at what old 4 runners bring. They hold their values extremely well too.
That's because it made a truck *more* versatile by allowing for a larger bed. This makes an SUV *less* versatile. If you don't need 4 doors then why buy a vehicle................ with 4 (ish) doors?
@Tim when they added the door to extra cab trucks the only 4 door trucks were big crew cab trucks usually dual rear wheel trucks. No small or 1/2 ton trucks had 4 doors in the US. It had nothing to do with bed length and everything to do with ease of entry. Climb into the back of a old K5 Blazer with the seat tilting and tell me the door on the FJ isn't a better idea. Toyota wanted the FJ to look like a two door. I maybe open my rear doors once a week. But it is handy when I need to grab something from the rear seat and especially when I am hauling cargo with the seats folded down. Again I have owned old blazers, scouts. Broncos. This is a great way to gain access without a b pillar. And the FJ is one of the safest SUVs out there even without one.
I still have my 2007 TRD with a factory TRD supercharger. I get more looks and comments now than I did while they were still in production. However, in Florida there a dozens of these just sitting in used car lots. Tommy, if you want a nice selection of these to buy for yourself, look at Orange county Florida. Heck, I know of 1 lot on Highway 50 near the 417 with 7 as of yesterday. "Best motors of Florida", you can see a few on google maps right now. Thanks for the video.
I love my FJ Cruiser. My Lexus is in the body shop so its currently my daily driver with all its offroad and camping accessories dangling off of it and its chunky 35s. It gets a lot of approving looks from kids who view it as a giant Tonka toy or disapproving looks from all the Tesla and Prius drivers. I mean how can you hate such an extremely fun vehicle?
I own a 2007 FJ Cruiser. Currently at 275,000 miles. Ive had it since 2010. Thing is a beast! I owned the new ford bronco for 10 months and sold the Bronco because I loved my toyota more. Blind spot is bad and I’ve replaced the windshield 5-6 times over 12 years. Other than that it is solid!
Met you at the Estes Park games and mentioned I bought an FJ and you seemed stoked to talk about it! Just wanted to say hi again and was cool to see you in the mini cooper.
Dude, you can eliminate nearly all the visibility issues if you'll stick a good size convex mirror on each of the outside mirrors. With your backup camera, you're good to go. That's what I did when I got my '07 in 2009. I learned to go that route when I owned a 350Z with its significant lack of visibility. Of course, I never heard anybody complaining about visibility on the 350. After all, it was a sports car. And the FJ is 10 times the vehicle... and the best vehicle I've ever owned... which is why I won't be selling it.
@DevilDog53 As indicated, I was speaking ONLY in terms of visibility! Having driven both for several years, dude, I think I should know. That said, the two vehicles are obviously, completely different which is why there was no need or reason to offer any other kind of comparison. My only other comment, and though I really liked the 350 a lot, was to state my specifically general opinion that the FJ is a better vehicle.
They can be compared. I owned a 2011 370Z. You got to be really good to navigate by mirror only. I totally understand. Put a backpack in the back of the Z, and it blocked the mirror lol.
I looked at one of these in 2007 but knocked my head on door while getting in for test drive. It also felt slightly cumbersome. Fast forward to 2019(pre Covid)and I found a 2014 with low miles for 25K. Never looked back since then. Any misgivings I ever had were proven wrong(except gas mileage of which I still avg. 18 mpg on 33 KO2’s. Owned every kinda 4 wheeler made and it stacks up pretty damn well.
@@magician4444able Bilstien 5100 shocks all around set on notch 3 for a level. It gives about a two to three in lift in front. Just a barely reverse rake.
@@magician4444able keep in mind that 33 inch claim is almost always exaggerated. I never measured myself but doubt they are much more than 32 1/2 inches, and that 1/2 inch can make all the difference. I have no rubbing but if it was truley 33 I’m pretty sure I’d have a little rub at full turn.
Bumping your head…I get it. At 6’3” I hit my head getting into most trucks, other than a GMC Sierra…which I drive. I dunno why vehicle manufacturers ignore a population that continues to grow taller with every generation.
I own the 2013 FJ Cruiser. Love it in deep snow. Only problem is the blind spots and narrow windshield. Have to be careful when approaching traffic lights suspended above. Have to distance a bit in order to see it. Still, I love this vehicle. Everyday commuting, hunting and camping.❤
I hit a sheet of ice on a road driving to work and went down a snow covered embankment in my 2007 Voodoo Blue FJ. I was going down through so much snow I couldn’t see out of my windshield. When I eventually stopped, there was no warning lights and the engine was still purring. Contemplating calling for an off-road recovery, I looked up the 45 degree slope, put it in 4-Lo, locked the rear diff, got a little bit of speed where it was flat and charged right back up the embankment. Not a scratch on her and still made it to work on time.
Great review! We recently had an FJ trail with us and it performed awesomely. It motivated me finally do a little research on it…and yours was the video I watched! So thank you! Subscribing!
The FJ is still sold in our markets to this date. Yesterday I was roaming the showrooms and saw many 2022 FJs. They only added a new after market infotainment system with apple car play and built-in air pump in the rear cargo area. I am actually thinking of getting one for the weekends' outdooring.
First test drive, it reminded me of my army days in hmmwv, so I passed. A few years later, I was still attracted to them so I gave it another try. Love it. I have 290k with no repairs other than maintenance. I added heated seats and it’s great it in the snow and even towing a respectable 5000#. Great vehicle that stopped deprecating in about 2015.
They most likely killed it because of the sales. After the third model year, they never broke 15,000 units a year in the United States. Meanwhile, since 2007 there were only three model years in which the Wrangler sold less than 100,000 units.
Actually, the FJ Cruiser is so well made that it wasn't very profitable for Toyota to keep making, so they stopped. I have a 2007, which were the first and best made editions, 245,000 mile on it and has never left me stranded, ultra reliable. Jeep Wranglers are no where near as well made as an FJ, Jeep wranglers are not built like original Jeeps they are built like your standard car.
@@periloustimez I wouldn't say the FJ is built any better than the 4Runner, they're essentially the same thing mechanically. I have a 5thgen 4Runner, I fully expect to hit over 300,000 mi without any major problems. I really think what killed the FJ was just its limited appeal. Look up the sales figures, in the US it sold about 50,000 units its first two model years, dropped to a little under 30,000 for 2009, then the rest of its run it never cracked 15,000 a year. You're definitely correct about it not being very profitable for Toyota, but I don't think it had anything to do with build quality. You mentioned the Wrangler, I think if the Wrangler was only still offered as a two-door it wouldn't be in production anymore either. Look at the take rate, you hardly ever see 2 door Wranglers. I think the same thing will hold true with the Bronco, they'll overwhelmingly sell more 4 doors than 2 doors. I think if Toyota had kept the FJ in production the sales may have improved, or if they brought it back it would be a hot seller for at least a while. But I think unless they offer a 4 door it would be the same story. What do you think, would it make sense to have a four-door FJ AND the 4Runner? Would you buy a four-door FJ? I think if they did that, they would push the 4Runner to more of a street friendly crossover if they had the FJ to be the rugged off- road type vehicle. Just my .02.
@@trailrunnah8886 During the financial crunch, the FJ sales tanked but so did the 4Runner sales. They were both selling less than 10000 a year in the US. Now the 4Runner is at about 40k. I think the 4Runner was more profitable and Toyota thought FJ owners would move up to the 4Runner. They heard all the complaints about visibility and suicide doors. What they underestimated was how much many FJ owners liked them. Remember that at the time they had the smaller Hummers and a lot of people though the FJ was as expensive and it never was. Every owner that had on kept it as long as possible or regretted getting rid of it. You just never heard from them but when you talked to them they told you.
@@denisleblanc4506 Ya but why buy this when it’s already in the stables of the company he is likely part owner of and probably set to inherit… Now he gets to enjoy both flavors for the price of 1 😉
@@FreakyT333 Because he could have driven it for the same period he will make payments on the Willis then sell it for more than he paid for. And...you can only drive one at a time. He wouldn't have to share it with the rest of the company. But, he's young, wants a convertible, wants a manual, and probably other reasons. He's made his choice and seems happy with it. So that's fine by me.
Fell in love when they came out in 2007. Not available in Australia until 2011. I drove out and bought one as soon as they were available and that was in 2011. Most favorite car I have ever owned.
I bought one in March 2020. Had to look on the various internet sites and found one 700 miles away fitting my criteria. I will say they bring a high price but I LOVE MINE. It's the toughest most dependable vehicle I've ever owned.
Hey Tommy I have news for you. This FJ cruiser is still selling brand new in very few countries and one of those is here in Colombia (south America) and you can go to the Toyota web page and buy a 2022 FJ cruiser.
The lack of B'pillar makes getting kids in and out of a child seat a breeze. Kids love our FJ and I think it makes a great family offroader as the kids ALWAYS want to go ride in it. Fitted a longrange auxiliary tank (which now cost $500 to fill the 190 ltrs) and that's solved the crap range in our 2012 model, which was the only issue I have with it.
In Laguna Beach there is a ridiculous number of FJ's. They must have been huge sellers around here when they were new. Love seeing them. So much more stylish than the Escalades and Yukons that are also everywhere here.
I absolutely love it! It's so quirky looking and the fact that it's combined with Toyota reliability, makes it really desirable. I think it looks really unique, especially with the three wipers. No other car really looks the same, and I think that makes it special. It also is a very good offroader, which is a very popular market segment right now. I think that it's unique style and Toyota badge name is why it's so expensive
I bought my fj Aug 23rd 2006. Traded my cobra svt mustang and a lit of money. Best thing I ever did. I still have it. 185000 miles and nothing but normal maintenance. Now I dont know what to do. Fix it up and keep forever, sell and buy something new, or buy something new and keep it forever. Lol
Even though I don’t want you guys to because the value will go up, you should pick up a manual 2005+ Xterra Off Road. They are so undervalued it’s sick.
@DevilDog53 Thats awesome. I guess I should clarify when I say undervalued I’m talking your typical 100-200k mile Xterra that sells for less than a quarter of the price of a similar Toyota.
I like the machined OEM wheels on your rig. Mine is a 2010, the same color, and has a dealer installed sunroof but has a set of 17' 4Runner wheels. I also have the OEM 16" 5 spoke 285/75 all terrains that will go on in a month or so since the ones on the 17's are Blizzak winter tires.
I recently purchased a 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser for 15k. It has a new engine with 98k miles on it. I’m in love! She’s going to need some work but it’s in really good shape
I bought a yellow 07 manual in January with 165k. Put 20k on it with no problems. Only complaint is the trim above windshield. Sometimes it whistles. Redid CV axles and upper ball joints for peace of mind light off road use. Also coated the entire frame with surface shield and the bits of rust have basically disappeared. Thing is a beast. I hit a deer in March and paid out of pocket almost 5k to have the front end put back together because I just couldn’t let it go.
Best feature button IMHO is the “RSCA Off” button - rear-side curtain airbag off. Because these airbags go off at 30 degrees side angle which was possible in this vehicle. Heritage Blue in 2014 TT Ultimate Edition was awesome. Manual gauges including the accelerometer lol. 6-speed Manual V6 and that thing could NOT get stuck. Everything but CRAWL control in the TT Ultimate Ed because it was a stick.
We bought a new 2008 in October of 2008. Because of the market crash and gas prices at the time it was marked down from its 32K window sticker to 24K. I had a 3 inch lift put on it, the Toyota bumper lights and replaced the radio with Kenwood Nav unit. We own 4 vehicles and it's our favorite. It's been 4 wheeled in California, Nevada, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. It's our weekend driver and only has 54,000 miles on the odometer. I'll never get rid of it.
Got my 08 FJ sittin in the breeze outside because the Hummer H1 takes up my garage spot. Maybe I should swap them out :P I bought my 08 at the height of the gas price crisis, it was the last one on the lot and the dealer just wanted to get rid of it because "nobody was buying SUV's" lol. Got it with the offroad package, nav and convenience package for $23k. Could probably get that much now with 153k on the odometer.
I have a video up on my channel of my parents 2010 FJ cruiser with only 73xxx km on it. Under 46xxx miles on it. Original owner. bone stock. I remember the retail of these brand new. I can't believe the asking prices on it now.. don't forget this is a Canadian version.. it's well kept
I bought my 2011 down in Erie, Colo & were taking it to Black Bears Pass 2 weeks from now. The person I got it from had a sunroof installed, it is lifted w/33" tires. I agree, the visibility isn't great but it is what it is. I paid $30 for it. We did Red Cone in it & it was great. :)
BTW, the review nailed it. All the pros and cons from a market/driver perspective. Have a 2015 Rubicon 2dr too in addition to the 2011 FJ. Love the look of the Jeep...very very capable, but.....its a Jeep and sad to say...it feels cheap.
I have a 2018 Jeep Wrangler & it’s far nicer than our former 2019 Toyota Tacoma, despite the Tacoma being a “higher trim” level. Toyota felt way cheaper. Swapped for a 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2, which has a very simple interior, but is far more capable than anything Toyota offers anywhere near the price point. It sounds like you’re confusing a simplistic interior (intended Wrangler design) for cheap.
I bought my '07 from a guy that had lost his job and was relocating to another area. While it is VERY capable off road, it wasn't serviced regularly and I have experienced issues with it. That is attributable to the previous owner. Fuel mileage isn't all that hot and interior space inside isn't either for the size vehicle it is. Leaks in the roof panels don't help either. I wouldn't sell it though.
Probably the most over engineered off road sports utility vehicle ever made just get underneath one and look they are unbelievable. They are worth every penny and more if you have one don't ever sell.
I have owned 6 Jeeps (Wranglers/GC/Commander) and my 2011 FJ MT is my forever rig. It does everything- ave 18 mpg, tows a 21 foot boat, snow beast! Easy to work on. The doors only suck in a paring lot when someone parks next to you.
In my country we get the model of the year, its demand continues to rise. In South America the Fj Cruiser is considered an indisputable icon, it is considered a Japanese machine with the best features. I have a 2011 and I won't change it for anything, it is and will be the car of my dreams.
I have a 2008 RWD I bought in November with 81K miles. Had all the fluids changed, new front brakes, alignment because of inside tire wear, and a power steering hose blew. So really nothing major except I had to have my roof sealed up professionally because of rain getting in. So praying for the best and a few hundred thousand more miles on it.
289K '07 and still solid..... normal fixes for this age/mileage - have been driving over 190K on the torque converter shutter .... just stay in 4th gear until at speed for fwy driving..... yes it's noisy and not that comfortable, yes I am on my 5th windshield - - - but it still is a tank and smooth at the same time..... no plans to sell,,,
First want to say the constant narration even when diving, then getting out in one continuous conversation was pretty darn cool. We had an '08 I convinced the wife to get (because I wanted one). It was that sand color and it reminded me of watching National Geographic as a kid. After having kids the suicide door was an issue getting car seats in and out so we sold it. I regretted it and looked around at other cars and a couple years later grabbed the 2014 UTT before they left the states and I love the thing. Now that my kids are a little older they love riding in my car because I put the Dukes of Hazzard theme on and every huge puddle gets FJ'ed and certain (light) offroad shortcuts. :D
I bought an 08 trail teams with 100k miles in March of 2020 right before the pandemic for only 18k. Killer deal. Thought about re selling and making a huge profit but could never give up my baby.
Hello fellow fj peeps, when you get just passed 100,000 miles on your baby be on the look out for your tensioners to start to wobble, it means possibly taking them off and checking them by shaking them and seeing how they roll still, I suggest just replace them. If not me and several others find they wobble and shred the belt and then it loops under the crank shaft pulley and can damage the front oil seal causing it to leak. It could be just me and this one ofter guy, but be on the look out for that. Other than that, it''s been great and such. good luck. mine is an 07 in the GRFE engine type
We have on 07. Our kids were 5 and 3 when we bought the FJ. The FJ is what momma wanted and we made it work and we still have it. Our youngest who was 3, is now driving it. Its been an extremely reliable vehicle.
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you're sitting on a gold mine my friend
Do they ever fight over driving it? I have 2 kids 5 and 7, and I'm worried they will both want it when they grow up.
@@LiL13izzy7 lol. No. We bought our oldest a used tundra and my wife was still driving the FJ at the time. We bought her a 4Runner now that the youngest is old enough to drive so the youngest gets the FJ
My wife wanted a vehicle like this and I found one a couple hundred miles away and bought it for her. When I went to pick it up I had the chance to drive it back home. That drive sold me on the FJ Cruiser so the very next weekend I found another one just an hour drive away so I went and bought it for myself. I couldn’t be happier to have two of these in my driveway. I am sure to keep them properly serviced and expect them to be with me a long time. Reliable, fun and comfortable. My wife’s 2007 with manual transmission remains stock with the TRD from the factory while I have modified my 2014 with suspension and lift, bigger tires, larger roof rack, front bumper with winch and added off-road lights. I’ve taken mine on Jeep trails that I would never have attempted with another vehicle and it never once disappointed me. Love the FJ!
You have a Instagram? I want to follow more fj cruiser pages lol
@@rafaelramos5891 no , but there are plenty out there to follow
Funny how you can afford a 2007 for the wife, but as soon as you want one, a 2014 is in the budget lol those are like double the price usually
@@GenuineLand well she now drives a 2014 as well but mine is still better! Lol! She had a shoulder injury on her right shoulder and couldn’t operate the 6 speed safely so we sold the 07 and got her an army green 2014 loaded out.
@@lanyouree8532 O I love the mean green machine! ❤️
My kid’s not being able to open the door - until I open the door - is a beautiful thing! Specially when dropping them off at school. Keeps them safe. 😊
Takes to long to shut both, with cars passing on the same side, seems like. But I see your perspective
I timed the shutting time to shut both doors today. Came in at 2.37 seconds. My sunroof in my Volvo comes in second at 3.91 seconds. @@stephenfiore9960
Amazing. Back in 2013 I almost bought one of the trail teams editions brand new and it was $37,000. I thought it was way too much for the "faults" of the FJ.
So what did you end up buying?
That's $44k + today.
That's expensive!
You missed yo chance
@@teop7887 But people will spend that kind of money on a vehicle today! That’s why we Americans don’t have any savings to speak of.
@@seandaman6509 No-I’m sure there’s a used one out there for $37K! 💸😆
I absolutely love my FJ! Even though it’s a 2008, it has less than 100,000 miles on it. One of the many reasons I love it is, because it’s not a fancy computerized car, it doesn’t take much to repair it. You don’t have to take half the car apart just to change the battery or a headlamp, for example. Very simple so that even this old lady can do it herself. 😉
Crawl Control was added in 2013 as part of one of the offroad packages. That's the same year that Toyota moved the RR DIFF LOCK / ATRAC buttons to the roof (IF equipped with crawl control), so it can be confusing to look at an FJ and not see those buttons below the radio. Then you remember to check for it up top.
Having offroaded both the FJ and 4Runner extensively here in Colorado, the main difference is how big the back end of the 4Runner feels. Departure angle, rear quarters all start to feel big on tight trails in our area on the 4Runner.
EVERYONE gets the idea of the secondary doors wrong- it’s not meant to compete with a four-full door vehicle. That’s the 4Runners place. The FJ is a two door SUV that has those half doors to add to its usability. Compare it to having to squeeze between the tilted front seat and the B-pillar of a two door Jeep or car- that’s where it makes sense. It’s not meant to be a four door mommymobile; it’s a two door suv that has easier access to the rear seat.
Worth every penny. This will outlast a wrangler and a bronco combined!
Absolutely
Unless you live where they use a ton of road salt
@@canalesivany they do and that’s my point - where they put down a ton of salt, FJs don’t last longer than ford or jeep because they all rot out in 12 or so years.
Try following a Jeep Wrangler and you’ll snap a tie rod end, axle and much more.
But it's still a garbage compared to Bronco and wrangler , and it will get stucked before even trying to compete with Bronco , typical turdota fangirl logic playing reliability card to defend their garbage hahahaha
Wow, the FJ was really ahead of its time huh? Now everyone wants an offroader like this lol.
I have a 2013 FJ in Army Green. I bought an immaculate used one, with a 89k well documented miles on it, for $18k in 2019 just before they exploded in value. I'll never sell it no matter how much it goes up in worth. It's the best car I've ever owned. Its such a major improvement in quality over the 2015 Forester I used to drive (which actually died 5k miles outside the warranty). The FJ just feels so solid. And it is an absolute BLAST to drive. It makes me smile every time I get in it.
According to this video, people didn't really like the suicide doors when this vehicle was on the market, but for me that was always the biggest selling point. It kept the vehicle short. I live in LA and I don't want to deal with driving a monster 4Runner in the city. The FJ is Toyota's ONLY compact 4x4. A Rav4 simply cannot do what the FJ can do offroad. Between 2008-2019, and until the FJ showed up, your only option for a modern compact 4x4 was a Jeep. Sure, Jeeps are a lot of fun, but they are wildly impractical and their reliability is just horrible. I suppose Land Rover was another option if you wanted to throw down $75-$150k on something even less reliable than a Jeep.
The FJ Cruiser just has it all. It's compact, it's unique and fun, it's wildly capable offroad, and it's useful both as a play vehicle and a work vehicle. Toyota desperately needs to revisit this market, which is the compact off-roader. The only thing I could see lowering FJ prices is if Toyota finally released another true 4x4 that fit within the segment. Ford recognized our desire for compact offroaders, and they jumped right in with the Bronco series. Those cars look like a ton of fun and they capture a lot of the spirit of the FJ, but they are also Fords and they have yet to prove themselves as beacons of reliability (I'd easily take them over a Jeep though). The FJ is proven. In fact, it is one of the most solid vehicles Toyota has ever made. To date, there is not a more reliable compact, off-road SUV on the road.
I smile every day I get in my FJ to drive to work. I also look at it out my window and smile to myself. I tell my wife it is my “second” love. ❤
I saw a guy who bought a Maserati double the price of this fj cruiser and it depreciated in a year let alone being at the mechanic several times. This alone makes me think Toyota is a gem the world need to see.
It’s not really comparable. Newer maseratis are extremely reliable if you take good care of them. I have both.
@harrygreen9548 um no way 😂 toyota is far far far superior regarding reliability.
@@TurnMaster you could be right. But their consistency in reliability over several models is what makes them known for reliability. In addition to that, since you can find it almost everywhere and many mechanics knows to work on them, there could be reasons.
@@boxoffisa I'm always right when it comes to cars 👍
Friend has one (2008) on original engine / tranny over 400,000 miles. Runs great. Very smooth. AC is all that doesn't work.
Canceled my Bronco order and purchased and FJ today. Drives as well if not better than the Bronco. Makes Jeep look like a tinker toy. I flipping love it!!! Toyota reliability all the way!!!
That was a mistake, but what do I know 🤷♂️
I just bought mine today 08 FJ with 177,000 miles. I feel blessed.. GREAT Vehicle 👍
look at it underneath for frame rust - I have a 2014 and it's exactly the same problem as the tacoma frames
it's criminal that they won't stop making frames that are like swiss cheese after 10 years like mine
the rest of mine is perfect and looks to be in amazing condition until you look underneath
Right now is a perfect time for Toyota to bring back the FJ, it will definitely sell well.
Risky lol they are expecting Joe to mess up the economy even more
@@vadimnesen8060…..LGB !!!
@@stephenfiore9960 LGBT
Doubtful they would sell...the auto market is screwed for now.
@@cgmiddle well people are still buying. My toyota dealer is out ,demand is high.
Im from Saudi Arabia and have had a yellow 2009 FJ cruiser since 2011- it was a great offer with zero kilometers. Now with almost 200k miles on it (313k Km) and it still drives amazingly. They are still made and sold to GCC countries with some tiny interior changes- But overall it’s the same car. Hassle free, quirky and lots of fun, most importantly it is damn reliable when you need it to be - especially when taking it off road onto the sand dunes.
I’ve owned a wrangler jk 2012 at the same time - also loads of fun, but not issue free.
I dont think I can ever have to stomach to sell my trusty fj - it’s outlived a lot of cars over the years that were nicer and faster, and it still impresses the hell out of me when I thought I’ve seen everything this car is capable of.
nice to live where gas price doesnt matter
@@karusorobles6807 that used to be the case around 2 years ago. Gas prices were on the rise, now they’re subsidized by the government and a liter of 95 octane is around $0.5. Definitely not as expensive as stateside, but at one point gas was cheaper than water.
I own a 2007 FJ 4x4 Base model with TRD exhaust, factory rock sliders, ATrac, rear differential lock, parking assist, premium sound and a 400 watt power inverter, it’s in better condition then a lot of 2014 models I’ve seen. It’s a great little rig and completely rust free.
I will never sell it........ keep the FJ videos coming. 🙂👍🏻
I absolutely love my FJ, I've wanted one since I was very first starting to drive but needed a truck for towing horse trailers. Now that I am out of that world, I purchased mt FJ last year and I am IN LOVE. It's so safe feeling, easy to drive, sturdy, spacious inside, and so versatile. I love the doors actually, at first I was hesitant but it makes it so spacious when you are opening it up and working inside, or camping in there. As well as the back door opening sideways, love it! Blind spots are easily fixable with extra mirrors and the right sitting position. I love it and I hope I never have to sell it.
Just bought a 07 voodoo blue FJ with 51,000 miles on her for 24k. Worth every freaking penny.
I have the o7...have it for 4 years...I have 180,00. Same tranny, same engine..not much but fluid changes..big expense was a rear diff pumpkin..that's it still going.
My parents got the 2007 FJ brand new and still own it. The only issues they’ve had have been with the trim above the windshield. Other than that, 200k+ miles later it still runs perfectly
That's coincidentally hilarious because the EXACT same scenario can be said about my neighbor who I asked to check out his FJ cruiser, his is also an '07 and that exact same issue with the trim above windshield is the only issue he had. And it wouldn't have even been an issue in the 1st place if the people replacing his windshield didn't tear it off like a bunch of wild animals, not taking care to consider it might be clipped into place.
I had my windshield replaced & started to get a noise while driving that was the piece above the windshield vibrating as air was being forced under it & the rubber seal was not coping. I ran a piece of pvc electical tape along the full length sealing the rubber to the windshield. No more noise. I redo it before winter & it usually lasts a year.
I just got my 2007 and I love it so much! Always wanted one I hope to keep it for along time
How much maintenance has it taken? Any replacements of alternator water pumps etc. these don’t last forever with any car so curious
Please do more content with this!! I was so excited to see you guys get one of these and youve made like 3 videos with it lol I'd love to see more!
Bought a 2011 in 2017. Love it. Everyday driver. Best vehicle I have ever owned.
Where i live you can get a brand new 2022 FJ Cruiser for 14,000 OMR = 37,000 USD 😅
Got my 2014 fj and I’m going to keep it forever because I know that it WILL last forever! Can’t say that with many rigs. Lol great video as always!!
Nice. I have a 2014 BMW X5 that broke down more times than I can remember... and boy is it costly to fix. Should have listen to my dad when he told me german cars are made of chinese plastic.
@@TwiztedJugallo 🤣 so true, BMW rides nice but you have to put up with repair cost
Was reading this! when, suddenly a bmw ad showed up during this video
They are being built; they just aren't being sold here. I've heard they're sold at least in the Middle east and in the Philippines. I'd love to see them update them and bring them back to the US.
Yes!!...you would think Toyota, being the money and market-savvy corp that they are, would cash in on this insane US SUV market. Perhaps they think the FJ dilutes their 4Runner, Sequoia, Highlander, Land Cruiser families?
@@frankstrick7000 Well, no competition for Land Cruiser; they killed that model last model year, too.
Had a 2007 TRD Special Edition in Black that I ended up putting a 3" Walker Evans reservoir coil over lift on and it was great. Got rid of it with around 200k miles on it still running like new. It was a ton of fun offroad which I did 3 or 4 times a month for the entire time I owned it.
Every review talks about the split doors as a negative. Remember when the first suicide half door for a extra cab trucks was a huge deal. Everyone loved that. Works the same. For me the thing everyone misses is the size of a FJ. It's the same wheelbase and length of a K5 Blazer or original full size bronco. Just 2 inches narrower. It's the perfect size. Great cargo room without folding seat down. Also because of the large rear door and side doors. You can access the roof rack easily. Not all of us need 4 doors. One more thing. Since Toyota still builds the exact same FJ and it still would meet crash standards. Toyota could easily bring them back in. Do a limited run each year. Sell at $50k+ they won't because those people will just buy a 4 Runner. Also have you looked at what old 4 runners bring. They hold their values extremely well too.
Agreed.
That's because it made a truck *more* versatile by allowing for a larger bed.
This makes an SUV *less* versatile.
If you don't need 4 doors then why buy a vehicle................ with 4 (ish) doors?
@@tim3172
I don’t need 4 doors but this makes it easier for me to access the back seat where I throw my things.
@Tim when they added the door to extra cab trucks the only 4 door trucks were big crew cab trucks usually dual rear wheel trucks. No small or 1/2 ton trucks had 4 doors in the US. It had nothing to do with bed length and everything to do with ease of entry. Climb into the back of a old K5 Blazer with the seat tilting and tell me the door on the FJ isn't a better idea. Toyota wanted the FJ to look like a two door. I maybe open my rear doors once a week. But it is handy when I need to grab something from the rear seat and especially when I am hauling cargo with the seats folded down. Again I have owned old blazers, scouts. Broncos. This is a great way to gain access without a b pillar. And the FJ is one of the safest SUVs out there even without one.
Is it suicide, because it takes so long to close
Not the 4Runner, the Prado is nearly the same vehicle and built on the same assembly line. Both are Land Cruisers.
Same like 4Runner also. Look underneath
2013, FJ in quicksand color with only 43k. Stock no add ons or upgrades. I will pass this truck to my son when I’m gone.
I still have my 2007 TRD with a factory TRD supercharger. I get more looks and comments now than I did while they were still in production. However, in Florida there a dozens of these just sitting in used car lots. Tommy, if you want a nice selection of these to buy for yourself, look at Orange county Florida. Heck, I know of 1 lot on Highway 50 near the 417 with 7 as of yesterday. "Best motors of Florida", you can see a few on google maps right now. Thanks for the video.
I love my FJ Cruiser. My Lexus is in the body shop so its currently my daily driver with all its offroad and camping accessories dangling off of it and its chunky 35s. It gets a lot of approving looks from kids who view it as a giant Tonka toy or disapproving looks from all the Tesla and Prius drivers. I mean how can you hate such an extremely fun vehicle?
I just bought a 2022 New in the Philippines. Thanks for the cool relaxed vid!
Congratulations. I hope you enjoy it and keep it forever. Regular cab Tacoma owner...that's my plan.
I’m a subscriber. I’m tempted to get one when I move there after seeing your video! I love the looks too!
What was the USA equivalent price??
I own a 2007 FJ Cruiser. Currently at 275,000 miles. Ive had it since 2010. Thing is a beast! I owned the new ford bronco for 10 months and sold the Bronco because I loved my toyota more. Blind spot is bad and I’ve replaced the windshield 5-6 times over 12 years. Other than that it is solid!
This is a very, very good video! Never seen anybody talk about the FJ this way. Congratulations!
Met you at the Estes Park games and mentioned I bought an FJ and you seemed stoked to talk about it! Just wanted to say hi again and was cool to see you in the mini cooper.
Dude, you can eliminate nearly all the visibility issues if you'll stick a good size convex mirror on each of the outside mirrors. With your backup camera, you're good to go. That's what I did when I got my '07 in 2009. I learned to go that route when I owned a 350Z with its significant lack of visibility. Of course, I never heard anybody complaining about visibility on the 350. After all, it was a sports car. And the FJ is 10 times the vehicle... and the best vehicle I've ever owned... which is why I won't be selling it.
@DevilDog53 As indicated, I was speaking ONLY in terms of visibility! Having driven both for several years, dude, I think I should know. That said, the two vehicles are obviously, completely different which is why there was no need or reason to offer any other kind of comparison. My only other comment, and though I really liked the 350 a lot, was to state my specifically general opinion that the FJ is a better vehicle.
They can be compared. I owned a 2011 370Z. You got to be really good to navigate by mirror only. I totally understand. Put a backpack in the back of the Z, and it blocked the mirror lol.
I looked at one of these in 2007 but knocked my head on door while getting in for test drive. It also felt slightly cumbersome. Fast forward to 2019(pre Covid)and I found a 2014 with low miles for 25K. Never looked back since then. Any misgivings I ever had were proven wrong(except gas mileage of which I still avg. 18 mpg on 33 KO2’s. Owned every kinda 4 wheeler made and it stacks up pretty damn well.
Did you lift your FJ, to fit 33' KO2?
@@magician4444able Bilstien 5100 shocks all around set on notch 3 for a level. It gives about a two to three in lift in front. Just a barely reverse rake.
@@fritty9927
Thanks bro 🙏
@@magician4444able keep in mind that 33 inch claim is almost always exaggerated. I never measured myself but doubt they are much more than 32 1/2 inches, and that 1/2 inch can make all the difference. I have no rubbing but if it was truley 33 I’m pretty sure I’d have a little rub at full turn.
Bumping your head…I get it. At 6’3” I hit my head getting into most trucks, other than a GMC Sierra…which I drive. I dunno why vehicle manufacturers ignore a population that continues to grow taller with every generation.
I own the 2013 FJ Cruiser. Love it in deep snow. Only problem is the blind spots and narrow windshield. Have to be careful when approaching traffic lights suspended above. Have to distance a bit in order to see it. Still, I love this vehicle. Everyday commuting, hunting and camping.❤
I got the 76th 07’FJ ever sold in the US. It’s a dream
I hit a sheet of ice on a road driving to work and went down a snow covered embankment in my 2007 Voodoo Blue FJ. I was going down through so much snow I couldn’t see out of my windshield. When I eventually stopped, there was no warning lights and the engine was still purring. Contemplating calling for an off-road recovery, I looked up the 45 degree slope, put it in 4-Lo, locked the rear diff, got a little bit of speed where it was flat and charged right back up the embankment. Not a scratch on her and still made it to work on time.
I owned the 6 speed stick shift - all time 4wheel - I loved it - I think Toyota will some day bring it back in the U.S.
Toyota needs to come out with a follow up to the FJ, huge miss with no direct competitor to Wrangler or Bronco. Take another stab at a retro FJ40
They have a simple, 2 door Land Cruiser Prado in production already that would line up perfectly against the base Wrangler and Bronco.
Great review! We recently had an FJ trail with us and it performed awesomely. It motivated me finally do a little research on it…and yours was the video I watched! So thank you! Subscribing!
The FJ is still sold in our markets to this date. Yesterday I was roaming the showrooms and saw many 2022 FJs. They only added a new after market infotainment system with apple car play and built-in air pump in the rear cargo area.
I am actually thinking of getting one for the weekends' outdooring.
First test drive, it reminded me of my army days in hmmwv, so I passed. A few years later, I was still attracted to them so I gave it another try. Love it. I have 290k with no repairs other than maintenance. I added heated seats and it’s great it in the snow and even towing a respectable 5000#. Great vehicle that stopped deprecating in about 2015.
My 2008 FJ TT has 5K towing. 4 Door Wranglers are 3,500K. 2013-14 Fj’s are rated at 4,700K.
They most likely killed it because of the sales. After the third model year, they never broke 15,000 units a year in the United States. Meanwhile, since 2007 there were only three model years in which the Wrangler sold less than 100,000 units.
Actually, the FJ Cruiser is so well made that it wasn't very profitable for Toyota to keep making, so they stopped. I have a 2007, which were the first and best made editions, 245,000 mile on it and has never left me stranded, ultra reliable. Jeep Wranglers are no where near as well made as an FJ, Jeep wranglers are not built like original Jeeps they are built like your standard car.
@@periloustimez I wouldn't say the FJ is built any better than the 4Runner, they're essentially the same thing mechanically. I have a 5thgen 4Runner, I fully expect to hit over 300,000 mi without any major problems.
I really think what killed the FJ was just its limited appeal. Look up the sales figures, in the US it sold about 50,000 units its first two model years, dropped to a little under 30,000 for 2009, then the rest of its run it never cracked 15,000 a year. You're definitely correct about it not being very profitable for Toyota, but I don't think it had anything to do with build quality.
You mentioned the Wrangler, I think if the Wrangler was only still offered as a two-door it wouldn't be in production anymore either. Look at the take rate, you hardly ever see 2 door Wranglers. I think the same thing will hold true with the Bronco, they'll overwhelmingly sell more 4 doors than 2 doors.
I think if Toyota had kept the FJ in production the sales may have improved, or if they brought it back it would be a hot seller for at least a while. But I think unless they offer a 4 door it would be the same story.
What do you think, would it make sense to have a four-door FJ AND the 4Runner? Would you buy a four-door FJ?
I think if they did that, they would push the 4Runner to more of a street friendly crossover if they had the FJ to be the rugged off- road type vehicle. Just my .02.
@@trailrunnah8886 During the financial crunch, the FJ sales tanked but so did the 4Runner sales. They were both selling less than 10000 a year in the US. Now the 4Runner is at about 40k. I think the 4Runner was more profitable and Toyota thought FJ owners would move up to the 4Runner. They heard all the complaints about visibility and suicide doors. What they underestimated was how much many FJ owners liked them. Remember that at the time they had the smaller Hummers and a lot of people though the FJ was as expensive and it never was. Every owner that had on kept it as long as possible or regretted getting rid of it. You just never heard from them but when you talked to them they told you.
Please Tommy give us an off-road head to head with your Willys, they literally cost the same for very similar type vehicle 😉
I still think he should have bought this instead of his Wrangler. Daddy would have made him a deal.
@@denisleblanc4506 Ya but why buy this when it’s already in the stables of the company he is likely part owner of and probably set to inherit… Now he gets to enjoy both flavors for the price of 1 😉
@@FreakyT333 Because he could have driven it for the same period he will make payments on the Willis then sell it for more than he paid for. And...you can only drive one at a time. He wouldn't have to share it with the rest of the company. But, he's young, wants a convertible, wants a manual, and probably other reasons. He's made his choice and seems happy with it. So that's fine by me.
Fell in love when they came out in 2007. Not available in Australia until 2011. I drove out and bought one as soon as they were available and that was in 2011. Most favorite car I have ever owned.
Tommy does such a good job with these commentaries.
I bought one in March 2020. Had to look on the various internet sites and found one 700 miles away fitting my criteria. I will say they bring a high price but I LOVE MINE. It's the toughest most dependable vehicle I've ever owned.
Hey Tommy I have news for you. This FJ cruiser is still selling brand new in very few countries and one of those is here in Colombia (south America) and you can go to the Toyota web page and buy a 2022 FJ cruiser.
I would buy a 2 door Land Cruiser Sumo if I was shopping for a Toyota 4X4 in Colombia.
I have a 08 that's still stock and I've run it all over Idaho with no problems at all.
2022 models still available in South Africa we love them here.
I own a 2010 Trail Teams Edition that I bought new in 2010. I only have 37,000 miles on it.
The lack of B'pillar makes getting kids in and out of a child seat a breeze. Kids love our FJ and I think it makes a great family offroader as the kids ALWAYS want to go ride in it. Fitted a longrange auxiliary tank (which now cost $500 to fill the 190 ltrs) and that's solved the crap range in our 2012 model, which was the only issue I have with it.
Have you ever got crap gas and had to use it all up ?
In Laguna Beach there is a ridiculous number of FJ's. They must have been huge sellers around here when they were new. Love seeing them. So much more stylish than the Escalades and Yukons that are also everywhere here.
I absolutely love it! It's so quirky looking and the fact that it's combined with Toyota reliability, makes it really desirable. I think it looks really unique, especially with the three wipers. No other car really looks the same, and I think that makes it special. It also is a very good offroader, which is a very popular market segment right now. I think that it's unique style and Toyota badge name is why it's so expensive
I bought my fj Aug 23rd 2006. Traded my cobra svt mustang and a lit of money. Best thing I ever did. I still have it. 185000 miles and nothing but normal maintenance. Now I dont know what to do. Fix it up and keep forever, sell and buy something new, or buy something new and keep it forever. Lol
Even though I don’t want you guys to because the value will go up, you should pick up a manual 2005+ Xterra Off Road. They are so undervalued it’s sick.
@DevilDog53 Thats awesome. I guess I should clarify when I say undervalued I’m talking your typical 100-200k mile Xterra that sells for less than a quarter of the price of a similar Toyota.
I always liked the Xterras.
I like the machined OEM wheels on your rig. Mine is a 2010, the same color, and has a dealer installed sunroof but has a set of 17' 4Runner wheels. I also have the OEM 16" 5 spoke 285/75 all terrains that will go on in a month or so since the ones on the 17's are Blizzak winter tires.
I started seeing a lot of these in DFW last year. Never really seen them before but I love them. Wish they’d start making them again!
I recently purchased a 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser for 15k. It has a new engine with 98k miles on it. I’m in love! She’s going to need some work but it’s in really good shape
In 2008 I paid $24,700 brand new. Still driving it today.
I love the access cab doors! Please bring this back!
I bought a yellow 07 manual in January with 165k. Put 20k on it with no problems. Only complaint is the trim above windshield. Sometimes it whistles. Redid CV axles and upper ball joints for peace of mind light off road use. Also coated the entire frame with surface shield and the bits of rust have basically disappeared. Thing is a beast. I hit a deer in March and paid out of pocket almost 5k to have the front end put back together because I just couldn’t let it go.
Best feature button IMHO is the “RSCA Off” button - rear-side curtain airbag off. Because these airbags go off at 30 degrees side angle which was possible in this vehicle. Heritage Blue in 2014 TT Ultimate Edition was awesome. Manual gauges including the accelerometer lol. 6-speed Manual V6 and that thing could NOT get stuck.
Everything but CRAWL control in the TT Ultimate Ed because it was a stick.
I really wish I'd have bought one back when they were new! They're so ridiculously cool!
We bought a new 2008 in October of 2008. Because of the market crash and gas prices at the time it was marked down from its 32K window sticker to 24K. I had a 3 inch lift put on it, the Toyota bumper lights and replaced the radio with Kenwood Nav unit. We own 4 vehicles and it's our favorite. It's been 4 wheeled in California, Nevada, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. It's our weekend driver and only has 54,000 miles on the odometer. I'll never get rid of it.
On point evaluation Tommy great job
The price of the new 2022 full option in Saudi Arabia is 40k💰
th-cam.com/video/_eXaiqtIapc/w-d-xo.html
Got my 08 FJ sittin in the breeze outside because the Hummer H1 takes up my garage spot. Maybe I should swap them out :P I bought my 08 at the height of the gas price crisis, it was the last one on the lot and the dealer just wanted to get rid of it because "nobody was buying SUV's" lol. Got it with the offroad package, nav and convenience package for $23k. Could probably get that much now with 153k on the odometer.
That motor is amazing. FYI the 2015 and older Tacomas have the same motor. These are bullet proof vehicles unlike newer Toyotas including new Tacoma.
I have a video up on my channel of my parents 2010 FJ cruiser with only 73xxx km on it. Under 46xxx miles on it. Original owner. bone stock. I remember the retail of these brand new. I can't believe the asking prices on it now.. don't forget this is a Canadian version.. it's well kept
I bought my 2011 down in Erie, Colo & were taking it to Black Bears Pass 2 weeks from now. The person I got it from had a sunroof installed, it is lifted w/33" tires. I agree, the visibility isn't great but it is what it is. I paid $30 for it. We did Red Cone in it & it was great. :)
BTW, the review nailed it. All the pros and cons from a market/driver perspective. Have a 2015 Rubicon 2dr too in addition to the 2011 FJ. Love the look of the Jeep...very very capable, but.....its a Jeep and sad to say...it feels cheap.
I have a 2018 Jeep Wrangler & it’s far nicer than our former 2019 Toyota Tacoma, despite the Tacoma being a “higher trim” level. Toyota felt way cheaper. Swapped for a 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2, which has a very simple interior,
but is far more capable than anything Toyota offers anywhere near the price point. It sounds like you’re confusing a simplistic interior (intended Wrangler design) for cheap.
I bought my '07 from a guy that had lost his job and was relocating to another area. While it is VERY capable off road, it wasn't serviced regularly and I have experienced issues with it. That is attributable to the previous owner. Fuel mileage isn't all that hot and interior space inside isn't either for the size vehicle it is. Leaks in the roof panels don't help either. I wouldn't sell it though.
Just a nice man speaking about how much he loves the FJ for 12 mins ❤
Probably the most over engineered off road sports utility vehicle ever made just get underneath one and look they are unbelievable. They are worth every penny and more if you have one don't ever sell.
I have owned 6 Jeeps (Wranglers/GC/Commander) and my 2011 FJ MT is my forever rig. It does everything- ave 18 mpg, tows a 21 foot boat, snow beast! Easy to work on. The doors only suck in a paring lot when someone parks next to you.
I dig these new video formats, Tommy. Super cool
In my country we get the model of the year, its demand continues to rise. In South America the Fj Cruiser is considered an indisputable icon, it is considered a Japanese machine with the best features. I have a 2011 and I won't change it for anything, it is and will be the car of my dreams.
My 2013 FJ has Crawl Control and it's awesome. I'm often out there 4x4ing alone. Crawl Control has made life so much easier.
I have a 2008 RWD I bought in November with 81K miles. Had all the fluids changed, new front brakes, alignment because of inside tire wear, and a power steering hose blew. So really nothing major except I had to have my roof sealed up professionally because of rain getting in. So praying for the best and a few hundred thousand more miles on it.
I just got an ‘07 sun fusion with 190K miles and Idk how they kept the body looks like new. Some dents and it is a 2WD but I love it😃❤️
Love my 2012 Trail Teams. Great review. Totally agree with pros and cons.
Because it looks like a Bronco, but runs like a Toyota. LOL.
Glad you mentioned the Xterra, definitely an underappreciated gem
I never noticed they had 3 wipers lol.. cool!
I have a 2014 Ultimate edition with 125k miles, I love it, its built like a tank, but I'll sell it for the right price
I got an FJ, one of the coolest cars on the plantet
I was at my friends house and seen their neighbors FJ for the first time! After that I promised myself I’ll get one someday! 👍
I have a FJ cruiser 2014 ultimate edition with a little over 45k miles, I’m planning to sell it.
289K '07 and still solid..... normal fixes for this age/mileage - have been driving over 190K on the torque converter shutter .... just stay in 4th gear until at speed for fwy driving..... yes it's noisy and not that comfortable, yes I am on my 5th windshield - - - but it still is a tank and smooth at the same time..... no plans to sell,,,
The FJ kept the 2 door look which I like , I did not even know about the back doors until I went to buy one
My third door sonoma had the driver seatbelt on the third door. That was annoying too when opening
First want to say the constant narration even when diving, then getting out in one continuous conversation was pretty darn cool.
We had an '08 I convinced the wife to get (because I wanted one). It was that sand color and it reminded me of watching National Geographic as a kid. After having kids the suicide door was an issue getting car seats in and out so we sold it.
I regretted it and looked around at other cars and a couple years later grabbed the 2014 UTT before they left the states and I love the thing. Now that my kids are a little older they love riding in my car because I put the Dukes of Hazzard theme on and every huge puddle gets FJ'ed and certain (light) offroad shortcuts. :D
Where I live in CT I must see 2 or 3 EVERY day.
I have seen a couple of convertible versions. I guess they were custom conversions. But they looked nice. When in Boise, you see a lot of these.
I bought an 08 trail teams with 100k miles in March of 2020 right before the pandemic for only 18k. Killer deal. Thought about re selling and making a huge profit but could never give up my baby.
Hello fellow fj peeps, when you get just passed 100,000 miles on your baby be on the look out for your tensioners to start to wobble, it means possibly taking them off and checking them by shaking them and seeing how they roll still, I suggest just replace them. If not me and several others find they wobble and shred the belt and then it loops under the crank shaft pulley and can damage the front oil seal causing it to leak. It could be just me and this one ofter guy, but be on the look out for that. Other than that, it''s been great and such. good luck. mine is an 07 in the GRFE engine type