Toyota FJ Cruiser?

[criticalbass]

I plan to upgrade my 4x4. It's an '84 K-5 Blazer that'll be for sale pretty soon. This is the reason for my long running gun ad in the classifieds.

I have become very interested in getting a Toyota FJ Cruiser. Seems to be about what I think I need.

Anybody here have experience with these? So far I have identified two issues. Hard to see back and beside, and too darned expensive. Still think I want one, but would like some input from others. CB

 

[bigfug]

FJ Cruiser? like late model? or the original FJ's?

 

[-Maximus-]

My wife and I have an '08 trail teams edition, basically just comes with all the trail upgrades (rock rails, all terrains, skid plates, roof rack, etc). While on trails back seaters don't have the best views out the sides, but up front for trailin' it is a great view. Before next summer we are planning to lift it 3 or 4 inches and get a winch. This will allow us to go on any trail I'm interested in here in Colorado. We have already crossed off a handful of 14ers with the stock version. Birdseye gulch off of Mosquito pass was easily the most difficult trail we conquered (would not recommend it solo from the highway to mosquito, the mud hole will eat your lunch and no way to winch out). Followed in toughness by Tomichi due to the avalanche from this year.

Driving it for everyday is almost out of the question, for us, due to the bad gas mileage in town. Its our trailin vehicle and we love it. After the house is paid for I'm eyeing the all green '11 trail teams edition.

 

[criticalbass]

FJ Cruiser? like late model? or the original FJ's?

The one that they first offered in '07. It's a V-6 with suicide doors. Here's a stock picture that I'm drooling over. CB

 

[Lone Wolf '49]

I am old, but I was excited when I read about the concept thingy on this vehicle. I have for hunting only, ONLY, a 90 Toyota ext cab 4WD pickup. I thought I wanted an FJ, but when I saw them in person on the lot, NO WAY, but you must consider this, if you hunt how much stuff can you put in it. I go places I would not want to take a pretty vehicle like that. Just sayin'. I know guys that have ol' trucks we can take anyplace, but a new one? What do you plan on doing with it? Hunt? No room in the FJ for what I want to take and the MEAT I want to bring home. In fact one year had the truck in the shop and I took my Honda CRV and hauled the deer in that, but it wasn't treacherous land either. Just consider that. Only people I know that have them are two neighbors and they are not HUNTERS, so they for them are for show. Just my half cent of knowledge.

 

[criticalbass]

Yeah, I may have been seduced by beauty. My hunting spots are pretty tame, and I have help from folks with other vehicles for hauling bodies, but the gas mileage (this would be a daily driver too) isn't the greatest. The ride is nice, and it'll go lots of rough places if necessary, but I am beginning to widen my search.n CB

 

[jbarnett]

I saw one today that was black and white and lifted. It was purdy.

 

[RidgeHunter]

No FJ, but I have an 07 4WD Tacoma which is very similar mechanically (identical drivetrain).

Just cracked 100K with no problems, and I use it, with the dents and scratches to prove it. Wheeling a new truck gets easier after the first scratch.

If you like the FJ, you should be satisfied by offroad capability and reliability. They are decent enough stock, add a quality suspension and 33's and you have one handy little vehicle. I like the rubber floor, all 4WD trucks should have that.

I saw a stock dark green/cream one today and was thinking how sweet it would be on black steelies and 33" muds. I almost bought one, but chose the Taco because I thought too many yuppies would buy FJ's. I was right, but they are still good vehicles.

 

[SoonerBorn]

Huge blind spots

 

[Talacker]

Pros: very roomy front seats, smooth ride (relative), nice looking, outstanding off road machine, no carpeting

Cons: not the best gas mileage, poor visibility, small backseat, windshield prone to cracks, can't take the top off, design is almost too cartoony