Even with all the reasons to not buy an FJ Cruiser, I’ve found more reasons to own one. I’ve owned three so far and currently both my wife and myself drive 2014 models. The advantages outweigh the disadvantages for us. I personally love the looks of the FJ and can spot one a mile away. They always catch my eye. Love them or hate them, they are still a great vehicle with lots of reliability and longevity and versatility. Not for everyone but they are right for me. (Every dentist needs at least one).
totally agreed with you. I have discarded my Wrangler and Defender after I bought a FJ Cruiser. Low in maintenance , easy to maintain, no headache related to electronic and the chassis is definitely designed to test the off road
So very true, I may pay for higher gas prices, but when I sleep in my FJ, I am already saving $100 to $300 per night at the places I ride. Just checkout the nightly rates at Moab, Utah - or anywhere near Arches National Park. I have saved thousands of dollars just moon docking in my FJ on BLM lands.
My 2007 FJ just hit 300k and the only issues ive ever had were the ignition coils like clockwork failing at every 100k miles, its never had any engine or trans issues. It does take skill to drive but its by far the best vehicle i have ever owned. i plan on doing minimal maintenance and look forward to 500k miles. My only real issue is trying to find good front seats to replace the ones ive worn out after 300k miles and driving all over the country. I paid 12k in 2012 for mine and it still appraised for 11k best investment in a vehicle ive ever made.
Just found this video and have nothing but good things to say! I'm on my second FJ and will likely have a 3rd if a good deal comes along. My first was a Voodoo Blue 2007 2WD. It had a branded title due to a theft recovery total loss, which made it hard to sell for the dealer who had it for almost a year. (Lenders do not like branded titles). I made a cash offer and the dealer reluctantly accepted. It had 99k miles at purchase, it needed the crank sensor replaced, a new windshield, and tires. Beyond general services and another set of tires at 150k, I had no repair issues up to 225k miles when I sold it...wholesale to a dealer.....for $1500.00 more than I paid for it!!!! My next FJ is a 2011 4WD TRD in White. It had less factory options than the 2007 (no temp, compass pod, and no sub in the rear) but the backup cam was a welcomed addition (even with the tiny view). This one had a previous life on a farm, complete with the back full of hay, and lots of loose bumper trim in the rear (lets say black zip ties are much cheaper than body panel clips). I've got a few strange dents where it seems the doors may have swung into the front fenders. Purchased with 212k miles and going on the second set of tires, it now has 273k miles and other than regular maintenance I've had to put in a new fuel pump (in the tank...go in from the rear floor...but a quick fix once parts were found). I use mine for business travel, not off-road, but they "fit me" and if I made any alteration, it would be a less spartan drivers seat...I've often considered swapping out for the front row out of a 4runner. Looking at values, even considering the miles and flaws on the body, I'm confident the 2011 is still worth what I initially paid for it. But I can't replace it with a lower mileage 13 or 14 for less than double. These vehicles really do not depreciate if you take into consideration wear and tear, which makes them hard to obtain...a great problem to have, I guess.
We sleep in the FJ perfectly and are 6ft1 to 6ft4. And a simple blow up air matters in the back with out anything else. Makes it perfect, you can not feel the raise to the front. And if you think you do. You can always but a towel under your legs. As that where it dips anyhow. Not a big deal when Traveling a sleeping in the FJ. we did an 8000+ mile Road trip around the United States and it was perfect!
Wow! A courageous spot on assessment of the bloated Goochie body of the remake of the timeless FJ. When a company in New Hampshire can find and rebuild old style FJs and sell them for $40,000 that proves the old style is worth using. No one at Toyota is listening to that, sadly.
As the original owner of a 2007 Voodoo Blue FJ with the automatic transmission and part-time 4 wheel drive, and here are the problems I have encountered. Mine has a build date of Feb 2007 and came with the UR Upgrade package 2 so it has the rear diff lock and A-trac. It currently has about 140,400 miles on it. I've had all the maintenance and service done at my local Toyota dealer based on the schedule that came with it and opted for the extended warranty of 6-years/100K. The extended warranty didn't help me much because it expired long before I got to 100K on it. Anyway, the water pump started leaking at about 70,600 miles and this was the first major thing to happen, about a month after my 6-year warranty ended. I was able to convince Toyota to replace it, because it had clearly started leaking before the warranty expired, but they hadn't caught it when doing the previous oil change at 70K and I only just noticed it by dumb luck. My alternator died at 108,8460 with no warning while I was running errands, leaving me stranded in a Target parking lot with groceries. My rear differential start growling quite loudly a couple of months later and needed to be rebuilt at 109,450. Toyota doesn't do rebuilds, so I took it to transmission specialty shop. At about 120K, the lift mechanism for the drivers seat broke when I hit a really big pothole causing the seat to drop from the highest up position to the floor while I was driving. I like to drive with the seat up as high as it will go and it would slowly sink over time (i'm not the skinniest person on the planet) so every couple of weeks, I'd have to give the handle a couple of pumps to raise the seat back up. I've also had problems with the outer side bolster and seat cushion wearing and getting holes from sliding in and out of the car, as well as the rubber weatherstrip on the driver-side suicide door wearing through because I must be hitting it when I climb in. I am tall so I have the driver's seat positioned as far back as it will go and in that position I must be rubbing against the weatherstrip, although I never feel it. What else? Mostly minor maintenance things like both front outer CV boots developed small holes and cracks around 130K. I replaced the PCV valve at 133K because the original was leaking. Replaced the windshield twice. I'm having some paint issues with pealing of the clear coat on the front plastic cowl above the grill. I've noticed this on quite a few older Voodoo Blue FJs and I think it might be because of the engine temps affecting the plastic? That's just a guess. Also I don't like how badly the headlight covers have frosted over with age and even though I've restored them a couple of times, it doesn't seem to last. I never had issues with the blind spots because I'm used to driving a VW camper with tons of blind spots, so with a 3-inch round spot mirror installed on each outside mirror, that seems to work for me. I also installed the side sun visors. This is a very simple install with almost no modification needed to add them to the earlier FJs and I highly recommend them. I love my FJ and hope to keep it until I can't drive anymore. Please keep posting these great videos!
Interesting. I think the upright square look is wonderful. Mine has very little wind noise at even freeway speeds and I have a rack. I pay less for gas on my FJ than all the other cars. That happens due to me driving it less, but then it's a fun car. I thought the view would be a problem but quickly got use to it. I suspect others will also if they like the car otherwise. To most of us interested in this car it won't be as an electronic safety bristling child carrier. Less is more. Thanks for those notes at the end. I got mine for around $20k used with 50k miles and I think it's worth twice that now. Like you said, there is no plan to sell it.
I bought my first FJ in 2007 (Black Cherry) and drove it over 250,000 miles all over America. I modified the FJ into an overlanding design and it allowed me to see and camp in places that few other vehicles could. I sold I my FJ in 2021 and purchased a 2008 (Sandstorm) in 2021 with only 45,000 miles on it. As an optimist, I keep my eye open for a 2014 Trail Team Edition with low mileage for sale. While the FJ may not be the first choice for most people, it has been my favorite since 2007. All of the problems are true but I have learned to adapt and actually tolerate most of the flukes and quirks. In my 50 years of driving, the FJ is the only vehicle that I have driven, where complete strangers will ask me questions about it and/or comment on the FJ. I have found it to be a real love hate relationship for most people and I have experienced very few neutral responses.
Another great video! Appreciate the tips on frame rust. Hoping I never need to use them. The FJ is totally worth all of the little drawbacks. Definitely smiles per gallon.
Guess it depends on where you live. At 210K I don't have a spot of rust anywhere on my 2007 FJ. But then I live in Arizona and only drive it into snow up in the mountains about once a year.
Love my 2014 FJ, however be aware that if the starter battery is flat that you cannot open the rear door or window. Very frustrating if your jump starter pack is in your rear drawer and thus inaccessible. Keep up the great work, greetings from Australia 🇦🇺
Love my 2014 ttue manual. It’s epic. She is pampered now and hope she won’t get sick like some of the ones above. Awesome video. ❤thank you so much. And agree with that rust proofing. It’s vital.
Great video, thanks. I always wondered why people in Australia considered the V6 Prado an upgrade from the FJ Cruiser in spite of them being mechanically identical. This honest review highlights those issues even if they appear inconsequential to most
Own two. A 2008 Iceberg and a 2014 Cement Grey. My wife loves the ‘14 since we left it stock. I have done some minor mods on the ‘08 including: lift, aux fuel tank, rear bumper, a Rhino Rack, Method Wheels, and some misc lights.
LOVE my FJ!! Great video! I wish I had watched this video before I bought my FJ but it appears that the FJ gods were watching over me when I decided I wanted an FJ. I am the proud driver of a 2012 4WD FJ (cavalry blue) with low miles, no rust, and so far (knock on wood), none of the bad stuff you mention. Thanks again for these videos!!
Great informative video). I wished links were provided in the description for the suggested accessories and mods such as clips (for the windshield trims), FJ convex mirror replacements, button for opening the back door from inside), etc..
I was always attracted to these cars. Never understood the "ugly" claim, it think they look great, like a big toy. My concern as I shop for one is the windshield. I've read this a few times but I haven't seen many people who say it's been an actual problem cracking from pebbles on the road
Yep. Same is true of Jeeps or any other vehicle with a more vertical windshield. So make sure you have glass replacement on your insurance ...and like me, get used to driving with a few chips.
I'm 6'5", and I found it very comfortable to sleep in with an air mattress in the back. Getting out was a small chore, but nothing too challenging. Also, thanks for pointing out the rust. Mine is starting to show some rust here and there. It has me slightly concerned.
I know this is a old post but i just had this happen to my 07 FJ. I don’t live in a rust belt and have very little rust on the undercarriage of mine so this dangerous occurrence surprised me. Just before taking a rough road trip I looked under the rig and discovered the rear retainer strap on the gas tank had rusted and snapped the tank was sagging. I would recommend checking this when vehicle shopping or on every one that owns one and drives the roads. The dealer wants $200 for the pair but they can be purchased for as little as $50 a pair.
I am going to buy my 1st one in the following days...good job...but even your great assessment will not push me away..😂😂😂...thanks for this info is highly appreciated...Wish me luck!!
Yet another great video Hayden! Only thing I can think of that you might have missed is the clunky steering wheel shaft: Bush move out of its place. Pressing it will help solve but will eventually come out of its place again. Not sure why but locally in the UAE most FJ's suffer from loose body mount bolts. Tightening is a must for those who dune bash on monthly basis. BTW my Sun Fusion 07 NA FJ was a base model, I upgraded it to meet most features offered on high trims locally, most of it was plug and play. Like the -The compass was easy to install (just cut the dash and plug some cables in) FJ forums has a great how to article -High pitch horn out of an 08 4runner fits perfectly and the connection for it was already there on the inner RH fender -Fog lights after market -Rear speakers OEM just plug them in (make sure you buy the plastic covers as well off of a scrap FJ, plug and play -Steering wheel controls were plug and play, didn't have to swap out the Clock Spring off of a scrap FJ, plug and play -A-track button off of a scrap FJ, plug and play -Subwoofer with its button off of a scrap FJ, plug and play (YES! all wiring is there for it from factory) -Reverse camera OEM mount (paired it with a JVC 7" HU) Needs wiring harness and a PAC controller for the steering wheel controls
Ryobi has this accessory for pressure washers called the Ryobi Pressure Washer Water Broom. I live in the Northwest Region of the US and our roads get salted whenever the freeze is in the forecast. The FJ Cruiser is a real fun vehicle to drive and make donuts in the snow or driving in the mud to pick pumpkins for Halloween. The water broom appears to knock all the salt and mud from under the chassis because I have little to no rust. Just hook it up to your pressure washer and it has wheels so you just push it under the carriage and watch all of that stuff collect under your vehicle. I'm very happy with my FJ even after having a bit of a scare when I turned the key to start the engine and absolutely nothing happened. No crank no clicks no nothin. Went to Costco bought a new battery and I'm back in business. I guess soon I'll just change the alternator to avoid getting stuck anywhere. I've enjoyed owning and receiving compliments ever since I got it for my birthday back in 2014. Anyone will absolutely love owning this vehicle if not for the fun factor alone.
Hey everyone! Thanks for checking out the video! Hopefully despite the flaws you still find yourself loving your FJ and can get one if you don’t have one already! If you want, follow me on my new Instagram account! Just search for FJX2000! You can send me messages and photos possibly of your own rig if you don’t mind seeing it in a future video!
At the age of 77 my 2010 FJ is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Because I always drive with my mirrors I have never had a problem with the blind spots. Being single with grown children the back seat is seldom use, instead the drivers side is alway folded down to allow my doggies to jump in and out which brings me to the door arrangement which I prefer in access to the back for loading groceries and doggies etc. As for maintenance I had to replace the rear end housing , shocks, stabilizer bar, and rear breaks assembly as a result of rust in the vehicle's 12th year. Last year I also upgraded to BF Goodrich KO2 285 75R 16 tires. With all maintenance and various add ons the FJ has cost me $.41 Canadian per KM to date. (133,000km) Regarding the headlight and mirror light I have upgrade to LED, the mirrors were a simple bulb replacement, I did break one tail light some time ago and replaced it and added tail light guards. I am rigorous in regards to maintenance, serviced the transmission at 75000km, repair and replace as soon as noted and required. I do not see myself ever owning another vehicle, it is just the best.
Very useful video. I'm now thinking as a potential buyer, there's a lot more to consider than I initially anticipated. It seems like you really have to be in love with the car to make it your full time hobby and money pit to make this work. Most people want to enjoy the concept but feel like the car is servicing the owner more than the other way around. I might pass. I need a daily driver that doesn't make me feel stupid in comparison to so many other more practical options out there
Discontinued in 2014 in America but you still can buy a New One in European Countries-Africa but steering wheel will be on right side--New Ones cost around $40,000...
I have an 07 TRD that I bought from Kearny Mesa Toyota in August 2006. I put down $37K for a special order white over black. I wanted the 6 spd stick and the big speaker kit. After letters and emails to Toyota USA and Toyota Japan, They finally told me that “special” orders weren’t happening. Thanks to the ‘06 Baja1000 there was a pull out ad for the TRD. Kearny Mesa Toyota got me one of the first 3,000 TRD’s. Just turned 290,000 miles, about 40% of that in 4wd. I thought that the stick was cool, BUT, full-time 4WD. Also, the stick gave an estimated 12-14 mpg, just what my ‘85 FJ60 gets. My TRD gets 18 mpg my drives from SoCal to SLC. Can’t wait until December when the FJCruiser 2 is released. Gonna add the TRD Edition to my driveway.
I got the FJ went it first came out in '06. To this day, the best/fun SUV I've owned! (I've had the BMW X1, X3, X5 and Durango after). Yes, I agree about the windshield as within the first 6 months of ownership, the windshield chipped several times :(. It was a beast in the snow! Blind spots are a pain but got used to it. If Toyota decides to bring it back in '25, I'm definitely in!
The author is right about front end vibration problem. - it could be one more reason why they discontinued it could be because the SUV is very sensitive to the way tires need to be balanced. Front-end vibration at high speeds is a common problem, and the mechanic in the tire shop needs to be very skilled to fix it. And vibration might come back pretty soon after driving a few thousand miles, as some guys complain on internet forums. When I tested a couple of them at the dealer both of them were vibrating at the steering wheel. One of them (2014 FJ) was starting to vibrate at 60 mph. The good tire shop guys fixed it, it's a good ride up to 80 mph now, so I bought it, and will see how long a smooth ride will last.
If the vibration is in the steering wheel, it’s usually front tires/balance. You can rotate tires front to rear to see if it changes, if the vibration gets worse or better you know it’s tires. If the vibration underneath the seat, probably rear tires. Choppy tires main culprit front or rear. If not tires/balance you check front end balljoints and tie rods
Canada here. There are lots of reasons not to buy an FJ; like there is a lot of reasons not to buy any type of vehicle. I like mine because it is a dependable, fun to drive vehicle that is different than most others.
I have that same after market radio you showed. Love that model, especially since you can run the back up camera through that screen making it much more useful
In my Humble Opinion, the FJ and the Four-Runners were the Best Bullet Proof Vehicles ever made. Every Owner that I have Talked with has told me the Exact same Words...
19:40 I’m looking to purchase my first Fj in 3 min!!! Thank you so much for video. I found both pro and con videos informative, fairly unbiased, and attentive. 😊
The visiblity isn't as bad as they say. The mirrors cover a lot. I do have a rounded blindspot mirror. Mine rides very nice and smooth. No lift kits. My wife who drives newer lexus rx 350 says it takes bumps better than hers. I drove her car and it felt cheap after driving the FJ Crusier. I don't like the fake bumper they have in front. The look is fine but it does nothing. The real bumper is behind it. Looks flimsy to me. Back doors are kinda cool. I have no problem with them. It wasn't made to be slept in. Beds are for that. Buy a camper if you want that.
One thing about the FJ I love it has a CD player. Which on long trips is Awesome. As I get Free Audio Books from the Library Books. Endless Story Telling on those long drives is awesome! Oh, ya FJ also plays music and you can play song list off your phone if you like as well. Im more of a CD guy. But it all works.
I get positive comments daily on my sun fusion FJ. I enjoy driving it as an alternative to putting so many miles on my Duramax/Silverado. Everything I own is 4x4 even my tractors so getting where I am going and making it back are never an issue. There will always be little things that arent quite perfect in any vehicle so dont throw away the 80% that is right because of 20% that is not right. The next thing you get will be 80/20 too but the new 20% might be things that you already got use to. BTW....marriage follows this as well. The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.
My FJwas built in 06 in Japan of course. I’ve been driving this thing for 17 years. First of all I don’t care about the windshield getting broken full coverage her in South Carolina. We have no deduction for that so I just get a new one . only three windshield replacing this time. I removed the spare tire and did a deletion kit thing years ago and I really like it . Makes the door light and I can see everything out the back , and watching TV on the FJ head unit I think that’s just ridiculous. I know some People like that but, really , if you have TV inside your FJ but you do not have a winch you’re a jacka$$ 😉 or you can not handle or negotiate being able to see the lights ahead of you at stoplight. You know it’s happening so like handle it. So all these little problems, they are being mentioned compared to having a 17-year-old vehicle that rides just as good as the day I got it because I do take care of it. It completely outweighs any cons compared to all the other vehicles you could get and how many you have gone through in the same time. The ownership of cruiser it’s just given a little bit of attention it last you a lifetime. Only thing I wish I could’ve gotten was a moonroof And if a true diesel was available I would’ve done that but that’s just me dreaming. I might have to sell mine just to go buy a new one in another country where they’re still selling them. Bring it home.
Speaking about windshield wipers. I personaly use Denso's hybrid wipers wich I gess was factory installed on my 2012 trail teams FJ. I assumume it is the best wipers I ever had. And I've tested it on other cars I've owned. It's a bit higher price, but it worth it. It showed very good percormance in any wether and season. Highly recomend. And keep in mind that clear windshield it is your safety on the road!
One more negative, really applicable to wet freezing climates is that the drum in a hat style parking brake freezes and locks up! I mostly don't use the parking brake / e-brake when its below freezing or sitting level in my garage, just out of caution. I had mine freeze up after a car wash just sitting in the garage! Managed to get it off in 4-Lo going forward and reverse. I've heard on forums that I'm not the only one that this has happened to!
Not really, its relatively low mileage and few mods, but I was surprised when it happened! So I posted on the FJC forum, and sure enough, a couple of Canadian veterans responded and said they had the issue driving in salty, wet and freezing snow that froze up at night! I do use the hand brake typically, and LOVE my FJ !!!
Thank You for this video..... I was about to purchase one locally for only $8,000.oo. The rust issue, gear teeth issue and weak suspension and rear axle were enough to pour cold water on my interest. OF course on the out side it looked like new... but rusting frames are not worth the bother. Just also viewed a You Tube for a Tacoma with only 35,000 miles and the frame was rotted and unsafe. Not worth the risk.... for sure. No wonder there are shortages of used Toyota 4x4's. They rot away if you use them as a truck.
Where the heck do you live? Probably in one of those god-forsaken places where they actually have rain and snow, and the temperature plummets below 80°F. We get rain a few days a year, dries up in a couple of hours and I've never seen rust on a car, certainly not on a Toyota.
@@VTSifuSteve ALL Toyotas that are driven in the Midwest or North East are GARBAGE... if you operate them in the winter. They all use ... even in Lexus cheap poorly smelted junkk yard scape mental body and skimpy thin open channel frames. And now... your $90,000.oo plus TRD'd are spitting out damaged engines at less than 10,000 miles. The life of an FJ is less than 5yrs if driven in the midwest... unless the FAN boy only uses it in the summer at about 3 months of the year. The metal in those toys is so thin.... you cannot even use bondo or weld a metal patch. You are living in a Disney land illusion.
What a nicely put video. Thank you. I think or have experienced that for younger children the fact that they can't open the rear windows or doors is a plus safety wise. The visibility in the rear seats ain't really good but at least the child car seats place them higher and a bit forward so it aids them to look through those rear side windows. I have traveled with my 3 kids and do they go quite ok.
I have a 2021 FJ, its really an awesome reliable strong vehicle like no other. I do agree the blind spots issue is a pain in the ass and also, the uncomfortable front seats .However I believe I can resolve this by getting aftermarket seats .
When we say the frame rust in the salt belt are we comparing it to other vehicles in the same location in the time period with the same care given to the vehicle? Steel will rust if the right catalyst are emplace . I have a 2013 FJ and live in an area where it was never subjected to road salt and the frame Is great condition . I definitely think that it’s more an environment and care issue rather than a manufacture thing. If u let salt sit on your steel frame for months what do we expect will happen ?
Im buying a 2012 fj. Base model, tan w/white top and a roof rack. Nothing special. Its a 400mile trip but worth the deal. I decided on it since ive been running my 1998 rav4 for forever and the fj looks exactly how i always pictured a modern rav4 (instead of how they ended up as a soccer mom looking crossover). Im rambling. Anyway, my rav4 will probably hit 400k miles at the end of the trip, a good point to retire it in place of its much larger twin. First thing im gonna do to it after purchasing... Install aftermarket mirrors with blindspot coverage.
None of those ”problems” are not a problem to me. I love many of those things (body style with all of it’s downsides, huge pillars, 3 wipers etc.). Technically it’s very solid, no real problems with my 2/2006 and 180k miles. I’ve owned this 11.5 years now.
yup, it just depends what you're used to drive... Yeah, rear visibility isn't the best, but if you're ever driven a cargo van or a pickup with a cab it's a non-issue... and you'll quickly learn to backup into parking spot (and letting your rear passenger get out, before backing in) Rust? I'm in Canada, all vehicle will rust... that's why you have them treated with anti-rust treatment. MPG? Yeah, it likes fuel... but still better than my friend's Wrangler... and my '12 is long paid off... so putting gas is still cheaper than making payments! Only thing that bugs me are the headlight... Compared to the amount of light being put out by the wife's Outback... the FJ feels like it's a dimmer switch on.
I'm thinking of getting a second-hand 2023 one in Lebanon. Did you get the 2023? Any issue or whatsoever ? Just asking because I can't find any serious review about GCC ones
Wow... Guess we are luckier in Australia to have the better sorted, better standard equipment later models. Absolutely Love my 16 FJ. The part about the 'looks' is relevant; they are polarising one way or the other in looks.
I have an extra large blue light reducer clip-on mirror that’s REAL glass. Anyone who’s experienced the difference in the mirror being glass or not understands the difference it makes. However, most after market clip-on’s in the states are not able to be marketed as real glass for “safety” 🙄 . However, in short- Point being : the clip on XL mirror is amazing and I won’t drive it or any vehicle without it! Might I say this has been second most coveted belonging I have in comparison to FJ in whole lol
I have a 2010 with an OME lift. Love it! Got it after resurrecting the FJ40. Also have a 2012 GX460 all stock. Love it , too! Differences are indeed noticeable. The GX seems more solid and visibility is certainly better. The V-8 of the Lexus gets close to 20 MPG and if I don't drive with a heavy foot, I can get that with the FJ. But for just tooling around Town I have a 2001 SWB Tacoma 4x4,as it, too, has advantages and better MPG.
For both my son and i, who are 6' tall, we've hit our head on the rear door latch receiver when both doors are open a few times. I think my FJ even has a mild lift. It's quite painful.
I've owned mine since 2008 and I've beat the crap out of it the whole time and this thing has never broken down, left me stuck, or disappointed me in any way. It's proven reliability mutes out any flaws completely. I still only have 125k miles on it.
Now that you've had these for awhile, how do you like them compared to the Duratracs. How have they been performing overall and how were they on the mountain trails? Thinking about trying these on my FJ
Everyone says there are blind spots. Did your daddy ever teach you how to use your mirrors properly when you were learning to drive? Everyone always mentions the same thing. The only valid point here is rust, which can be prevented. The cabin can be updated with a computer, as mine is, but I like the material made for the inside since it’s easy to clean when off-roading.
Damn. This video is about 16 years too late. But I don't regret buying my 07. Sometimes I do regret not selling it years ago. At this point it's just an on going project.
A lot of hate in the comments. NO, I don't own an FJ, but several other vehicles of different brands. I noticed, in general, that electrics / electronics issues with cars before 2005 are not so common (with the exception of the 93-95 Mercedes 'ecological' wire loom deterioration), while with my newest vehicle I'm constantly at the dealership for stuff that I can't even fix or clear with an ODBC computer. For offroading or any classic car you want it as simple as possible. As for pros and cons - rust and mechanical issue will hit any vehicle with sufficient mileage or age, so I wouldn't want to make that a decisive factor. In the end it is just like the photographer says: "The best camera is the one you have in your hands". Are you enjoying the scenery, the experience? Then you can be happy in a 80s Suzuki sardine can.
I've had an FJ for 16 years and there's a reason why I still have it. This video was a whole lot of nothing. Really reaching to fill 19 minutes with "negatives".
hahah, walked out of an Olympia, Washington dealership with a 2014 FJ Cruiser. Even if I had watched this RU-vid before going to the dealership, I would have laughed at the "negatives" in this RU-vid.
I loved mine. Wish I'd kept it, but you really can't drive with the windows down. The air blast is your ear is unbearable. Also I left my Aunt in the back seat on a hot day for a few minutes. She couldn't get to the door handle to get out. Luckily we weren't gone too long.
