Be honest, do you like the FJ Cruiser.......

Lemony · 02-22-09, 06:40 PM

21? I wish id get 15, I dont think i ever got more than 18 ever. lift tires and roof rack are killing my mileage

Gumby · 02-22-09, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by holmanm

I don't understand how it costs $2 a tank more for regular. Around here regular is usually $.10 less than mid-grade so it should cost $1.50 less per 15 gallons. A tank is x number of gallons no matter how much your mileage is. She should be spending about $2 a tank less for regular but having to fill up 40 miles sooner. Which means she is saving a little over $1 per 300 miles using mid-grade. Of course if your "gas price to grade difference" is more than 1.61/.10 she would save more.

If she buys regular gas she pays ten cents less per gallon and saves $1.50 for a tank. She gets 40 miles more per tank. Two gallons of gas she saves by putting better gas in it costs $2.01 a gallon in Chicago. She pays 1.50 more and saves $4.00 worth of gas.

Feel free to argue the numbers. I wouldn't doubt if you calculated it all out you could find how it doesn't exactly work out that way, but why bother?

Even if you skew the number so it comes out even, why would you put cheaper gas in? I'm no proponent of putting better gas in then you car can use. My Tundra is formulated for regular. It does not compensate for lesser octane gas by retarding ignition timing and reducing performance. The FJ does.

Even at the high mileage my wife drives and the high cost of gas in Chicago, that extra .10 is not one of the many problems I have with the FJ.

gaylonw · 03-05-09, 07:11 PM

...a 60, an 80 and a Mustang and I think it fits in fine.
Unique styling inside and out.
TRD Edition has all the stuff I need, plus the all black motif looks great and I don't see it alot around town.
Dash mounted Garmin is convienant and invisible when not in use.
Lots of room in the front where I spend my time, adequate room in backseat where my 5 year old watches his videos in his roof mtd DVD player.
Nice way back storage area.
Nice fuel economy,18-21 on Regular 87 Auto,driven reasonably.
58K and no serious issues, BFG's still at 9/32's
Fun quotient is high, 8 of 10.
I like it but I like Corvairs,old F150's,60's and 80's and Mustangs...........gm

73slinger · 03-05-09, 08:51 PM

i've owned my FJC for just about a year. Over all i love it. hasn't failed me yet. does everything i want it to and more.... couple things that kinda bug me though..

1) the side mirrors... for whatever reason toyota decided to put them further back on the door instead of the corner of each window like every other car on the road has. i think this would help improve the "blind spots" people complain about. personally.. i went to pep boys and bought a pair of the domed round mirrors and put in the lower corners of each mirror. made a world of difference for seeing the "blind spots".

2) i love the way the rear doors open but it's a pain in the butt when you have a car load full of people and u pull into a parking space. you have to do a dance around the doors in order for the person in the back seat to get out. not sure how many actually pack people in the back but im a road trip kinda guy with my friends so it's a little bit of a hassle when ever we get to where we're goin.

besides those 2 things... i really can't think of anything else that i don't like about it..

John Galt · 03-05-09, 09:00 PM

No way, I've got a diesel 70 series, a REAL Landcruiser.

Niner · 03-06-09, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73slinger

2) i love the way the rear doors open but it's a pain in the butt when you have a car load full of people and u pull into a parking space. you have to do a dance around the doors in order for the person in the back seat to get out. not sure how many actually pack people in the back but im a road trip kinda guy with my friends so it's a little bit of a hassle when ever we get to where we're goin.

besides those 2 things... i really can't think of anything else that i don't like about it..

I let them out and then park

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Galt

No way, I've got a diesel 70 series, a REAL Landcruiser.

don't we all wish we could get these in the USA

adso · 03-06-09, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Galt

No way, I've got a diesel 70 series, a REAL Landcruiser.

Sigh.......

Rusty · 03-06-09, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoondockSaint03

I loved my FJ it was more comfortable than a heep and pretty capable off road but with a baby on the way the wife wanted something more accessable. We ended up trading it in on an 08 AWD Highlander. Obviously the Highlander was not purchased for off-road capablility but comfort and 3 rows of seating. Now in retrospect i wish that i would have known that i could've gotten a really nice used FJ80 for 5-9K and used what was left over from selling the FJ to mod the hell out of an FJ80

That's interesting, kind of where my thought process has led to. I've been contemplating picking up an FJC, the people I know that have them are happy with them and I think that I could put up with the consequences of the retro styling (lousy visibility etc.). I've currently got an "in good shape" fj60 and a hj60 with a rotten body and frame, I was going to transplant the 2h (which needs a rebuild) with the h55f into the fj60, but with a baby on the way and a '72 fj40 resto project in my shop I could do with one less project right now. Besides, I think I'd rather spend more time out wheelin' than fixin', I'm missing the enjoyment of actually being out boony bashing.

My problem with the FJC has less to do with the retro configuration and more to do with the IFS front end. Other than that they seem to be a good "out of the box" machine. The trouble is that in most of the pictures that I see of them actually off road, in reasonably rough terrain (more challenging than just gravel roads), one of the front wheels is usually a foot off the ground!

Performing a straight axle conversion on a new FJC seems a little nutty to me, that would be okay for a cheaper IFS machine like a 90's 4runner for example. So I'm not sure what the solution would be... Anyone know what the axle travel gain is, in say installing a 2" total chaos kit over the stock front end? Long travel IFS works best on high speed desert terrain but would this help keep the rubber on the ground during slower driving conditions such as rougher rocky terrain?

I think that putting up with a slightly longer wheelbase in the fj80 might be the right trade off for me in the end. A comfortable cruiser with four true doors, a solid front axle, and available lockers front and rear. Throw in a lift kit and you're ready to go...

Gumby · 03-06-09, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Galt

No way, I've got a diesel 70 series, a REAL Landcruiser.

ZARDOZ · 03-07-09, 12:01 AM

I love my 2008 Sandstorm. My FJ Cruiser gets me to the outback and home without a complaint and in considerable comfort. Sliding into the driver's seat never fails to put a smile on my face. It has proven itself well offroad and will be my offroader of choice for many years to come. The FJ 40 would never pass current safety and emissions standards so I would never be able to buy a new one today. My '76 FJ was a great fourwheeler, but to do the 2700 mile trip I made to the Summit via Moab last summer would not have been as comfortable and a lot more stops for gas. FJ Cruiser is a great choice and I wouldn't change it for anything.

beeje · 03-07-09, 06:48 PM

It's a LOVE - HATE relationship. You either love it, or you hate it. Personally LOVE mine. I spent a weekend while home offroading at Spring Creek in Houston and I pulled out Ford's, Chevy's and Jeeps through out the night only to finally come to my own demise and be yanked out by a Dodge Dually. I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm glad he was there to lend a helping hand. My daughter calls it the "Bruiser" -and not cause it rides rough.

cruiser88 · 03-08-09, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Galt

No way, I've got a diesel 70 series, a REAL Landcruiser.

shfd739 · 03-08-09, 08:59 PM

I had an '08 Trail Team with the manual transmission I bought new last April. I sold it a few weeks ago and bought an 80series.

I enjoyed the FJ and put alot into it with ICON lift,wheels,tires,on board air,Spidertrax spacers,URD shifter and more crap. It was very capable and I followed built Jeeps all over the place.

In hindsight I should have bought a used one. The fear of damaging or breaking a new vehicle was always on my mind; plus the difference between new and used covers alot of mods. I didnt take too bad a hit when I sold it though-but I got lucky with a buyer.

I never had issue with the blind spot but the small cargo area and the back seat got annoying.

Now that I have the 80 Im over the FJ. It has more room, is paid for and a solid front axle. There is a reason the FJ needs the rear locker and A-TRAC-it always carries a front tire.

WyoCruiser · 03-09-09, 04:44 PM

Zack, over two weeks now on the fence. It must be excruciating.

Eric Winkworth · 03-09-09, 06:10 PM

It has a V6 in it, that should be all I have to say! I want my cylinders in a line!

Gold Boy · 03-09-09, 10:04 PM

being 6'5", i would certainly appreciate the front seat leg room that the fjc has to offer.

knoll0351 · 03-10-09, 11:06 AM

I just remembered another design flaw this last weekend while wheelin' with the club. The overhead grab handle on the driver’s side is positioned perfectly for a shot to the temple when the rig bumps to pass side.

firetruck41 · 03-10-09, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Winkworth

It has a V6 in it, that should be all I have to say! I want my cylinders in a line!

How long did you own your FJ Cruiser? You are saying you wouldn't buy one again?

Gumby · 03-10-09, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knoll0351

I just remembered another design flaw this last weekend while wheelin' with the club. The overhead grab handle on the driver’s side is positioned perfectly for a shot to the temple when the rig bumps to pass side.

I smacked my head on the driver's side handle about 4 times driving the wife's the other day just trying to check my blind spots

knoll0351 · 03-10-09, 05:56 PM

Yeah!! How hard would it have been for them to move it forward a foot?

BigyellowFJ · 03-10-09, 11:24 PM

Put the small convex mirrors on the side views and get a back up camera, it will save your head

Eric Winkworth · 03-11-09, 04:35 PM

I will never own any V engine!

An inline engine is typically more balanced than a vee engine. You can balance the throws of the crankshaft more evenly.

A vee engine is really a compromise for packaging - you get more cylinders in a smaller package. Crankshafts get stressed more in V engines from taking slightly unbalance forces from both directions!

ever seen a V6 or V8 with 500 000km's on the clock on the factory engine and heads? Because I've seen tons of inline's with more than that still running strong, that includes AMC inline 6 engines in jeeps, 4 cylinder honda's and toyotas!

Let me know if you know of any!

knoll0351 · 03-11-09, 04:55 PM

Leaning right while wheelin' or removing the grab handle is the only thing I can think of that might save my grape. Not sure how a fish eye on my mirror would help my melon from getting smacked...

1911 · 03-11-09, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Winkworth

I will never own any V engine!

Fair enough; more power to you (no pun intended), but the OP was asking for the opinions of owners.

Cruiserdrew · 03-11-09, 05:00 PM

I like them and think they are cool. I've seen them wheel pretty well on the Rubicon.

I'd have a hard time buying a $30K FJCruiser, when you can buy a $6k 80 series in excellent condition.

Just my cheap side showing, but it would pain me to wheel a $30k new car. A nice truck like this needs to season about a decade or so before the dents don't hurt as much.

I still think they look cool, especially if you replace the stock front bumper.

firetruck41 · 03-11-09, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Winkworth

I will never own any V engine!

An inline engine is typically more balanced than a vee engine. You can balance the throws of the crankshaft more evenly.

A vee engine is really a compromise for packaging - you get more cylinders in a smaller package. Crankshafts get stressed more in V engines from taking slightly unbalance forces from both directions!

ever seen a V6 or V8 with 500 000km's on the clock on the factory engine and heads? Because I've seen tons of inline's with more than that still running strong, that includes AMC inline 6 engines in jeeps, 4 cylinder honda's and toyotas!

Let me know if you know of any!

So to answer the original question, how do you like your FJ Cruiser, and would you buy one again?

Gumby · 03-11-09, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Winkworth

I will never own any V engine!

An inline engine is typically more balanced than a vee engine. You can balance the throws of the crankshaft more evenly.

A vee engine is really a compromise for packaging - you get more cylinders in a smaller package. Crankshafts get stressed more in V engines from taking slightly unbalance forces from both directions!

ever seen a V6 or V8 with 500 000km's on the clock on the factory engine and heads? Because I've seen tons of inline's with more than that still running strong, that includes AMC inline 6 engines in jeeps, 4 cylinder honda's and toyotas!

Let me know if you know of any!

Why is it that folks can't help but post this crap to this kind of thread.

The question was do you like yours. You don't own one.

The last vehicle to record 1,000,000 miles in the US was a V8 Chevy pick up. Thousands of Chevy and Ford V8s turn 500,000 miles. Not silly little 5/8 of a mile KMs. Thousands of Hondas V6, Toyota 3.0 and 3.4 and even GM 3.8s turn well over 200,000 every year. I've never gotten close to that out of a 2F.

Corey · 03-11-09, 06:49 PM

There are several that piped in here that do not own an FJ Cruiser or have never driven one.

I guess they "skimmed" over the OPs request for info from people who actually own one.

knoll0351 · 03-12-09, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knoll0351

Leaning right while wheelin' or removing the grab handle is the only thing I can think of that might save my grape. Not sure how a fish eye on my mirror would help my melon from getting smacked...

My bad Yellow, I should have read the rest of the posts before I assumed that was for me

jmylie · 03-12-09, 12:49 PM

The FJC is unique. It rides nice and is capable off road.

My wife has not been wheeling with me in a while. Riding in the 55 for 4 hrs is just not what she wants to do. I'll be wheeling the FJC in April and she is joining me. She still does not like the 4 hr ride but the FJC is comfortable and quiet, so unlike the 55.

Most vehicles are a compromise, I think Toyota did a fine job.