FJ Cruisers Coming to Australia RHD???

[Dobster]

I normally hang out in the FJ25 section as owning one of those in Australia is more likely than getting an FJ Cruiser, although importing one and getting a RHD conversion has been on my mind for a year or so.

But if this story is true

Toyota will bring FJ here | Review | carsguide.com.au

I may not need to .

Does anyone have any more news or rumour to add weight to this?

Cheers Dobster

 

[pman]

It seems plausible. Toyota probably will try get as much out the platform before retiring it in a few more years.

On the other hand, I don't see why they would. Making it right hand drive adds to their cost, increases the amount of strain on their parts network, and the 70 series is readily available in Australia.

For your sake, I hope they do. I can see the market for the FJ is Australia being pretty good, so they most likely will.

 

[Dobster]

70 Series are great and a real staple of Toyota here ... but the FJ would probably compete in a different field. Probably against Prados and potentially Klugers (Highlanders).

Cheers Dobster

 

[roscoFJ73]

I think they have a lot to overcome before they make a splash here.

This comment from the author pretty well sums it up

For a start, the FJ is a reverse-Tardis - just like the Hummer H3 - with far less space inside than its big body promises. Visibility is poor, the cabin is overly-plastic, the performance is adequate at best, and people turn to look - but often look as if they are about to laugh.

Sounds just like the H3 and like the H3 it has no diesel option which is a death sentence itself in oz.

For a bit more you can get a base turbo diesel prado which has a fantastic resale value,dual fuel tanks with an 800 mile range,and more room inside

 

[Mtbcoach]

Yeah, I don't see it happening. With the Prado's already well established and with options many of us would love to have on the FJC, it couldn't compete IMHO...

 

[roscoFJ73]

Yeah, I don't see it happening. With the Prado's already well established and with options many of us would love to have on the FJC, it couldn't compete IMHO...

It would also be hard to establish with all the rumours of an end to production in the US.
If it was going to be sold here,it would have needed to have gone on sale same time as the US introduction.

 

[Dobster]

It would also be hard to establish with all the rumours of an end to production in the US.
If it was going to be sold here,it would have needed to have gone on sale same time as the US introduction.

Yep I agree with all the above - Prado is a top vehicle - really capable and fits three child seats across the middle row for the Mums.

But the new one looks a little off and the FJC has something about it - I'd probably get one swear to everyone it is fantastic, but underneath know that it is lacking.

The other element is the price - Prados, 70 series and 200 series now cost the earth. If the FJ is priced closer to the Kluger it may open up a new market.

All just my .02 cents - or 1.75 cents US.

Cheers Dobster

 

[boof]

Dobster I reckon the price is the whole point, Toyota doesnt have a 4wd competitor to the new Challenger from Mitsubishi which start at low 40k the Prado starts at mid 70k. The Kluger imo is a waste of space not being 4wd it really is only competitve against the CX7s and similiar. If Toyota dont fill the void they will lose a heap of sales to the Challenger imo.

Personally I would love to see a 4 door FJ or 4Runner become available in Oz as it would fit the void left by the Prado well. We are looking at upgrading our current Prado and so far I cant find a suitable replacement

 

[pman]

Underneath there isn't much difference between the FJC and Prado, the FJC just has a shortened frame.

But as stated above, the poorly thought out body leaves quite a bit to be desired. The space is about average for its size, but as some article i read put it: needing spotters in the trails is ok, needing them to get out of a parking spot is not


Plus this is the first instance I have seen where someone in Australia wants a vehicle that is in the U.S. market. However I can think of countless people that want vehicles sold in Australia and not in the U.S (mainly the VDJ-200 and VDJ-76, plus several older models)

 

[Mtbcoach]

Underneath there isn't much difference between the FJC and Prado, the FJC just has a shortened frame.

But as stated above, the poorly thought out body leaves quite a bit to be desired. The space is about average for its size, but as some article i read put it: needing spotters in the trails is ok, needing them to get out of a parking spot is not


Plus this is the first instance I have seen where someone in Australia wants a vehicle that is in the U.S. market. However I can think of countless people that want vehicles sold in Australia and not in the U.S (mainly the VDJ-200 and VDJ-76, plus several older models)

We all want what we can't have. Even if there are comparable vehicles available all around us, something about having the unobtainable...

 

[roscoFJ73]

Yep I agree with all the above - Prado is a top vehicle - really capable and fits three child seats across the middle row for the Mums.

But the new one looks a little off and the FJC has something about it - I'd probably get one swear to everyone it is fantastic, but underneath know that it is lacking.

The other element is the price - Prados, 70 series and 200 series now cost the earth. If the FJ is priced closer to the Kluger it may open up a new market.

All just my .02 cents - or 1.75 cents US.

Cheers Dobster

Yes ,I saw the price increase on the new model after I posted. The Prado has jumped $7000
You might get a better deal on a dual cab Hilux
I think I would rather have the FJC over the Kluger(Highlander) They reckon its a Camry with an extra diff.

 

[roscoFJ73]

Plus this is the first instance I have seen where someone in Australia wants a vehicle that is in the U.S. market. However I can think of countless people that want vehicles sold in Australia and not in the U.S (mainly the VDJ-200 and VDJ-76, plus several older models)

I think the Tundra might do ok here,but again it would need a diesel option. We can only get the F250/350 Fords in limited numbers(they only make RHD models when they have finished their run of LHD) and there is a market for those that need something bigger with a more spacious interior than a 78/79 series and without the ruggedness.

Everyone wanted an american car/truck here in the 60s. They were bigger ,faster and better appointed than what was made here or in the UK,but times changed. Not many owners here like FWD in large cars

 

[Dobster]

Yes ,I saw the price increase on the new model after I posted. The Prado has jumped $7000
You might get a better deal on a dual cab Hilux
I think I would rather have the FJC over the Kluger(Highlander) They reckon its a Camry with an extra diff.

I had the option on the former Prado a couple of years ago but I guess I'll trade my Kluger on the FJ Cruiser if it gets here - For the family it is a big Camry - but still tows everything where I go now - Ahhhhh... the memories of the Gulf, High Country and Robe. My old cruisers are not quite in the condition they need to be to get me back there.

 

[pman]

We all want what we can't have. Even if there are comparable vehicles available all around us, something about having the unobtainable...

True expect there is nothing in the U.S. market that truly compares with a VDJ-76.....

I think the Tundra might do ok here,but again it would need a diesel option. We can only get the F250/350 Fords in limited numbers(they only make RHD models when they have finished their run of LHD) and there is a market for those that need something bigger with a more spacious interior than a 78/79 series and without the ruggedness.

Everyone wanted an american car/truck here in the 60s. They were bigger ,faster and better appointed than what was made here or in the UK,but times changed. Not many owners here like FWD in large cars

You made a good point, the Tundra is the one instance that I overlooked, but as you said it needs a diesel and the ability to rival the capacities of 3/4 and 1 ton pickups.......the U.S. Tundra doesn't have either

 

[BEE-JAY42]

Remember, a FJC isn't going to compete with a prado, kluger, pajero or any other sensible option for a four wheel drive. They are aimed at people looking for something different who are will to give some ground (eg, like no diesel option)to get the "look".

I guess the closest comparison you could make would be to the 4 door wrangler, which are selling like crazy in my local neck of the woods, so there may well be some truth to this.

 

[roscoFJ73]

Remember, a FJC isn't going to compete with a prado, kluger, pajero or any other sensible option for a four wheel drive. They are aimed at people looking for something different who are will to give some ground (eg, like no diesel option)to get the "look".

I guess the closest comparison you could make would be to the 4 door wrangler, which are selling like crazy in my local neck of the woods, so there may well be some truth to this.

But even the Wrangler has a diesel option and a good one at that.

I think when Toyota USA dreamt up the FJC ,they were hoping to cash in on the 40 series nastalgia.
Im not sure aussies have that nostalgia about the 40/45 series look as they were still sold in large numbers up until 1984.
They will one day ,but not for a few decades.

 

[Dobster]

As much as I hate to admit it this might fit me to a tee. I have only ever had cruisers my whole life and life right now centres around three young kids so getting off the beaten track now means towing a trailer full of camping gear, bikes, kayaks etc along dirt tracks to rivers or well maintained camp sites. I have two cruisers 1965 and older - soon to be three so I am not short of heavy artillary and the Kluger is very comfortable for town - I bought the 4wd model just so I didn't break my run of always having a 4X4 to drive. I like the nostaliga and the only big trip planned is a few months travelling around the country which ninety-five % of the time is black top. All just food for thought. Lets see if it even gets here or I might just end up with a four door 75 series next year.

Cheers Dobster

 

[roscoFJ73]

As much as I hate to admit it this might fit me to a tee. I have only ever had cruisers my whole life and life right now centres around three young kids so getting off the beaten track now means towing a trailer full of camping gear, bikes, kayaks etc along dirt tracks to rivers or well maintained camp sites. I have two cruisers 1965 and older - soon to be three so I am not short of heavy artillary and the Kluger is very comfortable for town - I bought the 4wd model just so I didn't break my run of always having a 4X4 to drive. I like the nostaliga and the only big trip planned is a few months travelling around the country which ninety-five % of the time is black top. All just food for thought. Lets see if it even gets here or I might just end up with a four door 75 series next year.

Cheers Dobster

Whats wrong with a 4 dr Prado? Some real bargains out there that have never been offroad and driven by mums only.
Rear seats for the kids too

 

[Mtbcoach]

As much as I hate to admit it this might fit me to a tee. I have only ever had cruisers my whole life and life right now centres around three young kids so getting off the beaten track now means towing a trailer full of camping gear, bikes, kayaks etc along dirt tracks to rivers or well maintained camp sites. I have two cruisers 1965 and older - soon to be three so I am not short of heavy artillary and the Kluger is very comfortable for town - I bought the 4wd model just so I didn't break my run of always having a 4X4 to drive. I like the nostaliga and the only big trip planned is a few months travelling around the country which ninety-five % of the time is black top. All just food for thought. Lets see if it even gets here or I might just end up with a four door 75 series next year.

Cheers Dobster

With 3 kids, I can assure you they won't be happy campers sitting in the back of the FJC for much of a trip. My 2 daughters have learned to accept it but it is a cave back there. They are older so getting in/out isn't an issue for them but if they are young, they will need help.

Don't get me wrong, I love my FJC but I'm always in the driver's seat. Its great with tube-doors, opens it up a lot for being off-road and running around town. Back seat travel is made better with a portable DVD player, iPod or something to keep them entertained since they won't see much out the back windows/ports...

 

[BMThiker]

From other posts I've read about differences btw the 2010 and older models, it sounds like TEQ is moving things around in the engine compartment to make RHD a much easier design/engineering task. Could it be that TEQ will continue FJC distribution overseas when it's course has run out stateside?