Go with factory options or not?

[SocratesFJ6X]

So I'm in the process of searching for a cruiser. The 3 options are an '87 60, '97 80 or a new FJ (or last year's TRD if I can find one). I've entertained thoughts of the 2008 SE, but I'm not sure if that would be worth it - I'm guessing there will be a premium price tag.

Now to my question. If I was to buy a new FJ, what factory options are worth getting and what others would you purchase aftermarket? I would get the conv. package & off-road package and would not be installing a lift or tires at this point.

Items in question:

- roof rack
- aux driving lights (have to get brush guard too)
- rock rails
- brush guard
- skid plate

Thanks.

 

[HJ-45CrewCab]

Also looking at new FJ and have same thoughts. With regards to factory rock rails, I witnessed a member of the FJ Trail Team hook a winch line from the rear vehicle to a snatch block on the side then perpendicular to these rails on the FJ. The winch pulled the entire vehicle sideways, with no damage to the rails. That sold me.

Roof Rack, if there is a need, I would prefer a full rack rather than the factory. If there is no need, avoid it since it is increased drag (MPG) and reduced clearance on the trail (limbs).

IMO, brush guards are worthless, go with replacement bumper, there are many available.

Personally, I dont see the special edition in the SE, some emblems and TRD stuff already available.

Good luck on the search.

 

[Lemony]

my choice was trd se or stripper and add stuff, trd se was full time 4wd so I went stripper. right now I'm even with the trd price but they cant keep up with me looks or offroad.

Much better aftermarket options than 99% the toyota stuff unless you just want to drive around and look good, except the TRD supercharger you need one of those......

- roof rack only 1/2 a rack but good for your Schwinn on top but if you want to haul gear go else where

- aux driving lights (have to get brush guard too) no you can get the bumper mount ones and get all oem wiring then easily move them to your new bumper, demello or all pro.. If they were available I would have bought them with mine. (I like the light switch and relays that look like they belong)

- rock rails i've seen several sets on craigslist must not be that good, trail gear way better and about 2 dozen more, tg stick out enough to make a good step.

- brush guard straight crap just for looks, the front bumper is all plastic with the

- skid plate buy bud built or other

 

[tddfj]

i would go for roof rach wiht a light bar for extra lighting. no brush guard go witha bumper with built in bull bar for grill demello off road and road armor both have good ones.

 

[Blues Dawg]

So I'm in the process of searching for a cruiser. The 3 options are an '87 60, '97 80 or a new FJ (or last year's TRD if I can find one). I've entertained thoughts of the 2008 SE, but I'm not sure if that would be worth it - I'm guessing there will be a premium price tag.

Now to my question. If I was to buy a new FJ, what factory options are worth getting and what others would you purchase aftermarket? I would get the conv. package & off-road package and would not be installing a lift or tires at this point.

Items in question:

- roof rack
- aux driving lights (have to get brush guard too)
- rock rails
- brush guard
- skid plate

Thanks.

FWIW - If you want the most versatile and capable trail rig, your choice is the 80, IMHO. If you get the FJ Cruiser, (my opinions based on wheeling and 30K miles of ownership experience) the roof rack is functional but an odd shape for certain things like a tent, I like how it looks. Select aux. driving lights after you configur your truck - forget the dealer. I have put my sliders thru hell, and they have been fine - and I personally like that they are flush to the body line. The brush guard fits the stock bumper (which is worthless) and is only a damage multiplier. The OEM skid plate is worthless, light weight aluminum, hangs low and is for show only. I destroyed mine on the first real trail. Go with aftermarket (I have BudBuilt, but there are various options), they are stouter, cover more, and inexpensive.

Carl

 

[Toledo FJ]

I'm very happy with my FJ so far. I actually kind of like the factory roof rack. You can always add a front basket if you need more storage. I got the conv. package and upgrade #2. I don't think the TRD or Trail Teams editions are anything special. I wouldn't get the offroad package if you are going to lift the suspension because you'll probably want to replace them when you lift it. I also like the white roof. The rock rails are good if you don't want them to double as a step. If you want a step, I like Budbuit or allpro sliders. As others have said, the factory skid is junk. I too, destroyed mine on the first trial I hit. As far as TRD parts, I have the CAI and I'm happy with it. I also like the TRD exhaust, but I went with JBA. Don't waste your money on brush guards if you want real protection. I replaced the front and rear bumper and highly recommend this mod. I LOVE the FabFours front bumper I have. I was in a front end collision and that thing didn't budge.....its rock solid. I would not get lights from the dealer only because you can find them cheaper elsewhere. Thats all I got for ya. Good luck!

 

[SocratesFJ6X]

I went and got a quote today for an TTSE and I was a bit surprised. They gave me $26,700 as the MSRP price and I can negotiate from there. That's a huge drop from last year, anyone know what was different?

 

[Niner]

I bought my 2008 in August 2007 and it cost less than the used ones that are still trying to be sold on ebay.

I went and got a quote today for an TTSE and I was a bit surprised. They gave me $26,700 as the MSRP price and I can negotiate from there. That's a huge drop from last year, anyone know what was different?

 

[spaldam]

So I'm in the process of searching for a cruiser. The 3 options are an '87 60, '97 80 or a new FJ (or last year's TRD if I can find one). I've entertained thoughts of the 2008 SE, but I'm not sure if that would be worth it - I'm guessing there will be a premium price tag.

Now to my question. If I was to buy a new FJ, what factory options are worth getting and what others would you purchase aftermarket? I would get the conv. package & off-road package and would not be installing a lift or tires at this point.

Items in question:

- roof rack
- aux driving lights (have to get brush guard too)
- rock rails
- brush guard
- skid plate

Thanks.

My 07 FJC TRD SE cost less then what i calculated it would cost if I bought a regular one and put all the same TRD accessories and options on it. Even without the extra TRD accessories, it was still slightly more then just getting the TRD SE.

On the other hand if you forgo the SE, you can get it much less expensive, and add on the stuff you want for less then toyota will charge you, and get better stuff too. Personally I plan to keep it mostly stock (with a few addons) for now, so it was a good deal for me.

---

The driving lights can be installed without the brush guard by getting brackets instead. That brush gaurd isn't going to help any if you run into anything hard, and actually might cause more damage.

The factory rock rails on my TRD work great, but they don't stick out as far as I'd like.

The toyota skid plate is garbage. It's just more metal to get bent up on a rock.

Anyway, I love my FJC. You'd have to pay me more then it's worth to get it off my hands.

 

[spaldam]

I went and got a quote today for an TTSE and I was a bit surprised. They gave me $26,700 as the MSRP price and I can negotiate from there. That's a huge drop from last year, anyone know what was different?

All of the '07s were overpriced because they were the new hot vehicle for around $30k. I was luckly and got my TRD SE for a little under sticker. It helps to know people who know people ... humm... who know people... or something like that. I've seen toyota do that before. They were probably trying to recoop development costs in the 1st year, but now they aren't selling so well.