Ok, so I'm looking for some advice from the FJ community about this potential purchase. I've been looking off and on for a while, and ran across a 2008 FJ Cruiser for sale that has about 110k on it. It's the 6 speed, which I want. It has the locker, A-trac, inverter, subwoofer, and the button with the "P" on it, whatever that is. It has the factory roof rack and factory step rails. The body looks straight from the photos, with no visible rust or bad paint. He is asking $15,500. I'm not sure it's worth quite that much from others I've looked at, but the mileage is below average. I ran the CARFAX and it doesn't show any accidents or anything. However, it has spent most of it's life in Ohio, and I've always been told to avoid northern vehicles because of salt used on the roads in winter and how it destroys the undercarriage/frame.
I've read some about the whole throw out bearing/clutch bell housing problem that these are known for and that is a major concern for me. I spoke with the owner, who says the only reason he is selling is because of needing a bigger vehicle for his family. He said that he has had no problems with it in the year that he has owned it and he doesn't know anything about the clutch/throw out bearing problem, and has not heard any chirping or squeaking.
I asked for photos of the undercarriage and he sent me several, which I am adding here. I would like to hear from owners of FJ's and any advice you can give. I'm a little scared of the rust in these pictures but not sure if it's typical or if I should pass on this one. I have a 40yo, '78 FJ40 that, unfortunately, has a lot of rust, and I have a '97 40th Anniversary Edt. FZJ80 that doesn't look as rusty underneath as this 2008 FJ, so that is one of the reasons I'm asking the community about this. Also, any other tips or things I should be looking out for on this beast when/if I go to look at it. Thanks in advance for any input you may have.
I've read some about the whole throw out bearing/clutch bell housing problem that these are known for and that is a major concern for me. I spoke with the owner, who says the only reason he is selling is because of needing a bigger vehicle for his family. He said that he has had no problems with it in the year that he has owned it and he doesn't know anything about the clutch/throw out bearing problem, and has not heard any chirping or squeaking.
I asked for photos of the undercarriage and he sent me several, which I am adding here. I would like to hear from owners of FJ's and any advice you can give. I'm a little scared of the rust in these pictures but not sure if it's typical or if I should pass on this one. I have a 40yo, '78 FJ40 that, unfortunately, has a lot of rust, and I have a '97 40th Anniversary Edt. FZJ80 that doesn't look as rusty underneath as this 2008 FJ, so that is one of the reasons I'm asking the community about this. Also, any other tips or things I should be looking out for on this beast when/if I go to look at it. Thanks in advance for any input you may have.