Living with the FJC

[Cruiserhead05]

Swank,

I'm with GNX7

Can you imagine the 80 you could buy and build for the price of a new FJC

I like the fjcruisers but i can never get over the thought of buying a clean 80 for 12k or so and dropping 10k into it. You would have a killer truck and more money in your pocket.

 

[brew8]

I bought one and I like it very much and for light wheeling it is nice soft suspension and comfy, I also have a FJ40 and I would never substitute the two, but I like the idea of the 80 instead, if I were doing it again I would find a 80 series with two lockers and fix it up, not sure my wife would go for it she loves the FJ cruiser, Cheers, Larry

 

[beaufort-fj60]

don't kid yourself, you know you want an Xterra.

 

[Max.Powerzz]

I hate to say it but what about the new 4-door j**p? I have similar concerns and also want something that will be dependable and kid-friendly. I know, I know, J**p and dependable should not be in the same paragraph, but lift the new jk and it's pretty slick with solid axles, lockers, and auto sway-bar disconnect. With 35's it looks just right, plus it has the removable top.

 

[hammer1]

living with the FJ

I had mine back to the dealer yesterday to check out the rear sonar. They claim it works fine, within the limits of its intended use.
This morning, at work, I had a guy stand to the side/behind the truck as I slowly backed toward a solid, two story high wall. The alarm didnt start to beeping until i was ( and we measured with a tape) 11" from the wall.
I dont think this is the limit of use the dealer talked about. most likely, he didnt want to fix it.
other than that...i love my truck.
two weeks ago, my 7 year old and i put it through about 18" of mud-water, and it never even slowed down.
I still have not washed it!

 

[gregc]

The front & side airbags in the FJC are a big plus. Side airbags are one of the most effective safety innovations of our time (more important than front 'bags, IMO)

It's not easy to find crash tests for the 80, I'm sure this has been passed 'round before
http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/vehicles/ancap/4wd-1998/toyota-landcruiser-1992.html

The parts that especially concern me are the structural integrity rating (marginal) and the restraint effectiveness (marginal). This means that an 80 would be just fine hitting a Corolla, but if you plow into a Suburban, tree, train, or overpass support you could get hurt. Crash tests are generally less relevant as vehicles get older and (where I am) rust.

The IIHS tests of the FJC, otoh are promising (I would search one out with side airbags) http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=578

And new vehicle means less wrenchin' time

-G

I had an FJ60 and purchased a '96 FZJ80. I couldn't be happier with the smooth ride, power everything, quiet cabin, option for a supercharger/turbo kit, stronger diffs, factory diff locks, sunroof, sound system etc. You can find them ('93-97) with around 100K miles for around $12-14K if you keep your eyes peeled with factory diff locks (front and rear). Mine was $57K new before taxes/reg. I bought it used for $11K with 130K. 20K miles later I have only changed the oil on it. Time to do plugs now .

Why spend the extra $15K+ on the FJC that is smaller and won't wheel as well? The FJC only gets 3-4mpg better on the highway anyway and carries less.

It would be nice to get a new vehicle though.

 

[Rockrawler]

And new vehicle means less wrenchin' time

-G

That was one of the bottom lines for me too, always tinkering with the cheap used rig (power window switches, tune up, a hose here, a belt there, replacing a corroded battery cable next week) nothing big, but I have been wheeling 3 weekends in a row with the FJ, just hop in and go, no worries. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. The cool thing is my wife is considering upgrading to an FJ80 and giving the FJ62 to my daughter for her first car

 

[BOBZFJCRZR]

I came from a cavernous Ford Expedition and have 2 kids, 6 and 3. They both fit in the back comfortably with plenty of room. I am not small, at 250lbs and I don't feel cramped at all. Sure, it's smaller than the Expy but there is still plenty of room in the cockpit of the FJ. There is no other vehicle out there with the styling and the quality that the Toyota FJ cruiser has. That is not rah, rah BS, just the truth.

 

[LandCruisers4Life]

The FJC is back up for consideration as a replacement for my FJ60, but I just want to hear from the owners on how you guys like living with the FJC.

It seems small inside compared to what I live with - how is it for a family of four? We've got two kids (7 and 3) - is there enough room in the back for the kids? Does it start feeling cramped when travelling?

How is it off road? Do you feel safe, feel like you can get into and out of anything? Does the limited visibility come into play off road? With the 60, I'm totally aware of all four corners at all times, I feel like I can see around me with no problems (my sister, upon seeing the 60 for the first time, said it looked like a greenhouse) - and I have been in the FJC - it feels more like a cave - is it easy to get used to?

I'm hoping to get honest criticism and feedback here. I don't need the "rha-rha-rha" bit of cheerleading. I know it's a Toyota, I know it's IFS, I know the top doesn't come off of it and I know it doesn't come in a diesel. I want to know what it's like living with it, especially after the honeymoon is over and you've moved on to more practical things like being sick and tired of the kids kicking the back of your seat or complaining that they are cramped, not being able to get mud out of the seat upholstry, or how you might feel like you're going to back over someone else's car every time you back out of a parking spot. I'm looking for the ugly truth.

Anyone? Anyone?

I have a large son, 17 who sometimes rides in my backseat area, and he has no problems back there. The vehicle has plenty of room for me, and I love to fill up with gear for off roading too. I like the IFS, the ride is a far cry from my old 'beat you to death 40', especially on long treks. As far as visibility, you get used to it. The rear sonar function is good too when you are unsure of obstacles as well. To tell the truth, there is no ugly truth. The vehicle is everything you would want in a Land Cruiser, totally cool ride, dependable, and rock solid off road. I've seen the new FJ go through some things that other rigs could only dream of, while sitting there spinning their tires.

Good luck.