Looking for an FJ (6 Viewers)

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Joined
Oct 21, 2008
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65
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Location
brooklyn ny
I've always liked them, and now I'm in the market. What are the trouble areas I should be concerned with for a vehicle with over 100k? ...and any other advice.

Thanks,
Carl
 
If it's in northern climes, check for frame rust or rust hidden with thick paint/undercoating. I'd highly recommend finding a shop that can perform a pre-purchase inspection. It might cost you $200, but you'll have better peace of mind, knowing exactly what's going on. They will test drive it and listen for noises you might not think about. They can also check to see if there are any permanent codes stored in the ECU that might not illuminate the dash lights.
 
Carl, what model year, automatic, manual, there are 2wd models so…?
Early years (due to price) and preferably manual transmission. NOT a 2wd! ...this is for my 19 year old son - so he stops eyeing my FJ60!
 
Manual trannies are much less common than autos.

Are the front quarter sheet metal splits not a thing anymore? Mine never has done that in 250,000 + miles, but it happened to some people I guess.

Based on my experience, a high-mileage one wouldn’t bother me, as long as it was decently maintained.
 
If you can discover maintenance history and the vehicle looks clean you can ask a local shop to check it out, as BMThiker suggests. There are really no major issues in FJ's after the upgrades in 2010 but earlier models can be fine too if you get them checked out thoroughly. Good luck and post up a pic of the one you decide on.
 
I had a 2010 and adored it. I would only have gotten rid of it to fund a troopy. Get the later year models with the stronger body (research the crumple issue) and the better engine (I've forgotten all the details but it matters to some people, not to others - I think it's the VVT valve timing stuff). That 1GR-FE is a simply superb engine, if it's had regular maintenance 100K is barely a break in.

If this is for a young driver you should consider that driving visibility is horrible. Your son will have much better visibility if you give him your 60. :devil:
 
I have never owned anything out of the FJ40 series. My 51 year love affair with 40’s blinded me to anything g else until my son bought an FJ Cruiser in the middle 2000’s. We had 16” of new snow and he comes up my driveway to show us the Blue truck. my driveway is 1/2 mile dirt with little maintenance and to see him cruise up like it was nothing, intrigued me. I was impressed each ride he took me on but….it weren’t no 40!

Here it is 17+ years later I am thinking about selling the Silverado diesel and getting an FJ Cruiser …I am beyond the age of needing my pickup for much other than transportation. It is a VERY comfortable High Country pickup

I have learned a few things just in the few posts I read here. The first one I have seen after getting the bug is this….it IS MY COLOR. Had a 40 in this color so for one of my last cars…I am sticking to that want… since this is a 2010, what other avoidances should I be questioning?

 
… since this is a 2010, what other avoidances should I be questioning?


Looks to be completely stock except for the side steps, so maybe not abused by previous owner(s).

These are sturdy, reliable, and comfortable trucks; built in Japan. I have 250,000 miles of hard use on mine, and other than needing the (aftermarket) coil-overs refreshed, it still runs and drives like new, and does not burn or leak a drop of oil between extended oil changes.

Good luck with your search and purchase.
 
I see you're in the northeast as well.

I was in the market for an FJ before I got into a 100 series a few months ago.

Every FJ cruiser I looked at in NE (Private party and dealerships) has some sort of frame rot towards the rear control arm bracket areas OR has been previously patched up.
 
The “claim” is this FJ lived in the South…. So maybe minimal salt exposure? My ‘74 FJ40 was exposed to salt in Vermont for 5 years and by the 6th was on it’s way to diamond plate status

This shows surface rust and some frame rust…amazing what I could talk myself into for color…and 1 year color at that. My kind of truck is usually fully optioned… I enjoy those little things like heated steering wheel, heated seats, electronic do-dads etc.etc. My pickup has them and I use that heated back rest 75% of the time as a light heating pad and heated steering wheel for the arthritis in my hands

I am turning into an old man faster than I would have hoped for so for those lightweight trips, I think this could be a fun change. My 40 and 45 are manuals of course so an automatic seems like it’s a better choice. Not hauling stuff any more, no Sheetrock, no plywood, 2x4’s. Wrapped up that portion of my life .

Does anyone think this is missing something ? It is a second generation model change
 

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