I am trying to find a late model used FJ with a manual trans. They seem to be almost non-existant. Does anyone know what percentage came with a manual? I am about ready to give up looking.
Tacoman
Tacoman
Manual Trans
- Thread starter Tacoman99
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I'm not sure if you did a search on the blue forum but I would guess its small in comparison. Don't give up. I'll tell you why. . . The Manual trans Fj gets crap gas millage because its full time four wheel drive. I bet you in this economy alone one of those poor soles will be forced to sell his/hers due to the gas millage alone. Just be patient . . . you may even get a steal . . . consider posting a "wanted" thread on; craig's list, several of the Toyota and 4 x 4 or expedition type forums . . .
Ps. I love my 6-Speed Fj but I got to tell ya its a real commitment if your MPG is important to you. . . from what I understand the hard core 4x4 addicts have had issues with the auto trans Fj's due to the electronics vrs. the manual Fj's that don't suffer such issues. . . so if you use the lower gear in your transfer case or the 4 wheel drive occasionally then the auto trans/ part time 4 wheel drive Fj maybe what you should be searching for . . . just food for thought. . .
Good Luck
Ps. I love my 6-Speed Fj but I got to tell ya its a real commitment if your MPG is important to you. . . from what I understand the hard core 4x4 addicts have had issues with the auto trans Fj's due to the electronics vrs. the manual Fj's that don't suffer such issues. . . so if you use the lower gear in your transfer case or the 4 wheel drive occasionally then the auto trans/ part time 4 wheel drive Fj maybe what you should be searching for . . . just food for thought. . .
Good Luck
- Thread starter
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I did not know there was a big milage difference or that the manual was full time 4wd. I have some more investigation to do.
I need 4wd at least a couple of times a week. Sometimes daily. Not very demanding. Usually only a couple of miles a week (<5). Use it a lot more in winter.
Main reason: I have been driving manuals since I was 12. I don't want to cross over to the dark side at this late stage. I can always fix a manual, not sure about an auto.
Real reason: I am afraid my left foot will wilt away and fall off if I ever get an automatic.
I need 4wd at least a couple of times a week. Sometimes daily. Not very demanding. Usually only a couple of miles a week (<5). Use it a lot more in winter.
Main reason: I have been driving manuals since I was 12. I don't want to cross over to the dark side at this late stage. I can always fix a manual, not sure about an auto.
Real reason: I am afraid my left foot will wilt away and fall off if I ever get an automatic.
I agree that, with some patience, you can find what you want, it is a buyer's market in most regions.
I disagree with the idea there have been problems with the AT "electronics".
The full time 4 wheel drive initially pushed me to the AT, being an old school MT driver. So glad I went with the AT in retrospect. In combination with the factory rear locker, ATRAC, the AT is extremely capable off-road. Unless one is driving a great deal of time in conditions where full time 4 wheel drive is necessary, the AT is the way to go IMHO...
I disagree with the idea there have been problems with the AT "electronics".
The full time 4 wheel drive initially pushed me to the AT, being an old school MT driver. So glad I went with the AT in retrospect. In combination with the factory rear locker, ATRAC, the AT is extremely capable off-road. Unless one is driving a great deal of time in conditions where full time 4 wheel drive is necessary, the AT is the way to go IMHO...
I will defer to the gentleman from North Carolina, grinz . . . I'm quite convinced Mtbcoach, has much more experience in such matters . . . alas I can not confirm nor deny Vodka played any roll in my response last night! Oh Yea . . . 
I concur with Mtbcoach. I am a lifelong manual driver, and think the AT is the way to go in the FJ.
I just bought a 2007 with 30k miles (sun fusion; loaded with every option bu the sub) two weeks ago for $21k. I love it!
I was a bit unsure about getting the FJ as I have had LC's, and thought I might want a 2003-2004 LC. However, the FJ was the perfect choice for me ...
I just bought a 2007 with 30k miles (sun fusion; loaded with every option bu the sub) two weeks ago for $21k. I love it!
I was a bit unsure about getting the FJ as I have had LC's, and thought I might want a 2003-2004 LC. However, the FJ was the perfect choice for me ...
I haven't driven a manual FJC, but I've watched them try to wheel. If you plan to wheel it, get a auto.
Thats the drivers fault not the FJCs
As for that goes, i think either Petersen's 4WD or Four Wheeler put it this way......"man up, and go manual"
The EPA ratings for the AT 4X4 and MT are off by about 1 or 2 MPG IIRC
I personally think Fulltime 4 has more pros than cons......but thats just me........its all personal preference......
Thats the drivers fault not the FJCs
fixed.
This is a subject that has been hashed out many times in the past. It's true - it is personal preference, however most folks that have wheeled both agree that an auto is far easier.
With an FJC specifically - it doesn't have the gearing to make a manual very effective on the trail and few experienced off road manual experts are going to be out there in one. It's a lot easier to wheel an auto. Whether Four Wheeler thinks it's manly enough is something else.
I agree, the "manly" thing is to go manual. Yet, with ATRAC, one loses that feature if one touches the clutch or brake pedal, the FJC disables ATRAC. Having to retrain an experienced manual driver to not do what comes naturally can be challenging...
Here is one you may want to consider.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/vehicles-trailers-sale-wanted/388759-built-2007-fj-cruiser-new-york.html
https://forum.ih8mud.com/vehicles-trailers-sale-wanted/388759-built-2007-fj-cruiser-new-york.html
fixed.
This is a subject that has been hashed out many times in the past. It's true - it is personal preference, however most folks that have wheeled both agree that an auto is far easier.
With an FJC specifically - it doesn't have the gearing to make a manual very effective on the trail and few experienced off road manual experts are going to be out there in one. It's a lot easier to wheel an auto. Whether Four Wheeler thinks it's manly enough is something else.
I agree with you that manual is easier......I have a 100 series, so im stuck with auto......not that im complaining.
I only brought it up what i said, cause i WAS planning on getting a manual FJC and a very good friend of mine has one as well.....he wheels the snot out of it and loves it
If mileage matters get the Auto. I love driving a stick, it's just more fun.
As far as the rest of the arguements...no comment.
As far as the rest of the arguements...no comment.
MT mpg is not great, but compared to my 80, it is excellent.
If you WANT a manual, buy a manual. Not for everyone, but I love mine.
If you WANT a manual, buy a manual. Not for everyone, but I love mine.
One issue I have is, on a steep incline, you need to back down a bit to choose a better line.
In a manual, you can just clutch and roll back, the auto (in my case) you better shift into N before trying to back down or it will stall the engine and you loose your power brakes. Happened to me by surprise, lucky it was not a crazy roll back.
In a manual, you can just clutch and roll back, the auto (in my case) you better shift into N before trying to back down or it will stall the engine and you loose your power brakes. Happened to me by surprise, lucky it was not a crazy roll back.
I'm still a newb wheeler with my 6MT. There are probably times when I'd be better off with the AT, but that doesn't stop me from going out and wheeling my 6MT when the opportunities present themselves. And if I stall out my truck, I just start it again and move onward.
The 6MT is a blast to drive on pavement, and still a truckload of fun offroad.
And when I was running the stock wheel size and suspension setup, I was getting 20-22 mpg highway. Few months ago, I was the fortunate recipient of a suspension upgrade with 285 BFG ATs. That's dropped it down to 18-19 on the highway.
Either is great fun to drive IMO.
The 6MT is a blast to drive on pavement, and still a truckload of fun offroad.
And when I was running the stock wheel size and suspension setup, I was getting 20-22 mpg highway. Few months ago, I was the fortunate recipient of a suspension upgrade with 285 BFG ATs. That's dropped it down to 18-19 on the highway.
Either is great fun to drive IMO.