New Member Here.....Purchasing Questions

[Bytor]

Hello all,

First, allow me to introduce myself. I am a new member from the Westren PA mountains. I am into mud-bogging and drift-busting, hence gravitating me towards an FJ Cruiser.

I hate to be rude, but I am in the negotiation process of purchasing a new or used FJ and I have a few questions for anyone who would like to chime in:

1. Why do you think Toyota doesn't want to offer incentives on FJ's? I am being told it is due to low production and high demand. When I see 12 FJ's not moving off of a rinky-dink dealer's lot, I question this.

2. Is there a resource I could use to figure sale sof FJ's nationally and pricing? I am negotiating with two different dealers, and they are telling me these vehicles are non-negotiable.

3. What are your opinions on accessories such as the roof rack and brush guard? I have heard that the roof rack is quite noisy and brush guard is only ornamental.

4. Can I find dealer costs on these accessories anywhere? I am trying to include in the negotiations.

5. Is upgrading the suspension worth it? I have also heard differing perspectives on this.

6. Most simply, are you pleased with your FJ?

7. What immediate modifications would you recommend for an FJ to be used in the snow and mud?

Thank you for any and all responses. I appreciate it. Again, I apologize for being new and asking so many questions.

 

[tddfj]

well ill try to answer some of your questions. as far as there grush gaurd just for looks go with after market bumper. roof rack i have stock rack i like it but dont use it for much (cooler ect. for camping). yes the price of the fj is a nagosionating factor if deealers dont want to find another. i got about 3000 nocked off the price of mine. suspention i would put a 3 inch lift on and some 33 inch tires width is your call. they go through mud and snow just great make sure you get rear diff loch and the a-trac and you wont have any trouble. if you cant get the price you want try over here in kentucky and i beleave they even have 500 cash back on the fj right now. hope all of this helps.

 

[tddfj]

forgot one thing i love my fj.

 

[ridendude]

Yup, go with an aftermarket bumper ( way better protection and lifting points), new tires ( stock ones are absolute crap) and a 3" lift (springs/shocks). Along with ATRAC and a locker, it's good.

 

[BigyellowFJ]

Tires is number one improvement, locker and ATRAC is also great. Most everything else can be improved upon in the aftermarket world. I have the factory roof rack and it work for me. Have a Tuffy Security box, Ax and shovel mount plus Hi lift jack. On a long trip I have a low profile boat gas tank that fills with out having to remove. Had our FJ for 18 months and wouldn't get rid of it for anything.

 

[spaldam]

1. Toyota doesn't want to offer incentives on FJ's because they want to make lots of money off of them. Find a dealer that's willing to work with you on a deal (that's why they are called dealers after all).
2. I always liked edmunds.com because you can get the details on what the dealer pays for them, etc.
3. I got the TRD SE last year and added the few factory accessories that didn't come with it. It works great for me because I don't plan on a lot of upgrades, but if you want something less expensive, get a basic 4x4 with locker, and add the rest on yourself (including the ATRAC switch that will work as long as you have the locker and Anti-lock with stability control). You'll get much better upgraded parts for a lot less; especially if you know how to install them yourself.
4. edmonds.com
5. For me, no, but the TRD came with upgraded suspension already. For a lot of others, a 3" lift is popular.
6. Yes.
7. Tires. And according to some you can get a size or two bigger without any lift. That's what I plan on doing when the BFG AT's that came with the TRD package ware out (or if someone what's to trade). My first major modification was MAF Skidplates (and 2-way radios).

 

[Blues Dawg]

1. Why do you think Toyota doesn't want to offer incentives on FJ's? I am being told it is due to low production and high demand. When I see 12 FJ's not moving off of a rinky-dink dealer's lot, I question this. You can do some negotiating, but it is pretty much up to the stealer and your presentation. If they won't deal, go elsewhere. There are also non-showroom type dealer sources.


3. What are your opinions on accessories such as the roof rack and brush guard? I have heard that the roof rack is quite noisy and brush guard is only ornamental. I have the OEM roof rack and haven't noticed any noise that I would associate with it. The brush guard is worse than ornamental, it is a damage multiplier - if it hits anything substantial, it'll crush your grill, hood and possibly fenders, a/c condensor, and radiator. A good investment for an accessory is the rock sliders. A lot of folks will say to get one of the aftermarket sets, I have the Toyota ones and they have worked fine, I like them because they have a low side profile.

4. Can I find dealer costs on these accessories anywhere? I am trying to include in the negotiations. There are online sources for these including Toyota of Dallas. Genuine Toyota Parts and Accessories wholesale to the public.

5. Is upgrading the suspension worth it? I have also heard differing perspectives on this. IMO, yes it is worth it. Value for $ is probably best with the Old Man Emu which'll run you about 600-700 for the full set-up. Recommend you use light to medium rear springs and medium fronts unless you install a bumper and winch combo - then heavy fronts. If the 700 price tag is more than you want to start with, there are space lifts out there (Day Star, RevTech) that start at under $200.

6. Most simply, are you pleased with your FJ? I am happy with mine, and have added the OME lift, 35" Nitto's, Bud-Built Skids, Expedition One bumper, and a 9K SuperWinch.

7. What immediate modifications would you recommend for an FJ to be used in the snow and mud? Sirius Radio. Seriously tho, first thing to do is drive to the tire store from the lot and trade out for some decent all terrains or, in your case, mud terrains and some sliders for rocker panel protection.

 

[franksfj]

I bought my 07 fj at year end from long toyota in el monte ca. I found a ad in the orange county register

any fj in stock 4500 off sticker. I called longo and dealed on the phone and got 4650 off sticker, you can

do the same thing and have them ship it to you. longo is the largest toyota dealership in the nation.

The ad i found was from a different dealership look in the papers for ads