Thinking of FJ

[Wadepat2]

Hi FJ group. I am usually in the 100 group and still have that for my daily (Live in Dubai). Thinking of getting my son and FJ in US. I am looking at a 2007 TRD with 158k and a 2010 with 125k. Both in great shape with service records. Anything specific I need to be looking at. 2007 is in 17k range and 2010 is 23k.
Hoping for some insight of things to look out for. What should I do to baseline a FJ when you first get one. Common issues at these ages/mileages?

He will be driving few hours a week on interstate and the rest is just to gym and back while he trains before leaving for Navy. Wouldn't mind him wrenching on it a little as needed but if whole steering rack and front end needs replacing around this time I'll look at something else.

If I missed a post with all this please point me in the right direction.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Baselining would depend upon past service history, I would imagine. 2010 has the upgraded, larger rear axle. I'd be inclined to go with the newer one, unless it's a less desirable color. Maybe your son could chime in regarding which one has more aesthetic appeal.

 

[Wadepat2]

First one 2007 is black TRD special edition the second 2010 is the maroon color. He likes both. Both have regular maintenance records. Don't see anything major just oil changes mostly.

If they don't have any major issues to keep a look out for beyond rust I would be happy .

 

[bhsdriller]

Have you or he driven one? I'd much rather have a 100 series over an FJ any day

 

[Wadepat2]

Have you or he driven one? I'd much rather have a 100 series over an FJ any day

Haha yea I agree but it's not for me. I live in Dubai and drive a 100. Just bought TRD supercharger for it in US actually. There are plenty of LCs and FJs here too and I have to admit the FJ is much better off-road in the sand then my heavy LC but no way I get rig of the LC. It will come back to US with me when I move back.
Just figure a FJ would be a better fit for my 20 year old son. Needs his own car to start his Navy career. Was just awarded a Navy Diver contract so this is kind of a gift/ get him out of his mom's car vehicle.

 

[Wadepat2]

Haha yea I agree but it's not for me. I live in Dubai and drive a 100. Just bought TRD supercharger for it in US actually. There are plenty of LCs and FJs here too and I have to admit the FJ is much better off-road in the sand then my heavy LC but no way I get rig of the LC. It will come back to US with me when I move back.
Just figure a FJ would be a better fit for my 20 year old son. Needs his own car to start his Navy career. Was just awarded a Navy Diver contract so this is kind of a gift/ get him out of his mom's car vehicle.

 

[Whiskerz]

Rust on the frame. Also he needs to be aware of the visibility issues. a newer one gets a back up camera. The blind spot is big enough to hide a small car. some angled intersections can be tough.

 

[Hugh Calgary]

My 2007 FJ was purchased 2 1/2 years ago. It is a six speed manual. Mileage was 83,000. Has 100,000 now. I did the full baseline including new brakes when I bought it. Since then I have done front shocks, one front wheel bearing, one front axle and new clutch. I do all my own work so low cost for repairs. I also have 2 100 series that my wife and son drive. The 100 is much nicer to drive but I wouldn't sell my FJ. Every time I drive it I feel like a kid.

 

[LockedCollector]

Have loved my FJ since 2011. Snatch it up with 19k miles. Besides regular maintenance and a decent coil over lift its been a tank. You get use to the visibility issues and mirror placement will help a ton. I have 124k on the odometer now and all I’ve done is regular maintenance (oil, fluids, spark plugs, coolant refresh). What sucks is the windshield is a rock magnet. Other than that….it’s a Toyota and I think it’s super fun and reliable. I’ve been towing a popup this year and does great. Since that picture I’ve added a weight distribution system to prevent it from squatting and pulls even better. Just shows that FJs are very versatile in what they can do.

 

[xlx]

Go for the black TRD special edition. More likely to increase in value.
As for the blind spot, just run spot mirrors. How do you think the truckers change lanes? Driving has become a lost art with all the electronic gizmos.