2010 FJ: Trail Team or Not?

[mjolnir2thor]

In about 2 months if all goes well, I will be embarking on the shop and buy a FJ Cruiser journey. I've been reading the posts on this forum over the past weeks and have found a wealth of information. Thank you forum members!

I've been out looking at the different colors, options etc. and ran across a Trail Team version (Sand Storm) this past weekend. I REALLY like the way it looks but I'm wondering if the suspension, tires noise, etc. would be too harsh for every day on road use? I did not have a chance to test drive it yet, but will at some point.

FJ Intended Use

1. To and from work Monday through Friday. Work is 21 miles each way over back country roads
2. Occassional long trip (500 to 600 miles) about 5 times a year
3. Weekend grocery getter, take the dog for a ride, etc.
4. Off road use 4 or 5 times a year

I will not be doing a lot of off road riding, so I'm wondering if it is worth the extra $$$ to buy a TT version? Any insight would be very much appreciated.

Thanks!
-Thor

[Sand_Lizard]

1. No harsh ride on road, I drive 50 miles plus a day
2. I haven't taken a long trip in yet but I see no problems driving 500 miles
3. Taken both hounds of a ride, I fold down the back seats to give them more room to move around
4. The FJ is a very capable machine off road, I would add armor before doing any beatin and bangn around on rocks etc
5. keep us posted on your quest for an FJ

[KalahariRover]

First, there isn't a single functional advantage of a TT versus a regular FJ that can't be overcome with parts upgrades. So if you buy the regular FJ you aren't locking yourself out of any capability. You just have to go aftermarket.

That being said, the TT does come with some appearance items that are not so easily replicated. Sure, you can paint a regular FJ tan, buy a hood decal, remove, sand, and paint all the exterior trim black, etc. but why would you when you can just buy one? Not sure how you would replicate the cool two-tone seats, which also get a lot of comments and really liven up an otherwise cave-like interior.

So my advice would be pick the FJ that has a color combination you really like and you can't go wrong. If you like the green better than tan and black, then get it, add a few suspension and tire upgrades, and you're there. If you like the tan and black, then get the TT.

In other words, think of the TT primarily as an appearance package that comes with some pre-configured upgrades.

Personally, I flipped for the two tone tan and black, and so for me this was an easy choice.

As for day to day use, the BFG ATs are surprisingly quiet. I don't notice a lot of tire noise. The primary noise at lower speeds is the exhaust, which is quite loud and a number of people have commented on. At higher speeds it's wind noise. I'm assuming both of these are common across all models.

I find mine extremely comfortable. I drive it back and forth to work every day in heavy traffic. Zero complaints, I enjoy the vehicle tremendously.

Rear area is fine for dogs. A couple of vendors make easily removable dog barriers for the FJ. However, your larger human friends aren't going to care much for the backseat. If you regularly haul four adults, I would absolutely recommend you consider the 4Runner Trail Edition.

[Wulfgang]

You mentioned that you don't plan to buy your FJ for another 2 months.

I do not have a crystal ball, so I can not predict the future. But I will offer this for you to consider.

Toyota only makes a limited number of the Special Editions each model year compared to the other versions of the FJ. This means that as time marches on, they become harder and harder to find. If you wait too long, you may not be able to find one, and the only option left is to buy a non Trail Teams version of the FJ.

[Brock]

I think the very rare 2008 Brick FJ Cruiser is what you really need... LOL

[Sky]

For off-roading 4-5 times a year a regular stock FJ will do just fine and if you feel the need you can upgrade whatever parts you want for less money.

[Alien]

I had a thread here a couple of days ago where I discussed the difference between the TT and the 07 I had. I think you will be happy with whatever fj you decide to get. I doubt if you could tell the difference between wheeling the TT or just a regular fj-except maybe the tires on the TT would help you more on the trail. Of course trading out your tires is no big deal. I don't think you would have any regrets picking a regular fj over the TT.
Alien

[fj6high]

It's your $$$... that said you can buy a regular FJ and add a few after market mods and be better equipped than the sticker shock on a fully loaded TT. IMHO.

[FJC-4x4]

There is no mechanical difference between the TT and a regular FJ with All-Terrain pkg. They both have Bilstein® shocks and the BFG 265/75R16 tires...

The only difference is the coloring and some beadlock-style rims...

Is it worth the extra $$ for the paint job and near impossible to get rims? Only you can decide :-)

As for road worthiness, I like the BFG and can't see anything wrong with them.

But like others pointed out, the TT won't spend much time on the dealers lot, so the choice may not be one for long...

[NBFJCruz]

From what you said I would do what everyone else seems to say...Get an everyday FJ and use the extra money to make it your own....wheels, tires, lift and maybe a bumper. Those make it alot more "unique" than the TT model.....

But I still like those new TT wheels....sahweeeet!!!!