Australian and European FJ Cruisers

Tonka · 06-21-2006, 01:05 AM

I have previously run a 1983 HJ47 longwheel around Australia, and currently own a short wheel base 1989 coil sprung LJ70, and a leaf sprung 1990 long wheel base HZJ75.

I seen an article in an aussie magazine about the new 5 door Jeep Wrangler, and researching this lead me to the FJ Cruiser. I have now ditched the idea of getting a Jeep and am besotted at getting my hands on a FJ Cruiser.

But I currently live in Australia. Where even the Toyota dealers have never seen or heard of the FJ Cruiser ("you mean the PT cruiser" is a regular reply), eventhough Australians have possibly a bigger passion for landcrusiers than anywhere else in the world.

Is there any sign of Toyota releasing the FJ Cruiser in Australia or Europe?

CACressida · 06-21-2006, 01:57 AM

I'll trade you my FJ-Cruiser for a FZJ-70!!!!!!!!

Trust me, the FJ-Cruiser is nothing compared the the 70 series. You got it made. People over here are just dieing for Toyota to ship out the 70 series to the US, wich they wont do.

The FJ-Cruiser is litterally a 2-door prado that has been stretched out to be the same wheelbase as a 2000 Prado 4door and has the same V6 in the Prado. Toyota tweaked the Suspension alil bit to give the FJ an edge over the 4Runner/Lexus GX/Prado suspensions. But they are all from the same parts bin.

I have driven a Prado 120 and I must say it is a blast to drive. I'd own a Prado 120 over a FJ any day. And heck, I'd sell my FJ-C for a FZJ-70series with fender flares, fiber top and dual lockers in a heart beat.

But for now, since us Americans only have the choice of LC100 (which is too expensive or else we all would own one

) Lexus GX470/4Runner 4door, and FJ-Cruiser, we chose the FJ because its the next best thing to a 2-door prado and or a LandCruiser 70 series.

nomadically · 07-16-2007, 12:37 PM

a year later and they still haven't heard of it..

sunfusion07 · 09-27-2007, 04:52 PM

I might move to Australia. Any FJs over there? I was thinking of brinnging mine with me, but I don't know if it is worth it or not.

SpeedwayBlue · 09-27-2007, 05:04 PM

Be happy with what you can buy from toyota, the fjc only looks like greener grass, you have the real deal!!!

sunfusion07 · 10-03-2007, 09:21 AM

I emailed ARB and they told me that they own the only FJ Cruiser in Australia and that it is going to be on its way back to the US shortly.

!Cruzer! · 12-06-2007, 08:52 AM

for four years anyway - after my stint over here in SoCal ends my FJ coming right back to Brisbane with me to join my 40's

Landdozer · 12-06-2007, 08:59 AM

Toyota made the FJ strictly for the US and other countries that drive on the right side of the road.

I read a while back about someone moving to down under from the US on a job transfer with his FJ and had all kinds of problems with getting it legalized there. Thats probably the reason ARB is bringing theirs back to the States.

!Cruzer! · 01-04-2008, 10:17 AM

took me a while to reply to this one

there is a few things that will need to be modified properly for the australian design rules to pass the vehicle for australian road compliance - luckily my brother in law is good mates and next door neighbours with a guy who owns an LHD - RHD conversion/compliance business - make life a lot easier!

I don't know the full story of the ARB vehicle - but possibly its coming back to the US because its kind of pointless having it in Australia - having a demonstration vehicle thats not available to the Australian market?