Feedback on FJ - Page 2

rob1217 · 06-22-2009, 08:01 PM

I have a 4x4 version with OEM roof rack...get about 20mpg highway and 18 city. Don't see the blind spots as that big of a deal if you point your mirrors out far enought where the body of the vehicle is barely in view. With the additional height of the vehicle I see it gets better visibility on the highway than most cars. It can be little interesting with the setup of the rear doors and latch overhang when entering/exiting vehicle (for rear passengers), but I don't carry passengers all the time so it's no big deal to me. Love the truck, nothing else like it on the road. Ride is very smooth; on and off road.

**colink1** · 06-22-2009, 08:15 PM

Just completed a 960 mile road trip from Austin, TX to Stone Mountain, GA. My FJ is just over 3 yo, w/ 37k miles on it. Drives better than it did now, than when I bought it. I didn't buy it for the mileage. It's a pack mule and has been rock solid. Two boys, wife and luggage, with room to spare. I am about 85% done with the Toyota Navigation unit install, and I am more than pleased. A creature comfort that Toyota did not offer for the FJ, which is stupid on their part.
Rather than complain about the things Toyota didn't do right with the FJ, I've gone ahead and fixed (like ride height, usable roof rack, tire options and size, more than one 12-volt outlet, just to name a few). My .02 cents.

skerjf · 06-22-2009, 09:03 PM

I switched from an '05 Z71 Silverado with all the bells and whistles to an '08 4X4 FJ Cruiser TT. You will definitely give up some of the luxuries (leather, comfort, Bose Sound System, etc), but I love my FJ. You get use to the blind spots. I actually think it is easier to see out of and easier to drive than my parents old suburban.

I use mine as a daily driver and love it. It is easy to park, can haul people (although sometimes cramped in the backseat), still have room for luggage and take it offroad when I want to play. I have taken it 400 miles across Nebraska to visit the parents and had no problems. It isn't quite as comfortable as my Silverado, but that isn't why I bought the FJ.

You will definitely give up some things that you have in your Tahoe for the FJ. Figure out exactly what you are wanting in a vehicle and then go through the pros and cons of each. I love my FJ and I am definitely glad I traded the Silverado for the FJ.

Jaytil · 06-22-2009, 09:46 PM

A year ago, I did the EXACT switch you're considering. I went from a 2007 Tahoe LTZ 4x4 (loaded) to a 2008 TT FJ.

As others have stated, they are different vehicles and it really depends on your usage. I use mine as a daily driver and love it, but not without issues (visibility, noise from roof rack, ride with Swayaway rear shocks, ventilation, etc.). The quality is better (IMO) and I think the long term durability definitely goes to the FJ.

I had BFG ATs on the Tahoe and was getting 12 MPG in mixed driving. With the FJ on the same ATs, I was getting about 14. I just put on BFG MTs and an AFE intake/TBS so we'll see.

I miss many of the creature comforts from the Tahoe (nav, heated/power seats, passenger room, storage/cargo room) but the FJ is way more off road capable, has more character (again IMO) and is better built.

This isn't by any means a comprehensive comparison, but some input that you may find useful. Let me know if you have any specific questions and good luck!

krasny · 06-23-2009, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Jaytil previously said:

A year ago, I did the EXACT switch you're considering. I went from a 2007 Tahoe LTZ 4x4 (loaded) to a 2008 TT FJ.

As others have stated, they are different vehicles and it really depends on your usage. I use mine as a daily driver and love it, but not without issues (visibility, noise from roof rack, ride with Swayaway rear shocks, ventilation, etc.). The quality is better (IMO) and I think the long term durability definitely goes to the FJ.

I had BFG ATs on the Tahoe and was getting 12 MPG in mixed driving. With the FJ on the same ATs, I was getting about 14. I just put on BFG MTs and an AFE intake/TBS so we'll see.

I miss many of the creature comforts from the Tahoe (nav, heated/power seats, passenger room, storage/cargo room) but the FJ is way more off road capable, has more character (again IMO) and is better built.

This isn't by any means a comprehensive comparison, but some input that you may find useful. Let me know if you have any specific questions and good luck!

Thats the thing, I can't use the cargo in the tahoe, I hate those useless 3rd row seats, have to remove each time I have to bring something. FJ has the interior that can take a beating from what I sow. I take is 14-15mpg is typical? is that with aggressive driving or gentle? Also what is TT, I some of you have the TT model?

**cnckart** · 06-23-2009, 01:29 PM

Quote:

krasny previously said:

Thats the thing, I can use the cargo in the tahoe, I hate those useless 3rd row seats, have to remove each time I have to bring something. FJ has the interior that can take a beating from what I sow. I take is 14-15mpg is typical? is that with aggressive driving or gentle? Also what is TT, I some of you have the TT model?

Well the interior can take a beating, but it will look like crap in doing so. The plastic is very soft, and scratches easy. In a few years I plan on giving the cargo area the bed liner treatment. TT is the Trail teams edition. It has a few more bells and whistles, upgraded shocks, black out mirrors, bumper etc.

VicMackey · 06-23-2009, 01:32 PM

I am a newer Fj owner and here are my opinions:

Get 4wd, same ride as 2wd (in automatic) and can bail your azz out when you need it to and it will offer better resale.

The blind spot is an issue but it only takes about 5 miles to get used to. After a few miles it will not bother you in the least.

The ride is smooth considering you are driving a large 4X4 vehicle that isnt really designed to be a Cadillac.

As someone who just had mine and my wifes vehicles broken into (along with about 15 others on my street) I would urge you to go with a portable GPS system as opposed to the factory nav system. You can take it out of the vehicle when you need to and you can put it into other vehicles and not worry about the expense and PITA of having the factory one replaced if/when it gets swiped.

good luck mate!

**WILSON** · 06-23-2009, 01:42 PM

Here is an idea...

Come to the DFW Meet & Greet and check out about a dozen or so FJ's in one sitting...from mild to wild. You will see every option that is currently available at the dealer and all the aftermarket goodies too with no pressure or BS from a salesperson.

You are welcome to drive mine if ya like.

Here is the link to the info DFW Area M&G Saturday June 27th

I am a fan of Toyota of Dallas. They are huge supporters of this forum and the off-road community in general. They wheel and service what they sell!

**cnckart** · 06-23-2009, 01:45 PM

Quote:

WILSON previously said:

Here is an idea...

Come to the DFW Meet & Greet and check out about a dozen or so FJ's in one sitting...from mild to wild. You will see every option that is currently available at the dealer and all the aftermarket goodies too with no pressure or BS from a salesperson.

You are welcome to drive mine if ya like.

Here is the link to the info DFW Area M&G Saturday June 27th

I am a fan of Toyota of Dallas. They are huge supporters of this forum and the off-road community in general. They wheel and service what they sell!

That's pretty nice of you!

OP: take him up on that offer.

fjdany · 06-23-2009, 01:48 PM

I have my FJ since Dec 2006, and so far any major problems to report. I love the FJ since the first day I bought it. in my opinion the fj is petty comfortable, but if you are 70 years old and you have problems on your back, then the fj is not for you, but otherwise I love it. My dad is 58 years old and he loved to drive the FJ.... so in my opinion the fj is the vehicle for you. go for it.