IMO walk away.

 

Pass on that one.

 

Agreed. When inner fenders have separation / rip issues, it is a sign that the FJ has been driven hard, and possibly abused. If not jumping sand dunes, then the previous owner probably drove hard over rocks / bumps such that the front suspension compressed into the stops with a major jolt.

Pass on this one. There are better used FJ's to be purchased, just don't be impatient.

 

Agreed. When inner fenders have separation / rip issues, it is a sign that the FJ has been driven hard, and possibly abused. If not jumping sand dunes, then the previous owner probably drove hard over rocks / bumps such that the front suspension compressed into the stops with a major jolt.

I don't disagree with the advice not to buy this truck, but I will add that I have a 2007 with 125K miles on it. My inner fenders tore at about 75K mi. It's inaccurate to assume it was from hard driving... I got mine from many miles on washboard gravel roads, and probably the fact that I neglected to realize my bushings were shot. My damage was about as bad as the one described, so I finally had them repaired. I wouldn't buy trouble, but after getting them repaired, my truck is looking great again. I didn't have any issues with the outer fender.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I will stay off this one.
By the way, what would you consider as too high mileage?

 

If well maintained, I think the FJ Cruiser is capable of more than 300K miles. The key here is "well maintained."

Hopefully the previous owner has keep any invoices / records of work performed.

Personally, I have kept a record of everything: (1) mileage, gallons, date, MPG for each fill up, (2) invoices of all engine oil changes, (3) mileage when replacing tires / battery / spark plugs / differential oil, and (4) invoices for special / major maintenance. My FJ (10-1/2 years old) has 136 K miles, and the first major work at 130K was replacement of shocks, the alternator, serpentine belt, and fluid replacement in the sealed transmission. Oh, BTW my FJ is NOT FOR SALE.

Performing good due diligence before purchasing a vehicle is your ticket to becoming a smart buyer. You don't want to acquire an FJ (or any vehicle) and discover during your first 10K maintenance surprises.

 

Just throwing this out there. My 07 has had fender rips for about 9 yrs and they haven`t caused any problems. They tore but haven`t gotten any bigger in yrs. They are also about 4 inches long each. No need to freak out over them.

 

What was the cost of replacement?

 

If your asking me about my rips I have not repaired them. I don`t think its needed

 

Everything I've seen on the fender rips, is that they're pretty much cosmetic. I haven't found a thread where the rips actually did anything... other than exist. If the rest of the truck is good I'd go for it.

 

I'll also add that my fender cracks haven't gotten any worse in years, and have not caused any problems.

 

I view them as a badge of honor.

 

Thanks guys!

 

I also have the fender cracks and also thought they were just a "feature" of the vehicle meaning no big deal. I wonder: why have it repaired? What kind of repair is that - they replace the fender, how do they do that, it has to be cut and welded on and repainted?

 

oops. deleted

 

@StrangerRanger, it looks like a much cheaper part than I thought. I wonder how hard it is to replace DIY...

 

I posted the wrong part, which is why I deleted my post. That wasn't for an FJ, and I couldn't find the correct one. Was hoping I had deleted it before anyone saw. haha. Foot in mouth.

 

Oh I see, well I receive a notification email when somebody posts on the threads I'm following and I probably loaded the page just before you edited the post... yes I now see it's for a different vehicle.

However, interesting site, I need some items

 

INNER COMPONENTS. FENDER.. Fits: 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser Base M/T 4WD | Diamond Toyota

On this page maybe?

 

In Manoweb's link, between the part shown as item #6 , and the apron (which does not have a number, but is between #6 and #8 ) there was a third panel added in March of '08 which has apparently eliminated the rips.

 

Hey Comet,

As others have said, my advice is to walk away. Let me clarify to other owners who have lived with the inner fender tears, it isn't detrimental to the FJ really at all, therefore it is a cosmetic issue. However, as you are in the unique position of purchasing an FJ, you have the chance to say "I will wait for one without fender tears", which is where I would lean to.

Good luck!