What are the "300 special edition versions"? I assume he isn't refering to the TRD as there many more than that. Is there another SE truck?

 

Yeah. He said TRD, but I didn't know what he was talking about, so I didn't use the acronym in my posting... Pearls before swine and all that ... Is the GX thing news to you?

 

what about the frames? aren't they both from the Prado?

 

I'm not 100% positive but I think the FJ, 4Runner and Lex GX all share the same frame. It's not surprising at all, the old Lex RX300 was essentially a Highlander in a fancy dress, in the same way that the ES is a dressed up Camry. They all share a lot of parts.

 

Yes I believe Lexus GX, Fourrunner, Prado,and FJ uses the same frame except FJ is modified due to different wheelbase.

 

I think you nailed it. Or pretty darn close. Bottom line our frame is our frame but pulled off of prado but shorted to 105 and change down from like 109. The overseas Prado is a very similar platform to 4runner and GX. You could almost basically say that the GX is a Prado. Look at ARBs website for Prado products. Check out how the Prado looks (newer variants), then compare to GX. Practically looks the same save for window dressing, badging, and accoutrements.

I just love our FJs don't you

 

The Lexus GX is sold as Toyota Land Cruiser 300 here in Europe and a lot of car magazines that got to testdrive the FJ mentioned the common features between the FJ and the LC (especially relating to the superior off-road qualities of the Land Cruiser).

 

The taco frame is "U" shaped, while the FJ frame is fully boxed or enclosed for strength.

Thats one big difference between them. I think the only similarity is the fact that they both are available with the same engine and tranny.

 

Four years for a production run is brief compared to other special vehicles produced. If the FJ is making money, why would Toyota limit the production run to four years?

Looking at the base V8 vs the V6, not much advantage in performance and the V8 is heavier.

 

Executives at publicly traded company have a legal obligation called "fiduciary duty'' to maximize shareholder value, which mean profits, profits, profits. From that perspective, it makes more sense for Toyota to make cars that generate the most profit per unit.

That's not always the same thing as making the best car. And I believe the FJ is the best vehicle in the U.S. for the money.

For example, if a $27,000 FJ generates, let's say, $7,000 profit per unit for Toyota, but steals customers who would otherwise purchase a 4Runner generating $10,000 per unit - the FJ is more likely to be removed from the product lineup.

That said, there are other considerations besides per unit profitaability. One is the long-term value of having a brand name associated with quality. Having the baddest 4x4 SUV on the plant under $30,000 does a lot for the value of your corprate brand, as does having a reputation for making reliable vehicles.

It could be that there are some people at Toyota who believe they can achieve both goals by making the FJ for a relative short period of time - the rumored four years. I'll tell you one thing - Jim Press didn't say that rumor was false. He said it hand't been decided yet.

To someone who interviews executives, that's pretty close to `yes.'

If that cut-off is instituted, I agree with the poster who suggested it might boost the value of our FJs. Of course, that's not going to help you unless you're looking to sell your FJ. I'm not. In fact, it could actually slow the reduction in insurance costs we might otherwise enjoy as our FJs age.

It's also possible Toyota will just raise the profitability per unit by hiking the price, which is already happening. Toyota has raised the price of FJs built after Jan. 15 by $200.

The dealers are already way past that. It's my impression that FJs that were supposed to sell for $25,000 - $26,000, were selling for about $1,000 more right from the get-go and now sell for $2,000 more.

A friend of mine who's trying to buy an FJ 4WD said all the sticker prices he's seen are over $30k. His best negotiation so far got it down to $28,600, with the wheels, exhaust tip and rock rails (no roof).

I purchased a similarly equipped FJ in October for $25,500 from a dealer who said he could save my buddy another $800. Which means the going rate for a decently equipped FJ is already up to $27,800.

What kind of prices are you guys and gals hearing about?
Victor1212

:roller:

 

wtf? they might kill the FJ in 4 years????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

 

the fjc is essentially a rebodied 2-door prado which is the same thing as the GX.

especially the AWD MT version.

 

yes actually this is the closest to the truth here, the 4rnr and taco are no the same frame not even the same line. the prado and fjc share all the underpinnings and have a diff engine and body

 

OK, so its like the Prado. Now where is my diesel option?

 

not sure you will ever see that at least soon due to the emission standards,
If you have an OME lift it is actually a Prado lift that is why it is higher than 2"
in the back because the Prado is heavier and they used those springs so a med duty prado spring is a bit stiffer on the FJ

 

That is cool with me if they only build the FJC for 4 years.
It should make ours more valuable, especially a first year model.

 

Fj Cruiser = Top Shelf Ingredients At Low Warehouse Price.

 

Sadly none of this is news. The shared platform concept has been, as noted earlier, used by Toyota & Lexus for a long time. It is not new, nor is it unique to Toyota.

The Prado was Toyota's "global platform of the future" when intorduced. There are vast differences in the frames, based upon the vehicle, but the driveline components and suspension components share the same mounts, making parts interchangeable.

It is important to note that this interchangeability does not mean the parts are the same- as alluded to in the Prado/OME suspension comments.