[GrendelBlitz]

Hello all,
I am considering replacing my Range Rover Sport with an FJ Cruiser due to the insane costs for both maintenance and repairs. I have always liked the FJ Cruiser so I am seeking insight and advice on your experiences with it and its overall opinions on its dependability.

I realize that all vehicles come with unique issues, but what is owning an FJ Cruiser like on the pocketbook?

Are parts easy to come by for repairs and such?

Many thanks in advance!

Matt \m/

 

[Savagebee]

Parts are definitely easy to come by.
They still use the motor and trans in currently produced vehicles.

 

[GrendelBlitz]

Parts are definitely easy to come by.
They still use the motor and trans in currently produced vehicles.

Thanks for the quick response, Savagebee! \m/

 

[Virtual-Chris]

I think parts are reasonably priced and many parts are shared between the Tacoma and 4Runner so there are aftermarket parts at every price point. You can buy all OEM or choose from a number of alternatives depending on your priorities. For example, you can buy cheap Moog lower control arms while spending a bit more on Toyota OEM wheel bearings as an example.

If you do most work yourself, ownership can be reasonable and rewarding, but if you’re going to pay for service, the cost of labour will be the most substantial part of any repair or maintenance bill so you won’t really be saving much I think.

But don’t be fooled by the legendary reliability reputation Toyota tends to have. These vehicles like everything have lots of parts that will wear out or rust or fail. Maybe less than other brands, but it’s not free sailing by any mesns

 

[GrendelBlitz]

Great insight and feedback, Virtual-Chris.
Much obliged! \m/

 

[Friday Night Cruiser]

I went from a Disco II to the FJ, while the initial cost is high, my weekends turning wrenches is a thing of the past and I have not had to do anything outside of normal maintenance to the FJ.

 

[GrendelBlitz]

... and I have not had to do anything outside of normal maintenance to the FJ.

Music to my ears, Friday Night! \m/

 

[Hannibal]

Toyota FJ Cruiser 2007-2014 1st Gen (XJ10) - YouTube

 

[FJC-MAN]

Quit torturing yourself with that Range Rover and get a FJ Cruiser. Reliability is a night and day difference.

 

[GrendelBlitz]

Reliability is a night and day difference.

Another point that hits home. \m/

 

[shawnbailey]

Toyota FJ Cruiser 2007-2014 1st Gen (XJ10) - YouTube

My boy Len! (I don't actually know him, but love those videos). They're so helpful and easy to follow. Excellent resource.

 

[milehim5FJ]

Couldn't agree more regarding lower maintenance costs and reliability. I've owned many European cars over the years- BMWs, Alfa, Mercedes, Peugeot, Fiat, though not a Land Rover- and with those cars I got to know my local mechanics very well! Find a well-maintained FJ, keep up with the service schedule and I think you'll be surprised at how little fuss it will be.

My FJ has 250K miles and my Land Cruiser 300K+, and oil, tires and brakes are all they ever seem to need. Good luck!

 

[FJExpat]

One of the reasons I went with an FJ over a Range Rover when I was in the market 2 years ago was the much higher degree of reliability and easiness of doing the work myself with an FJ. One of the things that really struck me when I was doing my research was how much electronics Range Rovers have, which makes it much more difficult to diagnose issues. I wanted a vehicle I could be as self-sufficient with as possible, and the FJ definitely fits that bill. For me, there was the initial expense of buying tools, but there's tons of Toyota parts sites where the prices are good, and now that I've done the initial work to refresh all the little issues my FJ brought with her, I expect it to have a very low cost of maintenance over the rest of its life. Which should more or less match the rest of mine.

 

[GrendelBlitz]

… keep up with the service schedule and I think you'll be surprised at how little fuss it will be.

Again, more of what I need and want to read. Thanks, @milehim5FJ \m/

 

[GrendelBlitz]

Great insight, @FJExpat ! \m/

 

[SpeedRye]

After purchasing my 07 used, and putting 100k miles on her, I've found myself replacing parts preemptively instead of when needed. Parts are cheap, and if I'm already working on it, might as well replace other parts so I don't have to take it back apart again for 100k more miles. Example: at 110k miles, I needed a new CV up front (due to me abusing them, haha), but while I had it apart, I opted to put on new rotors/pads, gusseted spindles, stainless brake lines, bearings/hubs, bushings, rebuild the calipers, etc. It didn't need any of those items per se, and the original brakes could've gone farther, but why take it all apart again in 10k-20k miles? I'd rather have trouble-free usage and it take me wherever I want to go, whenever I want to go there. It's a very analog vehicle, and it's easy to work on without a dealer's involvement for most service. After changing spark plugs recently, I'm planning on replacing some vacuum hoses soon as a few were starting to show signs of stress. Again, no failures yet, but the parts are cheap and easy to replace, so why wait for a failure?

The only issues I've had with my FJ weren't Toyota's fault. Something damaged both of my fuel lines at the same time, and I lost my front main seal after getting something wrapped around my crank pulley. Both surprisingly easy to fix myself.

 

[juan.degollado45]

I went from a Disco II to the FJ, while the initial cost is high, my weekends turning wrenches is a thing of the past and I have not had to do anything outside of normal maintenance to the FJ.

Yes sir had a Disco myself. I always loved the interior in that thing. Never spent much time in it as it was mostly in the shop.

 

[GrendelBlitz]

Never spent much time in it as it was mostly in the shop.

That is what I’m afraid of. \m/

 

[GrendelBlitz]

Well, fellow FJer's. I am joining the ranks.
Thank you for your insights and advice, I am purchasing an '08 TTSE with relatively lower miles.

I will be on this forum frequently, I am guessing, to seek out more of the much-appreciated knowledge that lives here.

Many thanks again and again. I am excited to break her in.

~ Matt ( GrendelBlitz ) \m/