[the_culture]

Greetings! I’m currently looking at a couple of FJs and wanted some “professional” thoughts and opinions. ;-)

2008 FJ Trail Teams, 180,000, good service history, good condition, $1

2012 FJ Base, 170,000 miles, good service history, good condition, $19k

Are the ‘08 Trail Teams upgrades better than the 2012 engine improvements? I guess what I’m asking is the TT version that much better than a base model? Or is it mainly for the exclusive badges and suspension?

 

[norm356]

Mainly badges and paint color. Anything different about the suspension (typically shocks, sometimes springs) can be easily changed and frankly needs replacing by 200k miles anyway.

 

[Iconic_]

In my opinion there is not much difference between any model year FJ with any package with the exception of 4WD vs 2WD. That's just my salty opinion. I think it's crazy that 2010+ models are commanding $30k+ sometimes. You'll find me in a 2007-2009 as the newer models are not worth double the price.

 

[Adrift]

The $1 one sounds like a no brainer.

Seriously, the previous responders have it covered. IMO the value of a Trail Teams is at Barrett Jackson in 15-20 years but it has to be all original. Once it's modified, it's like any other FJ.

However, If you don't like the white roof, the TT is an option. I think the all Army Green (2011?) looks bad ass. But I'm not trading my "base" Army to get one.

 

[JL14TTUE]

"Opinion thought"
Although there are differences between years regardless of TT or not, I believe a person could be happy with any FJ year. the FJ tends to take on it's own personality especially after you start tweaking and making modifications, or just simple weekend getaways creating memories together. I know I'm romanticizing the experience but it becomes a relationship; and the bond only strengthens with time making it harder to depart for most. evident by the responses already posted and throughout this forum, everyone is happy with theirs regardless of the year or trim.

"Professional thought"
if you pass on the $1 option, please send me the sellers information....

a good read:

The FJ Cruiser looks like a vintage SUV—and now it's appreciating like one

The FJ Cruiser was one of the few times in Toyota's history where fun was an integral part of the design, not to mention reliability and off-road history

www.hagerty.com

 

[Sanderhawk]

If your getting it as an investment then get the TT. If your getting it to enjoy the hell out of it get the base model. All FJs are the same. The TT just costs twice as much. On the TT all your getting is a couple of badges

 

[Hannibal]

"All FJ's are the same" The F**K they are.

Don't tell 'em about the rare 51 factory mistakes or the ICON/TLC XPLORE versions.

The Complete FJ Cruiser Special Edition Guide

Hey everyone! So a few years back I had my own 2007 TRD Special Edition FJ Cruiser and knowing it was a unique vehicle I wanted to do research so I would know everything I could about this rare vehicle. My search led me all over the forums, internet, and yes, even to Wikipedia, just so I could...

www.fjcruiserforums.com

 

[ASE-12]

Trail Teams has TRD Wheels, BFG All Terrain Tires, Bilstein Shocks, Locking Rear Differential, Rock Slider Rails, Single Exterior Color (no white roof), Blacked-Out Exterior Trim, Colored Seat Panels (that match the exterior color), Trail Teams Badges.

 

[Winterpeg]

I wanted the 08 TT.

I got the 08 TT.

Find out what you WANT and go for it.

 

[BIGGUY]

I wanted to ride the short bus.

I got to ride the short bus.

View attachment 1207581

Find out what you WANT and go for it.

Yep…

 

[jimmy-buffett]

Are the ‘08 Trail Teams upgrades better than the 2012 engine improvements? I guess what I’m asking is the TT version that much better than a base model? Or is it mainly for the exclusive badges and suspension?

An '08 Trail Teams in white is the easiest Trail Teams to replicate with another white truck from any year, simply by blacking out the plastics on the truck then adding the correct wheels.

Point being, you can have both white/black Trail Teams look with all the mechanical improvements of the 2010+ trucks.

Given your choice I'd go with the 2012. In my humble opinion, the 2010-2012 are the best years of FJ for mostly a lot of small reasons.

 

[Sparky of NWO]

How much of the Trail Teams package does one end of tossing to actually wheel it? It is cute on pavement, fire Roads and Meet and Greets.

 

[ASE-12]

Every post misses the fact that the TT has a locking rear differential.

 

[norm356]

Every FJ was available with the option of a locking rear differential. Nothing special about it on a TT.

 

[ASE-12]

Every FJ was available with the option of a locking rear differential. Nothing special about it on a TT.

Point is ... it was standard with the TT. How many non-TT's were optioned with a locking rear differential ... probably only a fraction. This is really the only non-bolt-on difference other than paint.

 

[Sparky of NWO]

My 2008 cheapy came with locking diff. Just added $30 switch. So it is super duper special.

 

[the_culture]

Thx guys, I appreciate all the feedback. The 08 TT is listed for $19.5k

I really like the all white look of that TT but felt I was falling for the TT "allure" when that 2012 (2WD) is probably just as good.

 

[ASE-12]

My 2008 cheapy came with locking diff. Just added $30 switch. So it is super duper special.

Gee ... you must also be special.

 

[Fjhugo1]

Every post misses the fact that the TT has a locking rear differential.

I think more than a fraction came with the locking rear dif, I’d venture to say the majority actually did. The non-TT with a locking diff and new shocks is the same dang vehicle. If your goal
Is to off-road and you want the best value, go non TT. The TT is higher priced but not any more capable when comparing apples to apples.

 

[MartinbuiltFJ]

The '12 is 2wd?
I must have missed that detail.
The guys are going to beat your ear over that.

All i'll say (as someone who bought a 2wd intentionally) is that it's too expensive.
I bought mine in october 140k, from CA, for 13k on a dealer lot.
It's spotless underneath, and had been there for a couple months, so i might have overpaid at 13.