So, don't buy an FJ??? - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

Torqueflight · 04-18-2009, 11:26 PM

Wow, I'm really bummed out.

I was all about getting an FJ until I just read a ton of horror stories.

I really wish this weren't the case. I really like the looks and off road ability.

I think I should go with my lesson learned and not buy a vehicle with these kinds of issues.

What do you guys think?

Maybe JK Jeep instead?

Thanks,
Matt

MS3820 · 04-19-2009, 06:39 AM

Wow I have been looking also and put a bid on one. Could you explain some of your horror stories? I have 4 landcruisers, and (two are torn down) and my wife wants an FJ cruiser. I can't imagine Toyota selling a POS, I did read the one story about the welds loosening up, and the warning lights coming on. But l think the SUV was used for a little serious offroad stuff. Mine will be used just for highway and light dirt roads. Maybe I will even get a 2wd.

southernfriedcj8 · 04-19-2009, 05:38 PM

My wife has had her FJC for 2 years with no issues yet.

Torqueflight · 04-19-2009, 08:58 PM

I just read a bunch of horror story stuff over on the FJC forums. Theres a thread in the problem section. Its stickied at the top. I guess theres a bunch that have issues with the inner fender well bulging and tearing. I guess Toyota isn't steeping up to the plate to fix some of them.

I don't know. I really had my heart set on one. But I learned my lesson with my 07 Subaru STI. There was a huge thing with the ECU before I bought it and I went ahead and bought it anyways, then had to go through a bunch of crap to try and get it fixed and they wouldn't do it. And instead of fighting them in court I just reprogrammed it myself. But I just don't want hassles like that any more.

I guess I just trying to find out if this is really wide spread, or if this is hit or miss.

I read that some time in 08 Toyota implemented a fix so I don't know if thats really working out or not.

Even know this is an issue, I am still tempted against my own better judgment

.

M

Torqueflight · 04-19-2009, 09:16 PM

Heres the link to all the ripping issues

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...body-rips.html

Good luck reading it all. It will take days.

I guess I'm just thinking about a Tacoma 4dr instead.

M

ManiacMagoo · 04-19-2009, 09:41 PM

One thing to remember no matter who makes the rigs there are always threads of issues. We have an 07 loaded and I have wheeled the piss out of it and it runs great with no issues. Hell even took out a full size chevy who T Boned me and it still is awesome. I bet if you look around you will find issues with every car out there.

Torqueflight · 04-19-2009, 09:54 PM

I'm just wondering if this issue is across the board. I really don't wanna drive a car around that the inner fenders rip. That just means theres a huge problem with the car. I cant even begin to come up with a reason why they would tear where they do. Its got to be a major design flaw.

Thanks,
M

GRMhick · 04-19-2009, 10:32 PM

FJ is an awesome truck. I've wheeled the piss out of them, with only minor issues compared to every other vehicle on the trail. (link in my sig will give you an idea) I'll own one one day...

The Tacoma is not a higher quality vehicle than FJ.

If your looking for a different toyota product, I highly recommend a 4runner.

Torqueflight · 04-19-2009, 11:32 PM

Maybe ill just go for the FJ. I can weld so F it. If it tears, ill just fab it back to health.

Thanks guys
M

ManiacMagoo · 04-20-2009, 12:44 AM

I haven't seen any tear out of all the ones I know of that get wheeled.

BellyDoc · 04-20-2009, 08:49 AM

I'm a long time member on the FJ Crusier Forums board. I enjoy that board for the most part and there are good people, but there are HUGE numbers of people. Most of them are totally new to 4 wheeling, and some aren't ever going to wheel their FJC's.

They do a lot of whining.

The built in inexperience, and the mob psychology over there blend together. It makes it so that they feel justified wanting to add 1500 pounds of aftermarket doo-dads and truck bling, beat the crap out of it, and still have it glide like a Rolls into the valet parking lane. Many people have unrealistic expectations.

The whole issue about the "fender bulges" is a tempest in a teapot. Yes, with hard use, this spot on the metal is an unintended flex point. The fact that people aren't comfortable with welding a plate over that spot is just silly. They think that the body metal "crumple zone" will be defeated by this alone, despite the fact that they're bolting on 200 pound bumper/winch systems, with heavy plates bolted across the frame crumple zones in the front end.

The FJ Cruiser is a fine Toyota product. It does amazingly well for a huge full bodied SUV with IFS, both offroad and on.

MS3820 · 04-20-2009, 08:58 AM

If i get one priced right I'll take a shot. I have enough 4wd's, this one will be a grocery getter. Heck, I might even buy cough, hack, the 2wd.

AMAESING · 04-20-2009, 12:20 PM

No issues here, and the bulging or tearing issue is if you are hardcore jumping the fj or super rock crawling. I've done all terrains and mid-level rock trail and no issues....

gunsablazin · 04-20-2009, 01:36 PM

Wife has an 07 , we run the piss out of it ,no probs. in over 50,000 miles. If it is grossly abused you are going to have probs. Use it wisely you wont have probs.

Torqueflight · 04-20-2009, 04:36 PM

Cool. Looks like I might as well get one. I cant really get into any other truck or suv right now. There all bland, or horrible mpg.

I have one more question. I was looking to get used since I would think it would be cheaper all around (insurance, tags, tax). But I heard a few other people on the FJC forums saying that bought new 08s loaded for around $23k out the door. Is this true? Are they blowing out the 08s for 09s???

Thanks,
Matt

PhilC64 · 04-20-2009, 05:06 PM

I've had my FJC for 2.5 years and absolutely love the thing! I have an inner fender bulge but as others have posted here, it's a non-issue unless you're getting hardcore with it! I retired my FJC from wheeling about a year ago and wheel older Land Cruisers instead.

I have only one complaint about it. No diesel engine. Other than that it's a sweet rig for even moderate off-roading.

As far as new versus used, that's a personal choice. Start shopping online so you can see what dealers are offering good buys. I'm sure there a few who'd love to sell you a new one for a rock bottom price!

hilltop crawler · 04-21-2009, 01:14 PM

My wife also got her 07 fj when they first came out and we've had no issues with it. It's been a perfect camping vehicle and great for heading up to the ski resorts when roads are covered with snow. Even with the IFS they wheel fairly well with that rear locker. It makes a good all around expedition truck without any major modifications needed.

RTrac1 · 04-21-2009, 01:19 PM

I went through 2 transfer cases with mine before retiring it to tow rig duty.

It pulls the sami like a champ

sbechtold · 04-21-2009, 03:46 PM

the IFS fell off mine (with a little help from a torch).

rocyota · 04-22-2009, 04:40 AM

i have worked at a toyota dealership since 1983 the fj is the same top quality as the rest of the toyotas not seen any problems with them in my area only common complaint is their blind spots.we do not have any new ones in stock but we do have one used one.

FJCruisin_Wa · 04-24-2009, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BellyDoc

I'm a long time member on the FJ Crusier Forums board. I enjoy that board for the most part and there are good people, but there are HUGE numbers of people. Most of them are totally new to 4 wheeling, and some aren't ever going to wheel their FJC's.

They do a lot of whining.

The built in inexperience, and the mob psychology over there blend together. It makes it so that they feel justified wanting to add 1500 pounds of aftermarket doo-dads and truck bling, beat the crap out of it, and still have it glide like a Rolls into the valet parking lane. Many people have unrealistic expectations.

The whole issue about the "fender bulges" is a tempest in a teapot. Yes, with hard use, this spot on the metal is an unintended flex point. The fact that people aren't comfortable with welding a plate over that spot is just silly. They think that the body metal "crumple zone" will be defeated by this alone, despite the fact that they're bolting on 200 pound bumper/winch systems, with heavy plates bolted across the frame crumple zones in the front end.

The FJ Cruiser is a fine Toyota product. It does amazingly well for a huge full bodied SUV with IFS, both offroad and on.

X2... yeah!! what he said!

Fender bulges can happen. It doesn't happen to everyone, and hasn't happened to me yet. If it does, I'll patch it up and continue on. I love my FJ, and plan on keeping it for a long long time....

FJCruisin_Wa · 04-24-2009, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbechtold

the IFS fell off mine (with a little help from a torch).

Lemony · 04-25-2009, 09:25 PM

Finally got lemony back on the road today and I almost forgot the feeling of driving with a fullface helmut since I sold my bike. I was hoping the IFS would fall off but it didnt.

2slo4u · 04-27-2009, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMAESING

No issues here, and the bulging or tearing issue is if you are hardcore jumping the fj or super rock crawling. I've done all terrains and mid-level rock trail and no issues....

x2

seen an fj owner lift kit & big tire his fj and head out to jump in the dunes and twist the rig like crazy every weekend..then whine when he got denied a warranty repair

. even if you buy a hardcore turnkey buggy and dent the cage, bust a knuckle, or snap an axle - guess what - you'll need to fix it yourself as well.

toyota builds a nice trail rig.

TJnPROGRESS · 04-30-2009, 07:51 PM

2 years of ownership this week, 40,000 miles with 0 issues.

04-18-2009, 11:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
Torqueflight Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Member # 68321 Location: SoCal Posts: 36	So, don't buy an FJ??? Wow, I'm really bummed out. I was all about getting an FJ until I just read a ton of horror stories. I really wish this weren't the case. I really like the looks and off road ability. I think I should go with my lesson learned and not buy a vehicle with these kinds of issues. What do you guys think? Maybe JK Jeep instead? Thanks, Matt

04-19-2009, 10:32 PM	#8 (permalink)
GRMhick Pirate4x4 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2000 Member # 87 Location: I live in hotels tear out the walls I have accountants pay for it all Posts: 7,203	FJ is an awesome truck. I've wheeled the piss out of them, with only minor issues compared to every other vehicle on the trail. (link in my sig will give you an idea) I'll own one one day... The Tacoma is not a higher quality vehicle than FJ. If your looking for a different toyota product, I highly recommend a 4runner. Last edited by GRMhick; 04-19-2009 at 10:39 PM.

04-20-2009, 08:49 AM	#11 (permalink)
BellyDoc Rock God Join Date: Sep 2007 Member # 100273 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,150	I'm a long time member on the FJ Crusier Forums board. I enjoy that board for the most part and there are good people, but there are HUGE numbers of people. Most of them are totally new to 4 wheeling, and some aren't ever going to wheel their FJC's. They do a lot of whining. The built in inexperience, and the mob psychology over there blend together. It makes it so that they feel justified wanting to add 1500 pounds of aftermarket doo-dads and truck bling, beat the crap out of it, and still have it glide like a Rolls into the valet parking lane. Many people have unrealistic expectations. The whole issue about the "fender bulges" is a tempest in a teapot. Yes, with hard use, this spot on the metal is an unintended flex point. The fact that people aren't comfortable with welding a plate over that spot is just silly. They think that the body metal "crumple zone" will be defeated by this alone, despite the fact that they're bolting on 200 pound bumper/winch systems, with heavy plates bolted across the frame crumple zones in the front end. The FJ Cruiser is a fine Toyota product. It does amazingly well for a huge full bodied SUV with IFS, both offroad and on. __________________ -Jon- MFS/Pirate4x4 essay contest winner KOH 2010 survivor Surgical precision with a BFH

04-21-2009, 01:19 PM	#18 (permalink)
RTrac1 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Member # 99158 Location: Schenectady, NY Posts: 425	I went through 2 transfer cases with mine before retiring it to tow rig duty. It pulls the sami like a champ __________________ -Rob Tracey [url]www.leded.com[/url][URL="www.toyotacrawlers.com"] Northeast Toyota Crawlers[/URL] [url]www.rok-freekz.com[/url] 88 Zuk - [url=http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=765704]Build Thread..[/url] [url=http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1004552]ZUK FOR SALE...[/url]

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04-19-2009, 06:39 AM	#2 (permalink)
MS3820 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Member # 28116 Location: Tuckerton, NJ Posts: 70	Wow I have been looking also and put a bid on one. Could you explain some of your horror stories? I have 4 landcruisers, and (two are torn down) and my wife wants an FJ cruiser. I can't imagine Toyota selling a POS, I did read the one story about the welds loosening up, and the warning lights coming on. But l think the SUV was used for a little serious offroad stuff. Mine will be used just for highway and light dirt roads. Maybe I will even get a 2wd.

04-19-2009, 08:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
Torqueflight Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Member # 68321 Location: SoCal Posts: 36	I just read a bunch of horror story stuff over on the FJC forums. Theres a thread in the problem section. Its stickied at the top. I guess theres a bunch that have issues with the inner fender well bulging and tearing. I guess Toyota isn't steeping up to the plate to fix some of them. I don't know. I really had my heart set on one. But I learned my lesson with my 07 Subaru STI. There was a huge thing with the ECU before I bought it and I went ahead and bought it anyways, then had to go through a bunch of crap to try and get it fixed and they wouldn't do it. And instead of fighting them in court I just reprogrammed it myself. But I just don't want hassles like that any more. I guess I just trying to find out if this is really wide spread, or if this is hit or miss. I read that some time in 08 Toyota implemented a fix so I don't know if thats really working out or not. Even know this is an issue, I am still tempted against my own better judgment . M

04-19-2009, 09:16 PM	#5 (permalink)
Torqueflight Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Member # 68321 Location: SoCal Posts: 36	Heres the link to all the ripping issues http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...body-rips.html Good luck reading it all. It will take days. I guess I'm just thinking about a Tacoma 4dr instead. M

04-19-2009, 09:41 PM	#6 (permalink)
ManiacMagoo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Member # 23176 Location: Eagle River, AK Posts: 42	One thing to remember no matter who makes the rigs there are always threads of issues. We have an 07 loaded and I have wheeled the piss out of it and it runs great with no issues. Hell even took out a full size chevy who T Boned me and it still is awesome. I bet if you look around you will find issues with every car out there.

04-19-2009, 09:54 PM	#7 (permalink)
Torqueflight Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Member # 68321 Location: SoCal Posts: 36	I'm just wondering if this issue is across the board. I really don't wanna drive a car around that the inner fenders rip. That just means theres a huge problem with the car. I cant even begin to come up with a reason why they would tear where they do. Its got to be a major design flaw. Thanks, M

04-19-2009, 11:32 PM	#9 (permalink)
Torqueflight Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Member # 68321 Location: SoCal Posts: 36	Maybe ill just go for the FJ. I can weld so F it. If it tears, ill just fab it back to health. Thanks guys M

04-20-2009, 12:44 AM	#10 (permalink)
ManiacMagoo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Member # 23176 Location: Eagle River, AK Posts: 42	I haven't seen any tear out of all the ones I know of that get wheeled.

04-20-2009, 08:58 AM	#12 (permalink)
MS3820 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Member # 28116 Location: Tuckerton, NJ Posts: 70	If i get one priced right I'll take a shot. I have enough 4wd's, this one will be a grocery getter. Heck, I might even buy cough, hack, the 2wd.

04-20-2009, 12:20 PM	#13 (permalink)
AMAESING Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Member # 130612 Posts: 32	No issues here, and the bulging or tearing issue is if you are hardcore jumping the fj or super rock crawling. I've done all terrains and mid-level rock trail and no issues....

04-20-2009, 01:36 PM	#14 (permalink)
gunsablazin Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Member # 122715 Location: White Mountains, Eastern Arizona Posts: 272	Wife has an 07 , we run the piss out of it ,no probs. in over 50,000 miles. If it is grossly abused you are going to have probs. Use it wisely you wont have probs.

04-20-2009, 04:36 PM	#15 (permalink)
Torqueflight Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Member # 68321 Location: SoCal Posts: 36	Cool. Looks like I might as well get one. I cant really get into any other truck or suv right now. There all bland, or horrible mpg. I have one more question. I was looking to get used since I would think it would be cheaper all around (insurance, tags, tax). But I heard a few other people on the FJC forums saying that bought new 08s loaded for around $23k out the door. Is this true? Are they blowing out the 08s for 09s??? Thanks, Matt

04-20-2009, 05:06 PM	#16 (permalink)
PhilC64 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Member # 106431 Posts: 10	I've had my FJC for 2.5 years and absolutely love the thing! I have an inner fender bulge but as others have posted here, it's a non-issue unless you're getting hardcore with it! I retired my FJC from wheeling about a year ago and wheel older Land Cruisers instead. I have only one complaint about it. No diesel engine. Other than that it's a sweet rig for even moderate off-roading. As far as new versus used, that's a personal choice. Start shopping online so you can see what dealers are offering good buys. I'm sure there a few who'd love to sell you a new one for a rock bottom price!

04-21-2009, 01:14 PM	#17 (permalink)
hilltop crawler Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Member # 107681 Location: meadow vista, ca. Posts: 13	My wife also got her 07 fj when they first came out and we've had no issues with it. It's been a perfect camping vehicle and great for heading up to the ski resorts when roads are covered with snow. Even with the IFS they wheel fairly well with that rear locker. It makes a good all around expedition truck without any major modifications needed.

04-21-2009, 03:46 PM	#19 (permalink)
sbechtold Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Member # 84124 Location: California Posts: 151	the IFS fell off mine (with a little help from a torch).

04-22-2009, 04:40 AM	#20 (permalink)
rocyota Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Member # 114655 Location: san angelo tx Posts: 705	i have worked at a toyota dealership since 1983 the fj is the same top quality as the rest of the toyotas not seen any problems with them in my area only common complaint is their blind spots.we do not have any new ones in stock but we do have one used one.

04-25-2009, 09:25 PM	#23 (permalink)
Lemony Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Member # 98229 Location: CA Posts: 17	Finally got lemony back on the road today and I almost forgot the feeling of driving with a fullface helmut since I sold my bike. I was hoping the IFS would fall off but it didnt.

04-30-2009, 07:51 PM	#25 (permalink)
TJnPROGRESS Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Member # 101642 Location: off wheeling Posts: 77	2 years of ownership this week, 40,000 miles with 0 issues.