Only 2,500 were constructed due to low output.
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The FJ Cruiser is uncommon.
Throughout its years of manufacture, the odd-looking FJ Cruiser sold in little quantities. Toyota sold 20,000 vehicles year on average, but more over 200,000 FJ Cruisers were sold in the United States alone. These days, it’s difficult to find a FJ Cruiser for sale; a 2014 vehicle would cost over $30,000. There is a good reason why fans of the FJ Cruiser want it to return right away. Before investing any money on the FJ Cruiser, be sure to read this.
FJ Cruisers: Are they collectible?
A vintage-inspired SUV has been making waves, this time on the modern classic scene, as customers eagerly wait for Ford to really deliver its throwback off-roader. The new Bronco is one of the hottest trucks of 2021.
In a recent piece, Hagerty highlighted how demand for the retro Toyota FJ Cruiser, which is based on the 4Runner, has sent prices through the roof in recent years.
The same late 1990s/early 2000s retro wave that gave us vehicles like the new VW Beetle, BMW Mini, and 2005 Ford Mustang also gave birth to the FJ Cruiser. It combined a strong 4.0-liter V6 engine and a capable 4Runner chassis with retro FJ Land Cruiser aesthetic cues including the wraparound rear windows, front grille, and contrasting roof color. Additionally, a lovely concept car-style touch, the front and rear doors opened to display clear air where the B-pillar should have been.
What FJ Cruiser year is the best to purchase?
Even though this Toyota is very dependable, there are a few factors to take into account while purchasing a used FJ Cruiser. The finest resale value and many advantageous features are found in the 2013 FJ Cruiser.
Are FJ Cruisers becoming more expensive?
The millennium turn was a peculiar period. While storing canned food for Y2K, people were fighting over Furbys. Even though we were moving into the future, automakers were still creating vehicles that paid homage to their colorful past. For whatever reason, they believed that “People want to drive vehicles that seem like they were made in the 1950s in the year 2000.
Some of these ideas were successful. (Who wants a VW New Beetle?) Others, such as the Plymouth Prowler, failed miserably. The hoopla surrounding the new Bronco shows that, even after two decades, the vintage trend is still popular. Some of those designs from the early 2000s are now old enough to be nostalgically looked back on and, yes, even collected. Take the Toyota FJ Cruiser as an example.
Despite the FJ40’s evident similarities (such as its boxy design, white roof, wraparound rear windows, and narrow body), “The FJ Cruiser is a real off-road vehicle, as evidenced by its TOYOTA grille and round headlamps. It uses the same 4.0-liter V-6 and many of the same suspension parts as the 4Runner because of its chassis. The optional six-speed manual transmission was paired with a sophisticated full-time 44 system with a Torsen center differential, while automatics were paired with a less complex part-time 44 system. (A rear-wheel-drive version was also available, but few were produced.) On-road comfort was provided by the independent front suspension, and off-road capability was provided by the solid rear axle and electronic locking differential. In standard form, it could cross a 27.5-inch-deep river thanks to its roughly 10-inch ground clearance, and its weather-resistant interior allowed for easy cleanup once it reached the other side. Three instruments are positioned prominently on the dash compass, temperature, and inclinometer in a nod to the 70-series Land Cruiser. The FJ Cruiser screams for a challenge.
Not many people responded to its call. The FJ had a successful career that lasted from 2007 to 2014, although sales in the US were never as high as Toyota’s blatant rival, the enduringly popular Jeep Wrangler. It’s probable that no truck would have overcome truck consumers’ allegiance to the Big Three (see: Toyota Tundra). But those amazing looks can also be to fault. The FJ Cruiser sacrifices functionality in favor of concept-car frills, like so many other throwback designs. Despite having a huge footprint, the truck seems confined, and its rear blind spots are much larger than those of a fifth-generation Camaro. And while everyone, even Mustang enthusiasts, usually agrees that the Camaro looks nice, opinions on the FJ are more divided. According to a straw poll conducted at the Hagerty office, 60% of respondents preferred loving the design to 40% disliking it.
But even as demand for brand-new FJ Cruisers declined, the worth of the trucks it honored soared. In fact, it was around this time when FJ40 values first began to soar. An original FJ40 in Excellent (#2) condition cost $17,500 when the FJ Cruiser was originally made available. That same FJ40 was worth $66,800 when the final FJ Cruisers arrived at dealer showrooms, nearly four times as much.
Later Land Cruisers began to draw attention between 2015 and 2019 as consumers looked for less expensive (and perhaps better) alternatives to the FJ40. All Land Cruisers have had a resurgence during the past two years. Most significantly, sales of the more recent FJ60 and FJ80 have climbed by 35% and 23%, respectively, just in the past year. The more recent Land Cruiser models are receiving more attention, which is good news for the really contemporary FJ Cruiser.
We predicted that the last FJ Cruiser will become a collectible back in 2017, when they were only three years old. It appeared to be an obvious choice at the time. Regardless of mileage, the FJ-C had resale prices that ranged from 70 to 90 percent. Even more audaciously, we asserted that “well-maintained instances may increase in value by 25% in the following five years.” How did we do then?
In 2020, something happened. From selling one or two FJ Cruisers annually to selling more than two each month, classic vehicle auctions. The base model’s median sales prices increased significantly, from roughly $14,000 in 2019 to $27,500 in 2020, and then increased again to $30,450 in 2021. We’re feeling the pressure on the insurance side of the company; since 2018, FJ Cruiser insurance plans have increased by a factor of two annually.
It is evident that the FJ Cruiser has gained popularity and is no longer just for off-road enthusiasts and Toyota aficionados (who would never allow them to sell for less than $13K). It seems as though this attention just appeared overnight. When we last looked at the FJ-C in 2017, no units were ever sold at classic car auctions.
Values may rise or fall over time, but given its broad appeal, it is extremely probable that they will stay high. Baby boomers make up 39 percent of FJ owners, according to a closer examination of all the people who get insurance from us, while Gen-Xers, who are passionate about classic trucks, make up 47 percent. Only 5% of FJ-Cs are now owned by millennials, while 20% of those who call us for quotes on new policies are millennials. Many vehicles from the 2000s are becoming more and more popular due to millennial enthusiasm. The difference is that boomers and members of Generation X who already own them adore them. As prospective purchasers are greeted with owners who are aware of their assets and do not need to sell, this simply serves to raise the prices.
Don’t buy the FJ Cruiser just yet if you’re browsing Craigslist because you adore it. There are a few things you need to watch out for:
The FJ Cruiser, like many other brand-new designs, initially had some problems that Toyota later fixed. Early versions for 2007 had small differentials. The manufacturer’s warranty was used to fix many. Another design error on 2007 and 2008 models resulted in structural problems by causing the inner fender aprons of the engine compartment to swell and crack. Midway through 2009, the FJ Cruiser’s engine was updated. The 4.0-liter “1GR-FE” V-6 engine that initially drove them had a single variable valve timing (VVT-i), and premium fuel was advised in order to maximize its 239 horsepower. Dual VVT-i was added to the V-6 for the 2010 model year, boosting output to 259 horsepower on standard 87 octane. It makes sense that 2010 and subsequent versions cost roughly $15,000 more to purchase than a 20072008 vehicle in comparable condition.
Watch out for a nice Trail Teams Edition if you want to make other FJ Cruiser owners envious. They have an improved Bilstein suspension and a unique, yearly-changing monochrome color scheme. Although many collectors don’t think this is worth the extra money, Toyota incorporated the CRAWL control system in 2013 and 2014. This technology uses a ton of computers and sensors to increase low-speed traction over uneven ground. Toyota produced 14,700 Trail Teams Editions from 2008 to 2014 (excluding 2009).
The standout model is the 2014 Trail Team Ultimate Edition, which was available for just one year and included Heritage Blue paint and a white grille that resembled a common hue on the original FJ40. With an external reservoir rear suspension system and aluminum TRD skid plates that increased the approach angle, off-road performance was further enhanced. Examples with low mileage sell for about $60,000.
One of the rare situations in Toyota’s history where having fun was essential to the design process was with the FJ Cruiser. This makes for a potent mix with Toyota’s famous dependability and off-road heritage. The FJ Cruiser has improved with time since it was not valued sufficiently when it was new, like many other classics.
What FJ Cruiser model is the rarest?
The Trail Teams Ultimate Edition 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser, available for just one model year, is presently for sale on Cars and Bids.
This 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Ultimate Edition with heritage blue paint and black inside is currently for sale on cars & bids. It is a stylish SUV that is different from most other FJ Cruisers that you will be able to locate for sale. The FJ Cruiser doesn’t have a reserve and only has 27,500 miles on the odometer. Given that the Trail Teams Ultimate Edition was only offered for one model year, this is one of the most uncommon FJ Cruisers.
Do FJ Cruisers frequently experience issues?
FJ Cruisers: Are They Reliable? The FJ Cruiser receives a 3.5 out of 5 reliability rating from RepairPal, placing it 12th out of 26 midsize SUVs. The model typically has an annual repair and maintenance expense of roughly $506. This is less than the $573 average for medium SUVs.
Is the FJ Cruiser a vintage vehicle?
A genuine collectible 4X4, the vintage Toyota FJ Land Cruiser has seen annual price increases over the previous ten years. Although it is a capable and enjoyable all-terrain vehicle, the vintage FJ is sadly devoid of basic comforts. the term “I think of fundamental.
With the Pick of the Day, a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser, you might potentially capture a future collector 4X4 before its value soars while maintaining the same aesthetic but utilizing new technologies.
The FJ Cruiser was a project that the head of the Japanese manufacturer, Akio Toyoda, the vice-president of sales and operations, Yoshi Inaba, and Toyota’s product planner Dave Danzer worked on behind closed doors. To lead the creation of an off-road vehicle they termed the Rugged Youth Utility (RYU), which was specifically targeted at young purchasers who weren’t generally Toyota customers, they engaged designer Bill Chergosky.
The car’s base was the Toyota 4Runner, and it had retro/modern bodywork that resembled the iconic FJ. At the Detroit North American Auto Show in January 2003, the FJ Cruiser made its debut as a concept vehicle. Due to the enormous popularity of the premiere, Toyota debuted the FJ Cruiser in full production two years later, once more at the Detroit auto show.
The Sun Fusion yellow exterior of the FJ contrasts with a black interior, which makes it far from basic. Convenience packages are available and come with features including daytime running lights, rear parking sonar, privacy glass, cruise control, power mirrors with image lights, and keyless entry. Additionally, it has Upgrade Package No. 2, which includes A-Trac, rear differential lock, 17-inch alloy wheels, 6-disc CD player, D-pillar speakers, 400W inverter, multi-function leather steering wheel, silver tone shift lever, rear subwoofer, and color-keyed door trim inserts. It also has Upgrade Package No. 1.
The SUV is shown in the listing photos to be in excellent condition with only a few paint chips and a well-maintained interior. These FJ Cruisers are capable off-road vehicles that are comparable to a Land Rover Defender in many aspects but come in a more dependable and well-made package.
Given that the costs of these vehicles are rising and that current values reflect this, it appears that I am not the only one who believes this. You might not believe that 45,000 is a lot, but “Very low mileage; at this point, the most of these FJ Cruisers often have north of 100k, making this one of the lesser mileage models available.
This FJ Cruiser is being offered for a cheap $29,900, and given that it is one of the uncommon specimens that has not been modified in any way, I would predict that its value would rise over the next years.
FJ stands for what?
Clearly, the “J refers for “Jeep, and the “F denotes the type of engine. Because they used a Type B engine rather than an F, the early FJs were actually known as BJs.
How far can a FJ Cruiser travel?
So you want to purchase a high mileage secondhand FJ? Few 4WD vehicles can possibly compare to the dependability and toughness of the Cruiser series. These SUVs are constructed strong by Toyota, and if you read the comments left by the many satisfied FJ cruiser owners in the hundreds of forum threads, you’ll be persuaded that it’s one of the safest used SUV 4WD purchases available. There are a few problems, though, and I’ll go into more detail about those a little later.
If the scheduled maintenance and services have been performed, FJ Cruisers can travel well over 250K miles without experiencing any mechanical issues. With only routine maintenance and a few minor cosmetic faults, many owners have driven their vehicles well past 300K miles.
Therefore, it is crucial to confirm that a used FJ Cruiser has a comprehensive service history, either at the Toyota agents or with a reliable private workshop, before making the purchase. For these FJs, mileage is less of an issue than how well they were maintained.
Many owners are really pleased with their purchases and speak highly of the build quality, dependability, and durability of them. The FJ is an extremely capable off-road vehicle, suited for long drives or whatever 44-track you’re willing to subject it to. It will effortlessly eat up the trails and transport you home in complete luxury.
The eccentric, retro styling is obviously not to everyone’s taste when it comes to design, proving that beauty is subjective. I adore it, for sure!
See what one owner had to say about it:
I recently purchased a 2011 FJ with 123,000 miles on it. I gave it my 3.6 Rubicon in exchange. I liked the Jeep and couldn’t be happier.
Therefore, these cars’ dependability and longevity are really what make them beautiful. Clearly, mileage is not a concern. You should be fine to go if you look hard and long for the one you prefer, test drive it, and make sure it has a complete service history. These 4WDs don’t have any shady plans in place to take advantage of you once you’ve spent your hard-earned money. They have a sturdy construction. It’s a rather secure purchase.
The fuel consumption of these JF Cruisers is, in my opinion, their main drawback. Definitely thirsty!
The 2010 models have seen minor fuel economy improvements since their 2007 debut. For variants with two or four wheels, the FJ will achieve city fuel economy ratings of 14 to 17 mpg and highway fuel economy ratings of 19 to 21 mpg.
Expect those numbers to fall considerably lower if you want to customize the FJ with larger tires, lifts, and roof racks. You’ve now been forewarned.
However, those who purchase these automobiles don’t necessarily do it in order to consume less fuel.