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.
In This Article...
Toyota FJ Cruisers are they dependable?
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.
Are Toyota FJ Cruisers still worth anything?
The Toyota FJ Cruiser takes the top spot on this list by a significant margin for the second year in a row since it is an off-road expert and a rarity in terms of resale value.
Which FJ Cruiser year is the best?
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 prone to breakdowns?
Over the years, Toyota’s tough dependability and durability have been demonstrated. Most current FJ Cruiser owners can vouch to how simple it is to operate and maintain the vehicle. Since Toyota FJ Series vehicles are known for not breaking down, this helps to explain why original and antique FJs are still in operational shape today.
The Wrangler or the FJ Cruiser is superior, right?
These two cars perform similarly to one another off-road. The Wrangler does have a slight advantage over the FJ Cruiser in terms of raw data, but the gap isn’t particularly wide. Even when compared to its current Wrangler competitors, the Jeep Wrangler comes out on top thanks to the combination of its several small victories over the FJ Cruiser.
The FJ has an unmistakable appeal. With the FJ Cruiser, Toyota so blatantly set their sights on the Jeep Wrangler that it ultimately killed it. They were attempting to ride an already broken wave. The FJ is still a very capable off-road vehicle, although it somewhat underreaches the target off-roading market. The FJ Cruiser is more useful as a vehicle for camping trips and as a means of transporting a raft or a kayak to the riverbed. The Wrangler is capable of doing this as well, but it is also free to go off-roading for enjoyment only. The Wrangler actually shines in this regard; it’s an incredibly entertaining car that still manages to be useful. On the other hand, the FJ primarily consists of the latter.
Ultimately, given that the FJ is no longer being produced, this isn’t a very fair fight right now. The Jeep Wrangler is not only a fantastic vehicle, but also a dynamic platform that can be modified to virtually its fullest extent.
Why do Fjs cost so much?
Toyota’s FJ Cruiser was one of the most distinctive and tough SUVs to ever reach the market, but it was discontinued for North American buyers in 2014. The firm had determined that sales were inadequate to cover the manufacturing costs of a second generation, leading to the discontinuance of the vehicles. The FJ Cruiser, on the other hand, has remained a popular vehicle long after most automobiles cease to be produced. The popularity of this sturdy vehicle has been impacted by a few different elements.
First, there is now a sense of scarcity among people who are interested in purchasing the FJ because there won’t be a new generation for the foreseeable future. Despite the fact that Toyota had discontinued the model almost ten years prior, many owners who still have one have opted to keep the car due to its increased rarity. Toyotas, unlike many other brands, tend to retain their value over time, and because of their reputation for producing durable, high-quality cars, demand for this dependable vehicle has only increased over the past 10 years.
Depending on the model and the year, a FJ Cruiser would probably cost you between $24000 and $51000 if you were shopping now. Finding one is less likely because special edition and limited-edition models get the highest prices at auction.
The FJ Cruiser is also highly regarded among off-road vehicles for its durable exterior, which can resist extreme circumstances, in addition to its reputation for performance and dependability. This amazing device is more expensive than other models in its class because it was made to survive extremely difficult conditions.
These off-road vehicles are frequently utilized for sports like off-road racing and rock crawling. The waterproof inside of this car was one of its most intriguing selling points because it opened up new possibilities for things like driving into deeper water or leaving your windows open in a downpour. The FJ Cruiser has an enormous advantage over other SUVs in that it can tow up to 5,000 pounds and does it with improved capability.
Overall, because of the FJ’s distinctive charms and rarity, a good-quality used version of the car will probably cost you about as much as it did when it was first launched onto the market, if not more.
What makes FJ Cruisers so expensive?
Most people associate Toyota vehicles with being inexpensive, trustworthy, and long-lasting. What makes the FJ Cruisers different, then? Contrary to the majority of our expectations for the brand, FJ Cruisers are among the more expensive used cars available.
When compared to other vehicles, why are FJ Cruisers so expensive and are they worth the extra money?
Why Are FJ Cruisers So Expensive?
The high cost of FJ Cruisers is caused by a variety of factors. There are several solid reasons why the FJ Cruiser has held its value better than other used models, yet no single factor alone can fully explain the pricing of these vehicles.
The FJ Cruiser Is Discontinued
This is most likely the primary factor behind the FJ Cruiser’s strong price stability. There aren’t very many FJ Cruisers left on the market because they are a discontinued model, and fans of the car are aware that there won’t be any more.
There is no assurance that Toyota will decide to revive the FJ Cruiser at some time in the future; it’s entirely possible that they won’t. This might be due to the model’s sustained popularity or the need to fill a gap in their portfolio of vehicles.
Since their discontinuation, not many car models have made a comeback.
Limited Supply
Although it is connected to the discontinuation, this has enough unique characteristics to warrant addressing individually.
Even worse for purchasers, FJ Cruiser owners typically keep their cars longer than owners of other makes and models due to the lack of replacement models.
In essence, consumers are less eager to part with their current FJ Cruiser since they are unable to get a Toyota that is both comparable and upgraded. As a result, they are driving them farther, which means that when they eventually enter the market, their mileage will be higher and they will require more maintenance than other used cars.
Due to their rarity, FJ Cruisers in good condition and, in particular, those that are nearly brand new and have minimal mileage, can fetch significantly higher prices.
It’s vital to realize that demand plus scarcity always leads to increased pricing, and cars are truly no exception.
Due to the restricted supply, used FJ Cruisers in poor condition are nevertheless far more valuable than other used car types. Even while they may not be prepared to spend as much money as they would for a more gently used FJ Cruiser, people are nonetheless willing to pay top dollar for a FJ Cruiser that has traveled more than a few kilometers.
The CoPilot app isn’t just for purchasing a car; it can also be used to keep track of recalls and receive recommendations on which regular maintenance activities are most crucial.
Durability
This factor is crucial and one of the few that actually indicates that the car in question is a Toyota rather than a former model from another company.
The FJ Cruiser is proving to be an extraordinarily tough machine, much like many Toyota automobiles.
This is significant since it contributes to the popularity of the car, which has been discontinued and is essentially impossible to purchase brand-new anymore.
People are highly confident in the vehicle’s potential to last because of its durability, even if they have to purchase one that has a few thousand more miles on it than they would want.
It also implies that buyers anticipate getting greater value from a used FJ Cruiser than they would from other cars, sometimes even from brand-new ones.
FJ Cruisers Maintain Better Value
One of the main reasons FJ Cruisers are so expensive is that their value is holding up well over time.
A portion of that is attributable to the fact that, when compared to other cars and manufacturers, Toyotas tend to hold their value better overall.
However, the other elements we’ve already talked about play a significant role in the FJ Cruiser’s sustained worth. The FJ Cruiser really has more value than vehicles with a higher supply base and the same demand because of the higher demand vs. supply of the vehicle.
The FJ Cruiser’s value is probably not going to decrease any time soon because it is a Toyota that retains value as well as gaining in popularity and rarity.
In fact, you can probably expect the FJ Cruiser to hold its value essentially until all of the available examples start reaching their mileage limits.
Prices will drop and you’ll start to think of this more as a collector’s car and a rare car rather than an in-demand but unusual car after owners find themselves needing to invest more in upkeep than they think the car is worth.
The best approach to purchase a car is through the CoPilot app. We’ll show you all you need to know about each listing, including how long it’s been on the lot and whether or not there are comparable cars in the area for less money. We’re built using the same technologies that dealerships use.
Are FJ Cruisers Worth The Price?
Considering if a FJ Cruiser is genuinely worth the cost to get one is one of the most important things you can do while evaluating the worth and cost of one.
Here, it’s important to consider the vehicle’s attributes as well as its perceived worth or rarity.
For starters, FJ Cruisers are known for having a tough exterior, which increases their appeal in a world where an increasing number of cars have delicate body panels that are readily destroyed.
For those seeking for an off-road vehicle as well as for families with dogs or young children who want an interior that will still look beautiful in a few years, the waterproof inside is fantastic.
Additionally, it is one of the largest SUVs in terms of towing capability. A vehicle’s ability to tow 5,000 lbs. is no joke, especially if it’s not a towing truck.
In addition to the perceived value derived from scarcity and other reasons, the FJ Cruiser gains a significant amount of real-world value through the combination of those features. but only to the appropriate group.
Don’t worry if you don’t fit the FJ Cruiser’s target market; it’s probably not worth it. However, if you fall within the target market, it can be worthwhile to pay the greater price.
You want to find the best bargain on the car you want, not actually purchase it. If a comparable vehicle is offered locally for less money, the CoPilot app will let you know, so you can be sure you received the best bargain.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The simplest way to purchase a car is using the CoPilot auto shopping app. You may create a customized list of the top car listings in your area by telling us what you’re looking for, and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area.
Just seeking for more recent models? The search engine for virtually new vehicles is CoPilot Compare. only observe recentfive years or lessautos with little mileage. The greatest place to look for off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO vehicles is CoPilot Compare.
What’s best? We have more information on each vehicle than our rivals since CoPilot was developed using the same technologies that dealerships use to acquire and sell their inventories. Since CoPilot doesn’t partner with automakers, there aren’t any sponsored posts or other dubious tacticsjust the most information about the best vehicles. To learn more about CoPilot’s operation, see our About Us page.