Pros
- Unique design and experience
- Excellent off-road ability
- Typical Toyota reliability
- Holding value incredibly well
Cons
- Very thirsty for fuel
- Rear seat are difficult to access
- Vertical windscreen prone to damage
- Not as practical as some other SUVs
Verdict
We wouldn't...
We'd be cautious
We would...
Yes, if it genuinely suits your lifestyle.
Trust us when we say that the novelty and enjoyment of the unique experience will soon wear off if you’re conscious of fuel consumption or require easy access to the rear seats.
If these factors are not a concern to you, buy one...
Publish: February 4, 2021
With a design aesthetic paying tribute to the classic FJ40 LandCruiser of the 1960s, the FJ Cruiser offered a fun and unique take on the more conservatively designed SUV market.
Based on Toyota Prado underpinnings, the FJ Cruiser was as rugged and off-road capable as it was stylish and unique.
While not as practical or fuel efficient as some of the alternatives, the FJ Cruiser offers a somewhat retro and special experience similar to the Jeep Wrangler, Suzuki Jimny and Mercedes G-Wagen.
Should you buy one, read on to find out.
With a design aesthetic paying tribute to the classic FJ40 LandCruiser of the 1960s, the FJ Cruiser offered a fun and unique take on the more conservatively designed SUV market.
Based on Toyota Prado underpinnings, the FJ Cruiser was as rugged and off-road capable as it was stylish and unique.
While not as practical or fuel efficient as some of the alternatives, the FJ Cruiser offers a somewhat retro and special experience similar to the Jeep Wrangler, Suzuki Jimny and Mercedes G-Wagen.
Should you buy one, read on to find out.
With a design aesthetic paying tribute to the classic FJ40 LandCruiser of the 1960s, the FJ Cruiser offered a fun and unique take on the more conservatively designed SUV market.
Based on Toyota Prado underpinnings, the FJ Cruiser was as rugged and off-road capable as it was stylish and unique.
While not as practical or fuel efficient as some of the alternatives, the FJ Cruiser offers a somewhat retro and special experience similar to the Jeep Wrangler, Suzuki Jimny and Mercedes G-Wagen.
Should you buy one, read on to find out.
- The 1GR-FE engine can have issues with blown head gaskets however, it is not a common problem. Fresh coolant when specified helps this
- Cracks can form at the base of the B-pillar
- Rear door hinges can sag
- Check that factory recalls have been fixed
- The 1GR-FE engine can have issues with blown head gaskets however, it is not a common problem. Fresh coolant when specified helps this
- Cracks can form at the base of the B-pillar
- Rear door hinges can sag
- Check that factory recalls have been fixed
- The 1GR-FE engine can have issues with blown head gaskets however, it is not a common problem. Fresh coolant when specified helps this
- Cracks can form at the base of the B-pillar
- Rear door hinges can sag
- Check that factory recalls have been fixed
Body Styles
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 4.0 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 200kW / 380Nm
Transmission
- 5-speed Automatic
Fuel Consumption
- 9.3 – 15.0 / 100km
Length
- 4670mm
Width
- 1905mm
Height
- 1830mm
Wheelbase
- 2690mm
Kerb Weight
- 2000kg
Towing
- 750kg (unbraked) – 2250kg (braked)
Ancap Ratings
- Not tested
Body Styles
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 4.0 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 200kW / 380Nm
Transmission
- 5-speed Automatic
Fuel Consumption
- 9.3 – 15.0 / 100km
Length
- 4670mm
Width
- 1905mm
Height
- 1830mm
Wheelbase
- 2690mm
Kerb Weight
- 2000kg
Towing
- 750kg (unbraked) – 2250kg (braked)
Ancap Ratings
- Not tested
Body Styles
- 5 door Wagon
Engine Specs
- 4.0 litre, 6-cylinder petrol, 200kW / 380Nm
Transmission
- 5-speed Automatic
Fuel Consumption
- 9.3 – 15.0 / 100km
Length
- 4670mm
Width
- 1905mm
Height
- 1830mm
Wheelbase
- 2690mm
Kerb Weight
- 2000kg
Towing
- 750kg (unbraked) – 2250kg (braked)
Ancap Ratings
- Not tested
Warranty
- 3 years / 100,000 km
Servicing
- 10,000 km / 6 months
Model range, pricing and features
Yes, if it genuinely suits your lifestyle.
Trust us when we say that the novelty and enjoyment of the unique experience will soon wear off if you’re conscious of fuel consumption or require easy access to the rear seats.
If these factors are not a concern to you, buy one and buy it soon.
Only time will tell if the cost of purchasing an FJ Cruiser will continue to increase, and surely there must be a ceiling on what money these trucks can pull, but we are now seeing great condition late-model FJ Cruisers with minimal kilometres on the clock fetching north of $55,000. Amazing when you consider the FJ Cruiser retailed for approx. $47,000 when new.
In our opinion, the FJ Cruiser offers the cool uniqueness and the same all terrain capability of the Suzuki Jimny, Land Rover Defender, Mercedes G Wagen and Jeep Wrangler only with more practicality than a Jimny, better livability than a Defender, less cost than a G Wagen and a better reputation for reliability than the Wrangler.
Yes, if it genuinely suits your lifestyle.
Trust us when we say that the novelty and enjoyment of the unique experience will soon wear off if you’re conscious of fuel consumption or require easy access to the rear seats.
If these factors are not a concern to you, buy one and buy it soon.
Only time will tell if the cost of purchasing an FJ Cruiser will continue to increase, and surely there must be a ceiling on what money these trucks can pull, but we are now seeing great condition late-model FJ Cruisers with minimal kilometres on the clock fetching north of $55,000. Amazing when you consider the FJ Cruiser retailed for approx. $47,000 when new.
In our opinion, the FJ Cruiser offers the cool uniqueness and the same all terrain capability of the Suzuki Jimny, Land Rover Defender, Mercedes G Wagen and Jeep Wrangler only with more practicality than a Jimny, better livability than a Defender, less cost than a G Wagen and a better reputation for reliability than the Wrangler.
Yes, if it genuinely suits your lifestyle.
Trust us when we say that the novelty and enjoyment of the unique experience will soon wear off if you’re conscious of fuel consumption or require easy access to the rear seats.
If these factors are not a concern to you, buy one and buy it soon.
Only time will tell if the cost of purchasing an FJ Cruiser will continue to increase, and surely there must be a ceiling on what money these trucks can pull, but we are now seeing great condition late-model FJ Cruisers with minimal kilometres on the clock fetching north of $55,000. Amazing when you consider the FJ Cruiser retailed for approx. $47,000 when new.
In our opinion, the FJ Cruiser offers the cool uniqueness and the same all terrain capability of the Suzuki Jimny, Land Rover Defender, Mercedes G Wagen and Jeep Wrangler only with more practicality than a Jimny, better livability than a Defender, less cost than a G Wagen and a better reputation for reliability than the Wrangler.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Sep 18, 2023.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
Read our full terms and conditions here.
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