FJ purchase question

[BWCA_XJ]

I know these questions pop up a lot, but I am looking for opinions on purchasing an 07 FJ that has just over 100k on the odo. This will be part time light duty expo vehicle/daily driver. Based on the mileage is there anything that I should be looking at? It has the auto transmission so I know I would want to get a trans service as well as baseline all the fluids. It “looks” clean but looks can be very deceiving.

Thanks in advance for any advice. . .

 

[ryguy]

Check for inner fender cracks and rear diff noise

 

[Dave Bennett]

100K on an 07 seems high...

My 05 taco for example has been everywhere and is my DD since new (FEB05) and just turned 80K.

 

[STREGA]

100K on an 07 seems high...

My 05 taco for example has been everywhere and is my DD since new (FEB05) and just turned 80K.

Kind of what I thought also, I have 36k(In about 2 1/2 years) on my '08 TT and its my DD. But it is a Toyota, should be able to get another 100k out of it easily!

Early '07 had some bad diffs and about mid '08 Toyota made changes to the inner fender, mines a 2nd generation and I have not had any problems and there is a 3rd generation in the late '08 and '09 models. It may not have any cracks but may show some bulges, which happens before the cracks usally. Of all the FJ's I have been around very few have had this problem. Check the FJ Cruiser Forum for more info on it.

 

[Chris Sandstorm Fj]

Yep the only two major issues I am aware of also are the earlier diffs and the fender bulge. Both Toyota would fix under waranty, so if the rig you are looking at had the diff. replaced you would be good to go.

My 08 is my daily driver and now has 47K miles on it, hard to believe already..

 

[GDmovingtoAlaska]

My '08 (bought new Jun of 08) just rolled 50,000 miles today and I have not had one issue. I have driven from Texas to Alaska, then 4 months later Alaska to Texas, and 6 months later from Texas back to Alaska. Each time was 4328 miles. When I retire from the military in two years I will drive it again. I have not had any of the noted issues. Of course mine is stock, but it has been on the Denali Highway and the Dalton Highway (the haul-road). :victory: I love mine.

 

[Skim]

Great motors in these. The 4.0 is a strong powerplant.

 

[Ramjet]

I have an 08 TT and have not had any issues as stated above. Considering I only have 28k on the clock, I would hope not. It is my DD also, I just don't have to drive very far.

 

[Corey]

Same as Ramjet, 30 mile round trip work commute, so the miles do not pile on.

Mine is an 2007 that I ordered that came in July of 2006, and I just turned 31K this week.
Not one problem with the rig.

Original rear diff and no fender cracks/bulges.

 

[targa88]

2007 91,000kms. No issues on or offroad....

 

[eli]

Fj Purchase

Hmmm . . . I have an Fj that was built in late "07" with approx. 81,000 miles. No mechanical issues and its a stick.

As long as the body and chassis appear in good condition I'd recommend a compression test. Thats cheep insurance in the event the engine was abused. Make sure the 4 wheel drive system is fully operational ( Rear e-locker if equipped). Gent on the blue forum had issues with the Transfer case actuator in the field and could not engage 4 wheel drive when he needed it . . .

After purchase consider; r&r timing chain,water pump,battery,Brake pads, belts, tires (possibly including your spare) all fluids and filters.

Then your set . . . You've gotten into a very capable vehicle for a song vrs. purchasing it new.

Not sure if you've ever test drove, rented or borrowed one but a few things to consider . . .

If Your an empty Nester no problem, but with clam shell type rear doors your rear passengers can not easily open the doors from the rear seats.

You cant open the rear door or window from inside the vehicle.

Ventilation is poor with out opening the rear window.

Visibility is questionable due to the body design . . .

Vehicle is already heavy stock so if you start adding armor etc. performance could be impacted. With a lift and larger/heavier tires my MPG is nothing to write home about.

Fuel range is not what it could be (approx. 250) due to single 19 gallon fuel tank.

That being said I Love mine. It was the first and last New vehicle (other then motorcycles) I plan to buy . . . it's a keeper for Me . . .

Good Luck

Just thought of a few more things as I was loading my Fj this morning . . .

Not sure what the dimensions are for the 4 Runner but If Your a 6 footer its a bit tough to sleep in the back unless your platform is well elevated.

Also the rear storage is NOT Flat when you fold back the seats . . . found out the hard way on a camping trip awhile back but the right air mattress fixes every thing