Friggin_Fuego
New member
I have a 2007 with an ARB Bumper. Out of the 71,000 miles my FJ has, the bumper has been on for about 10,000 and I occasionally beat the vehicle up. I have no apron tears as of right now.
but what about an FJ...
- Thread starter Hound
- Start date
FJR Colorado
Explorer
Seriously, I can't believe this is an issue at all. Try driving a DC 1st gen Tundra with a huge topper
Driving the FJ feels like driving a Kia Soul by comparison.
Somebody was saying previously they had one but couldn't park it. Whaaaaattttt????
Arktikos
Explorer
polls don't mean anything, people can vote how they want
Why would anyone lie about it? Either they've experienced the issue or not-the poll question says it all. Knowing about this potential problem would certainly make me look for it if buying a used FJ, and I bet you would too. But, it wouldn't be a concern of mine if buying new. Moot point though, in my case. Both used and new FJs are way more money than I'd ever throw at an off road rig.
toylandcruiser
Expedition Leader
guess its the internet and only truth is told on here so you must be right. I retract my statement.
People who complain about "blind spots" don't know how to use their mirrors. Try driving a school bus and you'll get the idea
Just because other vehicles are worse doesn't excuse the poor visibility on the FJ. I guess I'm cranky about that because I really wanted one right up until I sat in it and saw how poor the visibility really was. It's probably more of an issue because I'm tall, so the mail-slot front view bothered me a lot more than the blind spots to the rear. The FJ is what I wanted in every other way, but that one issue ruined it for me. As has been said, each option (FJ, Xterra, JK) has their issues and none are perfect -- it's a case of choosing which things bother you and which don't.
cactusjk
Explorer
I have 6 cameras and a quad monitor on my FJ and have always driven by the mirrors after owning many cars with blind spots. The FJ drives great on and off road and as many have said there are more than enough aftermarket options to round out your needs.
Arktikos
Explorer
Blind_Io
Adventurer
I was thinking about this the other day when I was behind a school bus and noticed the piles of scaffolding supporting convex mirrors that would have looked at home on Donked-out Buicks in Oakland. Even with my spare tire relocated to the back of my XTerra, I still have better visibility than the stock FJ that I drove. The optional reverse camera probably helps, but that is built into the spare tire cover, so if you go up a tire size you will probably have to relocate or eliminate the camera.
I'm sure there's a hack to fix that problem, but it seems like it shouldn't be necessary in the first place.
I'm sure there's a hack to fix that problem, but it seems like it shouldn't be necessary in the first place.
I have had no issues with blind spots. Don't have a camera, likely will not waste the money on getting one. That being said if you are shorter than 5'9 you might have issues with he visibility in all directions. It was not designed to be a 4x4 AMC Pacer with a glass bubble.
There will always be those that don't like a design, but the FJ works great for me.
There will always be those that don't like a design, but the FJ works great for me.
FJ Daily Driver
Hi folks- I am on my second FJ for a daily driver and weekend trails and camping vehicle. In comparison to the Jeep, the FJ seems to be quieter on the pavement. For me, that results in a more comfortable environment on longer trips. I consistently get 20 mpg on long highway cruises. The back up camera works very well and is mounted to a bracket that bolts to the spare tire wheel. When the spare tire cover is removed, the camera is still in the same place. One thing that I do like about this vehicle after coming from full size trucks is that it is easy to park in crowded parking lots due to the small turning radius.
Good luck in your investigation.
Sail
Hi folks- I am on my second FJ for a daily driver and weekend trails and camping vehicle. In comparison to the Jeep, the FJ seems to be quieter on the pavement. For me, that results in a more comfortable environment on longer trips. I consistently get 20 mpg on long highway cruises. The back up camera works very well and is mounted to a bracket that bolts to the spare tire wheel. When the spare tire cover is removed, the camera is still in the same place. One thing that I do like about this vehicle after coming from full size trucks is that it is easy to park in crowded parking lots due to the small turning radius.
Good luck in your investigation.
Sail
BigSwede
The Credible Hulk
Yeah really. Comparing it to a school bus is a bad sign.
I wasn't comparing the FJ to a school bus, I was saying that a school bus manages to get around fine even with "blind spots" that totally obliterate rearward vision. Therefore the alleged blind spots in an FJ, or a VehiCross, or whatever aren't a concern if you know how to use your mirrors properly.
BlueCruiser88
Luke
I don't understand the relevance of the FJ when you can get a 4 runner with the same platform ( is it not the Land cruiser 120 series prado?)
The friends of mine who had one, all fell in love with the styling, but after living with it sold them. Here is the #1 reason: Trying to egress rear passengers with the clamshell rear doors in a parking lot is comedy. One of those silly things you don't think about much until you are dealing with it.
I understand the gentlemen who started this thread will most likely be using the rear passenger areas for gear etc... but why compromise that access?
I am not bashing the FJ. Looking it it from an objective point of view it simply makes no sense compared to a 4 runner or Tacoma.
I have driven two Fjs very briefly so I am not qualified to have much more of an opinion, but I will say that I found it silly to have to lean forward to see a traffic signal above you because you are sitting inside the worlds largest football helmet.
I think the FJ is an exercise in retro design and an attempt to retain brand heritage. It is my opinion (again, never owning one) that in the current market the FJ simply does not stand out as a must purchase overloading vehicle.
I have owned 1 66 FJ, 88 Fj62, 88 FJ62, 96FzJ80, Current vehicle is a Tundra.
The friends of mine who had one, all fell in love with the styling, but after living with it sold them. Here is the #1 reason: Trying to egress rear passengers with the clamshell rear doors in a parking lot is comedy. One of those silly things you don't think about much until you are dealing with it.
I understand the gentlemen who started this thread will most likely be using the rear passenger areas for gear etc... but why compromise that access?
I am not bashing the FJ. Looking it it from an objective point of view it simply makes no sense compared to a 4 runner or Tacoma.
I have driven two Fjs very briefly so I am not qualified to have much more of an opinion, but I will say that I found it silly to have to lean forward to see a traffic signal above you because you are sitting inside the worlds largest football helmet.
I think the FJ is an exercise in retro design and an attempt to retain brand heritage. It is my opinion (again, never owning one) that in the current market the FJ simply does not stand out as a must purchase overloading vehicle.
I have owned 1 66 FJ, 88 Fj62, 88 FJ62, 96FzJ80, Current vehicle is a Tundra.
upcruiser
Perpetual Transient
There are some key differences between a 4runner and FJC to note that do have some real world effects. First is the wheelbase is 4" shorter and along with a shorter body has better approach and departure angles. While this has advantages off-road, it does give you a shorter cargo area. A shorter wheelbase means you can run more technical obstacles with smaller tires due to the break over, departure, and approach angles. Stock for stock I think a 4runner would struggle in more technical terrain. The FJ was offered as Toyota's most off-road capable vehicle out of the wrapper. That's not a knock on a Land Cruiser which we know is constructed to a much higher standard or a 4runner which is pretty close mechanically and has more creature comforts and bells and whistles.
The second thing that is a big one for me personally is the rubber floor. I can't tell you how much I hate vacuuming and cleaning the carpets in my Land Cruisers over the years. We as enthusiasts ask for simple, rugged vehicles without all the luxury stuff and this is an example of Toyota offering that. Some would say Toyota has some of the blandest styling on the market, this also represents them doing something bold from a design standpoint vs their usual fare.
Regarding the visibility issue again, it's never been an issue from any sort of drivin or oerformance standpoint t for us. More of a scenery viewing issue. We don't have a back up camera on ours and have never felt we needed one. I think it's all relative. If you have driven large trucks a lot or vehicles whose cargo holds impede visibility much, you do use your mirrors correctly. The FJ has. I issues with blind spots in this regards. It's looking over your shoulder that the C Pillar is thick that people refer to but again, why are you looking over your shoulder to check lanes? I don't get it. After a couple of days in ours, I was complete used to the view out and don't even think of it as an issue. A Jeep Wrangler could be considered pretty terrible by the same regards. The only thing that gives the Jeep am advantage in my view is that you sit closer to the windscreen, but it's still looking at the world through short windows. If that bugs you get a 4runner, a Land Cruiser, or best yet, a Land product that offers about the best visibility of any modern 4wd.
Clam shell doors, eh they are ok. I don't do much or any city driving for that matter so maybe they don't bother me because of that but I feel they open pretty generously. We don't put adults in the back of ours very often but I do load out 1 year old in and out all the time and it is a breeze from that standpoint. I actually prefer taking him in and out of the FJC versus out 80 series since it's easier to get in front of him without being pinned against a traditional opening door.
Not trying to change anyone's opinion here I suppose but being someone who as lived with and used an FJC as an overland rig and daily driver, figured its worth voicing my take on some of these observations.
The second thing that is a big one for me personally is the rubber floor. I can't tell you how much I hate vacuuming and cleaning the carpets in my Land Cruisers over the years. We as enthusiasts ask for simple, rugged vehicles without all the luxury stuff and this is an example of Toyota offering that. Some would say Toyota has some of the blandest styling on the market, this also represents them doing something bold from a design standpoint vs their usual fare.
Regarding the visibility issue again, it's never been an issue from any sort of drivin or oerformance standpoint t for us. More of a scenery viewing issue. We don't have a back up camera on ours and have never felt we needed one. I think it's all relative. If you have driven large trucks a lot or vehicles whose cargo holds impede visibility much, you do use your mirrors correctly. The FJ has. I issues with blind spots in this regards. It's looking over your shoulder that the C Pillar is thick that people refer to but again, why are you looking over your shoulder to check lanes? I don't get it. After a couple of days in ours, I was complete used to the view out and don't even think of it as an issue. A Jeep Wrangler could be considered pretty terrible by the same regards. The only thing that gives the Jeep am advantage in my view is that you sit closer to the windscreen, but it's still looking at the world through short windows. If that bugs you get a 4runner, a Land Cruiser, or best yet, a Land product that offers about the best visibility of any modern 4wd.
Clam shell doors, eh they are ok. I don't do much or any city driving for that matter so maybe they don't bother me because of that but I feel they open pretty generously. We don't put adults in the back of ours very often but I do load out 1 year old in and out all the time and it is a breeze from that standpoint. I actually prefer taking him in and out of the FJC versus out 80 series since it's easier to get in front of him without being pinned against a traditional opening door.
Not trying to change anyone's opinion here I suppose but being someone who as lived with and used an FJC as an overland rig and daily driver, figured its worth voicing my take on some of these observations.
upcruiser
Perpetual Transient
Oh and another thing to note that hasn't been mentioned in this thread is that the FJC has interior plastics that scratch super easily. That bugs me as I have scuffed mine pretty good loading gear in and out. Oh well, if someone bout the perfect vehicle, we all would be driving it.... And wouldn't the world be a dull place? ;-)