FJ/ARB option?

stclair

stclair

Adventurer
OK, so not sure why I'm excited about this but I am. I was driving by a Toyota dealership today...OK, I'm thinking of moving on to a Toyota based rig and away from our '87 Syncro Westfalia. Reliability. Anyway, I saw an FJ Cruiser all ARB'd out on the lot and had to take a look. It even had a roof top tent and snorkel. So, nothing new there..accept that it was/is NEW. It was a new FJ with some sort of ARB Overland package. I can't help but think it's about time! I really hope this takes off. A "new" turn key Expo Vehicle. I haven't been this excited since the Rubicon was introduced. Anyone know if this is a standard package? Name of it if so? This was an AT, so not for me, but I liked it. A lot!
 
cruiseroutfit

cruiseroutfit

Well-known member
I don't know if it is a standard package but many dealerships have an accessory specialist that will often build a couple of different FJC's and Tacoma's to meet the current popular demands. Some dealerships even add their own 'package' name to it. I know Toyota of Dallas was doing some, XPLORE has their options too. I get the "new" part, but at some dealerships that just might lead to 5 year financing on 30% marked up components ;)
 
stclair

stclair

Adventurer
Good point, but the idea of not voiding or even just having a warranty after a few years of travelin' in a Syncro sounds pretty darn sweet right now. I can also tell you the sticker on it was a LOT less than what I have in my Syncro today. I'm not proud of that fact either I might add. Makes my stomach flip when I do the math. One of the biggest headaches we've come across in our travels around the US has been repairs, finding parts, and paying for both. I do any stupid stuff myself, and even a few of the tough but mindless repairs...but a warranty...now you've got my attention. Not saying I'll run out and buy an FJ, as I know nothing about them. I've had a couple Pickups and loved them though, and am leaning towards a Toyota product for the next vehicle. Now if we could just get 70Series Cruisers with Diesel engines. One step closer I think.
 
cruiseroutfit

cruiseroutfit

Well-known member
Aftermarket parts do not void the warranty, a dealer trying to tell you that is breaking the law (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975). Now, if you install an aftermarket bumper and you have a turn signal issue with the light in said bumper, the dealer can tell you to walk... however in that case the warranty of the bumper should kick in and take care of the issue. If installed at the dealer, they will likely handle the warranty and send you merrily on your way, however I can assure you Toyota or Jeep or xyz corporate will not be footing that repair bill, the dealer will shoulder it no different than an independent 4x4 shop would foot the repair if they cover the same warranty. I'm not saying buying a built vehicle from a dealership is a bad idea, quite the opposite, we work with quite a few dealers and they package up rigs that really appeal to their customers and their customers go back for another. However that relationship is going to be on a case by case situation and a prospective buyer should absolutely make sure they are getting the best components that really suit their needs. For example we get quite a few customers coming to us to pull their spacer lifts and install something with additional spring rate and travel, etc. Not a dishonest move by the dealer but realize they may be appealing to first aesthetics and second function.
 
jeverich

jeverich

Luddite
Reading this thread makes me chuckle..

I have to agree with Kurt; the dealer is probably tacking on at least 150% to that ARB bumper/sliders, etc.

Picked up a couple of axle seals and diff breather unions from my local Toyota dealership a few days ago.. there was a pile of empty RevTek boxes in the corner... Oh, and they had a "Explore-esque" FJC on the showroom as well.

Not trying to scare you away; although if I was you I would build my rig the way I want it. The amount of knowledge that I've gained through building my Yota is invaluable to me.
 
keezer37

keezer37

Explorer
jeverich said:
the dealer is probably tacking on at least 150% to that ARB bumper/sliders, etc.
Click to expand...

And if you're financing, your financing these upcharged add-ons for 5/6 years plus interest. Do the math. You may ultimately be paying three grand for a ARB bumper.
 
enzo

enzo

Explorer
It's not a standard package. The dealer put all that stuff on it and will charge you 3 times what that stuff is worth. There is a Chevy dealer not to far from me that gets their trucks Bro'd out by some company in Georgia and charges $71k for them.
 
stclair

stclair

Adventurer
Hmmm...all good points. I guess I'm the only one that thought it was cool. I kinda saw it as the Jeep Rubicon concept one step further. I mean, already pretty capable out of the box, not much left to do. Also, after spending the last 2 years taking our Syncro from a stock '87 to a would be Subi/Vanagon beast, I realize it's possible to over think these things. Even with all of the thought, time, money, blod sweat and lots of tears it still isn't right. So...for our next vehicle, I'm keeping it simple. I want to add a few things that we've found to be useful to a super reliable/capable vehicle and go. We spend weeks in the woods away from anyone, and my biggest concern is breaking down, The whole road side mechanic thing has lost it's shine for now. Not sure what we'll get, but I'm sure it will be a Toyota, VERY common, and reliable. My original thought has been to buy another Tacoma, slap a FWC on it and say done. For me it's time to get back to traveling and stop spending time goofing around with a vehicle. Thanks for all of the advice.
 
2

2025 deleted member

Well-known member
Usually the dealers around here wil put bumpers/wheels/tires on a FJ and then throw a cheap spacer lift on it. Consumers just eat that stuff up.
 
STREGA

STREGA

Explorer
There actually is/was a company (can't think of the name of it) that were taking new vehicles and making them "Expedition Ready", IIRC they started with FJ Cruisers then added Tacos and other brands of vehicles later on. Saw the first one 3 years ago at the FJ Cruiser Summit in Ouray, they looked nice but were also a little on the pricey side. One of the guys that was part of the company had been involved heavily with Toyota's TRD department and had recently retired from Toyota.

Although it is a easy way to get a rig that's ready to go for the most part, it comes at a high price IMO, If you are some one who doesn't have the time or any mechanical abilities then it may make sense for you. For me building up my FJ was half the fun, being able to select what I wanted over what someone thought I needed was important for me.

As for the FJ Cruiser as a "expedition platform" they can be a very good choice. Ours will be starting its 6th year of reliable trouble free service this March. It has proven to be a very capable offroad vehicle that can carry all of our gear (for 2 adults and a 20lb dog) safely. If I had a family I would go with a Tacoma double cab most likely.
 
J

JeffRRC

Adventurer
Stclair, I noticed you are in Richmond. Is the FJ you are referencing in Richmond? I have an FJ with some mods and would like to see it. Also, I love Westfalias, especially the AWD models. When I was growing up my parents had a 1964 Westy. Fifty HP!
 
stclair

stclair

Adventurer
Hey Jeff- Actually it was up in the NOVA area. Not sure what all it has, but the obvious stuff was a winch, ARB front/rear bumpers, and a RTT. I'll get the dealer name next time I drive by if your interested. Wow, 50HP. Yeah, my Syncro is a beast with 165. Actually...not. It will make it almost anywhere, just not quickly.
 
soonenough

soonenough

Explorer
SWITAWI

SWITAWI

Doesn't Get Out Enough
Definitely watch out for the charges on those aftermarket add-ons. A local lot I went to had $41k FJ Cruiser with $2500 'custom leather interior' and $2500 'custom lift kit'. The leather looked nice, but not $2500 nice.

And when I poked my head into the wheelwells and realized the custom lift was really just a spacer lift worth $250 at the absolute most... I'm still laughing about that one.
 
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