Author Topic: 2011 FJ Cruiser (Read 6897 times)

sidman · « **on:** August 09, 2010, 06:50:34 pm »

I'm thinking of purchasing a 2011 FJ Cruiser when they come out in January. Does anyone here ever drive / own one of these trucks that can give some comments about them? I am looking at the adventure package priced at approximately $38,000 plus freight and tax. For the money you think its worth it? I live in Ottawa and will do mild to moderate off-roading.

johngenx · « **Reply #1 on:** August 09, 2010, 07:38:38 pm »

I've got lots of US skiing friends that love them. They don't care about the dismal fuel economy as they have cheap gas and most Yanks don't care about fuel conservation anyway. Also, the US price is much lower, meaning the FJ is a much better deal south of 49.

As for off-roading, some of those guys have really put the FJ to the test, summer and winter, and word is that is the real deal off-road. You must get the locking diff, though.

I don't know any Canadians with one, as they're pretty expensive here, and I don't know anyone that goes seriously off-road that would drop that much on something that's going to get beat up. My friends are cheap...

Sir Osis of Liver · « **Reply #2 on:** August 09, 2010, 07:42:29 pm »

articsteve's son had one, briefly.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,42432.msg525411.html#msg525411

Here is Consumer Report's take on it:

The FJ's styling echoes the rugged early FJ40 Land Cruisers. While its off-road prowess is superb, the FJ is full of compromises. Visibility is horrendous, and the rear-hinged rear doors provide poor cabin access and are difficult to close. The FJ has clumsy handling and can be disconcerting at its limits, although the standard stability control keeps it secure enough. The ride is compliant but jiggly. The V6 powertrain is smooth and punchy, but returned just 17 mpg overall. While crash-test results and reliability are impressive, the FJ scores too low in our testing to be recommended.

saint_satan · « **Reply #3 on:** August 10, 2010, 06:52:33 am »

If looking for a Japanese SUV, I would also take are hard look at the X-Terra. FJ is cool but the X-terra has 4 useable doors and better sightlines. I like the more traditional look, but that's me.

mjohnston39 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 17, 2010, 11:06:33 pm »

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/problems-dealer-service/

Check out the common problems before you buy. Many issues with the frame...

articsteve · « **Reply #5 on:** August 18, 2010, 01:37:45 am »

For the money you think its worth it?

They hold their resale well. Personally I would import a used one from the US where very few have the roof rack which will is a real problem in many underground car parks.

Auto tranny units get better gas mileage than the AWD manual units. Mileage never bothered me. Lot better than a 5.7 Tundra.

I live in Ottawa and will do mild to moderate off-roading.

The standard tires are useless for mudding unless you get the off road option.

Overall loved it, but it's really a vehicle for rural use. Assembled by Hino.

In a perfect world it would come with a big 4 cylinder turbo diesel.

Johnsmith_99 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 18, 2010, 10:07:45 am »

Well, I live in Ottawa (rural) and I bought one in May 2007 (C package). I have had no issues with the vehicle except for a cracked windshield from a stone thrown from a gravel truck. No frame issues (but I'm not a hardcore off-roader so that might help). It fits me perfectly but depending on your size (i.e. if you are short), you may not like the visibility. I commute to work (in the city) with it and I get about 12l/100km on average (auto transmission). Fuel economy is no better on the highway (it is a cube on wheels after all). Yes it is thirsty but it's a truck and it's built like a tank (compared to a regular car). The X-terra is more practical if you have a family (4 real doors) but I had a Nissan before the FJ and never again for me.

The good:

- Solid build
- Comfortable (for me)
- Easy to clean (no carpeting)
- Good cargo space
- Can go anywhere (with proper tires)

The not so good:

- Somewhat thirsty
- OEM tires (Dunlop) are horrible
- Wind noise at higher speeds (highway)
- Twitchy in windy conditions
- No full time AWD on Auto

If I was to trade for a new vehicle now, I would get another one but probably have the tires replaced before delivery. The manual transmission is tempting for the AWD but you get a fuel economy hit and some people are having issues with that transmission.

The price is high on these vehicles considering the minimal creature comfort (no heated seats, no leather, no telescoping steering, manual 4wd engagement, no auto-climate control, etc.). The money goes to all the off-road gizmos (A-trac, rear locking diff, protection, etc.) and you are buying a niche vehicle.

I hope that helps and good luck.

FJC-4x4 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 18, 2010, 01:36:52 pm »

Hi sidman,

(Disclaimer: I own a Québec forum dedicated to the FJ Cruiser, so for sure I'm bias)

The FJ is a great vehicle. I own a 2010 off-road manual and I can't find enough reason to get in it and drive around... The full-time 4wd coupled with Nokian studded tires is unbelievable!

The frame was stiffen in 2010. So this will probably help the fender-buldge and hopefully with windshield cracking issue, although Jeep and other SUV reports the same issue. The engine was also changed and some other component like the rear differential was reinforced. There are other changes, but I can't post the link since I'm too knew on this forum lol!

The fuel economy is not that bad considering that it's a 4.0L V6. Of course, the faster you drive, the worst your mileage will be because of the air resistance...

After 12000km, I'm averaging 13.0L/100km with the 6 speed manual transmission.

One important thing to note is that only the manual transmission is 'full-time 4wd'. The automatic is part-time and therefor cannot be left in 4x4 on none-loose surfaces... So in the winter, unless you're on a snowed road, you will not be able to leave the truck in 4x4 and forget about it in the Spring...

I choose the off-road over the adventure package for a few reasons. First reason was the factory dunlop tires that come with the base and adventure package are said to be really bad. Secondly, I wanted the Blistein off-road shocks and didn't care much about the audio system... But to each there own... You will be satisfied with either.

As far as the FJs off-road performance is concerned... don't worry about it! Just never go in a trail alone (min 2 vehicles)...

If you need more info, shoot away :-)

Cheers

PlanB · « **Reply #8 on:** August 20, 2010, 11:45:05 am »

$38,000 seems like a LOT of money to spend on the FJ considering for significantly less money you can get a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon with 4 real doors and have the option of getting both soft and hard tops.

Unless you are so in favor of the FJ that nothing else will due, I would consider the Jeep in the conversation as well.

sidman · « **Reply #9 on:** August 24, 2010, 08:15:35 am »

Thanks for the replies, I'm hoping the 2011 includes some new features or at least change the equipment in the packages. No keyless entry or cruise control for 33k hurts, I hope that is standard on the base for 2011.

From what you guys have said, it looks to be a good purchase. I have been looking at the jeep was well but the engine / tranny (I need auto) is a big turn off even with the new interior.

Does anyone know if Canada receives the TT (Trail Teams) package like the US does?

GTI-Gabe · « **Reply #10 on:** September 11, 2010, 08:34:27 pm »

I'd strongly consider the 2011 Jeep Wrangler, with its updated interior, new colours, and $10k lower price tag... I just posted pics and a link, look into it.

Giant Dwarf · « **Reply #11 on:** September 16, 2010, 02:14:32 pm »

Quote from: articsteve on August 18, 2010, 01:37:45 am

For the money you think its worth it?

They hold their resale well.

Really? I've seen a ton of them on Autotrader, etc. for low 20s... that's quite a steep drop, isn't it? Jeep Wranglers hold better don't they?

articsteve · « **Reply #12 on:** September 22, 2010, 10:44:13 pm »

that's quite a steep drop, isn't it?

Compared to the domestic average? In 2007 a FJ stripper was $30K. 5 model years later with 100K km it retails for low 20's; that's well above industry average.

The value of these FJs will really shine around year 8/160K km. Any Jeep product at year 8 with 160K km is essentially a perpetual money pit. Any prior Jeep owner knows this.

airbalancer · « **Reply #13 on:** September 23, 2010, 05:31:41 am »

Quote from: articsteve on September 22, 2010, 10:44:13 pm

that's quite a steep drop, isn't it?

Compared to the domestic average? In 2007 a FJ stripper was $30K. 5 model years later with 100K km it retails for low 20's; that's well above industry average.

The value of these FJs will really shine around year 8/160K km. Any Jeep product at year 8 with 160K km is essentially a perpetual money pit. Any prior Jeep owner knows this.

Will a FJ last that long or will they be burnt

Sir Osis of Liver · « **Reply #14 on:** September 23, 2010, 01:06:46 pm »

In terms of resale value, we expect the 2010 Jeep Wrangler lineup to perform better than the Xterra and the the FJ Cruiser.

Kelly Blue Book

PlanB · « **Reply #15 on:** September 23, 2010, 02:49:15 pm »

Quote from: sidman on August 24, 2010, 08:15:35 am

Thanks for the replies, I'm hoping the 2011 includes some new features or at least change the equipment in the packages. No keyless entry or cruise control for 33k hurts, I hope that is standard on the base for 2011.

From what you guys have said, it looks to be a good purchase. I have been looking at the jeep was well but the engine / tranny (I need auto) is a big turn off even with the new interior.

Does anyone know if Canada receives the TT (Trail Teams) package like the US does?

There's the aftermarket industry to consider also. I know you can get items for the FJ, but nowhere near the amount of options as you can get for your Jeep. Considering that the vast majority of Jeep/FJ owners modify their units - you might want to factor this in.

sidman · « **Reply #16 on:** December 28, 2010, 02:13:20 pm »

Bump.

Has anyone heard any news regarding the 2011 as of yet? I've been checking Toyota's site for a while and the 2010 is still listed.

Johnsmith_99 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 04, 2011, 03:15:37 pm »

The info is on Toyota's site as of today. No major changes but the price is up.

sidman · « **Reply #18 on:** January 04, 2011, 05:32:05 pm »

Thanks, I'll have a look. Maybe its a good time to purchase a 2010 then.

sidman · « **Reply #19 on:** February 14, 2011, 06:55:55 pm »

I've stepped back from the purchase of the FJ and now looking at the Xterra Pro-4X. Does anyone have any experience with these trucks? Thanks