Have a 2008 Trail Team and a 2011 Trail Team we bought brand new. Only have 30k miles on the 2011. Trying to keep these FJs the rest of my life. Absolutely love them.
I have a 2012 TTSE with none of the problems you identified….yet. I bought it in 2022 and it runs like butter. Thank you though as this video was more thorough than most!
Thank you for the frame rust advice. I almost bought a 2014 FJ from Colorado and I did ask for pictures from under. Although the rust wasn’t a lot on the sides of the frame I saw some significant flaking closer to under the engine, wish I could post it. I am glad I found your video
Save the CV's and do a front diff. drop. I had an 07 Taco with 33's and an OME suspension. Once I dropped the differential back down to stock height it solved many of my CV issues.
Great video dude, fellow Ontarian, I think a lot of the issues are first gen issues mostly to my understanding, I was looking at 07-09 at first because they were cheaper but seeing all the fender bulge issues I read into it more and ended up with a second gen. I have a 2011 with 260,000 km on it and it hasn't had a lick of issues other than standard maintenance from wear and tear (lower ball joints was my only real issue and that was from the grease drying up) from my lift and light off-roading ETC. Fingers crossed It stays that way. Love the colour you got on your FJ, looks sick! Keep up the solid work! Another note, how do you like the Black Rhino wheels? I was looking at them but seem to find mixed reviews on them.
I have mixed feeling about them! Very heavy and finish didn’t last very well no support from the company either. They look great and are fairly cheap but wouldn’t buy them again! Thanks for watching
Common problem I have with my Toyota 2014 FJ Cruiser is I gotta take it to Toyota because I'm too lazy to change the oil myself. I'm also retired so unless we're planning a long trip I hardly put any mileage on him. So right now I've got about 55,000 miles on it and with the amount of driving I do now it'll be awhile before I crack 200k. The other problem I have is I have my FJ Cruiser parked in the garage on the side where the garage door does NOT open automatically with a remote. So each and every time I want to drive him I have to manually open the garage door to let him out. And another problem is he gets dirty while he's in the garage. It's not like I take him out muddying or rock climbing. My FJ has the easiest job of just dropping me off at the golf course. I parked under a tree at one of our local golf courses and after the 19th hole he was covered in bird stuff. And lastly I actually wanted an FJ with the white roof. What was I thinking?
I found a 14' FJ in Army Green. Dealer asking $35,000 and it has 71k miles. This thing looked pristine. Upon putting it on a lift....i could not believe the rust! Unfortunately, i will probably let it go. The Dealer swore that frame passed inspection. I hardly believe that, and i still sort of want it, and may price out cost of putting new frame.
If your wanting to buy a FJ get one that Toyota certified, I paid 32k and just got under it, looked like a brand new car underneath. I also recommend spraying the wheel wells and the under body soon as you get it. Very amazing vehicle.
I'm praying I didn't make a dumb mistake on this 07 I just bought in Cambridge. I'm getting a safety on this coming Tuesday and I'm nervous it's going to hurt alot
Hope everything goes well most problems are easy to solve on these trucks. Hopefully you don’t have rust damage that’s where it can get financially worrying
Don’t think it’s the heads that weep oil. They could on some vehicles, but I do know for a fact that on the passenger side of the timing chain cover there’s a tiny irregularity where the gasket just doesn’t seat properly. No need to be concerned. The oil that weeps out dries and seals itself until of course an undercarriage wash or heavy rain. DON’T Let a mechanic tell you the gasket needs replacing. $3,000 +++. It’s a scam. They’ll take pictures of the dirty oil and say it needs to be replaced IT DOESN’T and the replacement won’t seat either.
@@bassstudent4life lol no this video is all the know problems this isn’t to say you will get them or have them it’s just after 200-300km you might experience some of these issue or have to rectify them before they happen. Overall my trucks been amazing
@@mattgiorgi7507 10-4 driver. Do you think that an om606 would fit under the hood of the FJ? 14 mpg city is brutal. That is probably even less, once you add a 35s/sliders/roof rack etc...
I've been searching for an FJ what feels like my entire life. Any recommendations on what I need to be looking for in an FJ for sale? I've been told to avoid the early years and to look for rusting. Whats a good mileage and price range?
Hey, early years are generally a little bit more affordable also slightly different motor! Saying that FJs are only going up in value every year, as long as you do a solid inspection and stay away from any rust you will be fine pretty solid overall! Millage really isn’t a huge deal as they generally rust out before the 1grfe calls it quits seen 500,000km plus motors! I’d take more millage on the motor of the truck had a clean frame over a low millage rust bucket
@@mattgiorgi7507 good to know! I've had multiple Toyotas in my life and they've all gone 300k+ miles. I made the mistake of letting go of a 07 FJ TRD. Low mileage and clean ride for $15k. The dealer had no clue what they had. It's been my life's biggest mistake 🤣 I try to tell myself there must have been a reason it wasn't meant for me but it still hurts.
These trucks may be relatively reliable and capable but there are too many issues for the price they command. The fender bulge issue, even the potential bulge issue, and the rust susceptibility should be a huge flags for anyone considering buying one of these.
I dont think that’s true this video was focused on all the flaws people experienced over the years. That being said rust is due to lack of maintenance and fender bulge was very rare. These trucks are great investments if you know how to buy a good unit
Feel like the fj is better in my opinion for easy cleaning of the interior if your using it for wheeling or over landing. But there also identical mechanically
Thanks for these vids bro!
I really appreciate the support! Enjoy making content
Have a 2008 Trail Team and a 2011 Trail Team we bought brand new. Only have 30k miles on the 2011. Trying to keep these FJs the rest of my life. Absolutely love them.
Very informative! I'm looking at a 2014 tomorrow and this is helpful.
I just bought an 2008. Automatic, base. Very plain but i love it.
Enjoy! Glad to hear it
Good comments on the frame. Rust never sleeps.
Super thorough and relatable/ I found all of your comments to me accurate with my experience (owned a 07 for about 8 years now)
Thank you glad you liked the video
This is the best review and coverage of the FJ. Thank You !
I have a 2012 TTSE with none of the problems you identified….yet. I bought it in 2022 and it runs like butter. Thank you though as this video was more thorough than most!
Yes mine hasn’t really had any issues either just thought I would mention the small things that do go wrong few and far between
One of the best walk thrus i seen so far. Gonna refee back to this a lot when checking out FJs this week. Already saw one with fender cracks.
Thank you for the frame rust advice. I almost bought a 2014 FJ from Colorado and I did ask for pictures from under. Although the rust wasn’t a lot on the sides of the frame I saw some significant flaking closer to under the engine, wish I could post it. I am glad I found your video
Great video, I'm about to pull the trigger on one tomorrow, very worried about frame rust living in the midwest but overall it looks like a great rig.
Fellow manual 07 owner here as well 🙋🏽♂️
So much fun rowing your own gears
It sure is!
I third that.
Save the CV's and do a front diff. drop. I had an 07 Taco with 33's and an OME suspension. Once I dropped the differential back down to stock height it solved many of my CV issues.
Great video dude, fellow Ontarian, I think a lot of the issues are first gen issues mostly to my understanding, I was looking at 07-09 at first because they were cheaper but seeing all the fender bulge issues I read into it more and ended up with a second gen. I have a 2011 with 260,000 km on it and it hasn't had a lick of issues other than standard maintenance from wear and tear (lower ball joints was my only real issue and that was from the grease drying up) from my lift and light off-roading ETC. Fingers crossed It stays that way.
Love the colour you got on your FJ, looks sick! Keep up the solid work!
Another note, how do you like the Black Rhino wheels? I was looking at them but seem to find mixed reviews on them.
I have mixed feeling about them! Very heavy and finish didn’t last very well no support from the company either. They look great and are fairly cheap but wouldn’t buy them again! Thanks for watching
Common problem I have with my Toyota 2014 FJ Cruiser is I gotta take it to Toyota because I'm too lazy to change the oil myself. I'm also retired so unless we're planning a long trip I hardly put any mileage on him. So right now I've got about 55,000 miles on it and with the amount of driving I do now it'll be awhile before I crack 200k.
The other problem I have is I have my FJ Cruiser parked in the garage on the side where the garage door does NOT open automatically with a remote. So each and every time I want to drive him I have to manually open the garage door to let him out.
And another problem is he gets dirty while he's in the garage. It's not like I take him out muddying or rock climbing. My FJ has the easiest job of just dropping me off at the golf course. I parked under a tree at one of our local golf courses and after the 19th hole he was covered in bird stuff.
And lastly I actually wanted an FJ with the white roof. What was I thinking?
Well presented mate...lm checking out a couple atm intending to buy one ( South Australia ) ..your vid has some great points/ info
Thanks man really appreciate the kind words thanks for watching don’t forget to subscribe!!
Cool video. I Never plan on selling my 07 FJ Either.
Why would you it’s a great vehicle! Thanks for watching
Just bought mine 2012 quicksand !
Jealous that’s my favourite colour
I found a 14' FJ in Army Green. Dealer asking $35,000 and it has 71k miles. This thing looked pristine. Upon putting it on a lift....i could not believe the rust! Unfortunately, i will probably let it go. The Dealer swore that frame passed inspection. I hardly believe that, and i still sort of want it, and may price out cost of putting new frame.
35k bro, c’mon
@@pokeclaws9349 I am asking $17k for a 08 trail teams white 175k miles
If your wanting to buy a FJ get one that Toyota certified, I paid 32k and just got under it, looked like a brand new car underneath. I also recommend spraying the wheel wells and the under body soon as you get it. Very amazing vehicle.
I would pass on a rusty frame (as he pointed out in the video). You must live in an area where salt is used on the roads.
@@johnrider7826YES!!! Mine came with it already done. 16k with 148,000 miles. Clean title and pristine. I think it’s a good buy
Great video... are those 35s? Would be great to hear what you had to do to get them fitted and eliminate any rubbing.
Yes they are! I was thinking about making a video on this topic if you would be interested
@@mattgiorgi7507 Did you do a re-gear?
I'm praying I didn't make a dumb mistake on this 07 I just bought in Cambridge. I'm getting a safety on this coming Tuesday and I'm nervous it's going to hurt alot
Hope everything goes well most problems are easy to solve on these trucks. Hopefully you don’t have rust damage that’s where it can get financially worrying
Don’t think it’s the heads that weep oil. They could on some vehicles, but I do know for a fact that on the passenger side of the timing chain cover there’s a tiny irregularity where the gasket just doesn’t seat properly. No need to be concerned. The oil that weeps out dries and seals itself until of course an undercarriage wash or heavy rain. DON’T Let a mechanic tell you the gasket needs replacing. $3,000 +++. It’s a scam. They’ll take pictures of the dirty oil and say it needs to be replaced IT DOESN’T and the replacement won’t seat either.
You are actually correct it’s where the head, block, and cover meet
First thing you should on FJ , is change the anti freeze.
O think I might make this my next video!
Why? Other than if it is due for required maintenance.
@@onenikkione Because the anti-freeze becomes like acid after a year and could cause damage to the head gasket.
So many concerns on this vehicle so my question is, where is the reliability that everyone's talking about?
@@bassstudent4life lol no this video is all the know problems this isn’t to say you will get them or have them it’s just after 200-300km you might experience some of these issue or have to rectify them before they happen. Overall my trucks been amazing
@@mattgiorgi7507 10-4 driver. Do you think that an om606 would fit under the hood of the FJ? 14 mpg city is brutal. That is probably even less, once you add a 35s/sliders/roof rack etc...
I've been searching for an FJ what feels like my entire life. Any recommendations on what I need to be looking for in an FJ for sale?
I've been told to avoid the early years and to look for rusting. Whats a good mileage and price range?
Hey, early years are generally a little bit more affordable also slightly different motor! Saying that FJs are only going up in value every year, as long as you do a solid inspection and stay away from any rust you will be fine pretty solid overall! Millage really isn’t a huge deal as they generally rust out before the 1grfe calls it quits seen 500,000km plus motors! I’d take more millage on the motor of the truck had a clean frame over a low millage rust bucket
@@mattgiorgi7507 good to know! I've had multiple Toyotas in my life and they've all gone 300k+ miles.
I made the mistake of letting go of a 07 FJ TRD. Low mileage and clean ride for $15k. The dealer had no clue what they had. It's been my life's biggest mistake 🤣 I try to tell myself there must have been a reason it wasn't meant for me but it still hurts.
👍
Thanks man!
These trucks may be relatively reliable and capable but there are too many issues for the price they command. The fender bulge issue, even the potential bulge issue, and the rust susceptibility should be a huge flags for anyone considering buying one of these.
I dont think that’s true this video was focused on all the flaws people experienced over the years. That being said rust is due to lack of maintenance and fender bulge was very rare. These trucks are great investments if you know how to buy a good unit
@@mattgiorgi7507 Any vehicles could have similar issues, but one that commands the used prices these things do, shouldn't.
What headlight did you get???
maybe not entirely accurate becuae my 14 comes with ll the bells and whistles and its a six speed manual.
Are you located in Canada?
What headlights are those? DNA? Any issues with them?
Yes they are! And yes tons of issues wouldn’t recommend on my third pair although if you get them on Amazon return or replace fairly easy
Ha good to know. Will stick to stock for now then and save $ for retrofits😅
4runners have the same caliper issue
Oh yes there all the same callipers they use them on more vehicles then you would imagine!
your Canadian?
Yeah I sure am
I m currently looking for one. I m more interested in the 6 spd model
However the gx470. What's your opinion between the two?
Feel like the fj is better in my opinion for easy cleaning of the interior if your using it for wheeling or over landing. But there also identical mechanically
Bought 08 6spd