From Apex, NC: New to Wheeling Thing

Looking to purchase a vehicle for Wheeling. The FJ is at the top of list with a Taco or a Jeep JK as possible options. Just thought I would say hi.

-Mike

Hey Mike! Glad you found us! If you are considering an FJ, you found a great resource and a great group of enthusiasts! If you have ANY questions about the FJ, we would be glad to answer them. We have a very knowledgeable, honest group of owners here, so ask away! This group is a grest resource when shopping for an FJ and we are happy to help in any way wr can.

Again, welcome and hope you join the ranks of happy FJ owners!

David

Welcome aboard, lots of great folks and tons of great info here!

FJ or Taco are good options. JK not a very good option for pulling that popup very far.....

Welcome

MadToy wrote:

FJ or Taco are good options. JK not a very good option for that popup very far.....

Welcome

Yeah, that 3,500 lb towing limit is pretty minimal. Also on the latest generation (2006 onward), it seems they cut quite a few corners. There are a lot of areas on the body that are plastic as compared to my brother's 2000 TJ. They also mounted the air intake facing down. My brother ans a buddy of his (with a 2007) took the same water crossing. The 2000 (no mods) made it no problem, the 2007 is now hydo-locked.

However on the positive side, the JK has the open air draw of the removable top and doors. Also the back seat of the JK is a bit bigger than the FJ in both hip room and leg room. With 3 kids, that is a factor.

But it is the quality of the FJ (and the Toyota name) that keeps the FJ on the top of list. Plus I think it is the best looking vehicle of the bunch.

-Mike

Welcome to the group. Hopefully you get an FJ and cement your membership! We accepts Tacomas too.

And Tacoma's can pull pretty good

4th Gen 4runner, 4.7 V8.

No need to play games or waste your time fj would be the best pick, then the taco, or 4runner. Welcome man hope to see you on the trails.

there are some really nice lightly modded FJs on C'list around RDU and g-boro. take a look/ride you will get the fever!

Hello Again,
So here are my thoughts on purchasing an FJ. BTW, It's great to see thiese things are holding their values but also makes getting a used one more expensive than I thought.

As for model years, personally I like to stay away from the first year a car is released. I've had my best success with buying cars from the years after the typical mid-generation changes. I understand that would be from 2010 onwards where there were changes to:
- the engine including a bump in horsepower
- the RSCA option (able to turn off roll sensing air bags on the trails)
- oil filter cartridge and new location - a skid plate now blocks easy access, right?
- higher octane gas no longer needed
- map lights
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System

As for options, I really want:
- A-Trac
- Locking Rear Diff
- Off Road Gauge Cluster (I know it's kinda of a silly want but it looks cool!)
- Back up Camera (Safety backing up in with all the kids - makes hook up to camper a 1 man job)
- Cruise control
- Keyless Entry
- USB port for the iPhone (it appears not an option until the 2011 but I could always upgrade the stock radio if the vehicle is not equiped)

I'm on the fence regarding All Terrain Tires, like on the TT Edition. I guess I need to drive an FJ with the AT tires to see if the on road noise is really bad. However I doubt much could be worse than my current ride at highway speeds.

So basically I'm looking for a 2010 or newer. I would appreciate any real world feedback as my initial thoughts here are solely based on what I've read or just looking at stats online.

Regards,
-Mike

I think you have good information to go off of. I do not think the BFG ATs are that loud on the road. They seem to be some of the least aggressive AT tires. If you are really looking to take the FJ off road (and you will, because it is awesome to) you might end up with MT tires. So my point is, I would be less concerned about the tires that it comes with. Play with whatever is on it and then make a decision about upgrading tires. There is too much between size and terrain to try to make the decision before hand.

F.Y.I. on the A-Trac option. On 2010+ (perhaps older ones too), if it has the rear diff lock, it has the wires and everything for A-Trac. Apparently all you have to do is buy a $50 switch and connect to the wires that are already run.

Thanks for the info. I'm thinking that a TT Edition may be the way to go for me. The main reason for the FJ is to take it off-road. I will definitely take a step approach to off-roading.

I have my eye on 2010 TT out in Charlotte. Asking price is just shy of $26k with 35k miles and it's Toyota Certified Pre-Owned. Unfortunately we're in the process of refinancing the house so I can't do anything until that's over and done so it may be a month or so before I get to pull the trigger.

I love the look of the 2010 TTs. I hope it works out for you.

good luck

iam1ru12 wrote:

Thanks for the info. I'm thinking that a TT Edition may be the way to go for me. The main reason for the FJ is to take it off-road. I will definitely take a step approach to off-roading.

I have my eye on 2010 TT out in Charlotte. Asking price is just shy of $26k with 35k miles and it's Toyota Certified Pre-Owned. Unfortunately we're in the process of refinancing the house so I can't do anything until that's over and done so it may be a month or so before I get to pull the trigger.

Good luck! Which dealership in Charlotte are you working with? I bought mine back in 2009 from Town and Country. They were really great to deal with.

I'm not working with anyone yet but the 2010 TT I found via cars.com is at Town & Country. Hopefully that TT will still be there in a month or so but I'm not holding my breath.

-Mike

iam1ru12 wrote:

I'm not working with anyone yet but the 2010 TT I found via cars.com is at Town & Country. Hopefully that TT will still be there in a month or so but I'm not holding my breath.

-Mike

Nice...the guys I worked with was Carlos...He was their "internet salesman". I actually found mine new on Ebay of all places....lol If you can, see if he still works there and try to deal with him. I was in and out in under 1 hour! No hassles!!