Considering buying a used FJ with high mileage? But there are probably very few 4WDs that can match the reliability and durability of the FJ Cruiser. The modified FJ cruisers are highly durable and reliable. Still the question remains, how long do FJ cruisers last?
There is no doubt that the FJ Cruiser is Toyota’s most popular off-road capable, rugged SUV. The ride is undoubtedly cool and boasts a catchy design that any rugged SUV enthusiast would appreciate. They are also famous for their remarkable performance and durability.
However, FJ Cruiser mileage may easily exceed 250K miles without a mechanical issue if it is routinely maintained and serviced. According to data, many owners have driven over 300,000 miles with only routine maintenance and minor issues. So, how dependable is the FJ Cruiser?
According to J.D. Power & Associates, the 2014 model received a perfect 5/5 rating and was recognized as one of the most dependable mid-size SUVs money can buy. Several individuals are also using several custom FJ cruisers.
What Is The Fj Cruiser?
A mid-size SUV from Toyota, the FJ Cruiser pays homage to the original FJ40. Or to put it another way, it’s Toyota’s answer to the Hummer. Due to the similarity between the FJ Cruiser and the Hummer H2.
Due to its retro styling, the FJ is quite a sight on the road. This SUV is pretty rare and hard to come across across the US, so seeing one on the road is quite a spectacle. Consequently, the demand for them by the automobile industry is growing every day.
Its styling, however, got high praise from the audience at the 2003 North American International Motor Show when it was unveiled as a concept car.
For this reason, Toyota unveiled the first production model for the 2006 model year in 2005. In Japan, it was assembled in Hamura, and it was exported to the United States.
There are still some markets around the world where the FJ Cruiser is available. A few of these markets include the Middle East, Chile, South Africa, and the Philippines. In 2014, the US model was canceled because sales were declining, and the FJ Cruiser had no market anymore.
Even though the model has been canceled, it is still quite popular among purists, and you can get one in decent condition for a good price. This is especially true considering how these vehicles’ prices have increased considerably over the last few years. There are some good deals to be found since production was pretty good.
What about FJ Cruiser specs and reliability? Next, we will discuss that.
What are the Specifications of the Toyota Fj Cruiser?
Now let’s look at the FJ Cruiser’s specs and find out if it was available in different colors and trims. FJ Cruiser is a mid-size SUV that targets the market of Hummer H2, Jeep Renegade, and similar vehicles.
Body
Its body-on-frame chassis makes the FJ Cruiser extra sturdy and durable regarding its structural integrity. There is a double-wishbone suspension at the front and a four-link suspension at the rear, both of which use lateral rods and coil springs.
Disc Brakes
Four-piston ventilated disc brakes are installed on the front of the FJ Cruiser, and two-piston brakes are installed on the rear. Toyota calls its traction control system VSC, which stands for Vehicle Stability Control. It has ABS, EBP, Brake Assist, and traction control.
Featuring clamshell doors on the rear, the FJ Cruiser had five doors. In comparison to other SUVs that had classic rear doors, this model is a bit shorter.
4 Wheel Drive
There was either a rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive engine on the front of the car. In addition to the 4.0-liter V6 engine, a 2.7-liter V8 engine produced 257hp and 270lb of torque. ft of torque. The engine in this vehicle was naturally aspirated. After we discuss the reliability score for the FJ Cruiser later in the article, we found that the engine was quite reliable.
For rear-wheel-drive FJ cruisers, there were five-speed automatic transmissions, the part-time 4×4 models had a five-speed automatic transmission with the VF2A transfer case, and full-time 4×4 FJ Cruisers were equipped with a six-speed manual transmission with the VF4B.
How Long Do FJ Cruisers Last?
A cruiser can be used for as long as you settle on. FJ Cruiser may go over 400,000 miles with regular maintenance and excellent driving practices. In fact, they are expected to need minor maintenance after 300,000 miles.
However, several owners report riding approximately 400,000 miles before requiring major repairs and component replacements.
That’s how trustworthy FJ Cruisers are. They are made to last a lifetime. However, certain model years should be avoided when purchasing a used FJ Cruiser. Why? Because you don’t want to deal with the gearbox and engine troubles associated with such vehicles.
And, they are not impermeable, tiny components and rubbers will degrade with time. Pollutants in the environment, as well as the heat from the engine, result in this.
A few components usually need to be replaced every 100,000 miles. There are several components to consider, including:
- Alternator
- Serpentine Belt & Pulleys
- Wheel Bearings
- Upper/Lower Ball-joints
Rubber items needing replacement can include:
- CV boots
- Belts
- Hoses
- Seals
You may even need to replace the alternator, starter, and water pump in the future. These are wear-and-tear components with a finite lifespan, regardless of how well you care for them.
What are the Pros and Cons of FJ Cruisers?
Here some of the pros are:
- Transmission smoothness.
- Gauge and instrument design.
- Vehicle Stability in Adverse Conditions.
Also some of the Cons are:
- Firstly, the FJ Cruiser series has been retired, and there hasn’t been a new model made since 2014. Thus, the FJs that are still available lack a slew of current in-car technology that you may want in a beautiful off-road SUV. Read more Off-Road Accessories For Toyota 4Runner
- Secondly, the FJ Cruiser lacks sufficient passenger and baggage room; it is a tiny, compact SUV. Furthermore, unless you’re already comfortable with the design, it’s hard for an unfamiliar user to see their blind spots.
Are FJ Cruisers Reliable for Long-Term Use?
Despite being discontinued by Toyota, FJ Cruisers still tick virtually all the boxes for an ideal modern off-road SUV with rugged components that last a long time. The Toyota FJ Cruiser has seven models, all with outstanding dependability ratings.
From some research, more than 80% of FJ Cruiser owners are pleased with the SUV’s overall performance and dependability. So, sure, FJ Cruisers are pretty dependable. You could buy a high-mileage FJ and still receive great engine performance.
Manufacturer said FJ Cruisers are specially designed for off-road excursions like mountain climbing, driving over rugged terrain, desert trips, and other similar activities. As a result, the engine and powertrain of FJs are equipped for this purpose. Most FJ Cruiser vehicles come standard with a 4-powertrain (All-Wheel-Drive).
Common lists for custom FJ cruisers
Off-road capabilities: Many FJ Cruiser owners modified their vehicles to enhance their off-road capabilities. This can include installing larger tires, upgrading the suspension, adding skid plates and rock sliders, and installing a winch.
Appearance: Some FJ Cruiser owners modify their vehicles to give them a more unique look. This can include adding custom paint jobs, graphics, or decals, installing custom grilles, and adding aftermarket lighting.
Interior: Customizing the interior of an FJ Cruiser can include upgrading the seats, adding custom floor mats, installing a touchscreen infotainment system, or adding additional storage solutions.
Lift kits: A lift kit raises the vehicle’s ground clearance and allows for larger tires to be installed, which improves off-road capabilities.
Suspension upgrades: Upgraded suspension systems can provide a smoother ride and improve handling and stability.
Off-road bumpers: Custom off-road bumpers provide additional protection for the front and rear of the vehicle and can accommodate winches, tow hooks, and other accessories.
Skid plates: Skid plates protect the undercarriage of the vehicle from damage caused by rocks and other obstacles while driving off-road.
Roof racks: Roof racks provide additional storage space for gear and equipment.
Why Does the FJ Cruiser Last Long?
This is largely due to its reliability because of its dependable engine and transmission. Generally, FJ Cruisers are equipped with 4.0-liter V6 engines as standard. It produced 239 horsepower (178 kW) and 278 lb-ft (377 Nm) of torque and was equipped with single variable valve timing (VVT-i) from 2007 to 2009.
Models made after 2009 received Dual VVT-i technology, which changes timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts, resulting in 259 horsepower (193 kW) and 270 lb-ft (366 Nm) of torque.
The SUV comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive (both full-time and part-time) is also an option. Depending on the powertrain, it comes with either a five-speed manual or a five- or six-speed automatic transmission.
The engine and gearbox have earned a reputation for durability, even after years of off-road abuse, and few old SUVs can match it.
It’s worth mentioning that several 2007 FJ owners with automatic transmissions have stated that their FJs tremble around 35-45 mph (56-72 kph) owing to gearbox issues. If you find a 2007 model you like, verify the transmission’s service history and be alert to this issue when test-driving it.
Are there any Possible Engine Issues On High Mile Fj Cruisers?
A worn engine is probably characterized by increased oil consumption. Basically, the oil rings no longer seal properly and there is a lot of space where oil can pass through and burn.
If you don’t notice the drop in oil level and don’t top it off, you will have an oil-burning problem, which could cause problems if you don’t detect it and don’t fix it.
Furthermore, if this problem is very severe, black smoke from the exhaust will also indicate that the engine has oil-burning issues. That’s why you should check that the FJ Cruiser’s engine doesn’t smoke from the rear before you buy it.
Increased Blowby
These engines with more than 200,000 miles also exhibit increased blowby. How does a blowby work? Air enters the engine through the piston rings as a blowby, which is an unmetered air flow.
In other words, the piston rings aren’t sealing properly anymore. As air tries to find its way through the gaps between the compression rings and the cylinder walls, it finds its way into the engine.
Compression Loss
The presence of blowby indicates a compression loss as well. Compression loss means the engine does not seal well, leading to combustion problems and messed up engine performance.
By this blowby problem, the engine is down on power, especially in the affected cylinders. It is also a good idea to do a compression test on an FJ Cruiser with high mileage before purchasing it.
Rather than the spark plug, a compression tester uses a gauge that you plug into the engine and then crank it. A good reading or an engine reading above 100 indicates a good engine. When the readings are below 100, you probably have compression loss and must rebuild the engine.
Pistons, bearings, and other components must be replaced to bring the engine back to spec. Getting this work done for less than $1,500 will be very fortunate. By the way, this will be a lot of work.
Other Important Engine Issues
The FJ Cruiser was also reported to have engine problems. There is a possibility of oil leaking from the front and rear crankshaft seals, as well as the water pump.
Some false positive alerts can result from an oil pressure sensor glitch. The last thing is the timing belt tensioner pulley, which is also prone to failing and wobbling the belt.
Toyota Fj Cruiser: Common Problems And Repairs
Due to its fuel efficiency and resale value, the Toyota FJ Cruiser is a popular midsize SUV.
According to RepairPal, the FJ Cruiser has a 3.5 out of 5 reliability rating, making it the 12th most reliable midsize SUV out of 26.
It costs around $506 a year to maintain and repair the FJ Cruiser, which is less than the average cost for a midsize SUV of the same size.
A major repair is likely needed in 14% of FJ Cruisers once a year if there are unscheduled repairs.
- Worn U-joints can cause vibrations from the drivetrain, slipped splines, out-of-phase yokes, and misaligned angles.
- You may notice a shaky steering wheel if your tires are misaligned or unbalanced, your brake rotors are warped, your wheel bearings are worn out, or your brake pads are worn out.
- If left unaddressed, loose footrest pedals can become a safety hazard in some 2007-2012 FJ Cruisers.
- A broken driveshaft can cause other parts, such as the ball joint and rocker arm, to be damaged on some 2010 FJ Cruisers.
- The 2007 FJ Cruiser is reported to have a shuddering engine, which worn spark plugs, fuel system problems, or faulty timing belts may cause.
- Check engine light illumination is a common problem with 2007 FJ Cruisers, and it can indicate a variety of issues, including damaged sensors and engine misfiring.
How Frequently Does A Toyota Fj Cruiser Require Maintenance?
We examined how often the vehicle required major unscheduled maintenance over three years. Maintenance items considered “major” require expensive repairs to a broken system (typically parts that cost over $1,000).
Even though we examine this data based on make and model, driving habits, conditions, and mileage affect the results. The frequency of maintenance varies from vehicle to vehicle. The need for frequent service may be greater in older vehicles, while the need for service in newer vehicles may be lower.
By measuring the frequency score of a vehicle, you can determine how long it can go without maintenance. In frequency scores, we can see how frequently a vehicle needs major maintenance over 3 years.
A maintenance frequency score of 3 indicates that a car will require major services every year over three years. It can go longer between major maintenance services if the frequency score is close to 0.
Toyota Fj cruisers have a frequency score of 1.44. Since the industry average is 1.3, they are substantially worse than average.
How Much Does It Cost To Maintain an FJ Cruiser?
Asking the maintenance cost of a new car (new or used) is one of the most important questions to ask.
Maintaining a vehicle is one of the most important aspects of its life – and FJ Cruisers are no exception. Interesting enough, Toyota cars are generally affordable – more like inexpensive – to maintain.
FJ Cruisers has a very low repair frequency – about 1.44% – and an average annual maintenance cost of $530. Very few FJ Cruisers break down, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have the car serviced and maintained regularly.
Within 10 years of owning an FJ Cruiser model, you’d spend around $6,000 on maintenance.
Conclusion
Toyota is well-known for building dependable and long-lasting vehicles, and the FJ Cruiser is no different. So, did you get your ans, how long do FJ cruisers last? Well, I guess you’ve learned everything by now about modified FJ Cruisers. As, it’s constructed with high-quality materials, and its components are meant to survive harsh circumstances and last for many years.
Overall, the FJ Cruiser is known for its durability and dependability, and with regular upkeep, it can last for many decades and miles.
FAQs
Is the Toyota FJ Cruiser a trustworthy automobile?
Yes, the FJ Cruiser has a reputation for dependability and durability. The FJ Cruiser is no exception to Toyota’s reputation for producing dependable automobiles.
How long does a Toyota FJ Cruiser last?
The longevity of a Toyota FJ Cruiser is contingent on several variables, including maintenance, travelling conditions, and utilization. An FJ Cruiser can last for many years and miles with appropriate upkeep.
Do FJ Cruisers have corrosion problems?
FJ Cruisers are susceptible to corrosion like any other vehicle, especially in areas with high humidity and saline exposure. Regular maintenance and undercoating can prevent the formation and spread of corrosion.
How often does FJ Cruiser maintenance need to be performed?
Changing the oil, inspecting the fluids, and rotating the tires are all part of regular maintenance on the FJ Cruiser. You can find recommendations for maintenance in the owner’s manual as well.
What are the most prevalent FJ Cruiser issues?
The FJ Cruiser is notorious for its poor fuel economy, restricted rear visibility, and stiff ride. The FJ Cruiser’s off-road capabilities and durability outweigh these minor issues.
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