Toyota FJ thoughts

[YOLO110]

Has anyone on here had any experience with the Toyota FJ?

Seems like Toyota's version of the Defender, a bit of a cult following and prices staying strong since they were discontinued in 2016.

Drove one yesterday and quite impressed with how 'civilised' it was compared with the Defender! Missus prefers it as well... [bigsmile]

Cheers, Pete

[1nando]

Has anyone on here had any experience with the Toyota FJ?

Seems like Toyota's version of the Defender, a bit of a cult following and prices staying strong since they were discontinued in 2016.

Drove one yesterday and quite impressed with how 'civilised' it was compared with the Defender! Missus prefers it as well... [bigsmile]

Cheers, PeteNo first hand experience however have been on a couple of trips with a bloke who has one and can confirm they are very capable. Good clearance, angles and rear factory locker.
As much as the Toyota crowd had turned me off i think its a good little truck

[donh54]

Has anyone on here had any experience with the Toyota FJ?

Seems like Toyota's version of the Defender, a bit of a cult following and prices staying strong since they were discontinued in 2016.

Drove one yesterday and quite impressed with how 'civilised' it was compared with the Defender! Missus prefers it as well... [bigsmile]

Cheers, Pete

They were built on the Prado base, so hardly a "Defender version".
Apparently they have improved approach and departure angles than the Prado. Common name is a "Prado in a clown suit!"

[Tombie]

Exactly that - they’re a Petrol Prado with a retro body.

A mob in Melb was doing huge work on them.

Local guy here did a D4D swap...

[martnH]

I like it. I think it's a good 4wd especially with that crawl control function.

The only downside for me is it's a partime 4wd.

For most ppl they will never ever do difficult tracks. so FJ is plenty enough

[edddo]

May of interest if it had a diesel option. Seems a marketing oversight?
But pretty limited as a long range/remote tourer just in petrol.

[PhilipA]

I have driven one quite a bit on sand and highway.

The one I drove had 33 inch tyres which blunted the performance a lot and made it drink fuel.
It was the earlier one with the traction control that turned off if the diff lock was used.

On sand I found it puzzling. We did a photo shoot on Blacksmiths beach and I was supposed to jump it, but I couldn't get up enough power because of the stability control not turning completely off.
I bogged it in the first time I have bogged a car in 30 years of driving including in the Sahara.

The rear suspension geometry seems wrong as it bunny hopped when putting down the power.
Even dropping tyre pressures to 10PSI wouldn't unbog and it needed a snatch.
It was nowhere near a RRC even with BW on sand.

Otherwise typically good Toyota design. I don't like the low seating position.
I remember the bloke who owned it came back later and was asking me why his LF tyre was shredding. It was easy to see the bolts hanging down at the top of the wheelarch.

Also to fit a decent 2nd battery you would have to swap battery positions as the second battery position only fits a tiny battery. They were asking me why the fridge only went for 6 hours and it was easy to see as the second battery was a tiny 42AH Optima.
On highway it was quite OK considering the overgearing but never felt as fast as it should with the large 4 litre engine. Quiet with little wind noise. I think the rear doors are a stupid idea but I guess that is to personal taste. You have to open a front before you can open a rear.

Also the rear door opens the wrong way.

I even did a video on fitting a roof rack to them as the replacement Baja rack was our biggest seller.
Regards Philip A

[YOLO110]

Interesting replies, thanks!

I am mulling selling my 90 and getting one, whilst there are still low km examples about...

Tough thought however... as I am quite 'emotionally' attached to HUE! But the FJ will probably be more reliable, comfortable and usable on a 'Lap' towing my camper trailer...

Mmmm...

[1nando]

Interesting replies, thanks!

I am mulling selling my 90 and getting one, whilst there are still low km examples about...

Tough thought however... as I am quite 'emotionally' attached to HUE! But the FJ will probably be more reliable, comfortable and usable on a 'Lap' towing my camper trailer...

Mmmm...A few things;

-Not even in the same category offroad. Yes they are capable but independent suspension does not cut it compared to live axles.
- not as HD as a defender
- not as versatile
- not as frugal

It comes down to what you need the vehicle for. If you're wanting something more comfortable with the ability to tow for that sort of money then i would consider a pajero or mu-x instead. Roughly the same size, good offroad, both extremely reliable and plently of after market stuff availble, they will also tow better than the fj.

Have u considered a rubicon unlimited aswell? Very capable off road, id argue better than a stock defender. Just dont know how they go towing??

[martnH]

I have driven one quite a bit on sand and highway.

The one I drove had 33 inch tyres which blunted the performance a lot and made it drink fuel.
It was the earlier one with the traction control that turned off if the diff lock was used.

On sand I found it puzzling. We did a photo shoot on Blacksmiths beach and I was supposed to jump it, but I couldn't get up enough power because of the stability control not turning completely off.
I bogged it in the first time I have bogged a car in 30 years of driving including in the Sahara.

The rear suspension geometry seems wrong as it bunny hopped when putting down the power.
Even dropping tyre pressures to 10PSI wouldn't unbog and it needed a snatch.
It was nowhere near a RRC even with BW on sand.

Otherwise typically good Toyota design. I don't like the low seating position.
I remember the bloke who owned it came back later and was asking me why his LF tyre was shredding. It was easy to see the bolts hanging down at the top of the wheelarch.

Also to fit a decent 2nd battery you would have to swap battery positions as the second battery position only fits a tiny battery. They were asking me why the fridge only went for 6 hours and it was easy to see as the second battery was a tiny 42AH Optima.
On highway it was quite OK considering the overgearing but never felt as fast as it should with the large 4 litre engine. Quiet with little wind noise. I think the rear doors are a stupid idea but I guess that is to personal taste. You have to open a front before you can open a rear.

Also the rear door opens the wrong way.

I even did a video on fitting a roof rack to them as the replacement Baja rack was our biggest seller.
Regards Philip AThis is quite different from my experience

In low range, I used the crawl co tell quite a bit. It is amazing

You activate it with the knob in the roof console and it sets the speed.
Then the computer controls the brake throttle etc...So that the preset speed is maintained. The computer can see the speed of each wheel so the FJ is trying not to break traction.

If you only go high range, the stability control won't turn off. It will work above 45km/h No matter what.

An experience driver can do this without the computer of course. But it will be a struggle in the dark. Not for the ecu.

[martnH]

Also it's an NA engine. Look at its engine bay. There is not much going on.

Compared to my puma defender, there are millions of coolant pipes, intercooler, turbo, air hoses....

[PhilipA]

Have u considered a rubicon unlimited aswell? Very capable off road, id argue better than a stock defender. Just dont know how they go towing??

For a non LR the Unlimited diesel would be my pick .

Not necessarily a Rubicon which only comes in petrol, although the latest V6 is very nice. I have driven a shorty V6 a bit also, and aside from it having very little torque so it would change down on hills like Moonie Moonie It was very nice to drive and quite perky.

But the dash is very high and claustrophobia inducing and the windows small.

If you think a D2 roofrack is expensive don't ask about an Unlimited one. The rack has to be fitted to the chassis at the back as the plastic roof is not strong enough. And the Baja rack doesn't let you open the roof openings , although a few washers would fix that.

I also did a video on fitting a roof rack to one of those.
Regards Philip A

[PhilipA]

In low range, I used the crawl co tell quite a bit. It is amazing

The early ones did not have crawl control or AFAIR a large fuel tank, or the ability to have ETC and rear diff locked.

You have to be very careful and know what was fitted to which year before assuming that it is there.

BTW , I was trying to jump the thing so was in high range when the ESC would cut in. I would think this would occur if you were trying to climb a sand dune. In fact also on the day, I was in the Jeep and another driver in the FJ and he had several attempts to get up one dune where I aced it. I don't know whether it was the driver or the car.
Regards Philip A

[YOLO110]

Yes, looking at an MY16 version. It has all the electronic 'trickery', plus the big 175 litre fuel tanks! Ouch to fill up!

They do have a 'live' rear axle I believe...

One of the biggest reasons I prefer the FJ to the other, more than capable offerings, is that I like the 'quirky' looks that make it stand out from the masses of white boxy FWD's out there. A bit like the 'Defender'...

Drove one yesterday, it was quiet and surprisingly refined with that big 4 litre V6 doing 1300 RPM at 100kph!

But then I open up my garage and look at my Keswick Green Defender and my heart says no!! [tonguewink]

[1nando]

Yes, looking at an MY16 version. It has all the electronic 'trickery', plus the big 175 litre fuel tanks! Ouch to fill up!

They do have a 'live' rear axle I believe...

One of the biggest reasons I prefer the FJ to the other, more than capable offerings, is that I like the 'quirky' looks that make it stand out from the masses of white boxy FWD's out there. A bit like the 'Defender'...

Drove one yesterday, it was quiet and surprisingly refined with that big 4 litre V6 doing 1300 RPM at 100kph!

But then I open up my garage and look at my Keswick Green Defender and my heart says no!! [tonguewink]Ifs and irs, no live axle.

I know what u mean, i had to sell the 110 due to growing family and safety concerns. Also made the most of cashing in before the new defender comes out.

[donh54]

May of interest if it had a diesel option. Seems a marketing oversight?
But pretty limited as a long range/remote tourer just in petrol.

AFAIK it was designed for the US market, hence petrol only, and as ugly as, [bigrolf].

The original was to be a limited production run, (I read in a car magazine once that it was to use up some extra floor pans and components they had at the end of that particular model Prado run) but their popularity in the US meant they kept making them for a while.

[martnH]

Ifs and irs, no live axle.

I know what u mean, i had to sell the 110 due to growing family and safety concerns. Also made the most of cashing in before the new defender comes out.Live axle on the rear of FJ

[1nando]

Live axle on the rear of FJAppologies, you are correct....dont know why i thought irs[emoji848]

[loanrangie]

Ugly, crap rear doors and crap cargo space.

[martnH]

Appologies, you are correct....dont know why i thought irs[emoji848]Pajero is
Hehe

My family has one. NA engine with IFs and IRS. Factory rear locker. Double wishbone just like those Dakar rally cars....

Don't know how long those suspension components will last....

[goingbush]

i would have bought one if the had a diesel option.

[PhilipA]

BUT to call it an FJ was and is an insult to FJ40 etc.

maybe they should have called it a Toyota Bulbous or maybe Bilious.

Regards Philip A

[Tombie]

BUT to call it an FJ was and is an insult to FJ40 etc.

maybe they should have called it a Toyota Bulbous or maybe Bilious.

Regards Philip A

Bull****. Wasn’t an insult at all...

It was a success for Toyota and hit the right chord with the buyers.

[PhilipA]

Tombie they sold well for a while in the USA as they were very cheap and cost very little on monthly payments.

By about 2014 the volume was so low they discontinued production for the USA and made the remaining left over bits for the Australian market.

They did have a "cult" following in the USA and to some extent in OZ. But at $45K to $50 K in Oz Vs less than $30K in the USA they had a completely different clientele to the 20 year olds in the USA.

We at Baja Racks used to run the website FJ Club (much to annoyance of the Toyota club), where we used social media to sell the products that we imported so I do know about them and many of their customers. I was supposed to be the Social Media manager but I found it so tiresome that I did not comment often on the childish mainly USA posts.

I remember selling a bullbar to one bloke in WA that weighed 132KG . As our dealer in WA who was a suspension place agreed , there was no way on earth that the suspension could be beefed up enough to carry that.

Of course it is only an opinion that they are fugly, but hey everyone is entitled to an opinion.
Regards Philip A

[pop058]

I thought they were more a homage to the FJ55 rather than the 40.

[loanrangie]

Didn't they drop them because they weren't selling.

[Tombie]

Didn't they drop them because they weren't selling.

Eventually. They exceeded their original plan.

[Tombie]

Phillip, back then $30k USD was $45k over here!

And their market get paid a lot less. It was more the market here could go Prado for not much more.

[Zeros]

Interesting replies, thanks!

I am mulling selling my 90 and getting one, whilst there are still low km examples about...

Tough thought however... as I am quite 'emotionally' attached to HUE! But the FJ will probably be more reliable, comfortable and usable on a 'Lap' towing my camper trailer...

Mmmm...

Craziest idea I’ve ever heard! Wash your mouth out young man! [tonguewink]

Really? You don’t like your 90?!?? Do tell...
...and you’d swap it for a baby prado in clown suit??

if you must go soft roader- agree MUX would be the pick. ...hmm but I can’t even force myself to imagine how bland and uninspiring that would be!

Nope. You can’t do it! [bigsad]

[YOLO110]

I LOVE my 90 mate!

But when you are planning an extended 'Lap' of OZ, towing the camper and sitting with the missus for many thousands of km's, the old adage 'happy wife happy life' suddenly takes on more meaning! What I 'forgive' about the Defender, because I am an enthusiast, she will not! Noise, bouncy ride (90), lack of comfort, lack of passive safety, etc etc!

The FJ was by comparison, quiet, comfortable, airbags, more space and also had 'character'. Probably much better at towing with no effort with that big 4L petrol engine as well. And being a Toyota, probably more reliable...

Interesting that no one has mentioned the Discovery as an option...?

Personally, I think the MUX is ugly. NO character at all... just another SE Asian 'me too' SUV.

Anyway, I am on a classic 'see-saw' now! See the good parts of both. Just got back from a drive in the 90, reminds me of all I love about it! [bigwhistle]

[1nando]

I LOVE my 90 mate!

But when you are planning an extended 'Lap' of OZ, towing the camper and sitting with the missus for many thousands of km's, the old adage 'happy wife happy life' suddenly takes on more meaning! What I 'forgive' about the Defender, because I am an enthusiast, she will not! Noise, bouncy ride (90), lack of comfort, lack of passive safety, etc etc!

The FJ was by comparison, quiet, comfortable, airbags, more space and also had 'character'. Probably much better at towing with no effort with that big 4L petrol engine as well. And being a Toyota, probably more reliable...

Interesting that no one has mentioned the Discovery as an option...?

Personally, I think the MUX is ugly. NO character at all... just another SE Asian 'me too' SUV.

Anyway, I am on a classic 'see-saw' now! See the good parts of both. Just got back from a drive in the 90, reminds me of all I love about it! [bigwhistle]Okay...so to confirm;

-You want more comfort
-Something thats not so common, cool facror
-You dont mind if its petrol
-Must be able to tow
-Relaible

Mmmmmm......mmmmmm

The hardest point to tick is the "not so common/cool factor". A disco 4 is a great option, fantastic in fact. I just dont know if it has that "not so common" box ticked. After all a lot of mums drive them on the school run and they are pretty common.

What about a y62 beast? Nah just joking....i just know someone will quote this line and say something [emoji848]

Maybe a jeep grand cheroke SRT? 6.4 liter 475hp beast! Should be able to get a 2015-16 loe ks for around $60-65k. I bet that never crossed your mind[emoji85]

[martnH]

The 10as recent blew in my puma defender. JLR told me it's no longer produced so the only fix is an upgrade for $3.5k, including two new key fobs.

So will this happen to FJ?


I am already dealing with wreckers for parts. Geez my defender is only bloody 5 years old.

[FV1601]

Don't mind the shape, but pretty sure they only came out in auto, which turned me off.
Good to see some unbiased thoughtful advice in the replies.
Interesting to see which way you swing.
Rich.

[Tombie]

WTF is a big 4l. It’s about 4 litre.. like a quick 5 minutes I guess [emoji41]

As for noise etc, I’ve done some Carbuilders sound deadener in the 90 and it’s worked a treat... would be cheaper to throw a couple of Thousand into doing the job and have a charismatic vehicle with a quiet ride...
Add some Fox shocks and it will ride like a dream...

[PhilipA]

Phillip, back then $30k USD was $45k over here!
No mate you are wrong .
During the time I worked for Baja Racks the dollar fluctuated between AUD1=USD1 and AUD1=USD1.10.
I clearly recall saying to Christoff as I left as the ship went down.

"Mate if you cannot make money with this exchange rate how will you make money when it returns to normal at say AUD 1.25 =USD1"

They should have been about $35-39 in Australia. This meant that the buyers were mainly 40-50+ in OZ and bought them as a cheap Prado. Many told me that.
Regards Philip A

[Zeros]

I LOVE my 90 mate!

But when you are planning an extended 'Lap' of OZ, towing the camper and sitting with the missus for many thousands of km's, the old adage 'happy wife happy life' suddenly takes on more meaning! What I 'forgive' about the Defender, because I am an enthusiast, she will not! Noise, bouncy ride (90), lack of comfort, lack of passive safety, etc etc!

The FJ was by comparison, quiet, comfortable, airbags, more space and also had 'character'. Probably much better at towing with no effort with that big 4L petrol engine as well. And being a Toyota, probably more reliable...

Interesting that no one has mentioned the Discovery as an option...?

Personally, I think the MUX is ugly. NO character at all... just another SE Asian 'me too' SUV.

Anyway, I am on a classic 'see-saw' now! See the good parts of both. Just got back from a drive in the 90, reminds me of all I love about it! [bigwhistle]

Geez! Man up brother. She’ll love it in the 90. ...Or get a RR 😳

[YOLO110]

FJ Cruiser and Defender Bendethra 4x4 April 2013 - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baRNMCinlTs)

FJ's seem pretty capable as well...

[donh54]

A tarp over the grille for the deepest crossing , and some judicious line-picking, I could have followed them in my old Freelander 1.

[Zeros]

The 10as recent blew in my puma defender. JLR told me it's no longer produced so the only fix is an upgrade for $3.5k, including two new key fobs.

So will this happen to FJ?


I am already dealing with wreckers for parts. Geez my defender is only bloody 5 years old.

What is a 10as?

[Tombie]

What is a 10as?

Alarm module

[Zeros]

Alarm module

Cheers Tombie, is that separate from central locking? Or same module?

[martnH]

What is a 10as?Alarm module and also does central locking and immobiliser

Made by Lucas the prince of darkness

What year is your Defender?

[Zeros]

Alarm module and also does central locking and immobiliser

Made by Lucas the prince of darkness

What year is your Defender?

Mine’s 2014.

...could you just remove and revert to key locking? Better for out bush anyway.

[martnH]

Mine’s 2014.

...could you just remove and revert to key locking? Better for out bush anyway.Yours will be fine. You probably have the upgraded version
But still plenty of Lucas wiring

For your question, yes I think itsa good idea. But you will need someone to decode and recode the ecu.

Actually I want to do that too. The immobiliser on the defender is a joke.
Just plug in a diagnostic tool and add a new key fob and the stupid truck will think she has a new owner.

The main power line goes out of the battery box...It's so exposed you can just cut it. What is the point of the immobiliser in my puma defender anyway except to meet the regulation so that JLR can keep selling such product.

I need to stop ranting. I love my defender but JLR doesn't love me. Somebody please tell me Toyota is different.....

[emoji846][emoji854][emoji846][emoji854][emoji846][emoji854][emoji846]

[martnH]

I drive my defender off-road.
To high country to desert to cape York.

The component on the truck will break and I will need replacements.if the logistics for the defender is not there, I will not be able to use it as a work vehicle.

....I am looking for replacement and I have test driven the FJ, LC76 and Pajero.

I think FJ is probably the most capable and cheapest to run.....The petrol engine is NA so few hoses and no turbo so I can't imagine the engine will have many problems.

Auto box plus petrol engine works beautifully off-road. This is my personal opinion. You have the infinite control of speed while rock crawling and the burst of power from a petrol engine on sand. This means you can slow the FJ down to 20cm/h without burning the clutch. In the defender I can do this but only with left foot braking and right foot throttle.

Not to mention the crawl control that literally give you the "dummy's" slow speed control...

The downside for the FJ (to me) is probably the payload of k my 500kgs (besides part-time 4wd). This is almost the same as a wrangler. It's a small car and can be easily overloaded.

My defender 110 has almost 1 ton payload. That's a lot of camping crap you can carry....

[Johnno_p]

The early ones did not have crawl control or AFAIR a large fuel tank, or the ability to have ETC and rear diff locked.


Actually the traction control does work with the diff lock in the early models.

I had one of the early models in 2011.
Super capable vehicle and typical Toyota reliability.

There were a few times where I could drive a track with 33’s that larger Patrols with 35’s had to winch.

There actually is quite a lot of storage space for a couple to tour in but would be difficult for a family of 4.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/04/57.jpg
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/04/58.jpg

[djam1]

The 10AS is hardly a crisis when I first bought my defender (TD5) I bought a spare AS10 and have carried around since. I have spent many years in Outback Australia living in the places that others visit for a fortnight and say they have been Outback.
On 2 occasions the car faulted when starting just turn off the ignition wait a minute and turn it back on and it starts.
Today I live in relative suburbia (Melrose) not sure I would bother doing it all again.
I know Jose can change the ECU so it will work without it but unless the Puma Defenders are much worse I wouldnt bother.

[martnH]

The 10AS is hardly a crisis when I first bought my defender (TD5) I bought a spare AS10 and have carried around since. I have spent many years in Outback Australia living in the places that others visit for a fortnight and say they have been Outback.
On 2 occasions the car faulted when starting just turn off the ignition wait a minute and turn it back on and it starts.
Today I live in relative suburbia (Melrose) not sure I would bother doing it all again.
I know Jose can change the ECU so it will work without it but unless the Puma Defenders are much worse I wouldnt bother.If there is less smoke, I will not want to tell everyone I met about this. "My land rover want to cook me alive"

How would you handle a problem like this? The 10as decided to Burn itself. The heat fused the green plug to the socket.
Maybe I should bring a spare grey plug and green plug just in case.

You may not know but the 10as on puma is special and no longer available. The td5 10as won't work on a puma

P.s. I paid almost $400 for the second hand part. And I want another one just in casehttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/04/93.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/04/94.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/04/95.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/04/96.jpg

[martnH]

Also even you disable immobiliser, still you need a functional 10as to drive the car. I don't know why....

[martnH]

Now I see the wisdom in taking another ecu and 10as module in outback travelling....

And I will do that.

[Zeros]

If there is less smoke, I will not want to tell everyone I met about this. "My land rover want to cook me alive"

How would you handle a problem like this? The 10as decided to Burn itself. The heat fused the green plug to the socket.
Maybe I should bring a spare grey plug and green plug just in case.

You may not know but the 10as on puma is special and no longer available. The td5 10as won't work on a puma

P.s. I paid almost $400 for the second hand part. And I want another one just in casehttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/04/93.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/04/94.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/04/95.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/04/96.jpg

Jeepers! That’s more than your central locking not working! What caused the fire? an electrical fault?

[martnH]

Jeepers! That’s more than your central locking not working! What caused the fire? an electrical fault?I don't know much about these stuffs

But it is due to probably corrosion from the windscreen leakage. Or manufacturing problems (contamination of metallic particles, bad soldering

Not thing I am certain is this black box is giving a lot of ppl headaches..

If only there is a solution to remove this and install aftermarket central locking.

[BigJon]

I wouldn't entertain the idea of an FJ. They must have one of the worst interiors ever when it comes to seeing out. That ridiculous thick pillar makes lane changing a matter of prayer and guesswork. A quick neck swivel head check of the blind spot is a pointless excercise. I, for one, don't like design that puts form ahead of function.

[Arch]

Having serviced a few of these vehicles I can say that they are a good vehicle. The engine and running gear is solid - the IFS is used across a number of the Toyota platforms and has a similar front axle load capacity as the Defender 90 and 110. The weight limit on the front was implemented to reduce the occurrence of cracked front chassis mounts from heavy barwork in early vehicles. Bullbar manufacturers still supplied and fitted their anchors to these vehicle with no problems - non that I saw anyway.

The engine will go down in Toyota's history books as another great engine - I can see why they didn't have a diesel option. The engine out performs the diesel 1KD in every area except fuel consumption.

Storage can be an issue if you carry too much.

Offroad - they are extremely capable in their stock form. The available aftermarket parts will certainly take it further.

Their looks... well they are polarising. I'd have one though.

[komaterpillar]

Wow, every time fj cruiser is mention you always get the same moronic response - "shoulda had a diesel option"
I wonder if any of you have ever had a proper think about it? Toyota's model designation has always been FJ** for petrols, HJ** for diesels... its called an fj cruiser hence the only petrol option.

YOLO110 I'd have one in a heart beat, especially if i was planning on doing some long distance touring with the wife.

[YOLO110]

The more I read the reply on this thread, the more I ask myself..

IS my 2015 Puma reliable enough to not leave me stranded out bush... either with some bizarre electrical failure, or a loss of drive from the infamous transfer box drive... My truck is coming up to 3 years of age now, the comfort and support of having a warrantee will then go!

Another 'calling' towards a Toyota...

Curiously, both the missus and I are however seriously in a 'heart v head' battle here... simply because we love the 'Defender'... but perhaps that is the misty eyed Defenders of old, that a bloke with a spanner could get going again in the middle of no-where!

Thoughts continue!

[Eevo]

Wow, every time fj cruiser is mention you always get the same moronic response - "shoulda had a diesel option"
I wonder if any of you have ever had a proper think about it? Toyota's model designation has always been FJ** for petrols, HJ** for diesels... its called an fj cruiser hence the only petrol option.

ha, i didnt know that.

is there an HJ criser?

[cripesamighty]

As far as I recall they never did get around to a diesel HJ Cruiser as it was primarily designed for the Middle East and USA markets, so petrol only. Also, the originally intended short production run didn't turn out to be as short as they initially planned on either!

[Tombie]

The more I read the reply on this thread, the more I ask myself..

IS my 2015 Puma reliable enough to not leave me stranded out bush... either with some bizarre electrical failure, or a loss of drive from the infamous transfer box drive... My truck is coming up to 3 years of age now, the comfort and support of having a warrantee will then go!

Another 'calling' towards a Toyota...

Curiously, both the missus and I are however seriously in a 'heart v head' battle here... simply because we love the 'Defender'... but perhaps that is the misty eyed Defenders of old, that a bloke with a spanner could get going again in the middle of no-where!

Thoughts continue!

The engine is a good one...
The steering, diffs, electrical, are all average. As in they fail, regularly..

I’d say your current vehicle is as reliable if not better - because you know the owner!!!

Get a Gap IID for the toolbox and you’ll be no worse than days of old...

[hpal]

WTF is a big 4l. It’s about 4 litre.. like a quick 5 minutes I guess [emoji41]

As for noise etc, I’ve done some Carbuilders sound deadener in the 90 and it’s worked a treat... would be cheaper to throw a couple of Thousand into doing the job and have a charismatic vehicle with a quiet ride...
I worked and worked to get my Defender quiet and smooth. In the end I realised it was a sow's ear and I was trying to make a silk purse. I sold it and bought a Disco 3 and love it.

[Graeme1]

I have an FJ it's handles well on and off road, lighter than the prado and 4 wheel drive on demand so is relatively economical, long range tanks also has all the safety features of a modern car. Biggest issue is getting the keys of my sons who think it looks cool. I Would recommend one..

[Ratel]

I personally would not consider that for a nano second!

Besides, the FJ looks like it was designed by Nissan...

[Barraman]

I've always thought they looked interesting but without a turbo diesel its just not on! Hard to understand when I assume the diesel engine from the Prado would bolt straight in.

[AnD3rew]

My Brother in law had one, If you are a single or couple with only ocassional need for a second row of seats (and doors for all practical purposes) then it is a good mid sized truck, as others have said excellent clearance and angles, rear locker, lots of aftermarket options and reliable and tough.

If the compromises on space and access aren’t a problem for what you want to do I say go for it. If you have a family and/or want to do extended touring I wouldnt do it and the lack of a diesel option holds it back as well. Also not sure if the wheelbase is actually shorter or it just looks it, but instinctively I feel like I would like a longer base of towing anything heavy.

[JDNSW]

My experience is limited to seeing them on the road, and travelling as a passenger in one in the city (I know someone with one).

The very poor visibility for the driver would count it out immediately for me, but the owner, or at least his wife, prefers it to his 90 on the grounds of ride and lack of rattles.

[Pickles2]

G'Day Pete, Sent you a P.M., but you cannot receive it,..CLEAR YOUR IN BOX!!!
Regards, Martin.

[Johnno_p]

The very poor visibility for the driver would count it out immediately for me, but the owner, or at least his wife, prefers it to his 90 on the grounds of ride and lack of rattles.

You get used to the blind spots surprisingly quickly. After driving it for a while you don’t even think about it.

[Dervish]

Wow, every time fj cruiser is mention you always get the same moronic response - "shoulda had a diesel option"
I wonder if any of you have ever had a proper think about it? Toyota's model designation has always been FJ** for petrols, HJ** for diesels... its called an fj cruiser hence the only petrol option.


Actually the FJ referred to Land Cruisers fitted with the F series of engines; HJ for H series. There have been many other engines fitted to land cruisers over the years: HZJs, HDJs, VDJs, KZJs, RJs, BJs the list goes on ad nauseam ...and GRJs, which is what the FJ Cruiser actually is. So I'd hardly call asking about a diesel option moronic, given that they've already made a mockery of their own model codes.

[Johnno_p]

Given the amount of issues the previous Toyota diesels had with injectors and injector seats you would be better off with the V6.
Also it has lots of power and servicing costs are far cheaper.

[JDNSW]

You get used to the blind spots surprisingly quickly. After driving it for a while you don’t even think about it.

Until something you didn't see hits you!

[Farther]

I had one for a year while working in the Gulf. It was either that or a Peugot.

Toyota designed it for the Gulf area, so they made it with only petrol because they don't use much diesel in the Gulf, due to the cheapness of petrol.

Mechanically it was the usual Toyota. Nothing exciting but it all worked quite well. The poor part was the body design:-
1. Windscreen very narrow top to bottom
2. Huge wing mirrors obscure a lot of driver's sideways vision.
3. Rear passengers are almost totally unable to see out, due to 1 and 2 and also the huge sheets of metal behind the back door.

Take one out for a drive with somebody in the back. Put you right off.

[RecMec]

These cars are stylised body on a Prado chassis, running gear etc.

[Arch]

Similar but not the Prado chassis. They share some running gear but not AWD transfer as they are a part-time 4wd.

As far as reliability and failures go - I never saw queues of these vehicles outside the Toyota service departments. However a real indication rather than speculation or personal experience (where n=1) of any vehicles reliability is the number of service bulletins released for a vehicle.

[1950landy]

Some thing went wrong & posted twice SORRY[bighmmm]

[1950landy]

Had a FJ40 years ago , couldn't stop the rust :thumbsdown: & never went on the beach, also kept burning out valves :BigCry: , had to adjust tappets every service to prevent it . This was before unleaded petrol [bigsad] Also drank fuel about 8 miles to gal until i put heavy spring on second stage in carby so I could drive it on the 1st stage . That tool it to 16 miles to gal. They also would brake the small studs in rear axle flange which was caused by split tapered collars under the nuts not allowing the flange to tighten against the face properly. Never liked it was glad to see the back of it.[biggrin]

[Tombie]

My Brother in law had one, If you are a single or couple with only ocassional need for a second row of seats (and doors for all practical purposes) then it is a good mid sized truck, as others have said excellent clearance and angles, rear locker, lots of aftermarket options and reliable and tough.

If the compromises on space and access aren’t a problem for what you want to do I say go for it. If you have a family and/or want to do extended touring I wouldnt do it and the lack of a diesel option holds it back as well. Also not sure if the wheelbase is actually shorter or it just looks it, but instinctively I feel like I would like a longer base of towing anything heavy.

No problem there. You can’t tow anything heavy with it.
2,250kg is its limit.

[Tombie]

I worked and worked to get my Defender quiet and smooth. In the end I realised it was a sow's ear and I was trying to make a silk purse. I sold it and bought a Disco 3 and love it.

Hardly a comparison.
A TD5 was a noisey Defender! I know all about them. Mine wasn’t so bad once the flooring was put in but the mechanical noise was there.

The Tdci Defenders are already significantly quieter, remarkably so if you had a TD5 prior!

With a couple of quick additions, the Tdci Defender we own is already quieter again. Very much so, and we haven’t even touched the rear floor area yet! And as an added bonus - the A/C is now more efficient... [emoji41]

My D4 is currently noisier than our 90, with the M/Ts on it..

[Eevo]

I've always thought they looked interesting but without a turbo diesel its just not on! Hard to understand when I assume the diesel engine from the Prado would bolt straight in.

it's almost a straight bolt it. info from a mate who's done it.

[YOLO110]

G'Day Pete, Sent you a P.M., but you cannot receive it,..CLEAR YOUR IN BOX!!!
Regards, Martin.

Done mate!! [smilebigeye]

[Rextheute]

Random Thoughts follow .....

I've read this thread from go to whoa .

I have considered an FJ , at present i am torn - have looked at a Fortuna .

My next step is the new JL Jeep is tempting me , so will wait to see one .

The challenge is my RRS is getting on and the new jellybean shape ones , whilst beautiful and capable vehicles , Don't stir my emotions like the 'older shape ' .
The current RRS is getting on for 8 years old and just over 200k , last year threw some big bills ( gearbox and DSC pipes replaced ) . It currently does like a champ, tows great .
BUT , as evidenced by the burnt electricals and 'fear ' when a new vehicle - ANY Brand starts to get niggles , it cant really be fixed economically .

What next ? I really like my LandRover ,nothing else comes close so far that ive looked at .

[barney]

The old FJ truck were reliable as death, but very sluggish and very heavy. they were also a pretty capable vehicle.
If you are talking about the newer FJ trucks, they are very heavy, have a big engine with poor output (I can beat the V8 in my td5), they have good torque, (not as good as a TDV6 disco), have ongoing mechanical issues that are due to poor design choices.
If you are talking about the FJ Cruiser, they are just a petrol Prado with a different body. Poor visibility on the passenger side due to the massive C pillar, seats are shocking, access for the rear seat passengers is awful, access from the rear is awkward, little things are annoying, like the windscreen having 3 tiny wipers, that means you need to buy two sets when you need to change them (or every second time if you remember that safe spot where you put the spare one from last time) - they don't have crawl control. Crawl control is in the 200 series wagons. It is a really poorly designed. It surges with a blast of fuel into the injectors and then applies the abs to regulate the speed, over and over again. it is unbearable.
I have driven all of these and I would rather stick with all of Land Rover's problems than buy one.

[frantic]

Random Thoughts follow .....

I've read this thread from go to whoa .

I have considered an FJ , at present i am torn - have looked at a Fortuna .

My next step is the new JL Jeep is tempting me , so will wait to see one .

The challenge is my RRS is getting on and the new jellybean shape ones , whilst beautiful and capable vehicles , Don't stir my emotions like the 'older shape ' .
The current RRS is getting on for 8 years old and just over 200k , last year threw some big bills ( gearbox and DSC pipes replaced ) . It currently does like a champ, tows great .
BUT , as evidenced by the burnt electricals and 'fear ' when a new vehicle - ANY Brand starts to get niggles , it cant really be fixed economically .

What next ? I really like my LandRover ,nothing else comes close so far that ive looked at .
Be careful with the Toyota, they are getting a bad reputation with their dpf blocking and either putting car in limp mode , or continually purging putting smoke out the exhaust.
If your looking at that $$$ range. maybe look at a Isuzu mux or Everest as well as the Jeep , with all(especially the jeep) try and get an extended warranty to 6-7 plus years. If you where looking at more expensive, maybe the lexus , but their not as good offroad as the rrs.

[martnH]

The old FJ truck were reliable as death, but very sluggish and very heavy. they were also a pretty capable vehicle.
If you are talking about the newer FJ trucks, they are very heavy, have a big engine with poor output (I can beat the V8 in my td5), they have good torque, (not as good as a TDV6 disco), have ongoing mechanical issues that are due to poor design choices.
If you are talking about the FJ Cruiser, they are just a petrol Prado with a different body. Poor visibility on the passenger side due to the massive C pillar, seats are shocking, access for the rear seat passengers is awful, access from the rear is awkward, little things are annoying, like the windscreen having 3 tiny wipers, that means you need to buy two sets when you need to change them (or every second time if you remember that safe spot where you put the spare one from last time) - they don't have crawl control. Crawl control is in the 200 series wagons. It is a really poorly designed. It surges with a blast of fuel into the injectors and then applies the abs to regulate the speed, over and over again. it is unbearable.
I have driven all of these and I would rather stick with all of Land Rover's problems than buy one.

Crawl control was on the FJ MY14 I drove.

Anyway your comment is quite emotional.........
But I get what you are saying FJ comes with a big stinky dump in the glove box from factory

Cheers
Martin

[martnH]

Defender comes with delicious British muff in in the chubbybox

[Arch]

Be careful with the Toyota, they are getting a bad reputation with their dpf blocking and either putting car in limp mode , or continually purging putting smoke out the exhaust.
If your looking at that $$$ range. maybe look at a Isuzu mux or Everest as well as the Jeep , with all(especially the jeep) try and get an extended warranty to 6-7 plus years. If you where looking at more expensive, maybe the lexus , but their not as good offroad as the rrs.

A fake news internet reputation perhaps... like we are seeing on the reliable facebook and youtube news sources? There are indeed issues.. a lot of them are user error.

Most brands to date has struggled with DPFs. Give it a good highway run and you'll be fine.

[barney]

Crawl control was on the FJ MY14 I drove.

Anyway your comment is quite emotional.........
But I get what you are saying FJ comes with a big stinky dump in the glove box from factory

Cheers
Martin

the one I drove was in 2011. They probably fitted it since then. mostly to petrol vehicles (200) as they didn't have the low rev torque to crawl.
I get the irrits because I just do not see what all the hype is about toyatas. they have just as many, if not more problems than any other 4wd. if it's not the dodgy 100mm wider front axle on the FJs, its the gearbox or the crankshaft or the IFS that falls off the hiluxes.

[Johnno_p]

No DPFs in the FJ Cruiser, it’s a petrol V6

[1nando]

No DPFs in the FJ Cruiser, it’s a petrol V6Not to go of topic but hearing about all the new vehicles with dpf issues has lead me to believe that the gap between diesel and petrol engines has closed. Yes my comment is biased as i own a petrol but i also work with diesel trucks all day long so i believe im in a experienced enough position to pass that comment.

I think the only reason a fj wont suit your needs is cause it doesn't "tick" the "decent towing vehicle" box as you've clearly stated you want it to tick.

If you want a petrol that can seriously tow then your limited to grand Cherokee, patrol, 200, rr, disco...im sure ive missed a couple but a petrol prado, FJ or any other soft roader just wont have the balls to get the job done effortlessly. Towing is one thing, towing safely and reliably is another. Working with trucks all day long you learn to apprecaite that "size" of parts, chassis, transmission and engine combos etc make good tow rigs and HD working vehicles.

The fj is not a tow rig and definitely nothing about it is HD, i say that without having ever driven one or owned one and only being out on a few trips with a bloke who has one so you can ignore my advice based on my lack of first hand experience if you like.
Id buy one as a tourer to travel with the mrs but definitely not if i was towing something whilst doing it!

[andrew53]

Has anyone on here had any experience with the Toyota FJ?

Seems like Toyota's version of the Defender, a bit of a cult following and prices staying strong since they were discontinued in 2016.

Drove one yesterday and quite impressed with how 'civilised' it was compared with the Defender! Missus prefers it as well... [bigsmile]

Cheers, Pete

They are a Prado with a FJ body, most say they go alright but not much room for camping gear etc

[martnH]

the one I drove was in 2011. They probably fitted it since then. mostly to petrol vehicles (200) as they didn't have the low rev torque to crawl.
I get the irrits because I just do not see what all the hype is about toyatas. they have just as many, if not more problems than any other 4wd. if it's not the dodgy 100mm wider front axle on the FJs, its the gearbox or the crankshaft or the IFS that falls off the hiluxes.Yeah Crawl control on FJ since .

The wiring in my defender is not good. The cables to main relay (critical components) is randomly taped by insulation tape. Look at yours and you will know what I mean. There are gaps in the loom and chaffing at certain places. My defender comes with at least half her nuts loose. The front radius arm diff side bolts should be torqued to 210nm but the arsehole fit them finger tight. The body to chassis bolt on driver side comes without the nut. So yeah

The Build lacks workmanship. The workers built my defender are careless , did not follow instructions and obviously have not pride in their work. Check out the Radom welding marks on the diff and chassis.

When I complaint, sometimes I get the "it's a defender" BS. Well I am not sadistic
when the Indian made defender comes out in the future, I want to compare the difference in build quality.



Anyway is the Toyota of better Build quality? I under steel is steel, alloy is alloy I am not expecting a car last a century but at least all bolts are tightened....


And I am not resist but is the Toyota that actually built by Japanese of better quality?

Cheers
Martin

P.s. still love my defender... Somehow

[Tombie]

Martin - actually the state your Defender was delivered in speaks more of the Pre-Delivery department at the dealer who sold it to you.

ALL these things are to be checked during PD...

[Tombie]

The FJ was built by Hino, not Toyota itself and also in China... unsure but I’d suggest Aussie delivered units came from Hino.

[scarry]

Yeah Crawl control on FJ since .

The wiring in my defender is not good. The cables to main relay (critical components) is randomly taped by insulation tape. Look at yours and you will know what I mean. There are gaps in the loom and chaffing at certain places. My defender comes with at least half her nuts loose. The front radius arm diff side bolts should be torqued to 210nm but the arsehole fit them finger tight. The body to chassis bolt on driver side comes without the nut. So yeah

The Build lacks workmanship. The workers built my defender are careless , did not follow instructions and obviously have not pride in their work. Check out the Radom welding marks on the diff and chassis.

When I complaint, sometimes I get the "it's a defender" BS. Well I am not sadistic
when the Indian made defender comes out in the future, I want to compare the difference in build quality.



Anyway is the Toyota of better Build quality? I under steel is steel, alloy is alloy I am not expecting a car last a century but at least all bolts are tightened....


And I am not resist but is the Toyota that actually built by Japanese of better quality?

Cheers
Martin

P.s. still love my defender... Somehow

Actually my sons wasn't much better when it arrived.

And to add,the paint job on the chassis was that bad it could be scratched off with a fingernail.

To their credit,LRA,eventually,got about 80% of the issues sorted.

Not just bad PD,but also shocking quality control by the manufacturer.

The Discoveries i have bought new over the years,have gradually had better quality control,with the D4 the best by far,as it should be.

[ozscott]

I was very underwhelmed being in an FJ Cruiser a few times. Not a patch on a D2 in most areas despite in theory being a gen or so ahead of D2. Cheers

[Richo1]

I was very underwhelmed being in an FJ Cruiser a few times. Not a patch on a D2 in most areas despite in theory being a gen or so ahead of D2. Cheers
Made originally for the USA market thats why they are petrol.Who would make a 4wd for overlanding in petrol?????

[ozscott]

You would have to prize my 4.6 V8 petrol out of my cold dead hands. No oilers for me. So I'm not criticising the 4.0.V6 petrol.save to say it's pesestrian and doesn't have the off idle grunt of the V8 rover. Cheers

[Eevo]

You would have to prize my 4.6 V8 petrol out of my cold dead hands. No oilers for me. So I'm not criticising the 4.0.V6 petrol.save to say it's pesestrian and doesn't have the off idle grunt of the V8 rover. Cheers
oilers can be fun.
just as long as they came in 3.6l 8cyc packages.

[martnH]

Actually my sons wasn't much better when it arrived.

And to add,the paint job on the chassis was that bad it could be scratched off with a fingernail.

To their credit,LRA,eventually,got about 80% of the issues sorted.

Not just bad PD,but also shocking quality control by the manufacturer.

The Discoveries i have bought new over the years,have gradually had better quality control,with the D4 the best by far,as it should be.Good to know that.
My wife really likes the D4 and plan to buy one.

Yes I agree land rover customer care is great and willing to fix all faults and 2 out of 3 dealers I dealt with have been very helpful.

Sometimes I wonder if those JLR workers who build the defenders knows how frustrating it is to fix their work (for both the dealers and us). I watched the videos about the end of defender production. The facility is definitely 21 century very modern and those man and women who worked there look focused on their work.....

Cheers
Martin

[martnH]

With regards to diesel engine...I have a healthcare/public health background.
So I will say in the future, diesel may become the new Asbestos. (I will say very likely. For one thing it is unethical to conduct a RCT to accurately and statistically prove the effect of diesel exhaust. Just like cigarette smoking, there is no solid *statistical* evidence to prove it's actually harmful. So in a way I wish VW have completed the gas monkey trial and made the data public.

You may laugh but back in the day Asbestos was so wildly used and even when ppl realize the hazard, it still took many years to outlaw its usage. If my memory serves me correctly, it took us human more than 100 years to realize how dangerous asbestos is.

One day we shall all look back at diesel and say, once upton a time diesel engine was widely used and the public has no knowledge of its health effects. Many even decat their diesel truck blablabla

Cheers

[martnH]

And also just remember the biggest victim for asbestos are those who worked in this industry and once desperately defended it

[Shoogs]

I had an FJ once, probably the most capable off the floor 4WD around, IMO awesome in sand, sold it as we moved overseas, in 18 months I made money on it...

[Arch]

With regards to diesel engine...I have a healthcare/public health background.
So I will say in the future, diesel may become the new Asbestos. (I will say very likely. For one thing it is unethical to conduct a RCT to accurately and statistically prove the effect of diesel exhaust. Just like cigarette smoking, there is no solid *statistical* evidence to prove it's actually harmful. So in a way I wish VW have completed the gas monkey trial and made the data public.

You may laugh but back in the day Asbestos was so wildly used and even when ppl realize the hazard, it still took many years to outlaw its usage. If my memory serves me correctly, it took us human more than 100 years to realize how dangerous asbestos is.

One day we shall all look back at diesel and say, once upton a time diesel engine was widely used and the public has no knowledge of its health effects. Many even decat their diesel truck blablabla

Cheers

I totally agree - there is increasing chatter about diesels being a health hazard and from this will go the way of the dinosaurs very soon. The EU and California are leading this already.

[Tombie]

I totally agree - there is increasing chatter about diesels being a health hazard and from this will go the way of the dinosaurs very soon. The EU and California are leading this already.

Now if only the could stop that pesky Benzine problem [emoji41]

[rick130]

So there's things have a trusses/braced rear end?

Looks like it on they ones I've followed.

[Arch]

Now if only the could stop that pesky Benzine problem [emoji41]

Yes indeed but it seems as we solve problems we create others. The cocktail of chemicals in batteries will be next.


But if they did produced a hybrid or pure electric FJ - I'd probably buy one :)

[Zeros]

Yes indeed but it seems as we solve problems we create others. The cocktail of chemicals in batteries will be next.


But if they did produced a hybrid or pure electric FJ - I'd probably buy one :)

I might buy a hybrid Defender...if the price is max $60k. I definitely wouldn't buy one if it was 80k +.
I would most likely buy one if it is around $40k. ...but it would have to be equally HD as my current Defender.

I'd never buy an FJ Toyota no matter how awesome the engine is! The lack of visibility is a massive factor, as is the small load space. It's a play car, not a work vehicle. Great for some, but not a Defender replacement by any measure ...unless of course the next Defender is also a noddy play car... then I wouldn't buy either.

[ozscott]

My guess without searching up the figures is that not only would it tow a lot less than D2 or Deefer it would likely carry a fair bit less also (but more than the Wrangler...).

Cheers

[Rylee405]

Having purchased one of the last made September 2014 and travelled to Fraser Island several times. Travelled across the Plenty Highway to Alice, Chambers Pilled and back across the simpson. Travelled towing Vista 1800 kg loaded off road RV caravan on remote roads to Cape Leveque back via Tanami, Ruby Gap and over sand dunes. I have no reason in recommending a 2014 FJ cruiser. Also has 163 litre tank. Fuel consumption is very close to our 2016 D4 towing our AOR Quantum 4. Have thought of selling our FJ but really enjoy it. If there is one down side is the max 2200kg towing capacity and the low payload.

To sum up both are great 4x4's and both have their limits.

Bob Lewis

[Tombie]

Very much so... legally a completely useless vehicle.

510kg payload
Full tanks reduces it to 398kg
Hitch a 150kg ball weight trailer on and it’s down to 248kg

That’s 2x 74kg adults and it’s 100kg from GVM

Doesn’t even include bar work, fridge, LT tyres, dual battery, a packet of crisps....

Useless...

[Disco-tastic]

Very much so... legally a completely useless vehicle.

510kg payload
Full tanks reduces it to 398kg
Hitch a 150kg ball weight trailer on and it’s down to 148kg

That’s 2x 74kg adults and it’s at GVM

Doesn’t even include bar work, fridge, LT tyres, dual battery, a packet of crisps....

Useless...Errr 398 - 150 is 248. So you could fit a couple of teenagers too [emoji3]

[Tombie]

Errr 398 - 150 is 248. So you could fit a couple of teenagers too [emoji3]

Oops yep, my bad!

Still cutting it fine for a tourer..

[Arch]

Very much so... legally a completely useless vehicle.

510kg payload
Full tanks reduces it to 398kg
Hitch a 150kg ball weight trailer on and it’s down to 248kg

That’s 2x 74kg adults and it’s 100kg from GVM

Doesn’t even include bar work, fridge, LT tyres, dual battery, a packet of crisps....

Useless...

That's a harsh assessment - maybe this vehicle doesn't suit you and that's ok, it's still a very capable vehicle. On the flip-side - perhaps you carry too much? A lot of people travel all over this country in completely stock vehicles well under their GVM etc.

You don't really need all the gear.

[Tombie]

That's a harsh assessment - maybe this vehicle doesn't suit you and that's ok, it's still a very capable vehicle. On the flip-side - perhaps you carry too much? A lot of people travel all over this country in completely stock vehicles well under their GVM etc.

You don't really need all the gear.

Less than you think.

Perhaps as a daily runabout, but very few are under GVM for a trip.

[ozscott]

My D2 with 3 pax (2 skinny kids and me) was right on GVM for my 3 week Cape York trip and that was essentials only (I include as essential quite a bit of fishing gear...). The D2's load capacity is appreciably higher than an FJ. I like keeping it legal because of insurance (the heavy duty suspension and improved brakes could take more). I could not imagine being restricted to the FJ's load capacity when doing remote touring where carrying your own water and all supplies for remote camping is a necessity). The FJ is just not a genuine tourer for most people.

Cheers

[grover7488]

What an absolute load of 💩 most of these reply’s are. Let me give you my 10 cents worth (2 isn’t enough 😝)
First cars I’ve owned
1998 GU patrol 4.2D
1999 D2 Td5 Auto
2003 D2a V8 5sp
2009 Defa Puma
2012 200 series V8 TTD
2012 Dodge Ram 3500 6.7 Cummins
2015 Toyo FJ Cruiser

Without a doubt best car I’ve owned is the RAM absolute amazing vehicle. Needed to buy a house so had to go 😢. 2nd best is the FJ. The thing is amazing. I used to tow our camper trailer with the Defa and what a joke. Thing was struggle town and that was with a tune from BAS in the UK. On the flat, not too bad. Hills 😱.let alone 3.5T! I have the FJ on injected LPG (as was my D2a) but this uses 16lt/100 with 34” MTs compared to 21lt/100 in the D2 on 32” (I get that towing our camper!). I have 95lt useable so 600km at $10.70/100. That’s about 8lt/100 diesel equivalent. Then I have a 125lt unleaded tank. Probably average around 14lt/100 so around 900km range. All up 1500km range (not towing). I do use premium tho so cost is more. But 220lt fuel capacity is pretty amazing. On road comfort is amazing. I have BP51 suspension (3” lift) and it handles like no 4wd I’ve driven. Off-road I have taken it everywhere I took the Defa and neither have been stuck. Just went around Walhalla Tuesday with a friend in their modded 200 (33” tyres, lift etc) and they had to have multiple attempts when the FJ walked up everything first time. Did I say it doesn’t let any dust in 😝? Crawl control is amazing. Rear locker and ATrac make it crazy capable. In the sand they are a weapon but you need to push the correct buttons. To me it is a bit of a modern Defa. There was LOTS of stuff I loved about my Puma. There was a lot more I hated. Thing was a dinosaur. The FJ is the other way around. Of course not for everyone. Rear doors are kooky but suit me. The cargo area is small but the Defa is hardly a 1.8mm long x wide Ram tub 🤔. With the stupid single rear Defa door, space is not ideal. Agree GVM is an issue but you can get an upgrade. I can tell you I accidentally towed 3.5t with the FJ and it did it ALOT easier than my Puma. For $45k brand new I don’t think there was as good a 4b

[ozscott]

Not sure why you were getting such poor economy on LPG in the D2. I had a sequential BRC Impco on my 4.0 and then 4.6 in my D2. All the fruit in terms of front and rear bars, sliders etc, dual batts, 31inch tyres and it averaged in city work to and from the suburbs 16-17l per 100k (5 speed like yours).

Cheers

[ozscott]

Where are your LPG tanks located in the Fjc? Cheers

It's an unfair fight to compare 34 inch to 32...fair bit of difference in off road ability with another 2 inches (although I understand that you were making a point about economy). From what i can tell you are well over your 50mm max increase going to 34's from stock 31.5. Having said that I do like the fact that the stocker tyre size is 2 inches more than the D2 stock size.

Cheers

[Arch]

What an absolute load of �� most of these reply’s are. Let me give you my 10 cents worth (2 isn’t enough ��) [thumbsupbig]

I ready like the Defender after having worked on a few but brand loyalty is a slippery slope.

[ozscott]

True but there are people on here that genuinely prefer a D2 or Deefer over the FJ for more reasons than brand loyalty.

Reasons include more space and genuine rear doors for second seat. More lòad carrying - size plus weight - ability to legally tow much more than an FJ (massive difference 2250kg v 3500kg...)...and many more reasons. Having said that I don't think the FJ is just a Prado in drag - it's more than that. But for my money it's not what I need.

Cheers

[grover7488]

Where are your LPG tanks located in the Fjc? Cheers

It's an unfair fight to compare 34 inch to 32...fair bit of difference in off road ability with another 2 inches (although I understand that you were making a point about economy). From what i can tell you are well over your 50mm max increase going to 34's from stock 31.5. Having said that I do like the fact that the stocker tyre size is 2 inches more than the D2 stock size.

Cheers

1 LPG tank that replaced the rear factory ULP tank. Would be better with twin tanks like the D2 but I wanted max capacity to do the Simpson and Cape

265/70/17 (stock = 802mm diameter)
295/70/17 (people call them 34” 🤔 = 845mm)

[grover7488]

Not sure why you were getting such poor economy on LPG in the D2. I had a sequential BRC Impco on my 4.0 and then 4.6 in my D2. All the fruit in terms of front and rear bars, sliders etc, dual batts, 31inch tyres and it averaged in city work to and from the suburbs 16-17l per 100k (5 speed like yours).

Cheers

Not sure either. RangeRov automotive did the conversion. Used to get 360km from the 75lts. I loved the D2. Was cheaper to run than my wife’s Barina. Problem was range. With the hip flask ULP tank it was useless to go away with. VHC ment jerrycans. Forget towing the camper. That’s One of the reasons I bought the FJ. Cheap as for normal running around but still plenty of fuel and range to travel. Plus 200kW 😝. I think they’d make a great tourer with 2 people and back seats removed.

[YOLO110]

Update!

Having had a week full of random 'wow' comments about my Defender from random people in the street etc, I have decided that for the moment, 'heart' rules 'head' on this one!

So the 90 is staying! [biggrin][smilebigeye]:thumbsup:

Even bought a new 'model' of the Heritage when I was in my dealer the other day... along with the great 'ICON' book!

They certainly get under your skin eh... even my missus had some 'heart' comments in this decision!

I think the FJ, for me, is brilliant. Aside from a bit more practicality over the 90, its the only 'modern' 4WD that has enough 'quirkiness' to make it stand out from the masses... so it's still an option down the track...

Thank for your input guys!

Pete :>)

[tact]

Update!

Having had a week full of random 'wow' comments about my Defender from random people in the street etc, I have decided that for the moment, 'heart' rules 'head' on this one!

So the 90 is staying! [biggrin][smilebigeye]:thumbsup:

Even bought a new 'model' of the Heritage when I was in my dealer the other day... along with the great 'ICON' book!

They certainly get under your skin eh... even my missus had some 'heart' comments in this decision!

I think the FJ, for me, is brilliant. Aside from a bit more practicality over the 90, its the only 'modern' 4WD that has enough 'quirkiness' to make it stand out from the masses... so it's still an option down the track...

Thank for your input guys!

Pete :>)

I get where you are coming from with the comments about heart and quirkiness. My thinking has evolved to seeing the masses of late model dual cab utes as a homogenous blur of boring sameness. In my mind I equate them to "white goods".

I reckon there is an opportunity for someone clever with graphics to create a sticker that somehow pokes fun at this....Presented as a math statement seems clear enough to me... i.e.:
(stylised hilux outline image) = (stylised Washing machine outline image) /= (stylised Defender outline image)

[Beery]

Update!

Having had a week full of random 'wow' comments about my Defender from random people in the street etc, I have decided that for the moment, 'heart' rules 'head' on this one!

So the 90 is staying! [biggrin][smilebigeye][emoji106]

Even bought a new 'model' of the Heritage when I was in my dealer the other day... along with the great 'ICON' book!

They certainly get under your skin eh... even my missus had some 'heart' comments in this decision!

I think the FJ, for me, is brilliant. Aside from a bit more practicality over the 90, its the only 'modern' 4WD that has enough 'quirkiness' to make it stand out from the masses... so it's still an option down the track...

Thank for your input guys!

Pete :>)Finally, you've seen the light.
A little bit off topic, getting back to Tombie's comments about weight. Compared to the shorties, a 130 is a far more practical 'tourer' for obvious reasons. Aside from the 7 ton GCM which allows you to pack more than a cheese sandwich in the vehicle if towing, their long, stable stance makes them great for that very purpose.

Ironing out all the imperfections in mine is a hobby for me. I can't imagine how bored I'd be with a vehicle that was actually finished at the factory.
You definitely buy a Defender as a diamond in the rough. And then spend all your money, time, patience, wit, humour, money, knuckle skin, money polishing it.
I've done a fair bit of work on mine, but still a stock standard looking 130 and it puts a smile on my face every time I fire it up.

[1950landy]

139257

[Shoogs]

Update!

Having had a week full of random 'wow' comments about my Defender from random people in the street etc, I have decided that for the moment, 'heart' rules 'head' on this one!

So the 90 is staying! [biggrin][smilebigeye]:thumbsup:

Even bought a new 'model' of the Heritage when I was in my dealer the other day... along with the great 'ICON' book!

They certainly get under your skin eh... even my missus had some 'heart' comments in this decision!

I think the FJ, for me, is brilliant. Aside from a bit more practicality over the 90, its the only 'modern' 4WD that has enough 'quirkiness' to make it stand out from the masses... so it's still an option down the track...

Thank for your input guys!

Pete :>)

Yeah... know what you mean, I have been looking at all manner of white goods etc... over the last couple of months and have driven everything, tomorrow I pick up an SVX... my 8th Landrover and 4th Defender and now 2 to drive... we are indeed a weird mob...

[tact]

Yeah... know what you mean, I have been looking at all manner of white goods etc... over the last couple of months and have driven everything, [...]

White goods... [bigwhistle]

[martnH]

I just got my defender back.
All fixed but took them 2.5 months.

Yes two and a half months to replace the 10as.

[martnH]

A strange thing is that
For me, a defender owner, the more the defender gets fixed, the more factory parts get replaced, the more confident I feel about my defender, the more 'reliable' I perceive my defender is
It's like yeah all the factory garbage component are gone, now she is reliable

So after the big fix, I am actually quite happy at least one less problem to worry about.

While for a Toyota/Nissan driver, he will probably want to get rid of the car with just a couple towing experience....Or several small repairs

The alternative hypothesis is we are just very patient and have a really low expectation reliability wise...

[Tombie]

Or perhaps you’re just tougher on yours [emoji56]

[djam1]

Unless this was a warranty job maybe you should get another mechanic


I just got my defender back.
All fixed but took them 2.5 months.

Yes two and a half months to replace the 10as.

[martnH]

Unless this was a warranty job maybe you should get another mechanicYes warranty job.
I do appreciate their work....But yeah. 2 and a half months. I had to cancel my high country trip

[djam1]

2 1/2 Months I would of been tempted to burn their workshop down[bigwhistle]


Yes warranty job.
I do appreciate their work....But yeah. 2 and a half months. I had to cancel my high country trip

[martnH]

2 1/2 Months I would of been tempted to burn their workshop down[bigwhistle]I loved my defender so much I was, when one and a half months into waiting, suspecting my defender was stolen or wrecked by a mechanic during a joy ride!

But no. The reality was not as dramatic. The truck was just sitting in the dealer carpark, waiting for parts.

They gave me a loan Camry , followed by a discovery sports. While the discovery sport is an amazing highway lifted sedan but still I prefer my defender.