About to buy FJC 2008 Trail Team Edition

[Reata Rover]

OK, I have a LR Discovery 2004, absolute;ly love everything about it except super unleaded and 13 MPG.

Found the FJC I am interested in.

Will I get better MPG or not? This will be my DD..

Thanks

[DominicG]

OK, I have a LR Discovery 2004, absolute;ly love everything about it except super unleaded and 13 MPG.

Found the FJC I am interested in.

Will I get better MPG or not? This will be my DD..

Thanks


No reason why you shouldn't get better mileage. I can drive like a bat outa hell and still get 13mpg.


Loaded down, with my ARB tent up top and 33"s i can get 15-16 around town. Highway per the scanguage, i can get 18ish up to 67mph.


Stock you will see much much MUCH better than me.



Never ending source of fjc info:
www.fjcruiserforums.com

[Reata Rover]

Thanks for the feedback. Off-road, is the FJ as capable? I was going for the 2008 TTE FJC. Does, will it need a lift? WHat about armour? Do after market bumpers truly void the warranty? Or does it depend on the dealer? I am very serious about making this purchase in the next 14 days and would really appreciate your opinion if you dont mind.

Thanks,

P.S. I will also check out the FJ Cruiser forums link you sent me as well.

John

[DominicG]

Thanks for the feedback. Off-road, is the FJ as capable? I was going for the 2008 TTE FJC. Does, will it need a lift? WHat about armour? Do after market bumpers truly void the warranty? Or does it depend on the dealer? I am very serious about making this purchase in the next 14 days and would really appreciate your opinion if you dont mind.

Thanks,

P.S. I will also check out the FJ Cruiser forums link you sent me as well.

John


I have never heard of a aftermarket front bumper voiding a warranty. The Toyota Trail Teams actually run their FJ's with ARB front bumpers.


The FJ is very capable in stock form. Here is a completely stock FJ doing hell's gate, street meats and all..

http://youtube.com/watch?v=A5KyVaeeW54

[maclean216]

I just purchased a TT edition FJC in May and got the 6 speed. Unless you are getting a great deal or are love the color I would recommend you don't buy the trail teams edition.

You will end up replacing the skid plates, sliders, and roof rack at a minimum. You will also need to lift it. The off road bilsteins are nice, I just plan on adding some OME coils.

[DominicG]

I just purchased a TT edition FJC in May and got the 6 speed. Unless you are getting a great deal or are love the color I would recommend you don't buy the trail teams edition.

You will end up replacing the skid plates, sliders, and roof rack at a minimum. You will also need to lift it. The off road bilsteins are nice, I just plan on adding some OME coils.


X2 on everything but the "need to lift".


You don't have to lift it. It's definitely a plus, but you don't need it.



How do you plan to wheel it? Terrain?

[Reata Rover]

Will you need longer shocks after the OME? I know you got the MT, but what is your mileage really doing to you? I am fighting the expense, and also do you run Regular Unleaded, Mid-AGrade or Super. And, does it really matter?

[maxama10]

IIRC the fj calls for premium but you can run regular.

If you get an ARB front bumper, they have crush points so if you get into a collision the bumper won't jar the hell out of you. At least they do for the Tacoma version.

If thats what you're going for...

[maclean216]

The ground clearance on a stock FJC isn't that good. I don't know what kind of wheeling you are planning on doing but I would still lift it asap.

LOL with all that being said I still love the TT FJC.

[DominicG]

Will you need longer shocks after the OME? I know you got the MT, but what is your mileage really doing to you? I am fighting the expense, and also do you run Regular Unleaded, Mid-AGrade or Super. And, does it really matter?


Originally Toyota stated 91+ only. No longer true. They put out TSB about it (ill try to find it). You can run 87, but expect your mileage to go to hell, especially in a MT6. In the auto i get the best mileage/power on 91.


It does matter.. If you have the MT6, you will naturally be getting crappier mileage than the AT5 since it's full time AWD.

[Redline]

What do you like about the Bilsteins off (on?) road?

Trying to decide on different/longer rear shocks for a lifted 4Runner and I have Bilstein 5125 new in box I'm trying to decide to keep or send back.

On Topic:

Though I'm a 4Runner guy, I like my friend's TT FJ with white paint and the rear locker!


snip...
You will end up replacing the skid plates, sliders, and roof rack at a minimum. You will also need to lift it. The off road bilsteins are nice, I just plan on adding some OME coils.

[hochung]

OK, I have a LR Discovery 2004, absolute;ly love everything about it except super unleaded and 13 MPG.

Found the FJC I am interested in.

Will I get better MPG or not? This will be my DD..

Thanks

Have you driven a FJC yet?

[maclean216]

I only have 600 miles on my FJC. The bilsteins are very smooth on and off road. Comparing them to my new trekmasters on my 4runner...much better feeling all around.


I haven't got less than 16mpg in the FJC yet.

[Reata Rover]

Have you driven a FJC yet?

I have made the proverbial "test" drive around the block, but not any time off-roading. I love my Rover and plan to join tdesanto on some overland trips. So, needless to say, I really dont plan to do anything too extreme that might require a 3" lift per se. But, I would like to take it off raod and do some fun overlanding. Problem is, I am trying to determine if I am going to save any $$$ on 91 octane, if I add some weight in the form of front and rear bumpers, roof rack, probably ARB on the rack, and Road Armour or Arb front bumper, with the same choices for the rear.

Will probably hold off on the wench and rely on Tony's Winch if I ever need to be pulled out of anything. Wouldnt mind adding a couple of inches in the form of a lift, but really am trying to remain ever cognizant of the economy. I have also considered holding off for a couple of years in hopes that Toyota will move forward with a diesel in the FJ. Someday, I would also hope to buy an Adventure Trailer as well, so towing is also a question.

[hochung]

I have made the proverbial "test" drive around the block

and how was it? Did you feel the love?

[teotwaki]

Originally Toyota stated 91+ only. No longer true. They put out TSB about it (ill try to find it). You can run 87, but expect your mileage to go to hell, especially in a MT6. In the auto i get the best mileage/power on 91.

It does matter.. If you have the MT6, you will naturally be getting crappier mileage than the AT5 since it's full time AWD.

My 2005 4Runner has the same V6 as the FJ and also a 5 speed automatic. Last month coming back through Vegas I was on cruise control at 70 mph the whole way. On 87 octane I calculated (total mile/total gallons) 20 MPG.

My rig is lifted and has sliders and heavier armor underneath. Stock roof rack and Bridgstone Revo tires too.

If you run agressive tires, a big cargo basket on the roof and heavily load the FJ your mileage will go down quite easily.

[Nullifier]

I would say any net gain in $ savings of fuel cost by the added mileage and octane rating will be shot to hell with the money you through into the new vehicle to purchase it, not to mention mods. I mean if you run 93 now and drop to 91 that is roughly .10 per gallon savings. so lets say you do 15,000 per year @ 12mpg in the L.R. that only saves you $125.00 per year based on octane savings. Now factor in a mileage difference of say 6 mpg better for the fj (very liberal) You would actually save a total of $2793 per year (@$3.70 per gallon) for a total savings of $2918.00 Less then the down payment of the FJ not to mention taxes, and you will need to gas that one up.

I say keep the L.R.

The numbers might make more sense to buy an older tacoma witha 4 cyl and keep it as stock as possible other then adding factory size offroad tires and little stuff. This way you could buy something of equal value maybe trade for it if your lucky. And then get mid 20's mpg.

[Superu]

:iagree:
I would say any net gain in $ savings of fuel cost by the added mileage and octane rating will be shot to hell with the money you through into the new vehicle to purchase it, not to mention mods. I mean if you run 93 now and drop to 91 that is roughly .10 per gallon savings. so lets say you do 15,000 per year @ 12mpg in the L.R. that only saves you $125.00 per year based on octane savings. Now factor in a mileage difference of say 6 mpg better for the fj (very liberal) You would actually save a total of $2793 per year (@$3.70 per gallon) for a total savings of $2918.00 Less then the down payment of the FJ not to mention taxes, and you will need to gas that one up.

Have to agree with this reasoning. Buy the FJ if you prefer it to the Rover, but try not to kid yourself that you'll be saving money by doing it. :)

Each addition to the FJ is going to drop the mpg (roof rack, ARB bumper, HD skid plates).

Good luck and "Love what you drive!"

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

and how was it? Did you feel the love?

Hey Ho, It's great seeing you guys here. Some don't feel the "Love" like they do on EE. Say hi to John for me please.

"Love" you guys.
Jereme

[Redline]

Good advice. Buy an FJ if you want one, simple.

I sold my LJ Rubicon and changed platforms to a new 4Runner because I wanted a better (more comfortable) long-distance/traveling 4x4. It cost lots of money to buy a new rig and start the modifications all over (but I do love the build-up process). Thankfully I'm happy with the result. With the exception of hard-core rockcrawling, the 4Runner is plenty capable.

If you want MPG , keep is stock, low, on smaller/narrow tires and drive it properly.



:iagree:

Have to agree with this reasoning. Buy the FJ if you prefer it to the Rover, but try not to kid yourself that you'll be saving money by doing it. :)

Each addition to the FJ is going to drop the mpg (roof rack, ARB bumper, HD skid plates).

Good luck and "Love what you drive!"

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

My father has TT Edition. There's a build up thread floating around here somewhere. My father has gotten as high at 20 mpg in his fj on the highway and he usually gets around 17 in town. With that being said, my father has always pulled 1-3 more mpg out of a vehicle than I can.

When I drive it, I get 15-16 around town. (I'm not trying to boast your numbers because I know what it's like to ask around and not get accurate numbers. I asked every PowerStroke owner I could before I bought my 99. They all said high teens to low 20's. I bought one and never got anything above 15. My father pulled 16 out of it on I-5 and I thought it was a miracle).

Since we have added an ARB roof rack, he hasn't had a refill to start the mileage watch. As soon as those numbers come back I'll let you know the effect.

I came from a hardcore rock crawling back ground and at first thought the same of the factory sliders (That they would have to be changed). I looked at them and was surprised to find that they are pretty solid and have four point mounts. If we change them it will be after they have failed. If you would like to see my point of reference search here for my 04 Unlimited.

As the others have stated, buy it because you want it, not because you think it will be cheaper to own. Somebody on this board said it well, "The cheapest car to own, is the one your currently driving."


Here's a teaser pic with some Expedition Exchange Love on it.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d127/ruffian05/IMG_0026.jpg

Since were talking EE love here's the Aussie truck with more love...

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d127/ruffian05/100_1697.jpg

[hochung]

Jereme, I love you too. :)



My father has TT Edition.

I'll have to check it out when your dad comes by next time. I've seen it before, as a few customers have them, and I really liked the rubber cargo mat with the cool TT logo.




As the others have stated, buy it because you want it, not because you think it will be cheaper to own. Somebody on this board said it well, "The cheapest car to own, is the one your currently driving."


You guys kinda ruined my plans... I was trying to get to it, see if reatarover felt any "love" for the FJC. I think the mileage issue was an excuse to get a different vehicle. It would have been different if you traded the Disco for some hybrid. :)

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

I'm talking to a lady with a 95 5 speed disco in Utah just so I can do some trips with you guys.

We'll see how it works out.

[hochung]

Didn't SB already buy that one? LOL

[Redline]

I may buy lots of parts but you buy more cars :-)


I'm talking to a lady with a 95 5 speed disco in Utah just so I can do some trips with you guys.

We'll see how it works out.

[Reata Rover]

Guys I really appreciate all the comments and advice. I hear you loud and clear. I felt "the love" drove the actual TT tonight. I do really like the truck, but......honestly, my ultimate goal is toward saving $$$ in reduced fuel consumption and monthly loan payment. The way this is working is that I purchased the extended warranty for the Rover ($3500), if I sell the Rover and say I get lucky on it and get 17k for it, that will leave me about 5500 in equity, 3500 on the warranty, I can get the FJ TTE for $31,700 + TT&L. So I drop in the $9k from above, throw another couple of grand into it and I have dropped my payment by about $80 a month and also will have saved around $3k in mileage improvement and octane reduction.

Am I kidding myself and selling my a_ _ to myself? Do I feel the love. I think so. Anybody pulling an Adventure Trailer with one of these? How does it do?

[Superu]

Am I kidding myself and selling my a_ _ to myself? Do I feel the love. I think so. Anybody pulling an Adventure Trailer with one of these? How does it do?

Only you can answer the question of whether you are kidding yourself or not. Sounds like you found a new "girl" and are trying to justify dumping the current one to go after the new one! :coffee:

Not sure how the math with that extended warranty works out. Is the expectation that someone is going to pay you $3500 bucks for the remainder of it? If so, I'll just say that I've never seen that happen, but good luck if you can make it work.

The savings you mention in fuel will likely be eaten up by fuel costs as you add the heavier accessories to the FJC. And isn't the cost of those accessories going to eat up the ~$80 month savings on the monthly payment?

I'm sure you could pull an A/T with either vehicle, just expect a mileage penalty when towing.

Bottom line, buy what you want and hope that you are happy with it! :)

As mentioned before, the cheapest car to drive is usually the one you own!

Adjusting driving style doesn't hurt either. My wife, with a little practice, has managed to get our Town & Country to a consistent 21 mpg of mostly local driving. And that is a LWB model with a nearly 4000 lb. curb weight!

Good luck and have fun out there!:victory:

[Reata Rover]

The $3500 is refundable completely as long as I dont get into it. After that it is pro-rated based on use. So it is basically cash back as long as I dont use it.. I think you may be right about the new girl and dumping the old one. The old one is beautiful, but the new has better curves and likes burgers instead of steak and lobster.

[Redline]

I'm not an FJC fan, meaning I'm not biased in their favor, also not knowledgeable about Land Rovers. But it seems to be commonly accepted that Toyota has better quality control and longevity than Land Rover. Is it also possible that the FJC is a better out of the box 4x4 than your Land Rover, even without mods? (I don’t know how capable the Disco is.)

Aside from saving a bit on a monthly payment (about one fill-up) is it fair to say that you will get a new car, with great factory 4x4 capability (ATRAC, rear locker), along with Toyota quality.

My wife isn't thrilled when I want to buy a new truck every few years, but she thinks it’s a better obsession than shopping for a girlfriend ☺



The $3500 is refundable completely as long as I dont get into it. After that it is pro-rated based on use. So it is basically cash back as long as I dont use it.. I think you may be right about the new girl and dumping the old one. The old one is beautiful, but the new has better curves and likes burgers instead of steak and lobster.

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

I felt "the love" drove the actual TT tonight.

Do I feel the love. I think so. Anybody pulling an Adventure Trailer with one of these? How does it do?

See, with some cut'n copying and quoting you do feel the love. I went to hook up my Chaser to the FJ TT and try to escape while my father was in Wyo. There is no hitch back there, nor does it look like you can have one with the factory skid plate on it. Ask next time your at the dealer. Not too big of a deal since he plans on an aftermarket rear bumper, but for now it lacks.

Inside the newest issue of "Airstream" trailer magazine they have an add with a small trailer being pulled through the NV Blackrock desert. Iy you look close the tow vehicle is an FJ. I'd imagine, if it pulls an Airstream Bambi, it would haul the Chaser around like it wasn't even there. Ask one of the Taco guys, or V6 4Runner guys that have towed. It's the same plant.

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

My wife isn't thrilled when I want to buy a new truck every few years, but she thinks it’s a better obsession than shopping for a girlfriend ☺

Or bar hopping, gambling and a lot of other things. There's a lot to be said for garage time.


If the truth were known, I tried hard to talk him out of an FJ TT. I showed him Jk's and Tacoma's and a few bitchen D90's. In the end he bought what he wanted. He got a new vehicle made by a great company with a warranty. The platform enjoys a huge aftermarket support (From aux. fuel tanks to superchargers and long travel suspension kits) and is actually fun to drive. At one point during his test drive, I told him "Look you know how I feel about these thing's. With that being said if you get one, this is the one to get."

However the more I'm in it, the more I like it. There's a previous post about parking in a crowded lot. I did experience that on friday. We did have to back out of the space to allow the back seat passenger to enter the FJ. Although, the driver next to us did park rather close to us. Like on the line.

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

The gas light came on today while I was driving so I was able to document the mileage.

Here goes; Stock TT Edition with the exception of an ARB roofrack. The ARB rack was ordered with the mesh floor in addition to the crossbar braces. The odometer registered 300.7 miles on the tank. I put in 16.28 gallons for an average of 18.47 mpg mixed driving. Not too bad.

[Rattler]

I was kind of bit by the FJ bug a while back until I test drove a TTE FJC (something about white 'Yotas I love). I have had an '89 XtraCab, '91 4Runner and currently a '04 Taco. The poor visibility and the distance to the windshield were what I didn't like. Otherwise, it was nice but in the end I hated losing the utility of my pickup.

My wife wasn't crazy about me getting a new vehicle either.:REOutShootinghunter

[Redline]

Not too bad is an understatement!

Was the roof rack on for the whole tank?

Need to check the accuracy of the odometer. Even if the odometer is 2% optimistic, miles would have been 294.686/16.28 = 18.10-MPG.
18-MPG in mixed driving tells me he better not modify it... oh yeah, too late :-)

I think that stock V6 and a 2WD mode (I wish I had one) is pretty impressive.

When your rig is back on the road (soon) the three of us will have to take that FJC out and get it dirty, maybe even engage the rear locker ☺


The gas light came on today while I was driving so I was able to document the mileage.

Here goes; Stock TT Edition with the exception of an ARB roofrack. The ARB rack was ordered with the mesh floor in addition to the crossbar braces. The odometer registered 300.7 miles on the tank. I put in 16.28 gallons for an average of 18.47 mpg mixed driving. Not too bad.

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

Yes we will have to check the odometer, and while we are at it the rear locker!

[ArmyTaco]

Hyy I dont know where you are located but I have a 2007 Black Diamond 6spd for sale. Only 25,XXX miles It has alot of extras on it sush as bumpers, skids, etc. I am about to post in for sale so check it out if you are interested.

[Reata Rover]

Hyy I dont know where you are located but I have a 2007 Black Diamond 6spd for sale. Only 25,XXX miles It has alot of extras on it sush as bumpers, skids, etc. I am about to post in for sale so check it out if you are interested.

I saw your truck it is awesome. Why are you selling? Where did you score the rear storage and sleeping deck?

[ArmyTaco]

The rear deck was custom built. Ill dig around for it and see if I cant find the FJ that gave me the idea. I am selling because I drive 500 miles a week and dont want to put the miles on the FJ and dont make enough money on with my Army Pay checks to be able to afford it being a single E-4. I hate to sell it but I need a car. I have an 85 PU that I am going to be building after I sell it though.

[Reata Rover]

Thanks again for all of the sage advice. I have run the numbers, haggled with the dealer, abd come to the conclusion that I am going to keep the rover for 4 more years. By then, she will be paid off in 2 years, I will save about $12,000 if I continue my payment after it is paid off, in 4 years there may be an FJ Diesel Hybrid or at least a diesel.

Thank you all again, I am sure you will continue to hear from me, as I truly am crazy about the FJ TRD, and will definitely own one some day.

[Rattler]

I still like too even though I decided against getting one. I think the big thing with me was the problems guys were having with the body separation.