I'm a massive Subaru fanatic...this is well known... But I currently own and drive a 2012 FJ, and am wondering if any of the other Subaru guys around have, or know anybody with one who would like to start some meets, camp outs, or drives. This isn't to say that I won't just show up sometime at a Subaru meet in the FJ - I'm unashamed like that - but it would be nice to not be the only one.
Ah. Too bad that nobody's got one. Thanks Buddy, I checked out those threads. Problem is the most recent one was a year ago. Sadly us MN residents aren't too active on there.
Being on the fj forum you prolly read that article on the guy who blew his up from the inside accidentally with welding gasses?
That 'ish was crazy. I believe someone from lgt.com tipped me off to that thread. I can't believe he walked away.
My uncle has had one for 5 years or so. Although he's not much of an "enthusiast"..... I'm not a huge fan of the funky, nostalgic look. But they're very well built, and capable. When they were brand-new, Toyota brought a pair of them (as the FJ Trail Team) to the 1st Crawl 4 the Cure. I got to drive one offroad. They both had ARB winch bumpers on the front, and one had a rear locker. They were otherwise stock. I was VERY impressed. I stuck with my lifted Subarus for a few years after that, but I think that was when the Toyota bug was planted.
I was never a fan of the look either - and to be quite honest, I still call it the ugliest car I've ever owned! The real reason I got one is that after driving it I just loved it. It rides smoothly, is quiet, and just feels like it would rather be on a low maintenance road everywhere it goes. The ARB bumpers sound great - I like them a lot. The new FJ's come stock with A-TRAC and rear e-lockers as well. The FJ is actually fairly fuel efficient too... for what it is. I've been tracking my mileage with Fuelly for the last 8 fill ups or so, and my average is 21.6 MPG. No complaints there, considering about 50% of that is city driving.
What's the rear cargo space like? Thinking of trading in the 4runner for a tundra or fj cruiser. Can you lay 4x8 sheets of drywall/wood down flat back there?
Nope, no way a full sheet of drywall would fit in the back. Most of them come with roof racks though. I'm not a huge advertisement for Toyota - even though I own one of their products. I think the FJ is unique because its actually still made in Japan, so the entire thing isn't falling apart. My 2013 Tacoma was the biggest pile of junk I've ever owned. I had it in the shop over 10 times in the first 3400 miles, and by 3500 miles I'd sold it back. The FJ has a shimmy at 60 that I'm trying to get the dealer to fix. Its because Toyota replaced the steering box with a newer unit that decreased the turning radius, and now they are realizing that its hyper sensitive to any in-balance in the wheels/tires. Kind of pathetic, but I actually really like the FJ and plan on keeping it. I'd steer clear of the Tundra as well. Tons of recalls on them. Toyota's pickup line has been coasting on its 1980's reputation for far too long now. Look at the Ford product line in terms of a full-size truck. Thats my $.02. Best of luck on your next purchase Idget!
Well that's disappointing to hear. Thanks for the honest feedback though. My 3rd gen 3.4L has been a tank but is just a bit small and dated. We've been looking at superdutys actually (and raptors of course).
Anytime boss! Those are great trucks. Hard to knock on a Ford diesel when so many of the old ones are still on the road.
