Good day, after a LONG hiatus.

I'm about ready to sell my '08 forester and go back to the Toyota side. my 94 4Runner died at 220,000 about 4-5 years ago and I miss her so much (I have a pic of her in my profile). I've moved back to Montana last september, my commute went from 44 miles a day to 14, my paycheck got bigger, and the Subaru is only at 118,000 miles. At this point I can get a good price for the subie, and there are a good number of FJs for sale in this part of the world or at least a decent 3 day drive away.

My question: I only want to spend 17 to 20k on one, so I will have to go with a higher mileage FJ. How many is too any, is the 4.0 as rock solid as the 3.4? Auto vs. Manual, I'm open to tips and pointers and I REALLY want an FJ.

Thanks, I've been gone too long.
Andy

 

I loved the 3.4 in my 96' when I had it, I would go for the auto transmission for sure. It seems to me for 20k you should be able to get a nice one.

 

I agree the 3.4 is amazing. I drove a '96 Taco work truck with the 3.4 and personally turned it over 300k this time last year. its still going strong but I don't work there anymore.

I've not heard a ton about the 4.0, but if it is designed true to Toyota's roots, I probably shouldn't worry.

Thanks for a response.

 

They're dropping the 4.0 from the lineup in favor of the 3.5 from the highlander. With as many 3.4s out there I'd say parts prices and availability would be better? Just a thought.

 

I also didn't realize they had dropped the FJ from their lineup in 2015, that's sad. I'm on the fence still between the 4-door taco, 4runner and FJ to be honest. I miss the hell out of my 4runner, and wish I could get a lower mileage one for a reasonable price, but sellers in MT think 250k miles is low mileage, and price accordingly. It will be a hunt, and I'm not in a rush.

Thanks.

 

It is very disappointing where this forum has gone. What happened to helpful, welcoming and insightful members? Thanks anyway.

 

Lol I don't know. I just try to be realistic. My brother just sold a 2010 FJ 2WD for $26,500. Hope that's.... Insightful.

 

I know the FJCs are pretty reliable vehicles and they definitely have their niche. Crazy expensive IMO for what you get. Personally, having ridden in a friends FJC - it's still no Land Cruiser. If you're going to be doing it up offroad all the time, fine, but for overall awesome vehicle I suggest you go sit inside a used 100-series Land Cruiser. Between all your choices: 4dr Taco, 4runner, FJC and possibly a Land Cruiser -- it is a tough decision. All are reliable, all will get you to/from the trails, all will last you through the next decade. I don't know a whole lot about the 4.0, but hear it's a solid motor just like its predecessors, still though it's no 2uz v8. The FJC is cool and all, but I think it really depends on your priorities and wants. You can definitely build a more capable used Taco/4runner/80-series for less than you'd spend on a stock FJC.