FJ Cruisers of Northern California

New here, need help

Hey everyone. I'm a soon to be FJ owner. I'm looking at a particular one, a 2010 that has the convenience package and offroad package. It also has toyo mud terrains. 23K miles. What do you think would be a fair price for it? Here is the dealer link. Other than the obvious missing woofer switch any other things jump out as a big no no??

http://www.fiatusaofcostamesa.com/used/Toyota/2010-Toyota-FJ+Cruise...

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Permalink Reply by SmoothSmoke on March 19, 2012 at 9:32pm

Also, is it lifted or the tires just make it look that way? I've asked the dealership but they're clueless.

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Permalink Reply by Cowboy on March 19, 2012 at 9:51pm

From the pictures I m going to have to say it isn't lifted (yet : ) I think that looks like a bitchen way dive into the awesomeness of driving an FJ Cruiser.

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Permalink Reply by SmoothSmoke on March 19, 2012 at 9:58pm

Thanks Cowboy. I've got the dealer down to 26.9K, I'm at 26k, not sure if where they're at would be fair or if I should meet them halfway. If the spare was a Toyo MT perhaps I'd up my offer, but it doesn't appear to be.

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Permalink Reply by RJAMSOIL on March 19, 2012 at 10:07pm

deff not lifted but does look pretty! id push em a little lower if ya can ;) i got my 07 with 30 k miles on it and i usked them down from 28k price to 19k out the door so you gotta play hard ball ;D

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Permalink Reply by Bz on March 19, 2012 at 10:21pm

26k is a bit much

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Permalink Reply by SmoothSmoke on March 19, 2012 at 10:25pm

I thought 26k was fair given the mileage and the bad ass tires. Now I'm having second thoughts. I've been looking for a few months and cant seem to find a great deal.

KBB retail shows 31k

NADA shows 29k

But if you guys say it's a bit much, you're probably right. I haven't bought a car in 7 years. Very green to this process and definitely do not want to get screwed.

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Permalink Reply by Blowtorch Betty on March 19, 2012 at 11:06pm

In spite of the other good deals people on this site may have gotten in the past, used cars are selling for more right now. There is a huge demand for used trucks, and significant drop in demand for new trucks. Bad economy = a bit of a rise in used car prices. Keep doing your research, watch the trends... and try to twist the arm of that dealership just a little harder :)

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Permalink Reply by Overlander36 on March 19, 2012 at 11:41pm

On the other hand high gas prices are working in your favor. The FJ gets good but not great gas millage. (At least until you mod it out - then just bad) Twist the dealers arm, my 2010 was 30k new.

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Permalink Reply by Dominator! on March 20, 2012 at 2:03am

I noticed it looks like it has a Guidepoint GPS alarm. I can tell by one of the photos. I think 26K is a bit much. I think they will go lower. Remember that what it comes down to is what your comfortable paying. It is hard to compare though. Times are different,

I got mine in Oct of 2008, and they were trying to get rid of them like the plague. The economy was already in the dump and was about to take a bigger one, and gas was at a high (granted it wasn't almost $5/gal, it had risen sharply in the summer). They didn't even carry 2009 models in CA. I looked everywhere online even after I bought mine. I remember seeing new 2008 FJ's in the lot in June of 2009. Mine was on the lot for 4 months before I bought it (that I know of).

I spent $30K, but it was brand spanking new and came with a EMU lift, ARB bumper, 4 new ProComp rims with new ProComp MT tires, off road lights and fog lights, leather heated seats, and a GPS alarm. All installed and all under an extended warranty.

If I were to negotiate though, I would mention the fact that gas is going to be almost $6. a gallon, and mention that they are a FIAT dealer then drop something like "it's between this FJ here, a Tacoma at the dealership down the street, and blah blah blah." If you come back to the dealership in a month or 2, and it is still on the lot, mention it. It would totally help you out.They probably know you are interested, and they are using that to their advantage.

Whatever you decide, your going to get a car that can just about go anywhere. The FJ is an awesome vehicle, and although I take it in the shorts in gas, I realize that I can go anywhere. Plus, my dog is comfortable in it, and it has plenty of space for my gear. On top of that, it's a Toyota which means it should last.

Hope this helps.

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Permalink Reply by Sonof40 on March 20, 2012 at 5:48am

If you're paying cash, walk in with a check already made out for the amount you want to pay. Takes care of all nickel and dime stuff and they won't let you leave with it. Also don't base your decision on the tires.

If you're financing then the interest rate is more important than the cost. Look for zero.

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Permalink Reply by SmoothSmoke on March 20, 2012 at 8:13am

Thanks guys. I guess a needed a dose of reality. I need to keep my desire to own an FJ in check. I have been wanting one since June of last year. I've finally saved up a good chunk of cash for the down so I guess I see myself as trying to justify any deal.

I've been noticing a lot of the FJ's on the east coast are much better priced than out west, any idea why?

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Permalink Reply by Back in Black (FJ4 Tahoe) on March 20, 2012 at 8:38am

Walk in with a check for $24.5K..tell the dealer you have 3 other options. Tell them they have 24 hours to meet your price. That puts the pressure on them, that's how they do it.