FJ Cruisers of Northern California

New Member - Looking to buy FJ?

Hey, glad to find this forum.

I am a diver, rock climber and just built a Teardrop Camper. Now I want to get an FJ for my tow vehicle. Will do a minimum of off-roading but want to be able to drive down the beach and cross a small stream!

Do you think I should buy new or used? it seems used prices are high enough that it might make sense to buy new.

If anyone knows of a good vehicle for sale, i'd love to hear from you - looking for 5AT with locking diff and Atrac, tow and rack would be nice, prefer later than 2008, most any color though I like the black, silver or blue. Also would like it mostly stock.

Thanks, I look forward to interacting with this group and getting an FJ soon!

drew.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sonof40 on April 4, 2014 at 11:23am

Welcome Drew.

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Permalink Reply by mny_m8ker on April 4, 2014 at 12:30pm

check craigslist and www.DGDG.com if you find something there ask for Teddy at GMC he will get you the rock bottom lowest price the first time no hassle.

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Permalink Reply by JagyPNF on April 4, 2014 at 12:54pm

mny's web site worked here is a good one... this is what i have and i love it. http://www.dgdg.com/used/Toyota/2012-Toyota-FJ+Cruiser-081268120a0a.... check it out.

Oh yeah welcome to the group.

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Permalink Reply by Drew Hutchinson on April 4, 2014 at 3:37pm

thanks for the link - That is a nice one! I am waiting for a house to close in about a week so I'll have to see if it is still around when I have the cash in hand.

What should I be looking for in terms of off road use/damage. I know about the fender bulge/cracking issue, anything else I should check for?

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Permalink Reply by RJAMSOIL on April 6, 2014 at 7:01pm

check for worn Cv axles, check all diffs for leaks, take it for a spin and make sure 4x4 engages, check tie rod ends, etc... used is a great way to go as most stock used Fjs probably dont even see dirt from the first owner.

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Permalink Reply by tsy87 on April 8, 2014 at 12:35pm

When I was looking to buy, the used prices persuaded me in getting a new one instead. Now that there are older FJs out there, the used market prices may have gone down a little more but I still wouldnt rule out getting a new one if you can afford it.

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Permalink Reply by Drew Hutchinson on April 8, 2014 at 12:41pm

That is kind of where I am at. Sifting through all the various dealer prices is daunting. I'll probably run around to dealers early next week and start the process. would love to get one for under 33k if that is possible.

Where did you end up buying yours?

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Permalink Reply by Drew Hutchinson on April 8, 2014 at 12:57pm

also, I haven't purchased a new car for 15 years, that is when I bought my lexus!

How do you get the best deal, is the strategy: go to a dealer, get the lowest price, walk away, go to next dealer with that price . . . Do any dealers negotiate over the phone or is that not reliable. Sheesh, at my age I should know how to do this stuff. . .

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Permalink Reply by tsy87 on April 10, 2014 at 11:12am

I ended up going with Roseville Toyota, I wanted a 6 speed manual and a specific set of options.

As for the process, the internet is the way to go. I did all my research online via here, the blue room, and lastly, the toyota website. I figured out what I wanted and then sent an email to all the dealerships up and down california stating exactly what I was looking for and asking them for their best price. Most dealerships will try to call, that is okay, but whenever they told me a price, I told them to send the breakdown via email. I would then take that email and email all the dealerships again pretty much telling them, this is the price to beat if you want my business. Then I would rinse and repeat until finally I got what I think was the lowest price available given the limited supply of 6speed fjs.

so for my 2010 4x4 6 speed with atrac, cruise, backup camera/sensors ( I believe it was called the convenience package at that time, its since changed) I got them down to 28200 + tax title license) Total OTD was just over 30k.

Once I told the salesman we had a deal, I printed out all the details of the vehicle he was selling to me and rolled up to the dealership to sign the papers.

If you try to negotiate in person at the dealership, the ball is in their court. Using email or telephone (they will call you) you have the advantage. The email is backup in case they try to change up what they say when you get there, didnt happen to me but id rather have the papertrail since they dont get the name "Stealerships" for a reason.

Good luck!

EDIT: just noticed you said you bought one already! congrats! but this can help anyone else looking to buy new!

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Permalink Reply by Drew Hutchinson on April 9, 2014 at 12:56pm

Bought a new 2013 Blue with off-road package today. Having them throw a trailer hitch on and will pick it up Friday - I'll be up at Ocean Cove diving this weekend! I am totally stoked (and excited too).

So my first mod will be - rear door opening windows! Anyone done this one?

drew.