Can you even Daily drive a TOYOTA FJ CRUISER? It’s VINTAGE and Built for Off-road

[@DugEphresh]

I love my FJ Beastly Cruiser! Get offers on the daily and not a chance in hell will I sell her! The Falkens kick there ass! just say'n!

[@VikingsGarage]

Noted!! They sure are sought after!

[@youssbaraki]

Hey, for the compass calibration, there's a calibration driving procedure that's explained in the owner manual, I had a 2012 FJ Cruiser and had to do it when I changed the battery in a parking lot.

[@VikingsGarage]

I do know the one you referring too, I’ll try it once more. I appreciate you reaching out. I hope I did something wrong and it actually works. Thank you!

[@youssbaraki]

Deviation calibration It's in the manual Stop the vehicle where it is safe to drive in a circle. Press the SET button until a number (1 to 15) appears on the outside temperature display. Press the E/M button, and referring to the map above, select the number of the zone where you are. --you are probably a 9 After calibration, leave the system for 6 seconds or press the SET button for about 2 seconds. If the display returns to the outside temperature display, the calibration is complete. Circling calibration Stop the vehicle where it is safe to drive in a circle. Press the SET button until the zone number appears on the outside temperature display. Push the SET button. “- -” will start moving. Drive the vehicle in a circle at 5 mph (8 km/h). If there is not enough space to drive in a circle, drive around the block until the direction is displayed. When the compass display returns to the outside temperature display, calibration is complete. When circling calibration fails, Er is displayed for 2 seconds and then COMPASS flashes. It also flashes when circling calibration is not completed. If you want to cancel the calibration before it is complete, press the SET button for about 2 seconds.

[@VikingsGarage]

@youssbaraki Thank you for taking the time to write this, I’m going to give my best to try to calibrate it again.

[@seangould3664]

Got mine in 2013 and drive it every single day

[@lesliepopoff5347]

What to say... To begin with I noticed the oil filter, so I knew that you had one of the first years (07 - 09) models. These required premium gas. Some owners tried to get away with using regular or mid-level to cut down fuel expenses. That didn't go well. Mine is a 2013, which uses regular. That helps. I also changed out the tires for all weather 5-ply, versus the 10-ply that were one it. Still capable of off roading, but not the extreme stuff. Now getting 20 to 22 mpg, and a quieter ride. The backup camera, while not larger, I still find useful. I agree with you on the suicide doors. Never have liked them. Visibily, if the side view mirrors are positioned properly, I have not found to be bad. I currently have 158,000 miles on mine, and it is still purring away. They are darn good vehicles, but, as you say, there are better daily drivers out there. I've been offered good money to sell it, even at its mileage, but couldn't do it. So, to make a long story short, yes it is a good daily driver at least for me. I appreciate your experience and advice. Good video. Thank you.

[@maxagent86]

All great points. Could you share more details about the 5-ply tire you chose? It's time to change the tires on mine and I may go that route. TIA

[@VikingsGarage]

Much appreciated insight! Thank you!

[@CEling-e1b]

Great channel, thanks for all the helpful info you have provided. I went from a 2011 Mini Cooper (long story) to a 2010 solid Army Green FJ, plus I drive a big box truck as I'm in the bread business here in Michigan so I'm used to no visibility and parking in the back 40 🤣 First thing I did when I first had it in sight was to crawl underneath it. Surprisingly it wasn't that bad. The pully's all look OEM, rust covered outer side but no squealing or play yet. Changed the plugs, front/rear/transfer case fluid changed out/drive shaft greased and of course the PCV valve (thank you for that info!) -200,000 on her.

[@VikingsGarage]

Army Green FJ , that’s a killer combo right there. I appreciate you sharing!! Wishing you 200k more

[@tomc8115]

I had Nittos on my '17 ORP and they were very good, just worn out. Loving this video! Move to Texas. Parking spots are huge. Only our F-450 is constricted! 😂

[@VikingsGarage]

😅🤘🏻

[@Happy_rhino]

I love daily driving mine. Will I be getting a 4runner later yes, but till then I am happy as can be. You are doing awesome, and thank you so much for working so hard. Not only at work, but on the Channel.

[@VikingsGarage]

I want this channel to succeed. Much appreciated!! 🙏🏻 Thank you Sir!

[@georgeof78]

I like the fact they had to add an extra wiper for the flat windshield.

[@VikingsGarage]

Most people don’t notice that cool detail. 👍🏻

[@genehart261]

I bought a 2011 about a year ago, same color as yours. Car came from Texas and I live in Nevada so NO rust, had 125,000 miles and now 137. Bad visibility, grossly underpowered and crappy fuel mileage; I LOVE it. I had the BF Goodrich KO2 tires put on (before KO3 came out) and I have found them to be great for highway and offroad. I have taken a few long trips where I have gone 600+ miles in a day and have found the FJ to be great for that, no fatigue after long days. I am not a serious offroader but when I need it, I know it's there. I'm old and retired and use a beater Tacoma as my "daily driver" so that's not important to me. I personally would buy another FJ in a heartbeat. Thanks for your review.

[@VikingsGarage]

Thank you for sharing this! I do agree with you

[@Thankyou_3]

Great video 👍👋🙏 That undercarriage looks really dry, Krown or Fluid Film…it’s worth every penny.

[@VikingsGarage]

Thank you!! (That’s next to do for sure) 👍🏻

[@ChristianGrest]

I've had 4 sets of BFG K02s and won't purchase anything else except the new K03. I'm not crazy about the Nittos that came on our 4Runner, but I'll run them until they need replaced. The wheels look awesome! Man I still want an FJ... timeless look on those. For daily driver duties...I can't imagine it's worse than my Dad's old 1996 Standard cab short bed F-150 with the 300 six 5 speed manual that I drive 50-60 miles round trip daily. It's funny too because we have a brand new 2024 4Runner TRD ORP and a 2021 Ford Raptor, but I choose the old tank to drive the most. Would I daily drive an FJ Cruiser? For sure, but it's definitely not the best for the task. Awesome video brother! Totally understand your frustration with having to constantly wrench on something.

[@VikingsGarage]

That’s a great fleet right there. You will love the KO3’s , what a great tire so far. I appreciate you!!

[@Nwwoods]

Great video! How about doing some 3rd gen 4Runner maintenance videos. 😀… you know you need one…. Let do it.

[@VikingsGarage]

You never know!! 😉

[@efil4kizum]

with the 5VZ-FE ?

[@rayandolina11]

I have a 2010 FJ and have 300,000 miles on it. it has been my daily driver since December 2009 and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I do, however, understand the frustrations with the vehicle, including the windshield, which I had to replace five timesdue to debris hits. That said, I recently purchased the new Lexus GX 550 for my daily driver and “ retired” the FJ at my our second home when we’re there. Prior to doing so I had to put about $5000 into it including framework. Overall, my FJ was extremely reliable as a daily driver. But, again, I get the negatives. Great video review.! Ty

[@VikingsGarage]

I appreciate you sharing!! Sometimes I wonder if I was alone on this, but I’ve hear some of these complaints before. Congrats on the new Lexus!! That’s a sweet ride!!👏🏻👏🏻

[@onenikkione]

I can understand your points on an FJ. I got one in 2024 after a 2-year search. *** No one on KZbin has a video of replacing the "map lights" in the interior, it may help your channel grow if you were to do a quick video on that. I know it would help me out. Mine is a 2014 FJ, I'm semi-retired only working 4 days a week with a 5-mile commute one way, so for me, I can daily drive mine. Hopefully you have been coating the underneath & frame of your 4Runner every year before winter (fluid film, woolwax, kroil, etc.)

[@VikingsGarage]

I’ll be putting out a video eventually on lighting, so do stay tuned. Absolutely fluid film every fall. I do appreciate you reminding me.

[@seanmcevoy7412]

What was the name of that trail you said was your favorite? . I’m in Jersey and own a 2014 FJ

[@VikingsGarage]

Absolutely, I forgot the exact name of it, but it’s a fishing spot access point. The coordinates are in the following video:⬇️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4DFYaOfnNqVjbssi=d-pXtjnV36PaPNC6

[@Wishwc1]

I own both TRD Pro 4Runner and FJ Cruiser and I tend drive the FJ more than the 4Runner. Yes, I get better gas mileage and a better suspension in the 4Runner but there’s just something about my ugly FJ that just keeps me going back for driving. Im about to endeavor into doing the transfer case and differential oil change on the FJ and I thank you for your vids. Very very informative.

[@VikingsGarage]

You’re very welcome!! That’s a killer set of vehicles right there. 👏🏻

[@KA5IVR]

The GF has a 4Runner, so she introduced me to Toyota. I recently obtained a 2014 with less than 100k miles with no rush. It had a set of new BFG KO2's, but I put skid plates, rock sliders, and new shocks on it. When I saw your video, I had just got done switching out the front seats for an OEM set from a 2023 4Runner TRD Pro. Bolted right in, but now have to figure out what wiring and harnesses that I need to get the seat adjustments to work and the heat function to work. They are more comfortable that the original FJ set. I've always had and have Jeeps for offroad. I took the FJ to CO in July for the RMTR in Ridgeway. I must admit, the FJ did a lot better offroad than I expected, but still keeping the Jeep. These are two different vehicles with different proposes. With my setups, the Jeep is more for Rock Crawling and the FJ is more for Overlanding. Would I daily drive the FJ... Probably not. My 2500hd Diesel truck gets better milage and range than the FJ. I don't know if it because I have one now or what, but there a ton of FJ's on the road. I am glad I snagged a FJ for the fleet.

[@VikingsGarage]

That’s awesome! I appreciate the feedback.

[@CrippleCreekStudios]

Great video! I’ve always liked the character of the FJ. It really unique. I can tell you’ve put a lot of love into it, and I hope it serves you well for miles and miles (off-road) to come. Thanks.

[@VikingsGarage]

🤞🏻 it will. I appreciate you!! (Every time I see one I can’t help but smile and stare 😉)

[@woodyx10]

just want to give a big thanks to all you do for us on this channel. I'm sorry the FJ has ben a let down for you. I have heard similar stuff when it comes to it being a daily driver but i didnt know about the power steering, pulleys and fuel leak issues. thanks for sharing man!

[@VikingsGarage]

Much appreciated!! 🤘🏻 Yeah, if I could give anyone advice… Buy the newest one possible with the lowest mileage. Although I believe I got a great deal, it has been needing a lot of attention. Otherwise I enjoy it here and there, wife and kids absolutely adore it!! They think it’s a big toy 😅 Cheers!! 👍🏻

[@SimonMoriarty-h1z]

Thx Viking. I could get a new Ford Everest (in Australia) which is an awesome ve-hicle for the same price as a used FJ. But my heart says FJ.

[@VikingsGarage]

Very cool, never hear of a Ford Everest, I’ll look into it. Yeah FJ’s are pretty cool!! Appreciate you watching!! 🇦🇺🤘🏻

[@Lord_Of_All_Devils]

I cant make up my mind sometime i want a fj and sometimes i want a tacoma

[@VikingsGarage]

The struggle is real!! 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@jagaro]

I have one. 200,000 KM. I'm never selling it.

[@VikingsGarage]

I feel you, there’s nothing out there like it.

[@CoolStuff..]

cool

[@juliusjimfontanilla407]

I owned a 5th Gen 4Runner and a 2008 FJ cruiser

[@VikingsGarage]

👍🏻

[@MrWeliz]

My 08 has 16" wheels from factory

[@VikingsGarage]

I believe it. Great wheels!

[@takcleberry]

You think the FJ Cruiser is vintage?

[@VikingsGarage]

Most certainly feels like it. It’s definitely in many ways very simple and old school.

[@dingdongdaddy589]

Had mine since 7/4/11. Just hit 97k. I will be buried in it. Also, you need to put a flowmaster on there cuz.

[@VikingsGarage]

Right on!! I would invest in things like that the moment this thing stops acting up. 😂 I appreciate you watching!!

[@dingdongdaddy589]

@@VikingsGarage - Hehe. Totally understand. Perhaps one day…. The only “issue” I ever had was oil in one spark plug tube. Keep your eye on that. Good luck. 👊🏽

[@VikingsGarage]

I got you, I definitely will. 👊🏻