Should You Buy a TOYOTA FJ CRUISER? (Test Drive & Review 2012 4.0 V6)

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Today I'm in this 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser... Let's see what it's like.
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#highpeakautos #Toyota #toyotafjcruiser #FJCruiser #landcruiser

[@keithmillard2527]

I bought mine in August, 2006 in northern California; one of the first batch made, #34,686 to be exact. He just turned over 400,000 miles; original everything (except new cat' converters), almost no maintenance, runs like new! Best vehicle ever!

[@HighPeakAutos]

That’s impressive

[@cdf8821]

That's Awesome!! Hopefully my FJ runs the same!!

[@earthling1984]

Did you ever change the transmission fluid? I have a 2012 with 85k. Still like new and no issues at all. Just not sure if I should change the fluid at some point.

[@keithmillard2527]

@@earthling1984 Flushed it once at about 255K, then read that you should never flush. Big debate. Apparently there's debris in the fluid from the small clutches that is important to maintain. I hear drain and refill every 60K-100K from CarCareNut on KZbin. He's a Toyota mechanic from dealership to private shop. Good channel. So I've flushed/changed mine once. Might drain and refill someday. Never had a problem with any fluid-filled box on this FJ.

[@dogcatdogable]

Seen a lot of these in Latin America and they're very eye-catching. Was shocked to hear they were discontinued in 2014 because they look as modern as anything else on the roads.

[@bundysgarage]

That 4.0L in that FJ Cruiser is the 1GR-FE V6. That engine is pretty much bulletproof. You do have to keep an eye on the coolant and oil but she will last you a long time. In the earlier versions of the engine 01 - 06 it had an oil leak at the front timing chain cover that occurred but other than that, amazing engine. Almost as good as the 2UZ-FE 4.7L V8 found in the Tundra's and Sequoia's. Great video, I would like to get my hand's on an FJ. If you want to see how to do a water pump on this FJ take a look at my channel, I show you how to do it, take care!

[@gdmfsob4424]

Hello kindred spirit, I own an 07 FJ ,Manuel ,& an 09 Tundra with the 4.7 great reliable trucks.

[@sth9460]

We have a 2007 4X4 all original bought new 56k miles. We love it!

[@thejoneseys]

Scotty Kilmer has just entered the chat 😁

[@palandi]

rev up your engines!

[@tlazaro1]

I just love my FJ!! I drive a '13 Trail Teams 6 MT on lifted Kings and I can't imagine driving another truck.

[@Kana0211]

Have one, never left me stranded. Only that one time I high centered on a snowbank. Rock crawling where only jeeps are recommended, sand, snow, mud. Gives me the feeling that it can go anywhere without something breaking.

[@edwardtrickett6064]

I just enjoy your no nonsense, honest and to the point presentations It is a pleasure to watch your content

[@kevincockburn7805]

They have become a real classic. In the USA they are going up in price at a rapid rate of knots. Originally designed for American Bros.

[@orsoncart802]

Back in the 1960’s there used to an advertisement displayed on the London Underground with the following inscription: “It was Christmas Day in the mess When the Colonel had rather a shock He heard to his sorry distress Someone rhyme Cockburns with rock At first he thought he would throttle The stripling who'd never been taught The naming of parts of a bottle Of Cockburns delectable port But the Colonel's a kindly old soldier And he'd known the lad's pa long ago. So he just said: 'Remember I told you 'One doesn't say Cock, one says Coe'.” Just thought you might like to know. 😁 P.S. TRUMP 2024 - ULTRA MAGA! FLY THAT FLAG HIGH 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸😁

[@rightwinggo9694]

@@orsoncart802 Joe will read anything they put on a teleprompter yet he has no right to disparage half the country like that.....imagine if Trump had said that, the Left would riot in the streets.

[@orsoncart802]

@@rightwinggo9694 Yes, I know. I’m watching the horror unfold. The malignant takeover that’s engulfing the US would have been unbelievable a few short years ago. But it’s the same here in England - and the rest of the West. At least you have the Bigly Dee Jay Tee & Ron DeS, and the 2nd; we have Jack Schitt. Ultimately it all hinges on you chaps. I have my fingers crossed for you to spearhead the reversal. Another 1776 moment? It certainly looks that way to me. Best of luck to you. And to us. By the way, I can see your reply here only by clicking on the notification I received. It’s not visible otherwise. I see the Wye Tea b0ttss are busy. Hence my cryptics above.

[@lordbentley730]

Haha I knew that told it to people an they laughed in my face. I was going to import one to Sweden from Germany. But ended up with rav 4 2019. Maybe its time know 😀 but I think the price is up now.

[@JuanVanDusen]

@@Domn879 people have stopped me to try and buy my fj, had a wrangler and an impreza and that never happened.

[@MrVanioko]

When you said for absolutely no reason, i have to say i can totally relate to it. Some things have no logical explanation. Thanks for validation, I’m not alone :)

[@cblack1green]

I seriously considered one of these but brought a Range Rover sport which as I write is in the garage waiting for them to see why the park switch on the shifter won’t come off.

[@patagualianmostly7437]

Mechanic: "'Cos it's a Range Rover. That'll be 200 quid please, unless you want us to fix it as as well?"

[@user-nu5lg3pm5g]

i get asked about mine every where i go in it in the uk and with it been yellow it really stands out

[@DJGamesHD]

I think it looks really cool, it looks tough and ready to take on the atrocious roads of the UK. Really cool new editing Matt!

[@chrisbolton5461]

Agree, the roads are shocking.

[@Dave-in-France]

Loved this video ! I first came across Barby's town car a few years ago when working for an off-road trails company. There were always 'proper' off-roaders such as Defenders, Discos and Landcruisers. But one week someone turned up in one of these eeeeek ! The owner got a fair bit of flack because of it's looks and the fact that it was still on road tyres. The more muddy it got the more there were admiring eyes from the lifted, mud tyred brigade until a long descent with 2 really muddy tight turns. We got stuck in a Disco, several land cruisers got stuck but the FJ just quietly and calmly drove through to the applause of all watchers. The FJ is the best mud crawler I've ever seen, bar none !

[@glensoldan4536]

I bought a 2007 about ten years ago and we still use it daily. I liked it so much I bought a 2012 that I drive daily. The wife took the 2007 and I never get to drive it. 😊

[@lonesomecricket7721]

The Legendary Toyota FJ Cruiser 👍🏻

[@alanbstard4]

definately. Good investment. Prices going up. Sadly no diesel models in Oz. Between 2011 and 2017, when Toyota officially discontinued the car locally, more than 12,000 FJ Cruisers were sold in Australia. about 220 thousand in USA

[@paulfeeney4032]

These things are awesome to drive in the desert. The departure and approach angles are amazing. My all time favourite desert car!

[@charlieg9559]

I had a 2013 Trail Teams edition with a 6MT and it was the best vehicle I've ever owned. totally indestructible and unstoppable off road with very little modification. I regret selling it every day.

[@rEdHoUsE_1969]

The FJ has one thing that other vehicles don't have ... 'personality' ... that and Toyota reliability ... it is simply unique👌

[@jamesnorman6831]

I had one for a few years in the Middle East. Absolutely brilliant. Solid low maintenance and actually quite practical with kids, dog etc

[@dodgy1954]

I have always loved these and am delighted that you have had the opportunity to review….. so cool! - I hope you find one for a decent price. Great review.😀

[@4lifersIvyAnnaAvery]

I’ve been watching your videos for a while now, and I’ve noticed your nearly 100% accurate with the way you describe cars, I’ve already bought a car based on one of your reviews and guess what? It turned out just as you described. Ps I previously owned an FJ in UAE and it’s exactly what you say it is. I totally love it.

[@liamhalford5424]

Thumbs up for the amazing graphics on the road! Production quality is top tier.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@ldarm]

That bit of writing on the road was a nice touch 👌

[@matpat2636]

Love these. Really been tempted over the last year or so.

[@outdooraussie6355]

I was looking to change my 4wd 7 years ago... took one of these for a drive just on a whim... the rest is history. Love it and can never see myself selling. If I did, I'd get almost the same as I paid. Has taken me to amazing places (some on my channel). And it's right hand drive 😉 👍

[@rmhj8100]

I wanted a truck but I decided to test drive one and after….. well I had to have it😂

[@Drenwickification]

Had never heard of this car before, but I absolutely love the styling and everything about it. Would love to have one!

[@edwardkarran4963]

Very very cool! Great review

[@countryside_guy]

Thank you for listening to your followers and making this video 🙂

[@ReDriven]

Awesome review. The FJ is such a great car!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks. I loved it

[@kieranlarkin5938]

Your videos are great. Honest, real and not ‘paid for’ comment - well, the cars, that is.

[@eamonnflanagan3917]

I have an FJ since 2007........best off road car on the market.

[@josephmifsud8261]

It's a different car for those who don't want to follow the herd and get a Golf or Focus. I get why it's desirable, and I love this colour

[@kitcrft421]

I've been saving my money for about 2 years and I'm ready to drop cash on one of these, thanks for the review. There's a bunch of available in Colorado. I found one with a manual transmission even!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Oh wow. Very rare

[@robsterlikesRonPaul]

Who ever is the new camera operator/editor in this video, keep them. They did a great job 🙌

[@jameslatimer1432]

One of the only rare car dealers that I would love to buy a car from I'll contact you after next April when I remortgage my property cheers bud 👍

[@Cheemo1992]

Also sold as RHD in Australia 👌

[@HighPeakAutos]

Referred to in my video as ‘the antipodes’

[@marcopolo242]

loved mine. they held their value incredibly well even before they stopped making them. Just make sure the timing chain has been done on schedule, it's an expensive maintenance issue due to the difficulty in getting to it on this vehicle.

[@MrSunnyBhoy]

Looks like Toyota's mashed together a hummer and a discovery. Looks pretty cool and weird, I like it.

[@jeremylee2066]

Great review Matt, I have owned on in UK for 2 years. Not easy to get used to driving as the car is wide and has blind spots. The best thing about the car is it is not full of electronics and very reliable. I will not be selling anytime soon.

[@whizzer8507]

Great history lesson there Matt.Top work. Never ever seen these before. It reminds of Barbie Kens weekend camper! 🤓

[@HighPeakAutos]

😂 yes I can see what you mean

[@elliotwilkie6721]

Was looking forward to seeing this video after dropping my Volvo off with you. Great quality as always, and I see my old car is off with a new owner too!

[@1964wingman]

They were sold in Australia as right hand drive. I have a 2016 model. I have 169 litre fuel tank that comes standard. I love it ,they are becoming a collectors item.

[@Frostakasilk]

Thanks Matt! I love these cars so much. With just a little bit of modification they can look so damn attractive and cool! Like a roof basket, chunky tyres and concave wheels. Perfect!

[@mamunsarker206]

B u 😅🎉😅😮Y😅😅😊😊

[@fkkmag8692]

Love the random talks about the cars!

[@petertorbet4740]

Great video, and loving the new and improved production quality (in video specs, nice touch having the model name on the road etc)

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@sporturaman]

Yep love these. Video highly watchable as ever. Especially liked FJ digitally "painted " on the road at beginning of video. Lovely touch that.

[@Garffey]

Love that Matt....Anything that will have the Eco warriors running away in horror is good by me! Looks a bit of a hoot to drive too!

[@LiftOperator52]

Great review. US dreamer here. Had a 1994 Tacoma 4x4 back in the day. Loved driving that on and off road. Hoping I can find myself a nice FJ for future adventures.

[@juanojeda8069]

I'm got my for sale 2012 108.000 miles

[@changingthemindsetforsucce4680]

I could listen to u talk whole day n just laugh n enjoy d content Thanks

[@ged3680]

Hello Matt, thank you for taking the time to upload another video. Ged

[@HighPeakAutos]

Cheers!

[@shaywhelan1]

Very enjoyable. I was always curious about that car and wondered what they were like

[@sluke9]

Hi Matt, I owned one in Australia. Great car though quite claustrophobic in the back. Really good off road, out of the box too.

[@jodep2198]

Thanks for that, great vid.

[@markbrennan4693]

Wow, what a motor. That would be a keeper if you can find one Matt. Cars like this are going to be history soon with the EV supposedly to take over. The direct opposite of blandness, love it !!

[@matthewgodwin3050]

With the coming threat of electricity shortages, it may be the EV that becomes antisocial, and the 4 litre petrol SUV that becomes the new darling. That would be interesting.

[@johntheaccountant5594]

Th FJ Cruiser is actually manufactured in Japan in the factory that manufacturers Hino Lorries (Hino is Toyota Lorry division). The FJ Cruiser is still manufactured and is available brand new in the Philippines and Dubai and Saudi. Much cooler and more exclusive and a lot more reliable than those Land Rovers and Range Rovers that Matt loves so much.

[@timcam8713]

Great looking car, very envious of my son in Oz who owns one and absolutely loves it, great for camping with all the extras available.

[@riboid]

First saw one in Australia years ago and loved it instantly.

[@martinkitchin6204]

Thanks ! "Forbidden Fruit" 😉 hahaha. There's nothing better is there ? Love the looks and the Coop blue colour too !

[@johanburger4096]

We still get them here in South Africa new and with the steering wheel also on the correct side. My old man has one. Bought it with 50 000km on the clock in 2013 and can now sell it for more than he paid with 180 000 on!

[@dnovello]

Matt, excellent and accurate review. Extremely well done 👍 I had one of these in 2006. It was a 6speed. Cool; but, thirsty.

[@martinhogg5337]

Great review of a car/ truck that I never knew existed! I can see the attraction.

[@pauldeacon7115]

They produced RHD in South Africa. Ones in Johannesburg generally are rust free. I can send you one when they pop up. Are very scarce.

[@SonicMrSumo]

Great video (as always). Australia also got the FJ in RHD.

[@berlinmains2430]

Great content..I look forward to every new one! Watching from Kenya 🇰🇪

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@josephgittos3787]

I actually like the look of this and not bad mpg considering it’s size and engine. Reminds of the new grenadier inside

[@Ainawi]

My 2008 FJ Cruiser has a 140L tank and I get around 900-1000kms which is phenomenal for a truck at 13.5L/100km. By the way fun fact, this FJ is not made by Toyota, it's built in Hino Plant in Japan

[@thebrowns5337]

The new grenadier...lol. Billionaire that is building them - "Guys, vote Brexit and I'll defo build your retro jeep here in the UK" A minority of the population - sure, OK guvnor (doff caps/tug forelocks) Billionaire - 'France, want some jobs?, these island dwelling noobs just made it difficult and expensive to import/export anything, lol' France - oui, lol. Also billionaire - moves tax residence out of UK and into Monaco. Golden.

[@garrydavis3475]

Great content thanks 🙏

[@nigel.w]

Love these.

[@Czechbound]

I *LOVE* these things. They are bigger than I remember them, but living in Prague, I haven't seen one in years.

[@colechapman6976]

If it weren't for the huge blind spots, this would be my favorite Toyota product outside of an old Landcruiser

[@Kana0211]

Blind spots are negligible. Mirrors are huge and very good.

[@breeze787]

@@Kana0211 Yeah with the giant mirrors the FJ's got, what blind spot?

[@samartz]

Sold locally in Australia as well!

[@lukeagostini5487]

You really improved the production of the video, great effort, I appreciate it 😊

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@arthurblundell6128]

Thanks for showing it to us ! sort of quirky Japanese G-wagon

[@rogergowers4415]

I know I've commented on how high your production values are now Matt...but that's insane...had to rewind to check the Toyota FJ on the road🤯🤣.....very slick indeed sir. Brilliiant and another fascinating review. Cheers.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@skisavoie]

Friends of mine bought one that used to belong to one of the members of the Prodigy, it had all the goodies; exterior roll cage, winches front and rear, serious entertainment system, jacked up suspension, etc. It’s been a complete money pit! Engine, gearbox, axels, diffs, electrics. They have spent many tens of thousands! ☹️ Great videos, thanks.

[@XSAoRAD]

Wasn't Keith's was it?

[@apexmarbella]

Content and editing levels now insanely high. Looking forward to congratulating you on reaching 1 million subs within 12 months! 🤞🤞

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! Working on it

[@RichieRouge206]

Such a fab car - rare, honest and so cool.

[@BURP39R]

I love it. It is just a call back. Wonderful

[@densalbeach1]

Great review of a really strange but very desirable 4X4 that in all probability has the legendary Toyota reliability.

[@user-qc4pr8zu8s]

Great overview of the FJ Cruiser. I am still driving my 2008 FJ and expect the Japanese truck to keep motoring at least a few more years.

[@thomas316]

See quite a few here in Australia. It was never as bigger seller as Toyota hoped it'd be because it launched right before the Financial Crisis.

[@Timberwulf2]

Same in NZ..I think in total in my home town Dunedin there is 1..If you want to go off road..Landcruiser/Hilux etc..These were just Toyotas attempt at a psuedo Hummer but without the size.

[@whitemoor66]

I remember the first time I saw one of these years ago. It was one of those rare cars that I hadn't a clue what it was! Very cool looking thing.

[@Ashod00]

in some markets the car has never been discontinued. where i live you can still get a 2022 model FJ from the dealer with zero mileage. but the car basically stopped receiving upgrades from 2015 onwards so whether or not you'd want to pay full price for outdated tech is a matter of choice. i opted for a relatively low mileage 2015 version for just over half MSRP. Love the car and always looking for ways to customize it and give it my personal touch.

[@megapangolin1093]

Fascinating video, well done Matt, good to see unusual, real people cars, not mega expensive barges and supercars. Love the TOYOTA name spelled out at the front, it looks like they were proud to add their full name to the vehicle, not the normal logo. Anyway, any car that has bad visibility could take out a cyclist or another car so I cant love it.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks! I liked it too

[@flemmingsorensen5470]

Absolutely love it 👍👍👍

[@MatthewCEBamber]

I remember seeing this in a previous video, was hoping you would do a video on it. Absolutely awesome truck. I want one. I really want one 🤣

[@HighPeakAutos]

Me too

[@smarte.r.1450]

See these all the time in North Carolina... these are SPECIAL!!!!!

[@ianhamer4494]

Thank you so much for doing the video, I have always liked them, like you I just like different, I find different more fun, when you going to do a Lada Niva, not the old one they are like hen's teeth to get, but you can get them new now, mine was the Cossack with alloys and bull-bars extra lights, sump-guard, roof-rails and the spare wheel on the back, was brilliant off road, was like a min Range Rover, with coils all around, even had a radio, what dissident luxury lol

[@Lot76CARS]

I found myself in Toyota dealer in Algeria (long story) and there were queuing around the block to buy these (and other Toyotas to be fair). As there is almost nothing else to spend your money in Algeria (or was back then) everyone gravitates to buying a new car…

[@jdmguy44]

One of the coolest cars in my opinion. Remember seeing one in the metal when in the states and thinking it looked like nothing else. Love the sound of that 4 litre V6 too.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Me too

[@graemejones7049]

Great review and hit the nail on the head. I bought one of the last ones made in 2014 (trails edition one of 2500). I had been after one for a few years and pulled the trigger. I kept it for a year but traded it for a Toyota Tundra. Too many blind spots. If I had kept it, it would have been worth more now than when I bought it, prices have gone crazy.

[@desert_pelep3068]

They have restarted selling making these. You can actually pick up a 2022 car

[@graemejones7049]

In which country?

[@designtime3469]

@@graemejones7049 UAE

[@DJC995]

Nice Video seen one a few months back parked up looked a bit odd meant to go back and take a closer look Thanks this has answered the what is that question

[@earthling1984]

Had my FJ 10 years. It's 12 years old though, I bought it when it was 2 years old and had 17k miles. Not a single thing has gone wrong. Original battery lasted until it was 9 years old (during a cold winter around 20F I noticed it was starting a bit slower than it did the winter before. So I replaced it). I only have 85k miles on it. I did recently replace the spark plugs and brake rotors. They are rated for 100k, but I don't put a ton of miles on a year. Mechanic told me the original rotors still looked like almost new, I probably could have left them on another 85k. I will say, the gas mileage is not what you showed here (you showed 17/25). I get more 15 / 20 mpg.

[@ilanpony1321]

Great job love you video🏆

[@athollmcnicoll1028]

A work mate of mine back in the days used to travel from his home outside Aberdeen, down to Wallsend on Tyneside where the top sides were being constructed for the Mobil Beryl B oil platform and leaving around 5:30 am used to be on site at about 08:00 and he drove this cars big brother, a 7 seater converted to a camper-truck. Now-a-days with fuel/diesel at record pricing , he would have needed to spend around £150 as his had two fuel tanks, similar to a MOD Services Landrover.

[@animalcol1]

I'd very much like one of these!

[@dgl7347]

Excellent 👍

[@scalecrawlnl]

Fun review of a cool truck, if you have an outdoor KZbin channel, perfect, surfboards on the roof! Looks good also in 1/10 th scale radio control versions. An evergreen truck!

[@moriwaki1105]

Had mine 2 years and it's been great .....easy to service yourself and smooth power...that motor has roller rockers on hydraulic tappets with chain driven cams....one of the best motors in the world....just ask Lotus.