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

[@CondeEdison]

I have an FJ and this is the most honest review online. Your videos are a wealth of knowledge. Thanks for all the info.

[@VikingsGarage]

Thank you so much. I appreciate your kind words! 🙏🏻

[@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

[@seangould3664]

Got mine in 2013 and drive it every single day

[@AaronShirey-rz3su]

Great video! I bought my 2011 just over 2 years ago w 176,000 and now over 190,000. This has been a great daily and gets really good gas mileage because it's a manual. I have only replaced the battery and adjusted the parking brake through watching youtube. Excellent purchase, and I love this thing. I would encourage anyone who wants an FJ to buy a manual transmission if you can find one. Only 10% were made for the USA sales. I can get my gas mileage to 23-24 mpg on average. However, if you go over 70 on the Hwy, you will see your gas tank plummet alot faster.

[@VikingsGarage]

They do definitely waste a lot of gas.

[@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!

[@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 😉)

[@dslewis01]

I'm blessed w/ 2 FJs ('11 & '07) Daily drivers. One of the best upgrades I have done is swapping the OEM rear-view mirror w/ a 10" full screen mirror dash cam w/ front & rear cameras; this essentially eliminates the blind spot situation. (12" interferes w/ visors & I swapped my 07's visors w/ smaller sized '10 & up) , I also added the interior side visors). 💯% 👀👍

[@VikingsGarage]

Interesting! 👍🏻

[@ttheway2life157]

got mine in 2021 and is my daily driver. 177K mils two cross country trips. 95 miles per hour smooth ride.

[@VikingsGarage]

🤘🏻

[@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!

[@av8ferg237]

have both vehicles a 2023 4Runner TRD Off-Road and a 2012 FJ Cruiser. The 4Runner is a better overall vehicle and a better daily driver. I love both my vehicles. The FJ has its quirks but I knew going in and much is fixable (I installed Clazzio leather Seat covers, new Apple Car Play compatible Sony head unit with back up and front cameras, window visors, and Suma blind spot mirrors.), and now it’s almost perfect. I love how nibble it is compared the 4Runner which feels like a tank. They both get the exact same fuel economy 18.9 is what I average in both. Can hit 21 mpg on highway if I keep it under 65mph. I got the FJ because it’s iconic, love the looks and I personally believe all vehicles you own should have some off-road capability. This philosophy has saved my bacon countless times, with snowstorms, floods, and emergency situations. Having a vehicle ready to conquer any situation is just common sense. Both the FJ and 4Runner can go almost anywhere but it you told I could only have one, I’d cry and ultimately keep the 4Runner.

[@VikingsGarage]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I appreciate you sharing this! I agree 💯 Same exact feeling here. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.

[@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. 👍🏻

[@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.

[@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!!👏🏻👏🏻

[@rayandolina11]

@@VikingsGarage thanks! You are definitely not alone! 😬

[@jeffmclinn3168]

I had no doubt what your daily driver was. But ever since the FJ cruiser came out I remember admiring them on the showroom floor. Coolest off-road vehicle I’ve ever seen. Never have owned one, but always love them. But absolutely love my 2018 4 runner. And to add to my story I also remember back around 1977, looking all through a brand new FJ 40 Land Cruiser at an Oklahoma City Toyota dealer. Fell in love with that too.

[@VikingsGarage]

Very cool story!! I appreciate you taking the time to share it! FJ CRUISER design is timeless indeed.

[@rosarioverastegui8405]

I will ❤FJ forever ! I got it 12 years ago, I use it dayly, have no problem at all driving it. I feel safe and secure, confortable and powerful. No issues with from window as you mentioned, no leaking nothing after washing it. The door are so funny and people surprised when open them. I will never sell my Garuda (its name). Besides that if I sell it cost $4,000 more that I’ve paid for it now.

[@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

[@CEling-e1b]

@@VikingsGarage Thank you! With your help and vids I might just make it :)

[@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!! 👍🏻

[@cesarponce6532]

The camera is not useless. It saved me from hitting some walmart carts.

[@VikingsGarage]

Still, the smallest back up camera ever.

[@mattsantana7701]

I went from a spec'd out manual Porsche 981 to a manual trail teams and though it ain't a sharp scalpel on the twisty roads, quick on the on ramp, or wrapped in leather, the FJ drives great on a windy highway, freeway, and best of all, I can load it up with fishing, hunting, surfing, and camping gear and get off the paved road. Every bit as ergonomic a car to drive, and ride in as pricier German machine.

[@VikingsGarage]

👍🏻

[@dylanthevillain1666]

Do you miss the HP and sporty feeling of the Porsche? I currently have a Camaro, planning on selling it and getting an FJ soon, but I'm a little worried I'm gonna miss how the Camaro feels to drive. I would love the extra space though

[@brkly99]

I has mine for 10 years, still sad that I had to sell it (due to a move overseas). Most character of any car I have owned. My brother owned his for 17 years and drove the crap out of it. Daily drivers for both of us. Very reliable, no issues for either of us. Amazing winter cars, unstoppable even in deep snow. I was surprised by the price my brother got for it, it appears they are in quite some demand. Agree on the poor fuel economy, which along with the small fuel tank was irritating. Also on the poor rear visibility, especially since we got ours before back up cameras were a thing. A final one I would add is that they are very tall with the roof rack, which was an issue for access to a lot of parking garages. A plus is that the interior was very easy to maintain, remained like new even after 10/17 years. It will remain one of the favourite cars I have owned.

[@VikingsGarage]

An absolute gem of a car!! I appreciate you sharing your story.

[@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. 👏🏻

[@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.

[@cantbuyrespect]

For the blinking compass, you need to find which zone you are in and set it to that zone. then while it is programming you have to drive it in circles until it calibrates

[@VikingsGarage]

I appreciate you taking the time to explain, I manage to finally be able to calibrate it, it was in some sort of weird mode. I ended disconnecting the battery and retrying. SUCCESS!! 👍🏻

[@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]

😅🤘🏻

[@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.

[@innertube205]

I bought my ‘12 in November of ‘22. It didn’t come with an owner’s manual. Thanks! I DD my FJ. It is a few miles short of 199,000 miles.

[@VikingsGarage]

@innertube205 awesome 👏🏻

[@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!

[@petescarperi3711]

Have a 2010 Trail Teams FJ , with 225,000, miles , been my daily drive most of the 15 years of ownership. Love the truck , hoping Toyota brings it back soon with a V6 , no turbo 4 banger please….

[@VikingsGarage]

Imagine if they did.. 😜

[@homesteadappraisal]

I mostly use as a daily driver I do have a few subarus for city driving as there is little visibility. I have had the frame sanded, woolwax and under coated to save it from the dreaded rust (My friend just lost a nice 07 tundra from frame rot. (new brakes all around, shocks, tires ko2, and probably $2000 in other repairs) I just love the car and do not think I could ever sell it. After 26 cars it still brings a smile to my face and I have had for almost 3 yrs bought with 142K I think I have 185K I would get a 4 runner for a daily if I did not have this one. Great Videos Viking I am in Nj as well and like seeing the roads where you film keep them coming

[@VikingsGarage]

Much appreciated brother!! 🤘🏻

[@pragmatist7455]

Wow, this was an eye opener. I was cross shopping an FJ Cruiser but ended up with the 4Runner and I'm glad I did. Wouldn't mind an FJ as a extra vehicle in the future though.

[@VikingsGarage]

😉👏🏻

[@henniebouwmans7879]

Got mine 2016 brand new the best car i have ever driven it has its negative but what car do not ,if you pick shit on all cars you will never byone ,my hase 2 tanks go any were ,just love it 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@VikingsGarage]

With 2 tanks, it’s starting to sound more appealing. I appreciate you watching!!

[@oskar009]

Got the 1st 2012 Red FJ in my town it’s my daily driver and love it! Haven’t done any special MOD to it, just enjoying it.

[@VikingsGarage]

That’s awesome, great color choice!! 😋

[@joelchaplaincare621]

Gday mate. My FJ Tyres are: 285 x 70 x R17 BF Goodrich TRAIL terrains. (Not all terrain). Trail terrains have the least rolling resistance (apparently). Very little road noise also. The larger Tyres, had No problem fitting on the front, there was no rubbing. Just right. I don’t think ide want to go on with any bigger tyres at all. Live in outback Australia. And do much HWY and long dirt tracks. Noticed with the tyres, my car speedo is now exact with the GPS speed. It’s a 2012 model, newer v6 than the older FJ. Run it on 91 unleaded here (premium is 98). I Had a 110 litre after market sub tank put under the back. Doesn’t hang too low. Plus the 72 litre original tank. Now 182 litres. Now get 1300km range. That’s 808 miles. For Highway travel. Ideal car for out here. God bless.

[@VikingsGarage]

I appreciate you sharing this!! I’ve been seriously considering installing a bigger tank . 👍🏻

[@joelchaplaincare621]

1300km is maximum distance.

[@VikingsGarage]

@joelchaplaincare621 I’ll take it any day, the best I’ve ever seen out of it was 315 miles (gas light had been on for 10miles)

[@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 ?

[@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) 👍🏻

[@juliusjimfontanilla407]

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

[@VikingsGarage]

👍🏻

[@jesusmercado6947]

The FJ cruiser reminds me of a Hummer H2 but a smaller version.

[@VikingsGarage]

It’s so funny you say that, my wife said the same exact thing the other day. They both do have a similar shape in a way.

[@mightymikee]

I driven my TJ everyday for 15 years. I recently got FJ about 3 years ago. FJ feels like Mercedez compared to a TJ.

[@VikingsGarage]

Oh I can believe that!! Wait until you try I 5th Gen 4runner , you’ll wish you did it sooner!! 👊🏻

[@mohammedhadi1098]

Igot 2022 model with 43km only they stoped reducing the fj cruiser in the gcc countries on 2023 ihave owne alot of cars rav4 2020, prado 2019, mustang , rangler , they all sucks to me when i bought the fj this car is a legend and legends never die 🍺

[@VikingsGarage]

🤘🏻

[@oscarpallaresmedia21]

I'm on my second fjc, now an 07 manual, daily drive it and love it, I don't know why can u DD it? I like it better than my wife 21 4runner but it's prob because the 6sp. I got 2.5" lift, heavy bumpers winch and still on 16 17mpg. I did installed a backup camera and power tailgate rear window. Running on 87 octane with no issues as well. And I also have a 02 S2k 👍

[@VikingsGarage]

It’s not comfortable at all, I do have back problems. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@oscarpallaresmedia21]

@@VikingsGarage feels like the 4r confort wise.

[@VikingsGarage]

Not to me it doesn’t

[@jagaro]

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

[@VikingsGarage]

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

[@1emerson1]

i’m in between this and a porsche cayenne diesel for a suv capable of towing a track car. i love toyota but towing a (future) 911 with another porsche sounds badass.

[@VikingsGarage]

I have to agree, plus those diesel Cayennes are 🤌🏻

[@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. 👊🏻

[@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

[@nickgeorgiou4350]

Do 3 full turns counterclockwise holding button down and it will go away and will be calibrated

[@VikingsGarage]

I will give it a shot. Thank you!!

[@MrWeliz]

My 08 has 16" wheels from factory

[@VikingsGarage]

I believe it. Great wheels!

[@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!! 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@UncleFjester]

*What kind of Valet Spots do you get with either Toyota? Yeah, not up front and hidden in back? Not Gonna Daily my FJ for that one important reason!*

[@VikingsGarage]

Very interesting point Mr. Uncle FJester 🤔

[@nickgeorgiou4350]

Ko2 are actually really dangerous in the rain

[@VikingsGarage]

Really! Never heard that

[@CoolStuff..]

cool

[@imtherealjoeyd]

I hate the ko2! So dangerous in the light rain and really just wet roads. I almost crashed multiple times. Great off road, in ice and regular dry pavement. Just my 2 cents. Maybe the ko3 are better

[@VikingsGarage]

Wow, you’re the second viewer warning me of that. I had no idea, I’ll be mindful of that. Thank you!!

[@audaciouscitizen.9313]

This guy, ……speaks, ……like, ……William Shatner’s ……Captain Kirk …..and never did, ……..tell us, ……about,…….the daily driver, …that, …..he’d recommend. But, …….you must-stay tuned, …….for, ……that information, ……..until, ….the end of the video.

[@VikingsGarage]

I sure did… Sir! Did you watch …. The whole thing? I did get into the 4Runner instead of the FJ CRUISER right at the end. 😅😉🤘🏻

[@Echo22WC]

......thats like your opinion man.

[@VikingsGarage]

💯

[@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.

[@MrBakakeng]

2 min intro is tooooo long so i stopped watching.

[@VikingsGarage]

Your loss!!

[@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!! 🇦🇺🤘🏻

[@rosarioverastegui8405]

No problem driving back too, (I have no cámara)