If you want a used Toyota FJ Cruiser, prepare for high asking prices. This retired midsize SUV is popular thanks to its retro styling, off-roading chops, and dependability. Consider yourself lucky if you find one of the following reliable FJ Cruiser model years for under $15,000.

Note: Regardless of the reliability score, obtain a vehicle history report and have a trusted mechanic perform an inspection to uncover potential problems before purchasing any used car. Also, prices vary depending on the trim, mileage, overall condition, and location.

2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser 

The 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser boasts a “great” reliability score of 86 out of 100 from J.D. Power. Owners gave it a similarly high 84 for the driving experience. The market research firm even ranks the 2008 FJ Cruiser first in the compact SUV segment for that year. And U.S. News gives this model year an overall 8.5 out of 10 rating.

Highlights include a rugged design, off-roading skills, and a comfortable ride on paved roads. The FJ Cruiser’s drawbacks are severe blind spots, a cramped backseat that’s difficult to access, cheap-looking materials, and lackluster gas mileage of 15 to 16 mpg in the city and 18 to 20 mpg on the highway.

Regardless, 2008 is one of the most reliable FJ Cruiser model years under $15,000. Most buyers pay an average of $11,611 to $13,442 for a used one.

2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser

J.D. Power doesn’t provide a reliability score for the 2009 FJ Cruiser on its site, but U.S. News shows a reliability ranking of 4.5 out of 5 from the research firm. This model year also earned an overall 8.5 from U.S. News.

Current average prices for a used 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser range between $14,040 and $16,822. That’s fairly reasonable, especially for a four-wheel-drive model.

U.S. News likes the easy-to-clean interior, bold styling, and off-road capability. But the site knocks the 2009 FJ Cruiser’s handling on pavement, poor visibility, and cramped backseat. 

New features in the 2009 model include standard roll-sensing side curtain airbags, active head restraints, and an available backup camera. But the EPA-estimated fuel economy numbers remain the same as the 2008 model’s ratings.

2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser

The 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser earned a J.D. Power quality and reliability score of 86 out of 100. It also has an 82 for the driving experience. U.S. News gave this model year an overall rating of 8.2, slightly lower than 2008’s and 2009’s 8.5.

Highlights are off-roading capabilities, excellent safety ratings, and the FJ Cruiser’s unmistakable styling. Its weaknesses remain the same as previous years, with a cramped back seat, less-than-stellar performance on paved roads, and an interior that feels cheap.

But this newer model year gets slightly better gas mileage. The 2010 FJ Cruiser achieves 15 to 17 mpg in the city and 19 to 22 mpg on the highway. In addition, U.S. News awarded this model its 2010 Best Off-Road SUVs for the Money award. The average price range for a used 2010 FJ Cruiser is $14,788 to $17,780.

Considering the final FJ Cruiser model year in America was 2014, finding one on the used market is challenging. But if you can locate one and afford the asking price, this SUV is worth adding to your collection.