Cars and Bids Bargain of the Week: 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
The original FJ40 Land Cruiser didn’t just help establish Toyota’s reputation for building reliable, long-lasting vehicles. In recent years it’s also been one of several symbols of growing interest in classic SUVs. As such, it looms large enough in the Japanese automaker’s history to have inspired a retro remake: the Toyota FJ Cruiser. And this week on Cars and Bids, you can get one of these retro SUVs at a bargain price.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser combined 4Runner capability with retro style
Toyota launched the FJ Cruiser for the 2007 model year, right around the time when many automakers were releasing retro models, Autotrader reports. This is the same period that gave us the Chevrolet SSR and HHR, for example. But while the FJ Cruiser’s styling is undoubtedly a selling point, underneath it is a capable off-road SUV.
That capability comes from the fact that the Toyota FJ Cruiser is based on the contemporary 4Runner. It has the same body-on-frame platform, though the FJ is about 11” shorter overall, Automobile reports. The SUVs also have the same 4.0-liter V6, which for the 2007 model year, makes 239 hp and 278 lb-ft, Autotrader reports. And, like the 4Runner, the FJ Cruiser came standard with RWD, while 4WD with a transfer case was optional.
However, there’s one powertrain area where the Toyota FJ Cruiser differs from the contemporary 4Runner. While both SUVs offered a five-speed automatic, 4WD-equipped FJs could get a six-speed manual. Plus, the 4WD system comes with a limited-slip center differential and an optional locking rear differential, Roadshow reports.
Combined with standard skid plates, 9.6” of ground clearance, and good approach/departure angles, and the FJ Cruiser is a fitting homage to the original, Roadshow and Hagerty report. And the later Trail Teams Editions just added on to that. But even in stock form, the SUV has 7.9” of front suspension travel, 9.1” of rear travel, and a hose-out interior, Car and Driver reports.
The 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser on Cars and Bids
As you can undoubtedly tell, this 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser currently listed on Cars and Bids isn’t a stock example.
It’s been covered in Raptor spray-on bedliner, which admittedly does make it more scratch-resistant. Other modifications include a TRD snorkel, a brush guard, a Viper alarm system with remote start, tinted windows, an engine block heater, and an Alpine audio system with Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. It also has a backup camera, which wasn’t an option until 2009, Autotrader reports.
However, this 2007 FJ Cruiser also comes well-equipped from the factory. It has a manual transmission, as well as 4WD with the locking rear differential and traction control. And it has the Convenience Package, which includes rear parking sensors, a rear wiper, cruise control, DRLs, remote keyless entry, and power mirrors with marker lights.
This 2007 FJ Cruiser has a few flaws, mainly some underbody rust as well as some scratches, dings, and chips. But it has less than 89,000 miles on the clock. And Cars and Bids reports the current owner has only needed to change the oil and rotate the tires.
It’s a slightly unconventional but well-modified funky off-road bargain
As of this writing, this 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser is listed on Cars and Bids at $7100 with three days left in the auction. True, the Raptor liner paint job might not be to everyone’s liking. But for an FJ, this 2007 example is a relatively low-mileage example.
Used FJ Cruisers, like 4Runners, have held their values well, especially the 4WD and Trail Teams models. It’s hard to find one on Bring a Trailer for less than $30k. And as of this writing, the cheapest sub-100k-mile example on Autotrader costs over twice as much as this 2007 one.
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