Highlights
- Imported from Japan in 2022
- Excellent condition
- Fantastic off-road capability
- Desirable All-Terrain package
The Appeal
A retro styled SUV produced between 2006 and 2022, the FJ Cruiser is based on Toyotas long time off-road leader, the Land Cruiser, so the FJ had some pretty big shoes to fill. Thankfully, the charming Toyota was more than up to the task, especially when fitted with the All-Terrain package such as this one, which includes uprated shock absorbers, BF Goodrich Rugged Trail tyres, and off-road 16 inch alloy wheels. Perfectly capable of handling whatever you throw at it whether it be in the urban jungle, or the actual jungle!
Imported from Japan in February of 2022, the vehicle presents itself in outstanding condition inside and out, thanks to the dry and salt-free Japanese roads, the underside is a welcoming place for any set of eyes showing virtually no signs of rust or corrosion.
The History and Paperwork
- Originally registered on the 1st of February 2011 in Aichi, Japan
- Imported over to the UK on the 17th of February 2022 by Prodrift UK
- UK registered on the 20th of May 2022
- JEVIC certificate of odometer verification present
- Current style V5C is present and in the current keepers name ready for transfer
- MOT certificate present with a clean pass shown
- Current MOT valid until the 18th of January 2024
- Original Japanese warranty paperwork present
- Original owners manual and paperwork
The Interior
- Fabric seats with foldable arm rests in the front
- Leather-backed seats and leather headrests
- Rugged plastic dash panelling and door cards for easy cleaning
- Hints of blue paintwork to match the exterior
- Rugged rear storage compartment with bungee cord and foldable rear seats
- Aftermarket head unit fitted
- High and low gear transmission shifter
Excellently well presented, wherever you look. As is the case with many Japanese imports, this example is very well kept and you’d be easily fooled into believing that there was much, much less mileage on it than there currently is.
Starting in the front, both front seats are very well maintained with no signs of any damage or wear throughout, and the folding side armrests remain completely functional as you would expect. The steering wheel directly ahead, is also presented wonderfully with the leather completely intact and the stitching remaining perfect and with no apparent damage done to the airbag cover or the multifunctional buttons.
Just behind the steering wheel, the gauges all function as they should, and present no unwelcome warning signs upon starting up the vehicle. Moving across the dashboard, the painted blue centre console remains undamaged and in lovely condition, with all of the controls completely functional and clear to read. An aftermarket head unit has been fitted, presumably when the vehicle was imported to the UK so that it was easier to work with. Just underneath the centre console, the high and low gear shifter can be found along with the automatic transmission shifter, all of the plastic surrounds remain in excellent form.
Moving into the rear, the seats here remain in a similar condition to the front showing virtually no signs of use or wear with no damage done to any of the surrounding plastics. The view from the rear seats is rather poor however due to the very wide rear pillars, and miniscule rear windows - it makes for a somewhat unexciting ride along. Floor carpets are all present and remain nice and plush with no damage, too!
Door cars for the front and rear are all well presented with only minimal cuffs, nothing poor to report here - even the blue paintwork in the centre of the doors appears to be untouched. Headlining is of course in great condition, as is the boot compartment with its rugged textured lining.
All in all, this FJ is very well looked after - it’s honestly akin to one that has not long rolled off of the production line, the owners have obviously taken extreme care through the years, both in Japan and in the UK since it was brought over.
The Exterior
- Voodoo Blue paintwork
- Roof Rack with Halogen Super Sport lights
- Rear-mounted spare wheel
- All-terrain package with BF Goodrich tyres
- Side steps
- Excellent plastics
Some colours are just massively underappreciated, and Voodoo Blue has got to be on that list - a gorgeous and vibrant colour that really sets you apart from the crowd. Most people opt for the more subdued whites, greys, blacks, something that blends into traffic.. Not here, though, and we absolutely love it.
Starting at the front of the Cruiser, everything is seemingly excellently presented with no apparent paint damage and seemingly no stone chips that we can pinpoint. The silver grille is of the same condition, and the black plastic bumper remains damage-free with no sign of fading. Headlamps remain crystal clear with no rock chips or cracks and no water ingress either. All of the panel gaps and fittings appear to be of factory fitment.
Moving around to the side, the bodywork remains in fantastic condition with no signs of any damage, panels remain straight and true with factory panel gaps. The desirable wheel and tyre package comes into immediate view here too, featuring chunky BF Goodrich All Terrain tyres which seem to have a good amount of tread, and 16-inch off-road wheels which are also in excellent shape. The plastic arches over the wheels appear to be in good condition with no signs of fading, and the side steps only present minor signs of use as to be expected.
To the rear of the Toyota, much of the story remains the same. Paintwork is lovely and free from damage, featuring the spare wheel mounted to the tailgate in untouched condition. The rear badge designations remain to have excellent shine without fading, and the plastic trim is excellent too.
Mounted to the roof are the original roof bars, as well as a full set of five FX1100 Halogen Super Sport spotlights for when the mood hits to do some late night mudding. You’ll never be left stranded with this capable Cruiser.
The Mechanics
- 4.0-Litre 1GR-FE V6 petrol engine
- 5-speed automatic transmission
- Four-wheel drive configuration
- Excellent mechanical health
- 259 BHP and 270 LB-FT of torque
- Outstanding off-road capability
Of course, living in the shadow of the almighty Land Cruiser is somewhat daunting, but the FJ Cruiser has powered through the criticism with absolute ease - not only living up to its older brother's praise, but exceeding it in almost every aspect. These Toyotas are still built tough.
The 4.0-litre V6 engine provides plenty of power and torque for any task thrown in the SUV’s direction, and it is reported that the engine remains in great health with an easy startup and a smooth idle with no unusual noises present, providing a smooth and linear power output. The 5-speed automatic transmission is also in good shape, the shifts remain smooth and balanced, easily and quickly finding the correct and best gear to be in given your throttle position and engine load.
It becomes evident that the Cruiser has lived an easy life when you peer underneath, the chassis is presented in wonderful shape with only very minor signs of surface corrosion - barely even worth noting. A proper example of why it's so worthwhile to import a Japanese example, as a UK equivalent would more than likely be half rotten by now because of our salt infested roads in the winter.
Summary
If you’re in the market for a capable modern off-roader, you really needn’t look any further than this. Presented in outstanding condition both inside, outside and even underneath, you can rest assured that this Cruiser is good to go for many, many years to come under the right custodianship.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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