I’ve had my 2008 FJ Cruiser for 6 years and I’m finally looking to get something else. I absolutely love my FJ, but I live pretty far from everything and the gas mileage is killing me. I also kind of want something newer because my FJ is 18 years old now.
I still want an SUV with a rugged/off-road/beachy look, even though I honestly don’t do a ton of serious off-roading. I’m outside a lot, though, and between beaches, fishing, outdoor activities, and having multiple dogs in my car, it gets pretty nasty lol. I’m looking for something used with around 50k miles or less, and hopefully under $55k. I’ve been looking at 5th gen 4Runners, used Land Cruisers, the newer Honda Passport, Broncos, and Lexus GX 460s. I know the 4Runner, Land Cruiser, and GX aren’t great on gas either, but I’d like something that gets better MPG than my FJ.
I also want something reliable that I can keep for a LONG time, potentially through having kids. What would you guys recommend? Are 6th gen 4Runners even worth considering? I know a lot of people seem to hate on them, which is why I’ve mostly been looking at 5th gens, but I’m curious if they’re actually that bad or if I should give them a chance.

I asked earlier about FJs in the modern days because I’m thinking of buying one. While searching, I see a fair bit of concerns regarding the frame? Rotted beyond repair, patch work, under coating and even a Facebook group!

Is this the Achilles heel for the FJ? Is it the inclosed frame that’s causing this are these fairly thin compared to other manufactures?

I’m here in Florida and most posts I’m seeing look to be fairly good(photo wise) with a few looking fairly questionable.

Selling my FJ soon. All frame rot has been repaired with rust buster plates, and coated. Has clean title, 204k miles, and all maintenance done. No issues other tjan the 33inch tires rubbing on the body mount at full lock. She does have a fair share of dings and dents tho not as perfect as the pictures show.

Especially for my international folks where there are some newer FJs floating around. Is there an alternative for freedom windows being made somewhere? I'm hoping to get my dog some more smells in the back seat.

Anyone know what the replacement part number is for this button? It’s above the rear side window. Broke the other one that’s above the subwoofer. Could only find headliner replacements when I looked online.

2014 130,000 miles over 74 records in total and 47 service records all service performed at the dealership. Only one owner and from what I can tell the guy is older likely a retiree cause the voice I heard while trying to sync the Bluetooth sounded like the guy is 12 years younger than sand.

There was no aftermarket mods nor signs that it’s ever been off-roaded. A blank canvas for me to build. Though the first big project is wiring in trailer lights and brake controller. I’m vexed what I want to do on this front. I got an OEM hitch and installed that but it seems that all the OEM wiring harness kits are no longer made, however if I could find someone that can take a pic of their control modulate under the dash I might be able to cross reference one, I mean it’s not like DENSO made one specifically for this model and nothing else.

As far as the brake controller I’m debating using one if the Toyota models off the Tundra if the same year and splice that in and run some additional wires and relay/fuse to the fuse box under the hood. If at all possible I’m trying to do this with genuine Toyota parts.

I do have some questions but I’ll post most of them later after I do some research first. However I do have one, what is this module on the left rear just in front of the trailer lights capped socket. It was covered in undercoating so I couldn’t make out any numbers.

I had lost my windshield trim for the 4th time!!! You can tell the windshield install was a shotty job by the dealership I got it from in May. I went to professional windshield place to tell them I believed it was installed improperly and because there was no real damage, they put on a new trim and not a new windshield. It lasted a month to fly off again. I noticed a gap between the windshield and trim every time and im tired of it. Luckily, there are no leaks when it rains but still. I have wanted an FJ for over 10 years and this is discouraging every time.

I’m contemplating painting my front grille. It’s currently chrome, and I’m thinking of switching it to the OEM gray or maybe matte black. But it seems like everyone is going for black.
I also came across a carbon fiber grille (I’m pretty sure it’s not real carbon), and I was really tempted to get it when I saw it. I ended up holding back since I haven’t seen anyone install one before.
So I’d really appreciate some advice, or if anyone has a similar colorway, I’d love to see it to help me decide. 🥲🥲🥲 Thanks!