2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Highlights

• Toyota’s 4.0-litre V6-powered homage to the FJ40
• Distinctive Tonka-toy looks
• Imported 2014, just two owners since
• Underside cleaned and undersealed twice in recent years
• Private FJ plate included

Overview

And now for something completely different. It’s well known that we love a bit of JDM goodness at PH and here’s Toyota’s charming tribute to its classic FJ40 as a prime example of the kind of interesting fayre that we don’t always get here in the UK. Introduced in 2006, this funky-looking off-roader comes with the kind of know-how that underpins the reliability of the Toyota Land Cruiser but here comes with a distinctly more manageable footprint that makes it much more usable day to day. Rear-hinged back doors and a side-hinged rear door provide access to a very practical cabin and it provides an intriguing alternative to the ubiquitous Defender.

The choice of power plant probably belies the US-focused nature of the brief (the concept which previewed the FJ was launched stateside) and, while a petrol 4.0-litre V6 is not the sort of thing that you’re likely to see in any product plans in the near future without some sort of accompanying battery gubbins, it makes for the kind of torquey and flexible companion that you want if you’re off the grey stuff. There’s a five speed automatic ‘box and you can choose between 2 or 4-wheel drive in high gear and there’s a 4WD low range option, too.

They are popular in Australia but this particular right hand drive car started life in Japan and was imported to the UK at three years old with a mere 26k kilometres on the clock. Since then it’s seen just two owners in the UK and the seller appears to have been particularly diligent in looking after it as he tells us that he has cleaned and undersealed the car twice since 2021. The matt grey wrap that was applied by a previous owner conceals the contrasting black and white colour scheme that’s listed on the V5 but there’s always the option to do your own thing.

Whichever way you go with the colour scheme, you’re quite unlikely to meet another one here in Blighty as there look to be fewer than 20 currently registered here. But as it has the advantage of being built from mostly standard Toyota bits, we imagine that it should be straightforward to maintain. So, if you need something to tackle the rough stuff and/or are looking for a distinctive vehicle, this looks to be an excellent choice.

History and documentation

• Manufactured 2013
• First registered in the UK 1 May 2016, export certificate showing 26,402km on the odometer
• Other export documents also included
• Invoices for services in the UK as follows: Sep 2020 @ 44,697 km, Nov 2023 @ 53,679 km
• The owner advises that the next service is due in 7,000 miles
• Full document pack in Japanese plus DVD, sat nav instructions
• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates
• Two keys
• Current MOT with no advisories expires 20 Aug 2024
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• Private plate FJ03CAM included in the sale
• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Have you ever studied the inside of a Tonka truck? Us neither, but we imagine this is pretty much what it would look like with the chunky exterior design themes continuing in the cabin and a modern take on the hard-wearing and practical FJ40 interior
• The floor looks to be hosable but is fitted with carpet mats
• There also some mod cons, notably a Pioneer DVD player/ sat nav with Bluetooth phone connections and reversing camera, air conditioning and parking sensors
• Dash cams are fitted to the front and rear
• The cloth seats have no noticeable wear and no marks or tears
• Up above, the headlining is secure, though shows a few signs of use above the rear load area
• There’s a chunky-looking aftermarket subwoofer mounted in the boot
• A full tool kit is concealed in the side panel and a full size spare wheel is mounted on the outside of the rear door

Exterior

• Taking inspiration from the classic FJ40, the FJ Cruiser presents a modern take on the classic off-roader formula and will stand out in the UK where it’s a rare sight
• Rear-hinged back doors and a side-hinged rear door with a separately opening window help to make the most of its practicality
• The first UK owner had the car wrapped all over in matt grey which conceals what is believed to be a two-tone paint scheme underneath
• On close inspection, the wrap shows a few small marks but overall presents very well
• The bodywork looks to be straight with only a tiny dent in the passenger door
• A scrape on the passenger side step below the front door is the only other blemish of note that we could see
• The wheels are of a distinctive eight hole alloy wheel design and are in great condition throughout, no doubt helped by the chunky side walls on tyres which are reported to have covered fewer than 6,000 miles
• The owner tells us that he has cleaned and painted the underside of vehicle twice since 2021 and it seems to have paid dividends as it looks very clean underneath
• There is a tow bar with removable tow ball fitted and wired to 13-pin socket
• Overall, it’s a real head-turner that we’re sure will garner much positive attention

Mechanical

• 3,956cc dual overhead cam V6 petrol engine nestles in a tidy engine bay
• Five speed automatic transmission
• Selectable 2 or 4-wheel drive high range or 4-wheel drive low range
• Replacement battery has three years warranty remaining
• The owner tells us that the front brake pads were replaced 2,500 miles ago and that it has another 7,000 miles before another service is due
• It reportedly starts, goes, stops and steers just as it should

Summary

The FJ Cruiser may not have been brought over to these shores originally but we’re very glad that some people took the plunge and imported them. It’s a fun and distinctive vehicle that has a useful dose of practicality and off-road ability. This one looks to have been well cared for and, given its parentage, it should be good for many more years and miles yet.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Dereham, Norfolk.