Toyota FJ Cruiser
0-100 km/h: 8,57 seconds Top speed: 175 km/h Power: 200 kw Torque: 380 N.m CO2: 278g/km Fuel consumption: 14,28 L/100 km (fuel index) 5 seats, 344/1 288 L 6 airbags, ESC R10 724 November 2012 (FJ Desert Cruiser AT)
Back in the days when most Toyotas were considered too conservative, out came the Japanese firm with something totally left field; the highly capable, style-centric, suicide-doored FJ Cruiser. The FJ had everything needed to turn heads and it remains so to this day. Not every‐ one is a fan of large American-style vehicles but this one blended brute force with a dash of old FJ tradition to add sparkle to the streets and trails. No surprises, then, to find it was de‐ signed at Toyota’s design centre in California.
Circular headlamps (and bolt-on spots) were retro, remaining highly practical and attractive to the minds of many. Perhaps the one missing link would have been a diesel engine to in‐ crease its scope. Instead, a 4,0-litre petrol V6 mated with a five-speed automatic transmission did the pulling. It went on sale back in 2011, not that many were shifted in the last decade, but these vehicles will be well maintained and retain their value. In 2011, the price as new was R450 000 and even these early models can still fetch around R300 000 if the vehicle hasn’t been to the moon and back. That is 67% value retention over nine years!
The interior has plenty of chunky controls, rear suicide doors with hidden handles and it is a spacious five-seater with a large boot. Off-road capabilities come from selectable rear- or allwheel drive with low range. Also switchable are the rear diff-lock and front limited-slip diff. The suspension comprises double-wishbones up front and a four-link setup at the rear offer‐ ing up a quality ride both on- and off-road. There are precious few used examples on offer, but many have lowish mileages. As mentioned, prices aren’t cheap, but then it is a Toyota. In fact, similar model year Fortuners fetch comparable prices. Items to look out for are brake vibration and engine coolant slow leaks. It’s also worth checking the heating and air-con operation. The only serious issue, sadly, is fuel consumption. Around 15,00 L/100 km will see you paying more than your fair share in tax and gas. A five-year/90 000 km service plan is part of the package.