I decided to dig around and see what Toyota owners are talking about on Reddit and found an interesting thread, to which resonated with me. A user that goes by Blastoised009 started a thread about his 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser, with which he doesn't want to part ways, but may have to due to unpleasant circumstances. This raises a question about the prices of these retro-styled Japanese SUVs, and naturally, I decided to do a bit of research and share my findings. Here's what he says:
“My company is going to be doing layoffs soon and I won’t know if I’m impacted until 3 weeks from now. I guess I’m curious what price you all think a 2014 black FJ with 99k miles, and no mechanical issues should go for these days. Blue book value seems low, and I can’t find any 2014s on Facebook Marketplace.”
The FJ Cruiser retains value extremely well
Like most Toyota SUVs built in the 2000s and 2010s, the FJ Cruiser has retained its value extremely well. In 2014, a brand-new FJ Cruiser had a starting MSRP of $27,680. By using an Inflation calculator, I calculated that in 2025 money, this equates to $37,392. The range-topping variant, with four-wheel-drive and an automatic transmission, had an MSRP of $29,270 or $39,539 in today's money.
Looking at current 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser prices, we see that examples with around 100,000 miles on the odometer will set you back around $30,000 to $33,000. Those prices could drop when the new FJ Cruiser arrives in a year or two. Later variants (2010 and newer), which have the VVTi version of the 1GR-FE V-6 engine, are typically preferable. The price may vary depending on what modifications have been done to the Japanese SUV. I went with stock examples for the price reference.
Toyota FJ Cruiser performance specifications
- Engine: 4.0-liter, DOHC, normally aspirated V-6
- Power: 239 horsepower at 5,200 RPM/ 272 horsepower at
- Torque: 278 pound-feet at 3,700 RPM
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic/ 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain: Front-mounted, longitudinal engine, rear-wheel-drive or permanent four-wheel drive
- Curb weight: 4,343 pounds
- 0-60 mph: 7.2 seconds
- Top speed: 110 mph
- Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
- Ground clearance: 9.6 inches
- Wading depth: approx. 27.5 inches
- Approach/ Departure/ Break-over angle (degrees): 34/ 30/ 27.4
I am yet to see someone asking obscene amounts of money for an FJ Cruiser, but there are other models like this obscenely priced 2024 Toyota 4Runner, which I recently came across. With newer Toyota models seemingly falling out of favor, many owners rightfully opt to keep the older ones running.
The new 4Runner, while bringing more refinement to the model, isn't looked upon as favorably as the old fifth generation, and there are a few reasons why some owners are opting for the Honda Passport instead. No surprise, the owner of this 2014 SUV couldn't find reference points on Facebook Marketplace.
Fellow Toyota members have chimed in with educated comments. Here are some of them.
Bzbeer says: “Using CarFax, looked up all 2014 FJs for sale in the US with odo between 90K and 110K. The cheapest one is $26K in PA and the most expensive one is $35K in NJ (excluding the Trail Teams Editions which are close to $40K).
And these are dealer prices, so a private sale would be a bit lower. I think $24K - $30K would be a good price range. Around $24K would ensure quick sale, but if you have time list at $30K and adjust price based on interest and response.”
84074 says: “I see 2010ish with 150+k going for $21-25k depending on aftermarket stuff and condition. Me personally, I'd wait, especially if you're making payments. It'll sell quick at the right price because they are hard to find and popular right now. Good luck to you.”
Significant-Kale7674 says: “That’s low $30s in the Denver market. Wait until after you get laid off. Have been there, it’s stressful, but best not to overreact. Good luck.”
IndyGamer363 has an older model and says: “I just sold my '08, the market is tough. Mine was higher mileage (182k), but I was the second owner, and it had a phenomenal amount of paperwork/maintenance records and zero accidents. Took me somewhere around 2-3 months to sell while lowering the price every two weeks, and I took a hit on the price either way.
But I also needed to sell due to job-related money issues, so I just had to jump. I found that the market in my area was, actually, pretty saturated with FJs as well as people who simply liked the look but knew nothing about them. I had an older couple offer me around $6,500 because “that’s what JD Power says their value is now”. I about laughed him off the phone and went on my way.”
Vino1980 says: “I would post my 2014 with 44k miles for no less than $37k”
TallCracker69 says: “This all depends on what you plan to get to replace the FJ & what your financial situation is
Vehicle prices are absolutely insane right now & with tariffs throwing an absolute monkey wrench into the car industry it seems rather risky to sell unless you have a plan to switch to something you 100% know will cost you less than keeping the FJ
As another commenter mentioned, this is more of a question for a financial sub. Best of luck OP”
Final thoughts
I think these are all great pointers, but it really depends on what comes next. It is a sad day indeed, when a man has to part ways with his dependable Japanese SUV to make ends meet. While I am not familiar with the individual's financial situation or his field of occupation, I will say that having reliable transportation that isn't too burdensome on the wallet is important, now more than ever.
There are still some great alternatives out there and at the rate of which J250 Land Cruisers are being traded in after mere months (I am starting to see it with the GX550 too), I think there will be some excellent offers by the dealerships in the coming months and years.
Let me know in the comment section below, what you would do. Would you keep the FJ Cruiser or sell it?
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image source: Toyota FJ Cruiser press releases
Comments
Those FJs sure were cute…
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Those FJs sure were cute when they were introduced, weren't they?
I think they still are…
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In reply to Those FJs sure were cute… by Buzz Wired (not verified)
I think they still are. There's one right next to my place. Can't stop looking at it. As far as retro-futuristic design goes, I think this is one of thebest examples.