4 Minutes
Low Reserve, Lower Price: FJ Cruiser Nets $8,526
A 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser recently crossed the auction block on Cars&Bids and sold for just $8,526 — a four-digit result that surprised some fans of the model. Listed with no reserve, the truck drew attention not for being pristine but for its combination of usable life and obvious wear. The dealer who purchased it in August 2025 moved the car again in December, and a single key went with the sale.
Condition and known faults
Photos and the auction listing make it clear this is not a concours example. Reported issues include a tire pressure warning lamp that remains lit, visible rust in several locations (engine bay, underbody, bull bar, side step brackets and the right front wheel), curb rash on the wheels, and peeling clearcoat on the mirror housings. Exterior scuffs, scratches and chips are present, and the interior shows wear on trim and seats. The tires carry 2016 date codes, suggesting they may be due for replacement.
Despite these blemishes, the Carfax report included with the listing indicates no recorded accidents. The odometer shows about 48,700 miles (78,400 km), but the seller states the mileage figure may be inaccurate due to a "clerical error," so true mileage is unknown.
Factory features and modifications
Most equipment is factory-original: this FJ Cruiser is finished in titanium metallic over a black cabin and was fitted with the Convenience Package and Upgrade Package #2. Features worth noting:
- Power mirrors, cruise control and keyless entry (Convenience Package)
- Active traction control and locking rear differential (Upgrade Package #2)
- 17-inch wheels and a floating ball-type multi-info display
Aftermarket additions listed are limited to side steps, window deflectors, and a bull bar.
Powertrain and driving impressions
Under the hood sits Toyota’s familiar 4.0-liter V6. Official figures for this drivetrain are 239 bhp (178 kW/242 PS) and 278 lb-ft (377 Nm) of torque, married to a five-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the rear wheels. It’s a proven setup for light off-road work and reliable daily driving, though buyers should expect the transmission and engine to show age-appropriate wear on a 2008 example.
Why the low sale price?
The $8,526 hammer price reflects multiple factors: visible rust, cosmetic damage, possibly inaccurate mileage, older tires, and the absence of a pristine service history. Market context matters too—well-kept FJ Cruisers can command $10,000 to well over $25,000 depending on condition, mileage, and modifications. With a no-reserve listing, this particular FJ simply traded on the value of a usable, if imperfect, SUV with desirable off-road pedigree.
Buyer takeaways and market insight
The FJ Cruiser remains popular among enthusiasts for its retro styling and off-road capability. If you’re hunting for a project or a daily driver that’s ready to be improved, a low-cost auction buy like this can be appealing. A few practical tips for prospective buyers:
- Inspect for structural rust under the frame and in suspension mounting points.
- Budget for tires, brake service and potential suspension bushings.
- Verify mileage and service history where possible; Carfax can confirm accident history but not odometer accuracy.
Quote: "Not pristine, but still plenty of life left — a solid starting point for a weekend off-road build."
Would you have bought this Toyota FJ Cruiser for under $9K? For many buyers, the combination of a reliable 4.0L V6 and rugged FJ character makes this sort of bargain tempting — provided the rust and maintenance needs are acceptable.
Source: autoevolution
Leave a Comment