Some guys may moan abit about the $$ they may have to put into their FSJ, but I find many parts to be quite inexpensive compared to newer SUV's. I was at my buddy's shop yesterday. He's an old school mechanic who has had his own FSJ's and been in the biz since 1964. Great guy and work at a fair price. He showed me 2 SUV's, a very recent small Honda and an 03 Excursion parked at his shop. He told me he had felt almost guilty telling the owners what the repair costs would be and what happened when he told them.
This 2-3 year old Honda something or other (nice looking SUV) needed a new exhaust system and he had felt bad when he priced the job and had to tell the owner it would cost about $1000. The owner said "do it 'cuz the dealer and the other shop I went to wanted over $1400". Pricey parts, I guess? My GW exhaust is a fraction of the price.
Now the Excursion needs an exhaust and 2 cats replaced. That job is a bit more and same result, owner said "please do it as soon as you can."
Had a BMW X-3 there on the way to a body shop. Front was pushed in a bit, all plastic and some metal. No bumper to speak of. Did not look like it would be a big job, but the body shop is charging $3200 for the plastic. If the same thing happened to my GW---I might need a new bumper.
Actually, the FSJ is a bargain. Except meybe for some tantrums and gas.
