Don’t let the vanilla appearance fool you, Ahmad’s FJ runs the TRD Package which for all intents and purposes is one of the best versions of the venerable Toyota FJ Cruiser people can get. Add to that the intimidating stance and you get a daily driver with more than enough guts to take on anything the desert throws at it.
Tell us a little background story about the car…
I got interested in the FJ after helping Toyota check it out in the pre-launch testing in late 2007. Then I was part of the team that helped Toyota/Al Futtaim launch the FJ Cruiser as well as the Land Cruiser 200 back in 2008. I was driving a LC 80 Series at that time, which is an iconic vehicle and one of the best off-road vehicles ever built. However, I wanted a stick shift and Al Futtaim did not have an option for a Manual FJ at that time so I had to import one all the way from USA. It cost me an extra 1,200 USD plus a six week wait until the vehicle arrived and was registered in UAE.
Could you tell us all about the modifications that were made? Performance and cosmetic-wise?
I believe and know that the car was designed by the manufacturer after a lot of research and testing and do not believe in cosmetic modifications, period. Performance modifications too need to be kept at a minimum and extreme performance modifications are an absolute negative. However, due to this being an American specifications FJ, I had to take care of a few issues basically pertaining to the engine cooling and air intake system. I replaced the radiator installing a dual core, high capacity aluminium radiator, changed the water pump and installed the Sy-Klone 9001 pre-filter.
The FJ, being TRD specs, was already fitted with a TRD Bilstein suspension system, TRD cat-back exhaust system, A-track system, central and rear diff locks. The FJ was thus ready with minimum modifications.
I have recently changed the suspension on the FJ, upgrading to a Fox Stage 1 suspension as the original suspension had become less responsive lately.
Do you have something that you would consider to be a “special feature” of your car?
Being the founder of Dubai Offroaders, I’m very active in the off-road scene in UAE and Oman, and due to this, the FJ sees extensive off-road usage both in the deserts and the mountains. This means that the FJ is a convoy lead car on almost all the drives that we participate in.
The car also has to be fully prepared for any rescue situation that anyone in the convoy may encounter. Or group belief is that we do not leave anyone behind. Our group officials and marshals make sure that any car that goes in with us, comes out of the off-road situation, with us.
That said, I believe in absolute minimalism and consider any tool be it the car or a motorbike to be able to contribute a max of 20% to the sport, IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU – the driver/operator/ rider behind the machine that is the “special feature”.
What were your other options before you bought this car?
I am a Toyota fan, after having kept and experienced a Jeep Cherokee XJ, Jeep Cherokee WJ, Nissan Patrol Capsula, LC 100, Jeep Wrangler and LC 80. I was thus very clear on my choice. I am really impressed with the new generation of 4.0 Litre V6 Toyota engines, which are light, easy revving and with an excellent torque curve that’s especially well suited for off-road driving, developing max torque at the relatively low 3000-3400 RPM band. As your readers may be aware, this particular engine is being used on different models by Toyota from the Land Cruiser, LC Prado, Fortuner, FJ Cruiser, Four Runner, Hilux and even the legendary LC pickup!
How do you spend time with the car?
The FJ is daily ride and my off-road companion. Most modern vehicles are very well designed and will provide years of reliable service as long one takes care of them. The FJ is also the base station and a carrier of all the camping, off-road and rescue equipment that may be required on 2-3 day camping and hiking trips that we frequently do.
What 4×4 do you dream of owning?
The next vehicle whenever the FJ needs to be upgraded will either be the Mercedes-Benz G-Class G500 Gelandewagen or the LC Double Cab Pickup with the V8 Diesel engine. The two of them are both on the extreme ends of the spectrum with one being a perfect marriage of luxury and functionality and the other being a no-nonsense, reliable work horse.
Name: Ahmad Pervez
Nationality: Indian
Occupation: Founder of Dubai Offroaders, Managing Director at Blaze Computers L.L.C. and TECHSOUQ.COM
Ride: 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser TRD Edition
