VOODOO CHILD

THEY SAY YOU’LL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR FIRST 4X4. THAT WILL BE EASY FOR ANDREW PHAN, AS THIS STUNNING FJ CRUISER IS HIS FIRST AND ONLY 4X4 VEHICLE.

- MATT RAUDONIKIS

TOYOTA’S FJ Cruiser was an odd 4x4 wagon that, thanks to its unique styling, was a vehicle people either loved or hated. But those who love the funky FJC really love them, and examples of the short lived model can be found with all sorts of modifications and customisations to reflect the tastes of the owners.

Being unusual and quite a standout vehicle, the Toyota FJ Cruiser caught the eyes of many a non four-wheel drive enthusiast and introduced them to the unlimited pleasures of off-road adventures. This is exactly what happened when Western Australian Andrew Phan discovered the FJC.

“To be honest, I used to be in the JDM scene,” admits Andrew. “Japanese sports cars were my first passion. I started to look into getting a car more suited to outdoors activities when I stumbled on the FJ Cruiser.”

With its Prado-derived underpinnings and simple and reliable V6 engine, the FJ Cruiser makes a good choice for the 4x4 newbie. Andrew also recognises the reputation of a Toyota vehicle

“I love the Toyota brand and badge, and I was interested in the FJ as it had the capabilities of a Toyota Prado without feeling like a soccer mum’s car. I caught the 4WD bug and it spiraled into a massive passion it is today.” Sound familiar?