Need help with finding a mechanic for an imported FJ Cruiser
Discussion
Hey guys,
I’m new to the forum so thanks in advance for any help, and please let me know if I’ve posted this in the wrong place.
Basically the title says it all.
I moved the the UK from South Africa a couple years ago and brought my 2016 Toyota FJ Cruiser with me. She’s coming up for her 140k km service, and MOT expires in March.I’ve spent the last month trying to find a mechanic who can take on the job.
Bobs been told that, because these cars were never sold in the UK, the parts codes are apparently hard to find in local systems. I’ve got the maintenace schedule info from my South African Toyota dealership, and detailed info on what needs to be done, but the shops I’ve spoken to here are either nervous to take it on without being able to find the parts, or don’t inspire me with much confidence that they’ve worked on similar vehicles before.
Obviously I love this car, and my first prize would be to find a mechanic / shop that knows their way around these vehicles and can problem solve for any parts issues.
I’m London based but would happily travel a couple hours to a good shop.
Would really appreciate any advice or direction.
I’m new to the forum so thanks in advance for any help, and please let me know if I’ve posted this in the wrong place.
Basically the title says it all.
I moved the the UK from South Africa a couple years ago and brought my 2016 Toyota FJ Cruiser with me. She’s coming up for her 140k km service, and MOT expires in March.I’ve spent the last month trying to find a mechanic who can take on the job.
Bobs been told that, because these cars were never sold in the UK, the parts codes are apparently hard to find in local systems. I’ve got the maintenace schedule info from my South African Toyota dealership, and detailed info on what needs to be done, but the shops I’ve spoken to here are either nervous to take it on without being able to find the parts, or don’t inspire me with much confidence that they’ve worked on similar vehicles before.
Obviously I love this car, and my first prize would be to find a mechanic / shop that knows their way around these vehicles and can problem solve for any parts issues.
I’m London based but would happily travel a couple hours to a good shop.
Would really appreciate any advice or direction.
A toyota dealer will have no problems looking up the tech guides or parts for models from any market as they are all on the system, just enter the chassis number in the search box instead of reg or manually searching. Unless they are parts shared with UK models they wont be held in stock at any UK store but can be ordered in advance from Toyota prior to works commencing.
What needs done?
What needs done?
Thanks for the reply!
The FJ is built on a modified Prado 120 series platform, so it shares most of its parts with that vehicle ... and a few with the 200 series. Both cars were sold in the UK, so all parts should be readily available. One challenge I've had is that the parts numbers I've been provided for South Africa are not the same as those for the UK system. But you're right, and I'll get in touch with Toyota to see if they can supply me the parts. But I'd still like to find a good independent mechanic to do the work if I can.
The service is fluids + filters, brake pads and diff oil change. And I think the CVs need looking at, and I ideally want a 4x4 knowledgeable shop who can do a full inspection and check the whole vehicle.
The FJ is built on a modified Prado 120 series platform, so it shares most of its parts with that vehicle ... and a few with the 200 series. Both cars were sold in the UK, so all parts should be readily available. One challenge I've had is that the parts numbers I've been provided for South Africa are not the same as those for the UK system. But you're right, and I'll get in touch with Toyota to see if they can supply me the parts. But I'd still like to find a good independent mechanic to do the work if I can.
The service is fluids + filters, brake pads and diff oil change. And I think the CVs need looking at, and I ideally want a 4x4 knowledgeable shop who can do a full inspection and check the whole vehicle.
Stephenscrim said:
I’m London based but would happily travel a couple hours to a good shop.
These guys sell a lot of FJ cruisers not far from London and might be able to help you out,https://www.prestigecarsltd.com/content/fj-cruiser
Prestige Cars of Sunningdale Ltd
Windlesham
GU20 6LA
Always found it easy to find part numbers when needed from the following link
https://www.toyodiy.com/
EDIT: Think you might have to register to get the pictures of parts
https://www.toyodiy.com/
EDIT: Think you might have to register to get the pictures of parts
Edited by quigonjay on Thursday 13th February 21:48
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