[ARCHIVED THREAD] - FJ Cruiser, 4runner (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 6/20/2014 7:01:18 PM EDT
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Been looking at used SUVs that are capable offroad, yet still good for daily commutes, low maintenance. 4runner and FJ seem to be what im looking for.
i like the 4 runner, but it looks like its a full size SUV. it looks like its almost as big as a Sequoia. Although it would be nice to have all that cargo space, As a single person, it seems like a waste, i dont have kids or anything so i dont think i would need such a large vehicle. i see 2010 sr5s for around 25K. the FJ seems to be more to my liking in terms of size. Anyone have an FJ crusier? is it reliable? ANy major issues?I see used early models (2007s,2008s) w/ 70K-90K miles going for $16K-20K. The one thing that worries me though is that 2014 is the last year the FJ will be produced. So will it be hard to find parts in the future? |
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Been looking at used SUVs that are capable offroad, yet still good for daily commutes, low maintenance. 4runner and FJ seem to be what im looking for. i like the 4 runner, but it looks like its a full size SUV. it looks like its almost as big as a Sequoia. Although it would be nice to have all that cargo space, As a single person, it seems like a waste, i dont have kids or anything so i dont think i would need such a large vehicle. i see 2010 sr5s for around 25K. the FJ seems to be more to my liking in terms of size. Anyone have an FJ crusier? is it reliable? ANy major issues?I see used early models (2007s,2008s) w/ 70K-90K miles going for $16K-20K. The one thing that worries me though is that 2014 is the last year the FJ will be produced. So will it be hard to find parts in the future? I am single and love my 4th Gen 4Runner. Parked next a Sequoia, there is size difference. That being said, go test drive a FJ, if you like it, go for it. |
| Ive been driving 4runners overseas for the better part of a decade. Especially late 90s, early 00s models. It has a lot of hilux DNA in it. Im not impressed with the FJ at all. As far as im concerned it's a pretender for north american yuppies. The Rav4 is better. Overseas it is known as the Landcruiser Prado and it's no bullshit. |
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-can't see out of the FJ
-no room in the back seat -can't get out of the back seat without opening the front doors and unbuckling the front passengers, then you need a lot of room for the giant front doors and the back doors that don't open all the way -6MT FJ Cruisers have a transmission design flaw (the T/O bearing that WILL go bad at some point, then it will go bad again) -if you live in an area where they put gravel on the roads, the FJ's windshield will crack (not chip) it will crack, and majestically, because of its upright design -a stock FJ isn't that great off road -the interior is cheap shit plastic, even by Toyota standards The FJ Cruiser isn't a Toyota Jeep or cheap Land Cruiser, it's a cheap shit truck that you can't see out of made by Hino motors from leftover Toyota parts. |
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-can't see out of the FJ -no room in the back seat -can't get out of the back seat without opening the front doors and unbuckling the front passengers, then you need a lot of room for the giant front doors and the back doors that don't open all the way -6MT FJ Cruisers have a transmission design flaw (the T/O bearing that WILL go bad at some point, then it will go bad again) -if you live in an area where they put gravel on the roads, the FJ's windshield will crack (not chip) it will crack, and majestically, because of its upright design -a stock FJ isn't that great off road -the interior is cheap shit plastic, even by Toyota standards The FJ Cruiser isn't a Toyota Jeep or cheap Land Cruiser, it's a cheap shit truck that you can't see out of made by Hino motors from leftover Toyota parts. I own one and you forgot shitty handling on twisty roads. |
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Ive been driving 4runners overseas for the better part of a decade. Especially late 90s, early 00s models. It has a lot of hilux DNA in it. Im not impressed with the FJ at all. As far as im concerned it's a pretender for north american yuppies. The Rav4 is better. Overseas it is known as the Landcruiser Prado and it's no bullshit. The RAV 4 as a 4x4 in the same class as a 4 Runner or FJ. Really? REALLY? It's a nice little commuter AWD vehicle. That's about it. It's not even close to a Prado and certainly not the same vehicle with a different name. |
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I am single and love my 4th Gen 4Runner. Parked next a Sequoia, there is size difference. That being said, go test drive a FJ, if you like it, go for it. Quoted:
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Been looking at used SUVs that are capable offroad, yet still good for daily commutes, low maintenance. 4runner and FJ seem to be what im looking for. i like the 4 runner, but it looks like its a full size SUV. it looks like its almost as big as a Sequoia. Although it would be nice to have all that cargo space, As a single person, it seems like a waste, i dont have kids or anything so i dont think i would need such a large vehicle. i see 2010 sr5s for around 25K. the FJ seems to be more to my liking in terms of size. Anyone have an FJ crusier? is it reliable? ANy major issues?I see used early models (2007s,2008s) w/ 70K-90K miles going for $16K-20K. The one thing that worries me though is that 2014 is the last year the FJ will be produced. So will it be hard to find parts in the future? I am single and love my 4th Gen 4Runner. Parked next a Sequoia, there is size difference. That being said, go test drive a FJ, if you like it, go for it. Same here, I drove an FJ and compared to the 4th gen 4 Runner the visibility sucks, mileage sucks, drivetrain is not as versatile, rear seat is a pita to get things out of, the windshield chips easily, crappy reflector headlights, no power rear window, and there was this weird random collapsing frame/motor mount issue. Im a big fan of the 4th gen 4x4 with the V8. When my ex gf wrecked mine I went right out and bought one exactly like my old one. Quoted:
Ive been driving 4runners overseas for the better part of a decade. Especially late 90s, early 00s models. It has a lot of hilux DNA in it. Im not impressed with the FJ at all. As far as im concerned it's a pretender for north american yuppies. The Rav4 is better. Overseas it is known as the Landcruiser Prado and it's no bullshit. Actually the closest thing to a Prado is a 4 Runner. |
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-can't see out of the FJ -no room in the back seat -can't get out of the back seat without opening the front doors and unbuckling the front passengers, then you need a lot of room for the giant front doors and the back doors that don't open all the way -6MT FJ Cruisers have a transmission design flaw (the T/O bearing that WILL go bad at some point, then it will go bad again) -if you live in an area where they put gravel on the roads, the FJ's windshield will crack (not chip) it will crack, and majestically, because of its upright design -a stock FJ isn't that great off road -the interior is cheap shit plastic, even by Toyota standards The FJ Cruiser isn't a Toyota Jeep or cheap Land Cruiser, it's a cheap shit truck that you can't see out of made by Hino motors from leftover Toyota parts. Yep, get an Xterra or 4 Runner instead. Also, you forgot to mention fender bulge and power steering rack failures. |
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I own one and you forgot shitty handling on twisty roads. Quoted:
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-can't see out of the FJ -no room in the back seat -can't get out of the back seat without opening the front doors and unbuckling the front passengers, then you need a lot of room for the giant front doors and the back doors that don't open all the way -6MT FJ Cruisers have a transmission design flaw (the T/O bearing that WILL go bad at some point, then it will go bad again) -if you live in an area where they put gravel on the roads, the FJ's windshield will crack (not chip) it will crack, and majestically, because of its upright design -a stock FJ isn't that great off road -the interior is cheap shit plastic, even by Toyota standards The FJ Cruiser isn't a Toyota Jeep or cheap Land Cruiser, it's a cheap shit truck that you can't see out of made by Hino motors from leftover Toyota parts. I own one and you forgot shitty handling on twisty roads. I had one until the T/O bearing broke the SECOND time, took 50k miles for the first and 12k for the reman unit Toyota put in to "fix" the problem. The handling is actually okay for something that looks like a football helmet with wheels, especially with the OME medium lift I was running. I didn't have the ARB bumper that made the fenders bulge or the PS pump failure, but maybe because I dumped it before the pump went out. |
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Ive been driving 4runners overseas for the better part of a decade. Especially late 90s, early 00s models. It has a lot of hilux DNA in it. Im not impressed with the FJ at all. As far as im concerned it's a pretender for north american yuppies. The Rav4 is better. Overseas it is known as the Landcruiser Prado and it's no bullshit. The Landcruiser Prado is shared with the Lexus GX460 platform, which ironically enough shares its platform with the 4Runner. Oh and guess what? The FJ cruiser is based on the 4runner platform which shares underpinnings with the Prado. First gen Rav4 (94-2000) is based on the Toyota Corolla platform. The newest one is a Front Wheel Drive based all wheel drive econobox. |
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Quoted: SO if i get a 4 runner, should i only look at the latest generation (2010 and newer)? |
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SO if i get a 4 runner, should i only look at the latest generation (2010 and newer)? Mint 4th Gens are getting harder to find but I prefer them myself. The Multi-Mode 4wd is much more versatile than the 2010+, The 3 trim levels are all higher grade IMO, V8 is available. I dont know what you are into but I ski a lot so the AWD of the multi mode is a nice feature to have which is now only available on the Limited. |
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SO if i get a 4 runner, should i only look at the latest generation (2010 and newer)? To be honest the 5th gen is a 4th gen with a new body and interior, the engine is still the same 4L V6, just tuned for more hp. The Trails have KDSS and electronic off road trickery like ATRAC. |
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Been looking at used SUVs that are capable offroad, yet still good for daily commutes, low maintenance. 4runner and FJ seem to be what im looking for. i like the 4 runner, but it looks like its a full size SUV. it looks like its almost as big as a Sequoia. Although it would be nice to have all that cargo space, As a single person, it seems like a waste, i dont have kids or anything so i dont think i would need such a large vehicle. i see 2010 sr5s for around 25K. the FJ seems to be more to my liking in terms of size. Anyone have an FJ crusier? is it reliable? ANy major issues?I see used early models (2007s,2008s) w/ 70K-90K miles going for $16K-20K. The one thing that worries me though is that 2014 is the last year the FJ will be produced. So will it be hard to find parts in the future? 2007 FJ, 130k only issue has been a front crank seal started weeping a tad. $19 part, 30-45 min to change. Love it. ETA Lots of FJ misinfo here. The running gear is the same as the 4runner with options of locking axles and atrac, 6 speed manual is full time AWD. Auto is part time 4x4 with manual shift transfer case. The back seats are not fixed. They fold completely flat. As for blind spots, that's why it had huge mirrors really not an issue even for my wife. Bulging fenders was a issue but since has been addressed. I never had any problems. Back seat is small, not camaro or mustang small but small. Rear doors can't be opened without opening the front doors. Most complaints of the FJ come from people that haven't owned one. Interior is lots of plastic, no issues with mine, nothing has crack or broke. Factory radio sucks, display decides to speak Japanese just whenever. Great little vehicle, typical Toyota quality. 
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Quoted: SO if i get a 4 runner, should i only look at the latest generation (2010 and newer)? No! You should include Gen4s in your search. Gen3s are outstanding vehicles, with 2 primary problems. 1) They come from an age before the Brodozer set demanded that their SUV be able to snap U joints on demand. They are underpowered by todays standards, but are still liveable. 2) All are getting old and the miles are adding up. Their longevity is far above average, but there are always limits. I hope my '99 lasts a LONG time! 
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Also, you forgot to mention fender bulge 4Runners get the cracked front fender with a winch/bumper and hard off road use, too. Drilled mine about 30K miles ago, and it hasn't spread. Could be the battery, too. I have a huge deep cycle boat battery right in front of the fender that weighs about double what the OEM weighs. |
| The wife has a FJ and I drive it sometimes. Frankly I like a 4 Runner better. The FJ has bad blind spots, a small tank, not much of back seats, and a small cargo area. However, the FJ is very capable off road with good tires. I've drove it up some very steep hills and some nasty mud. The wife has drove through some fairly deep flood waters. |
Just sold my 2007 4Runner after 170,000 trouble free miles for a new 2013 FJ. Either vehicles are good choices. The 4Runner definitely has more space, easier to see out of and is dead nuts reliable. I expect the same reliability from the FJ so it depends on your need. I put a leveler kit on the 4Runner and 32's which allowed it to go wherever I needed off road for hunting within reason. I expect the FJ to be even better off road. I am running 33's with no issues and plan on putting a 4" EMU lift soon on the FJ..
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No! You should include Gen4s in your search. Gen3s are outstanding vehicles, with 2 primary problems. 1) They come from an age before the Brodozer set demanded that their SUV be able to snap U joints on demand. They are underpowered by todays standards, but are still liveable. 2) All are getting old and the miles are adding up. Their longevity is far above average, but there are always limits. I hope my '99 lasts a LONG time! <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/DriftPunch/media/4Runner_lores.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/DriftPunch/4Runner_lores.jpg</a> Quoted:
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SO if i get a 4 runner, should i only look at the latest generation (2010 and newer)? No! You should include Gen4s in your search. Gen3s are outstanding vehicles, with 2 primary problems. 1) They come from an age before the Brodozer set demanded that their SUV be able to snap U joints on demand. They are underpowered by todays standards, but are still liveable. 2) All are getting old and the miles are adding up. Their longevity is far above average, but there are always limits. I hope my '99 lasts a LONG time! <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/DriftPunch/media/4Runner_lores.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/DriftPunch/4Runner_lores.jpg</a> 3rd gens get the pink milkshake. That can be a devastating bill if you just purchased it used. |
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Wow lots of FJ hate.
I have had mine since 2006. I just had to change the oil, filter and tires when needed. That's it for maintenance (75k). If you are single or married with no kids, it is good to go. If you are wanting a larger family, get something bigger. The FJ is built on the same platform as the 4Runner. I believe the frame is 4" shorter. Strangely enough, my biggest complaint is that I can't fit a full sheet of plywood in it. The second complaint would be the short front windshield (even though that isn't much of an issue for me). Visibility of the sides and rear is fine if you use your mirrors correctly. With the criteria you posted, I'd say an FJ is a better choice than a 4Runner simply due to the cost difference and you not needing the extra size. |
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There are quite a few uninformed individuals in this thread. I have driven all sorts of high end SUVs (Range Rover, Lexus,Acura, Mercedes) and my
favorite is the FJ Cruiser. My experience with a Trail Teams edition 2012 FJ Cruiser has been excellent. I always drive fast and the handling and ride are excellent. People that tell you visibility is bad do not know how to drive, The mirrors are big and great for seeing everything. I have never come close to having an accident. Gas mileage sucks, but it also sucks for the 4 runner and most other SUVs. The seats are comfortable, and I have not had to spend one cent on maintenance or repairs. The FJ is a super-reliable vehicle with a bullet proof engine. The FJ and 4 runner platforms are exactly the same. The 4 runner rides like a boat and the front end dives severely under hard braking. The FJ is a much better handling car. Perhaps it is the upgraded suspension in the Trail Teams models with Bilstein shocks and different springs. The FJs improved quite a bit from the first four years of the FJ (2007,2008,2009,2010). The Toyota engineers increased horsepower and improved the engine design in several areas for the 2012 model year. People who owned or drove early model FJ cruisers do not have a clue about the current FJ. The FJ is solid as a rock and will survive nuclear armageddon. |
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To be honest the 5th gen is a 4th gen with a new body and interior, the engine is still the same 4L V6, just tuned for more hp. The Trails have KDSS and electronic off road trickery like ATRAC. Quoted:
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SO if i get a 4 runner, should i only look at the latest generation (2010 and newer)? To be honest the 5th gen is a 4th gen with a new body and interior, the engine is still the same 4L V6, just tuned for more hp. The Trails have KDSS and electronic off road trickery like ATRAC. KDSS is an awesome feature. Articulates like crazy while giving very good onroad manners and lean control due to the thicker swaybars. The downside is lifting is a bit more difficult since the system requires a specific procedure or you get a weird lean. Any competent offroad shop should be able to do it. Not bad for a stock suspension. 
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KDSS is a system of hydraulic rams that actively stiffen the sway bars, the system works on road and off.
Oddly it actually results in slightly better articulation than a truck without it. Lifting such a vehicle is more expensive because they have to work around the KDSS and not damage it, but a reputable shop will do it. |
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To be honest the 5th gen is a 4th gen with a new body and interior, the engine is still the same 4L V6, just tuned for more hp. The Trails have KDSS and electronic off road trickery like ATRAC. Quoted:
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SO if i get a 4 runner, should i only look at the latest generation (2010 and newer)? To be honest the 5th gen is a 4th gen with a new body and interior, the engine is still the same 4L V6, just tuned for more hp. The Trails have KDSS and electronic off road trickery like ATRAC. Little more than that. The engine is now dual VVTi, with roller rocker cams, and a bunch of other changes. Bigger brakes, reinforced frame, much stronger rear diff, lots of other small differences. |
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Quoted: 3rd gens get the pink milkshake. That can be a devastating bill if you just purchased it used. Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: SO if i get a 4 runner, should i only look at the latest generation (2010 and newer)? No! You should include Gen4s in your search. Gen3s are outstanding vehicles, with 2 primary problems. 1) They come from an age before the Brodozer set demanded that their SUV be able to snap U joints on demand. They are underpowered by todays standards, but are still liveable. 2) All are getting old and the miles are adding up. Their longevity is far above average, but there are always limits. I hope my '99 lasts a LONG time! <a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/DriftPunch/media/4Runner_lores.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/DriftPunch/4Runner_lores.jpg</a> 3rd gens get the pink milkshake. That can be a devastating bill if you just purchased it used. Two years ago, I proactively replaced my radiator. $150, and no more issue! The problem was with the OE raditors, and still wasn't all that common. However, as you state, the penalty is so great, and the cure so cheap that one should not roll the dice. (I've had the one in the pic since the summer of '00) |
| I have an 07 FJ. IMHO Never a better a on/off vehicle exists. I traded my charger for it because I needed something that wouldn't get stuck in the snow. My FJ fit the bill perfectly. I wouldn't trade mine for anything. I call mine my billygoat. It will go through anything... So far it has gone through over 1.5 feet of snow... ymmv... |
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The RAV 4 as a 4x4 in the same class as a 4 Runner or FJ. Really? REALLY? It's a nice little commuter AWD vehicle. That's about it. It's not even close to a Prado and certainly not the same vehicle with a different name. Quoted:
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Ive been driving 4runners overseas for the better part of a decade. Especially late 90s, early 00s models. It has a lot of hilux DNA in it. Im not impressed with the FJ at all. As far as im concerned it's a pretender for north american yuppies. The Rav4 is better. Overseas it is known as the Landcruiser Prado and it's no bullshit. The RAV 4 as a 4x4 in the same class as a 4 Runner or FJ. Really? REALLY? It's a nice little commuter AWD vehicle. That's about it. It's not even close to a Prado and certainly not the same vehicle with a different name. Did it used to be? When my mom got a rav around 07 ill be damned if i could find a difference between it and the prado I had been driving for a year (aside from the diesel and jump seats) |
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Did it used to be? When my mom got a rav around 07 ill be damned if i could find a difference between it and the prado I had been driving for a year (aside from the diesel and jump seats) Quoted:
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Ive been driving 4runners overseas for the better part of a decade. Especially late 90s, early 00s models. It has a lot of hilux DNA in it. Im not impressed with the FJ at all. As far as im concerned it's a pretender for north american yuppies. The Rav4 is better. Overseas it is known as the Landcruiser Prado and it's no bullshit. The RAV 4 as a 4x4 in the same class as a 4 Runner or FJ. Really? REALLY? It's a nice little commuter AWD vehicle. That's about it. It's not even close to a Prado and certainly not the same vehicle with a different name. Did it used to be? When my mom got a rav around 07 ill be damned if i could find a difference between it and the prado I had been driving for a year (aside from the diesel and jump seats) 
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WTF does that even mean? Quoted:
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Outside of a JKU, you can pretty much judge all other SUV offroad performance just by looking at them. Just buy whatever. WTF does that even mean? It means there are only a few SUVs made with any actual off road features. JKU, some Toyota stuff, maybe one or two other and that's it. The rest are what they are just by looking at them. But I sort of read the question wrong anyway. He should buy whatever is recommended I suppose. Not much of a Toyota expert. |
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FJ owner here. On my second one which is a 2010. The first was an 07 that the ex kept. They have fixed the fender bulge in the second gen('10 and up) and also gave the motor a boost. I bought mine used last year with 75,000 on the clock and I'm up to 95K with no issues. I hate how everyone says how you can't see out of them, if that were the case every single one of them would be bashed up from the drivers running into random crap. Now that just isn't the case now is it.
A stock FJ is very capable off road,
6:38 is my old one completely stock. Otherwise a good video to show what the Fj can do. I am 6'1" and have no problems sitting in the back set. Yes it does kind of stink making the front passenger get out to be able to get out of the back set, but I rarely have people back there so it's not much of an issue. I absolutely love the Fj and think its a great piece of hardware. Coming up on 100,000 miles and all I'm planning on is routine maintenance stuff. |
| 2011 FJ here best vehicle I've ever owned by far. Love it to death if you get one add the Old Man Emu 2.5 inch lift for it improves ride and allows you to run 285 70 17 which works out to be 33x11.50. Go 2010 or newer if you intend on hardcore off roading. The up grades some of the components and redesigned the body panels. The earlier ones were prone to body panel cracks and a couple other issues prior to the redesign. |
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Did it used to be? When my mom got a rav around 07 ill be damned if i could find a difference between it wmd thr prado I had been driving for a year (aside from the diesel and jump seats) Quoted:
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Ive been driving 4runners overseas for the better part of a decade. Especially late 90s, early 00s models. It has a lot of hilux DNA in it. Im not impressed with the FJ at all. As far as im concerned it's a pretender for north american yuppies. The Rav4 is better. Overseas it is known as the Landcruiser Prado and it's no bullshit. The RAV 4 as a 4x4 in the same class as a 4 Runner or FJ. Really? REALLY? It's a nice little commuter AWD vehicle. That's about it. It's not even close to a Prado and certainly not the same vehicle with a different name. Did it used to be? When my mom got a rav around 07 ill be damned if i could find a difference between it wmd thr prado I had been driving for a year (aside from the diesel and jump seats) Never was anything more then it is now. However, they have refined it quite a lot, made it a bit bigger, changed the body style, and it has more HP. For what they are, they are nice vehicles but they are road biased pretty much 100%. They are in the Ford Escape class but the Escape is built beefier. [at least the older ones were] |
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hmm, sounds like 2011 and newer FJs are improved over previous years? the 2011s are going for about 25K in my area. For the same price i can also get a 2010 or 2011 4runner sr5, so i think 4runner has the edge over the FJ. 2010 of both models are the change over from the Prado 120 to 150 platform |
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It means there are only a few SUVs made with any actual off road features. JKU, some Toyota stuff, maybe one or two other and that's it. The rest are what they are just by looking at them. Quoted:
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Outside of a JKU, you can pretty much judge all other SUV offroad performance just by looking at them. Just buy whatever. WTF does that even mean? It means there are only a few SUVs made with any actual off road features. JKU, some Toyota stuff, maybe one or two other and that's it. The rest are what they are just by looking at them. Are we not discussing Toyota's with off road features? Not sure where the JKU (which is very capable off road, but not the best on pavement for a daily driver) discussion comes from, OP clearly stated he wants a FJ or 4Runner. |
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JKU has one of the worst on road rides for what it is (front live axle). I have owned two live axle Land Cruisers, one with leaf springs (60), neither was as bad on road as my JKU. Thats crazy. I heard (no actual experience) that the 80 series is pretty bad on road as well. |