Please School Me- Jeep vs Toyota

[DavidBAz]

Jeeps, I don't know at all. Toyotas a fair bit.
Four wheel drive a little bit.
Desire: to go with wife and son on outings, but no
'rock-crawling, Moab slick festival' action.
Think- Arizona fire-roads for fishing, hiking and
prospecting.
Now, it wouldn't take a lot to surpass the ability
of our '97 Maxima or '97 Altima. And I need to
sell one for a 4x4.
So- $$$. Jeeps appear to be inexpensive. But I
would need a daily driver. Some hauling ability
would be nice.
Tacoma (Tundra, 4Runner) or Cherokee? $5-8,000?
Thank you.

[TMAC]

I am kinda in the same position as you, but no hauling. I have owned Toyota trucks before. I think for what you want, you would be looking at a Toyota truck. Reliability and the ability to go off roading in the way you want spells Toyota all the way to me.

I am in a similar position but I have a smaller budget than you and want something I can go a little more aggressively off roading with AND to be my daily driver. I only live 4 miles from work now, so thats a bonus for me. I have decided on a 91-97' Jeep Cherokee (XJ) for the longer wheel displacement, very reliable engine in the 4.0L, cheaper price, availability of parts and modifications, off roading ability and cargo space for the kids and supplies like fishing and guns and such. I decided against a truck, mainly because I want enclosed space and a cargo area. I don't haul anything anymore and don't really want the open truck bed for storing anything while driving, (especially off roading as whatever you put back there tends to get really dusty very quickly). If I were to do that with the truck then I would need a camper shell and I am not into campers. We are looking to do more camping, hiking, fishing and shooting out here....So Jeep it is for me. I am currently looking for one below $4K. I do hear they tow really well though.

I think for versatility and budget you cannot beat a Cherokee, but the Toyotas are more reliable when kept stock.

[TMAC]

17608

Plus they look absolutely awesome when done right!! This would be my dream Cherokee!!

[Pokeguyjai]

Subaru Forester. Just got one as a DD and it is great!

[Jesuvuah]

Man, you just reminded me of the nightmare I have waiting for me on monday. A 4runner with a camaro engine in it with a wiring problem.

I would go for a jeep, but that is just me.

[B+Shooter]

Don't discount the Nissans. We have both a Frontier and an Xterra, and they are great vehicles for road use/outing use. The longer I drive mine, the more I love it.

[William Carter]

Plus 1 on toyota. Jeeps rank at or near the bottom in consumer reports and have for years. You will surely be able to get a better sale price on jeep, but there is a good reason for that.

[fidalgoman]

JMHO but having the experience of owning a number of Chrysler products and Toyota products from a mechanical frame of reference the Toyota's have been rock solid and the Chrysler products not so much. I like driving both products and never buy low end, but there was always the unexpected maintenance issue with all my Chrysler made vehicles. YMMV. Of course if you plan to radically alter said products then it's apples and oranges. Having owned a few mildly exotic cars, you pay the price as well.

[ordinarysaint]

If Consumer Reports is any kind of authority for you then buy whatever they tell ya.As for me I'll go with a Jeep any day.Ive got almost 222k on mine( 93 Wrangler).Ive driven it down to Lake Tahoe and back-about 2000 miles-with a 17 mile trip thru the Rubicon.Its my daily driver.It also has the added stress of turning 37" bias tires.The 4.0 motor has more poop to it than any thing Toyata can offer in your price range.If you go with a Jeep-for under $10000 Id look at a '99 or '00 Wrangler.They are coil sprung so they have a nicer ride than the 95 and older Jeeps.Make sure you get the 4.0 litre.If you can find one with a tow package they generally will have a lower gear set(higher numerically) that being 3.73 instead of 3.07.Good luck!

[MAK2263]

I've been a mechanic for more than 35 years and I drive a Toyota daily. 262,000 miles and counting on this one.

[Jons999]

I am a Toyota Master Tech with about 15 years experiance. I own a highly modified Jeep as my daily driver because the price was right. There great vehicles as far as offroad capability. If your looking for reliability Toyota is definitely the way to go. You pay more for a Toyota but they always have value if you ever want to sell it. I have owned several Toyota trucks in the past and drove them until they rusted in half, over 200,000 miles on each one with no major engine or transmission repairs.

[usmc1986]

For the needs you describe, Toyota without question. If you needed more climbing or rougher terrain, I might suggest a Jeep with the caveat to make sure to have some funds set aside for future mechanical issues.

Truth be known I did have one 4WD Jeep without any major issues nearly 200K miles, then sold it. This is the exception rather than the rule with Jeep/Chrysler/Dodge.

[William Carter]

I also know people who own jeeps and love them. On consumer reports, for the last 5-10 years they have rated Toyota/Honda/Accura/infinity have all been near top rated and rarely will you run across people who will disagree.

On the other hand the big 3 have been rated average at best and like I said at or near bottom has been Dodge/Chrysler/Chevy/ford. I don't say that to hurt any feelings it is just the way it is. There are several reasons for this. I'l briefly list a few. 1-unions have drivin up prices to give workers high saleries so unions can get a cut of those high saleries. What happens is they end up buying mexican/french/canadian, and other foregin inferior parts to keep the prices doable for consumers. 2-Japenise car makers have QC as their #1 goal. They don't put up with slackers, making sloppy parts.

Mercades Benze used to be in the high end catagory and in the last few years consumer reports has droped their ratings, and also BMW has fell to mediocre.

Consumer reports is as legitimate as any reoprt on cars. They are not perfect but still very very good.

That does not mean all big 3 car makers make only junk, just chances of getting a lemon are higher than Jap cars, or even Korean cars. Hopefully the big 3 can turn that around.

Personally I've owned lemons in Chevy, Oldsmobile, and Ford, but have owned 2 toyota's and 2 hondas with near zero trouble.

I work hard for my money and I want the best I can get for my money. IMO that is Honda/Toyota. Accura/Lexus are out of my range.

[DavidBAz]

I had cross posted this thread over at The Gun Counter (http://www.theguncounter.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=17177)
The 3rd gen 4Runner was suggested. It does look like it would be a good choice.
However, this is what I see in the local Craigslist (http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/cto/2595267905.html)
and this is what I see at Edmunds (http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/4runner/2001/tmv-appraise-results.html)
And there are other, similar examples.
So...
Is the 'economy' a factor, what with people holding on to
used vehicles, driving prices?
Or...
Are Craigslist advertisers 'fishing'?

[DavidBAz]

From my cross post at The Gun Counter (http://www.theguncounter.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=17177) the following:


I had a really long post here full of mechanical detail. But it all boils down to a few things.

Beware of rust. All the smaller SUVs in the $3-5K range are older, and they will get rusty frames. Toyota, Nissan, Mitsu, Isuzu, Jeep (well, it's unibody, but they rust too). It's usually something that condemns the truck unless you are a good welder with time to spare and even then it's not a fun project- I've done it.

Mileage isn't that big a deal across brands. These are usually bigger vehicles with iron drivetrains and metal bumpers. Across the board, my V8 Tundra, 4.0 Cherokee, 3.0 Toyota all get about the same- roughly 16-22 MPG depending on conditions, loading, highway vs city, idling, etc. and this holds true in anything Ive owned and driven. You don't buy one for hypermiling.

I've owned- and still own- lots of examples of various 4x4s and liked them all for one reason or another. If I had $3-5K to spend on a 4x4 medium SUV I'd look for a nice clean 1999-2001 XJ Cherokee Sport, a 1996-1999 Toyota 4-Runner SR5, or a 1996-2000 Nissan Pathfinder OR Infiniti QX4.

Trucks- 95-99 Toyota T-100 V6 4x4 extended cab (The T100 is often overlooked, but is a great trail truck and this price point can't get a Tundra...yet!) 1997-2000 Nissan Frontier 4x4 with extended cab. 1995-2000 Toyota Tacoma extended cab 4x4.

Be aware that "Cash (wasted) For Clunkers" decimated the US population of just these sorts of trucks and they are now, if in OK condition, demanding a premium price.

A good set of all-terrain tires will help any truck get around better. I recommend the BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A. But the Bridgestone Dueler AT "Revo" gets good reviews too.
+
DavidB wrote:
OK that 3rd gen 4Runner looks pretty nice (thanks IrateIrish)
However, this is what I see in the local Craigslist (http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/cto/2595267905.html)
and this is what I see at Edmunds (http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/4runner/2001/tmv-appraise-results.html)
And there are other, similar examples.
So...
Is the 'economy' a factor, what with people holding on to
used vehicles, driving prices?
Or...
Are Craigslist advertisers 'fishing'?



You can thank "Cash For Clunkers" for murdering thousands and thousands of these sorts of trucks. The survivors are priced high because you can't get an inexpensive 4x4 type truck like this anymore in the middle price ranges- they all got killed in 2008. Another thing to thank Obamma for.

That particular truck is owned by someone who is dreaming, CL is full of those.

Now it all makes sense!
So, continue to monitor Craigslist?
Other suggestions?
Thank you all, this has been very helpful.

[TMAC]

I think the 4.0L Jeep 91-01 will rival any Toyota for reliability. There are plenty of them going 300K miles that I have researched, and I am looking right now for a cherokee. They are bullet proof and if you have any mechanical ability and if you are not afraid of doing stuff on your own, then you will be fine with doing some maintenance or modifications. Toyota will be reliable too, but will depend on how much you are willing to put into it on your own. If you don't want to do anything to it, then I would go Toyota. If you are not afraid of getting your hands dirty, then I would go Jeep. The aftermarket is far more favorable to the Jeep.

If you want a bone stock vehicle, go Toyota. If you want the ability to modify and change it, then go Jeep!!

[Vaporware]

As a daily driver, I would be leaning toward the Toyota pretty hard. The 4.0L V6 in the Taco and FJ is a very solid engine that turns in more HP and torque than the 4.0L straight 6 Jeep (even the HO version). Reliability and drivability on the Toyotas as a daily driver are good to excellent and their off road capabilities even stock are underrated. Stock FJ @ Hells Gate, Moab http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5KyVaeeW54&feature=related
Toyota aftermarket while not as large as the Jeep aftermarket is very strong and you won't have many problems finding the parts you need for pretty much any application. For firebreaks, desert, dirt roads, and the like and some limited hauling/towing performance the Toyota platform is pretty hard to beat.

-Vapor

[chad newton]

I have been driving a 94 Toyota for a little bit now, and i would rather be driving a new jeep or Toyota. I really don't care unless it was new.

[ericb]

I have owned both. I have rock crawled jeeps and yotes and had DD jeeps and yotes. I would choose the Toy for your purposes hands down. it is superior to the jeep in every way. Quality, ride, MPG, comfort.

The only time I would recommend the jeep would be if you were to get into rock crawling, as the solid front axle would serve you better. But you give up so much in quality, crappy MPG and comfort on the road.

My taco is on 33s and I still get 16 in the city and 20+ on the highway. My jeeps couldn't touch that.

[nw-outlaw]

with a cherokee you would definitely get more for the money. I like toyotas, but they are priced too high in my opinion and i would rather have the power of the 4 liter in the jeep. also with jeep you get a solid front axle from the factory. Everyone talks about toyota reliability, which i cannot deny. however with proper oil change intervals using a quality oil and standard preventative maintenance you can get that reliability out of most any car. after all, i had a 92 explorer that i daily drove til december with 276k miles on it before the torque converter went out, engine still started and ran but i finally scrapped the thing. replaced it with a ranger, reliable, decent mpg, and none of the inflated price hype of a toyota.:wink:

[Drill Sergeant]

I currently own a Jeep. It is the lowest quality new vehicle I have ever purchased. I will not own another Jeep. Period.

Just my opinion.

[ericb]

I like toyotas, but they are priced too high

You get what you pay for. :thumbsup:

http://autooninfo.net/HighMileageVehicleShares/SharesOf400000MileVehiclesWith15OrMoreYears.gif

http://autooninfo.net/ReliabilityCharts/2010AutomobileBrandReliabilityGPAsFor6-to-10-Year-OldVehicles.gif

http://autooninfo.net/ReliabilityCharts/2010AutomobileBrandReliabilityGPAsFor0-to-4-Year-OldVehicles.gif

[nw-outlaw]

You get what you pay for. :thumbsup:

http://autooninfo.net/HighMileageVehicleShares/SharesOf400000MileVehiclesWith15OrMoreYears.gif

http://autooninfo.net/ReliabilityCharts/2010AutomobileBrandReliabilityGPAsFor6-to-10-Year-OldVehicles.gif

http://autooninfo.net/ReliabilityCharts/2010AutomobileBrandReliabilityGPAsFor0-to-4-Year-OldVehicles.gif

true. but with proper maintenance i have had good luck. maybe i just had a funny experience with someone selling a toyota, they had an 89 toyota with 259k miles v6 with no head gasket job done. i was thinking 3500 tops i would pay for it, he told me it was worth 7500.:scared1: i laughed at him and drove away. got a 01 ranger 4wd ext cab 4 door with 69k miles tow pkg for 8500. at least up here, people think they have gold with toyotas.

[inhiliator5000]

Toyota FTW!

tacomas and tundras are great. 4runners and FJ cruisers are even better!

Just my 0.02

[denko]

Toyota truck.

[Coach]

There are certain intangibles you get when driving a Jeep that you just can't get with any other vehicle.

They can have my Wrangler when they pry my cold, dead body from behind the steering wheel.

[chad newton]

I dont know about you guys, but I'm going to get a Porsche boxster for my next automobile purchase.:)

[ericb]

There are certain intangibles you get when driving a Jeep that you just can't get with any other vehicle.

They can have my Wrangler when they pry my cold, dead body from behind the steering wheel.

Noise, poor mpg, a weak steering system out of the box, slip yoke eliminators, dana 35's or dana 44's with 35 internals, sub quality u-joints, weak motor mounts, poor quality of workmanship, lack of proper skid plates on the overly exposed fuel tank, steering box, and oil pan, weak auto transmissions.... I could go on and on. If I hadn't of stripped my two down and replaced them with aftermarket parts they would have been unbearable.... great reliabile straight sixes on the older ones though and the transfer cases are tough as well.

[mooseman100]

Subaru Forester. Just got one as a DD and it is great!

Does your mother know you stole her car again?:biglaugh::biglaugh:

[chad newton]

Does your mother know you stole her car again?:biglaugh::biglaugh:

I would take one with a mounted 30 or 50 cal.

[forensicgun]

I cant speak for Jeep but I will say this much for toyota, they do have a serious flaw depending on what part of the country you live in. They rust far worse than comparable trucks in the same conditions. You can look and find out about the recalls for bad frames on both the Tacomas and Tundras. The disclaimers are that I live in an area that averages more than 200 inches of snow a year and the road crews dump what amounts to straight road salt as opposed to sand. Having said that I still drive toyota.

[Rusty Phillips]

I love my 1996 toyota 80 series (7 seet land cruiser - took out the third seat unless Im moving lot of people)
its on 35 inch tires and 1 inch body lift, needs a little more lift (im thinking 1 inch spacer all around on the coil spring would be close enough)
great truck with 340,000 thousand miles... was a southern truck I bought in 2004 and took it with me to Canada in 2009 (BTW my suggestion is to always buy southern vehicals if you work in a rust zone (and if going to CAD pay the taxes PROPERLLY when you cross the border - you are much better off)

Im hoping the 12 - 14 mpg gas engine blows up soon so I can change it out for a 22- 25 mpg 4.2L turbo diesel toyota engine....

other than burning so much gas I LOVE THIS TRUCK

[Drill Sergeant]

I love my 1996 toyota 80 series (7 seet land cruiser - took out the third seat unless Im moving lot of people)
its on 35 inch tires and 1 inch body lift, needs a little more lift (im thinking 1 inch spacer all around on the coil spring would be close enough)
great truck with 340,000 thousand miles... was a southern truck I bought in 2004 and took it with me to Canada in 2009 (BTW my suggestion is to always buy southern vehicals if you work in a rust zone (and if going to CAD pay the taxes PROPERLLY when you cross the border - you are much better off)

Im hoping the 12 - 14 mpg gas engine blows up soon so I can change it out for a 22- 25 mpg 4.2L turbo diesel toyota engine....

other than burning so much gas I LOVE THIS TRUCK
Photo, please!

[BPMOU80CO]

Tough decision. I've had several Toyotas and Ford products but no Jeeps. However my dad has several mopar products and keeps going back.

My all time favorite vehicle was my Lexus LX450, just a rebadged 80 series cruiser. Thing was great, had 285 Toyo MTs and would go anywhere. Dependable provided that all base lining done, which can get expensive and takes some man hours. I sold it in 08. The one thing that about Toyotas is that I find them almost unusable if you have kids in rear facing seats.

I looked at buying another 80 series cruiser or 4runner from the late 90s earlier this year, but they were cramped to say the least and my family includes my wife and two little girls under the age of 4 and labs.

I ended up with a 2002 Suburban 2500 with the 8.1 V8 for 5000 which was a steal. It's a great truck and while gas mileage sucks, it's paid for and worth about 2000 more than I bought it for.

During this same time my dad picked up a clean early 2000ish Cherokee for $4200 and it's a great driver 4x4. Him and I were talking about the price he paid vs the price for a similar year Toyota. Here in CO Toyotas command a premium. While jeeps do to a certain extent because they are 4X4s, it seems that people are willing to deal on then.

While I agree that you get what you pay for, I have had to replace a rear main seal in a mid 2000 that was pretty costly. I have been fortunate with my vehicles. The one difference that I notice with Toyotas is that they stay tight even after 100k miles. Very few rattles and squeaks. Can't say the same for my suburban or my ford pickup. But for the 2000 - 4000 savings I'll keep my Suburban.

I would really look at the forester as someone else mentioned. I've been thinking about getting one as my hunting wagon for my dogs.

[Rusty Phillips]

Photo, please!
best photos here - http://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/398533-tractor-tires-mountains-guam-2.html

page 2

i put my landcruiser on my buddies 36 inch (11.2x16) skinny tractor tires for off road

this was before we did body lift....
street tires were BALD 285 bf goodrich / worn down to the skin...., but the 36 inch tractor tires had just barely enough room cause of no lift, tires were dry / clean and we were on dry sand

LC is on 35 inch goodyear duratracks now 1" body lift
I havent had a chance to wheel it since last winter.... but I have driven it back and forth to work every day
12 - 14 mpg

[J_Betancourt]

I've been running Toys for years now and will be backed in a corner the day I have to switch out. There are A LOT of arguments, some valid, most not. I have wheeled with some guys in Rubicons with aftermarket lifts and they are all happy and do REALLY WELL on the trails. They are just pricy. I have a 4runner for my hardcore wheeling and have a 01 Tundra for daily affairs and towing.
It will come down to you and your driving habits. I would always go for an offroad vehicle with a frame vs a unibody. That's non-negotiable as far as I'm concerned, but then again, consider your demands.
Hard to go wrong with an 3.4 4runner.
If you want to see something interesting go to a few junk yards and see what 4wheel drives are in high supply. You will always find LOTS of Cherokees and Explorers,...ALWAYS. Toyotas are rare and Jeeps of the better breeds are rarer still.

happy hunting.

[coastalcop]

I own a 98 cherokee, 3 inch lift 30/9.s tires two door and 5 speed. Bought it for my sons 16th. Not sure he will get it cause its so fun.. Close to 20 on the highway, will go anywhere if you go slowly, cruises at 80 and can still hear the cellphone at 80mph.

My other option would be the 1st gen 4runner with the 22re 4cyl motor/5speed or an older toyota landcruiser running the 2f 6cylinder/4or5 speed.

I dont like 3.0 toyota v6 way too many warped heads, blown gaskets

[Jons999]

If you get a Toyota with a rusted out frame then your in luck because we replace the frame along with about 50 other parts for free!

19562

[Netpackrat]

Heh. I did that once, but it was a full size Chevy. I had to make a special set of brackets for the lift to interface with the body. Off with the old and rusty, on with the less old and repaired.

[J_Betancourt]

dido on the 3.0 Toy. Try to avoid that engine unless its already been rebuilt with new head gasket

[Celtic Cross]

I've not had any real problems with US made vehicles, but then I do regular PM on them. Most people are very lax in their maintenance and pay the price. The Jeep Wranglers and CJs I've gone through have been reliable as an anvil for regular driving and mild offroading. Only one I blew up was a "hold my beer and watch this" moment followed by tumbling end over end a few times. Toyotas don't survive that, either.

Bottom line, buy the vehicle you like, that is designed to do what you want to do, and maintain it.

[Grizzlybeard]

If you want to go off road stick with a Jeep. My Wrangler hasn't failed me yet and I can get to some remote shooting spots my other buddies SUV's don't dare try.

[JOE MACK]

I ran an '87 Ford Bronco II for 300,000+ miles without major problems by doing PM. After which I dropped a Ford Explorer 4.0 v-6 in it. It went everywhere the Toys and Jeeps went for less money. As the saying goes, big tires and a lift do not a fourby make. Used alot of James Duff equipment. Good friends a jeepophile so there is much back and forth over drinks and a cigar. Shoe leather goes everywhere!

[manonfire1007]

My wife loves convertible mustangs. We both had 07 fj cruisers in 08. Losr everything, they had to go. Things turned around, and bought the wife a 2010 candy apple convertible mustang. She turned it down and wanted another fj. Now i drive the mustang and she has the fj. The mustang, although fun, feels cheap. The fj is tight and you can feel the quality.
Theres a reason they do so well

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[Vaporware]

Now if I could just get an FJ with a diesel I would be a happy camper.

-Vapor

[manonfire1007]

A hilux version of the fj would be a top seller. I'm sure there is some stupid reason why they aren't imported, but i would buy one.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[Texas Attorney]

About a year ago, I bought my wife an FJ Cruiser... it has become our preferred vehicle for EVERYTHING. With a lift kit, Maxxis big horn tires, a light bar on top of the truck, extra lights on the grill, skid plates, rock sliders, and a hi-lift jack, we can go ANYWHERE in that vehicle. Add in the fact that there is not a bit of carpet in the truck, and we can nearly clean it out with a hose.

My wife uses the FJ as her daily driver, and she's told me numerous times that it is the best vehicle she's ever owned (which says a LOT considering the number of 4x4's she's owned over the years).

HIGHLY recommend the FJ...

[manonfire1007]

About a year ago, I bought my wife an FJ Cruiser... it has become our preferred vehicle for EVERYTHING. With a lift kit, Maxxis big horn tires, a light bar on top of the truck, extra lights on the grill, skid plates, rock sliders, and a hi-lift jack, we can go ANYWHERE in that vehicle. Add in the fact that there is not a bit of carpet in the truck, and we can nearly clean it out with a hose.

My wife uses the FJ as her daily driver, and she's told me numerous times that it is the best vehicle she's ever owned (which says a LOT considering the number of 4x4's she's owned over the years).

HIGHLY recommend the FJ...

That is just how it works in our house.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[jerrod]

I've owned everything from old 1976 Toyota fj40s(first car I ever owned), and cj5's, to newer Yotas and Jeeps. If you modify, you can make anything trail capable. Even Suzuki Samurais are bad ass when modified. But usually, the more trail worthy, the less street reliable they become. I now have a supercharged 2000 Tacoma with Fox/Bilstein/Old Man Emu lift that has 230,000 hard miles on it with no problems at all. I also have a 97 Land Rover Defender90, with 90,000 miles, and a 96 Land Rover Discovery with a Old Man Emu suspension that has 185,000 miles. Land Rovers are very capable off road(unbelievable wheel articulation), and really smooth road ride, but tend to be maintenance nightmares, Although the D90 has given me no real problems, because it is spartan with no major electrics. I've driven SUVs and trucks in other countries as well(wish we had more diesels here), and have had to make many trail-side repairs. Based on my experience thus far, If left stock, or only mildly modified, the Toyota's have the best balance of road/off road/reliability.

[tmbk2]

Brother has a stock '05 Rubicon (factory diff locks etc.) I just sold off a '97 fzj 80 series Land Cruiser also factory diff locks...Jeep is a lot lighter, more nimble/off road manuverable. 80 series is like a Rubicon Suburban. Yota carries wife, 4 Kids in car seats plus a ton of gear and keeps up with the Rubicon on every off road trail that Michigan can through at her as long as it doesn't high center or loose traction in deep mud or snow or very loose sugar sand on steep inclines...which also stop the Rubicon.

Around town or expressway, there just is no comparing comfort or style. I sold my Yota in mear minutes on Craigslist for more.than asking price in this economy.

If it was just me and a dog for serious off road only, I would go built Jeep with lockers everytime. For dual use or kid hauler, Land Cruiser with lockers, factory or aftermarket.is the winner.

[Dr. Keith Seto]

Strongly considering purchasing an FJ as a second vehicle, primarily for hauling my stiff to the range and as a curb hopper / mall crawler. Would be perfectly happy to get one new, but looking at a lightly used Team Trails edition as I'm planning on having a bunch of mods done to it anyway.

[Madmike36]

Yeah we need a new car for my wife and i've been trying to convince her that she wants and FJ but she doesn't seem to be buying it. I really want one but can't trade in the utility of the pickup for the fun of the FJ.

[Vaporware]

Sure you can... get a 5x8 trailer ;)

-Vapor

[jerrod]

The Land Cruiser Prado, the FJ Cruiser, and Lexus GX 470(V8 upgrade) are all built on the same platform. All solid SUVs.

[jerrod]

Structurally the FJ Cruiser incorporates a body on frame truck style design based on the Prado platform. The FJ Cruiser uses a high-mounted, double wishbone front suspension and stabilizer bar, and a 4-link rear suspension with lateral rod with coil springs and stabilizer bar. The 120-series Land Cruiser Prado, Tacoma, 4Runner, and Hilux share the same suspension parts as the FJ Cruiser. This makes parts for FJ Cruisers, stock and after market, so easy to find anywhere in the world.

[manonfire1007]

Structurally the FJ Cruiser incorporates a body on frame truck style design based on the Prado platform. The FJ Cruiser uses a high-mounted, double wishbone front suspension and stabilizer bar, and a 4-link rear suspension with lateral rod with coil springs and stabilizer bar. The 120-series Land Cruiser Prado, Tacoma, 4Runner, and Hilux share the same suspension parts as the FJ Cruiser. This makes parts for FJ Cruisers, stock and after market, so easy to find anywhere in the world.

Huh. Yet another set of reasons to get another fj.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[jerrod]

Huh. Yet another set of reasons to get another fj.

Exactly !!

[manonfire1007]

My wife loves convertible mustangs. We both had 07 fj cruisers in 08. Losr everything, they had to go. Things turned around, and bought the wife a 2010 candy apple convertible mustang. She turned it down and wanted another fj. Now i drive the mustang and she has the fj. The mustang, although fun, feels cheap. The fj is tight and you can feel the quality.
Theres a reason they do so well

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

Here they are...

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6fa04c8-411c-bb56.jpg

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[joseywales76]

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/

read, read, read, everything you ever wanted to know about any 4x4 is on that site, read all of it before you ask ?s. they will flame you.

hard to go wrong with 93ish to 2002 jeep cherokee XJ 4.0 auto 4x4, look for high pinion front axle.

[Rex G]

I have enjoyed reading all of the posts. Thanks!

I am deciding whether to restore my aging '98 Jeep TJ, or sell it as-is, and buy new, or newer, in another year or two. The FJ Cruiser really does have my attention, but the idea of a fairly no-frills Tacoma is also compelling.

I have not been exactly impressed with my TJ's electricals, and getting in and out of a TJ, with my aging long legs, is not so easy anymore. Fasteners have broken, making me wonder about the metal used in them. (wheel lugs, a brake
caliper pin bolt) Moreover, I have long arms, and having the clearance to draw a weapon while seated
enters into the equation. My wife's '04 TJ has been relatively trouble-free, but it is usually driven gently, and her commute is very short.

[coastalcop]

I sold my Cherokee to a buddy and bought this one. This is a TLC Heritage build and is flat out the most fun I have had with a 4x4. the only downside is the MPG as the TRD supercharger does make it a little thristy at 80mph. These from a recent trip to Big Bend/ Terlingua where I got to test it in a couple of flash floods

24017p

24016h

24015

[TattooedGunner]

Me and the wife both drive Toyotas. I just turned over 200k on my 2002 Tacoma and couldn't be happier with it. Once the kids get a little older and I don't need the double cab I would love to have an early 90s model Toyota pickup to drive around, I still love that body style.

That being said I like Jeeps too, and fords just not quite as much.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[hmass18z]

I have had three Jeeps and I have loved every one of them. My current ride is a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited.

[Base Bleed]

My sis has a 2013 Rubicon. Great truck. I have an old Lexus LX470 (Toyota Landcruiser). I drove both for two weeks this month in the desert and the snow. The jeep is 13 years newer. Yet, my LX is still the better truck hands down. Even my BIL who loves the Jeep is amazed with how good the LX is. Winner...Toyota.



God & Tribe

[Netpackrat]

My sis has a 2013 Rubicon. Great truck. I have an old Lexus LX470 (Toyota Landcruiser). I drove both for two weeks this month in the desert and the snow. The jeep is 13 years newer. Yet, my LX is still the better truck hands down. Even my BIL who loves the Jeep is amazed with how good the LX is. Winner...Toyota.


Keep in mind, you are comparing a vehicle that went for $60,000 in '00 dollars, with one that tops out at around $40,000 today.

[Gun Mutt]

Keep in mind, you are comparing a vehicle that went for $60,000 in '00 dollars, with one that tops out at around $40,000 today.
And to be a fairer comparison, check out our 2011 and newer Grand Cherokee. I'll match the capability, features & fuel economy against all comers in the same size. The JGC has taken a huge bite out of the Euro/Asian luxury SUV market, the 2014 with the eco-diesel engine is going to take another big chomp.

[Base Bleed]

Keep in mind, you are comparing a vehicle that went for $60,000 in '00 dollars, with one that tops out at around $40,000 today.

Very fair point you make.
Very soon we will be buying another LX, preferably an 06, as well as a new Rubicon. They are both great. If stuck w/ just one I would without hesitation get the 06 LX.

Either way, the Rubi is still a phenomenal truck. The Toy is just phenomenaler:)


God & Tribe

[Gun Mutt]

Very soon we will be buying another LX, preferably an 06, as well as a new Rubicon.
PM me when you're ready and I'll get you a Chrysler Friends & Family control number.