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Toyota FJ Cruiser v. Toyota 4Runner

23 messages,  Last post on Apr 29, 2009 at 10:10 PM

You are in the Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota FJ Cruiser, Toyota 4Runner, SUV

Messages Page 1 of 3

#1 of 23 Toyota FJ Cruiser v. Toyota 4Runner by Sylvia

Jul 19, 2006 (8:46 am)

Toyota FJ Cruiser v. Toyota 4Runner

#2 of 23 4Runner vs. FJ by submachine

Mar 28, 2006 (5:11 pm)

Reasons to choose an FJ over a 4Runner
 
1. You hate your 3rd and 4rth passangers, and want to make them suffer.
 
2. You like a "challenge" when backing up with near-zero visibility
 
3. You enjoy the added effort of opening the front door every single time you want to open the back door getting in or out.
 
4. Cheap plastic interior reminds you of your first car.
 
5. Huge turning radius means no dangerously sharp turns.
 
6. The white roof reminds you of your first bald-spot.
 
7. You like spending an extra $10,000 for markups because Toyota has earned it.

#3 of 23 FJ vs. 4Runner by detour

Jul 08, 2006 (2:13 pm)

Since, as I understand it, the FJ is essentially a 4Runner with some cool modifications, I'm wondering if I might not do just as well getting a previous model ('05 or '04) 4Runner with a few miles on it than having to pay a premium to get a new FJ (and then having to pay a premium at the gas pump every time I have to fill up with premium gas). The 4Runner might not look as cool as the FJ, and it might not have quite the same off-road abilities, but it's certainly a strong contender in the off-road category. What thoughts do people have about the advantages of one over the other?

#4 of 23 Re: FJ vs. 4Runner [detour] by voodoofx

Jul 08, 2006 (3:02 pm)

Replying to: detour (Jul 08, 2006 2:13 pm)
You need to read some of the previous posts. There are lots about the merits of 4Runners, Xterres versus FJs. You will also read that premium gas is not necessary unless maximum h.p. is needed. FJs are based on the Prada platform not $Runner. A trac alone makes the FJ far superior off-road, but most people here will never use it. The correct plastic dressing is of much greater concern!

#5 of 23 Re: FJ vs. 4Runner [voodoofx] by tidester

Jul 08, 2006 (3:14 pm)

Replying to: voodoofx (Jul 08, 2006 3:02 pm)
...Prada platform not $Runner...
 
Was that a typo or an editorial comment on pricing?
 
tidester, host

#6 of 23 Re: FJ vs. 4Runner [tidester] by voodoofx

Jul 08, 2006 (6:52 pm)

Replying to: tidester (Jul 08, 2006 3:14 pm)
Tho a typo quite true. Toyotas are expensive. A neighbor bought a loaded full size Chevy 4x4 for $5K less than my Tundra.

#7 of 23 Re: FJ vs. 4Runner [detour] by cloned_2_death

Jul 08, 2006 (7:01 pm)

Replying to: detour (Jul 08, 2006 2:13 pm)
>>> Since, as I understand it, the FJ is essentially a
>>> 4Runner with some cool modifications, I'm wondering if
>>> I might not do just as well getting a previous model
>>> ('05 or '04) 4Runner with a few miles on it than
>>> having to pay a premium to get a new FJ (and then
>>> having to pay a premium at the gas pump every time I
>>> have to fill up with premium gas). The 4Runner might
>>> not look as cool as the FJ, and it might not have quite the same off-road abilities, but it's certainly a
>>> strong contender in the off-road category. What
>>> thoughts do people have about the advantages of one
>>> over the other?
 
Choice of 4Runner Vs. FJ Cruiser depends on what you REALLY want from the vehicle. I don't think gas prices should be part of your decision, since the amount extra you'll spend on premium is relatively insignificant. (Pretend you drive the vehicle 20,000 miles/year. If you average 20 MPG you'll use 1000 gallons/year. If premium costs 30 cents/gallon more than regular you would end up spending $300/year driving on premium rather than regular. Is $300/year really a big deal to someone buying a $25,000 - $30,000 vehicle? Furthermore, the FJ Cruiser can actually use regular - doing so simply decreases the performance slightly.
 
I think if people are honestly looking for the most FUNCTIONAL vehicle, the 4Runner blows the FJ Cruiser away. The 4Runner is much more spacious, has 4 real doors, has a bigger cargo area, has a smoother ride, has better handling on-road (especially 4Runners with the superb X-REAS system), is very good off-road in all but the most extreme conditions, can be purchased for MUCH less than MSRP (and even close to invoice price), has wide availability, and has more conservative looks (though I think the new 4Runner styling is hideous compared to the classic lines of the previous generation; the gray cladding on the new 4Runners in the first year of production showed how clueless Toyota stylists are).
 
The FJ Cruiser on the other hand is better in extreme off-road situations (which is of no practical benefit to 99.837% of people buying these SUVs!), is less expensive (if you can find a dealership selling base models without a pile of useless, crappy options loaded on), and has more "look at me" styling (though I wish Toyota could have just kept the classic, timeless styling of the old FJ40*). Unless you're a hardcore off-roader or are buying with a limited budget, the only reason to buy an FJ Cruiser over a 4Runner is because you like the "look" of the FJ Cruiser. Which - of course - is a perfectly acceptable reason to buy a car. Just as long as you're honest with yourself about what you REALLY want from a vehicle you should find this choice easy to make.
 
*I wish manufacturers would stop butchering classic designs when they try to make modern versions of old cars. The new version of the GT40 stays true to the old (perfect) styling, but the new Mustang, Charger and FJ Cruiser all look pretty bad compared to the originals. Had Toyota simply upgraded the old FJ40 with the parts needed to conform to modern emissions + safety regulations, they would have a vehicle that would draw BOATLOADS of younger customers into its showrooms while at the same time getting everyone who's ever owned an old FJ40 to take out their checkbooks as well. $25,000 for a modern, Spartan FJ. (Call it the FJ "Classic" and sell it alongside the FJ Cruiser if necessary. Toyota is missing a great opportunity)

#8 of 23 Re: FJ vs. 4Runner [voodoofx] by cloned_2_death

Jul 08, 2006 (7:13 pm)

Replying to: voodoofx (Jul 08, 2006 6:52 pm)
>>> Tho a typo quite true. Toyotas are expensive. A
>>> neighbor bought a loaded full size Chevy 4x4 for $5K
>>> less than my Tundra.
 
Sometimes you get what you pay for. I'll gladly pay $5000 extra for Toyota quality and reliability rather than driving a crappy, unreliable Chevy. When you look at resale value, the value of your time (the Chevy will likely waste a lot more of your time dealing with repairs) and the Toyota's higher quality driving experience, it's no wonder why the domestic truck industry will inevitably be decimated the same way the regular passenger vehicle segment has been. After years of underspecing the engines in their trucks and staying out of the full-sized truck market (out of fear of offending the Big Three) I see the Japanese are now starting to make waves in the big truck segment. Eventually even the most inbred Bubba-Joe in the US will stop mindlessly buying lemons year after year...

#9 of 23 Re: FJ vs. 4Runner [cloned_2_death] by voodoofx

Jul 08, 2006 (7:54 pm)

Replying to: cloned_2_death (Jul 08, 2006 7:13 pm)
Very true, I agree with everything in both of your posts. Incredably the high retail blue book value of my 04 Tundra is still about what I paid for it!

#10 of 23 Re: FJ vs. 4Runner [cloned_2_death] by gagrice

Jul 08, 2006 (7:54 pm)

Replying to: cloned_2_death (Jul 08, 2006 7:01 pm)
at the same time getting everyone who's ever owned an old FJ40 to take out their checkbooks as well.
 
My sentiments precisely. I was all excited when they announced the FJ Cruiser. Brought back all the memories of my days in the back country with a brand new 1964 FJ40. To say I was let down is an understatement. My wife just said it is hideous and we did not crack the door open.
 
I think Toyota missed the boat on this one. It will sell good for a few months then be sitting in the back lot waiting for someone to take it at cost.
 
It looks like the premium fuel only gained the FJ 3 HP over the 4Runner and Taco. That also seems strange for an off road vehicle. finding high octane in the back country that is not old and lost its zip is not always easy.

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