FJ Cruiser vs tacoma

Or to ashamed to say he bought an FJ...

 

Hmmm, I am 65 and love my Tacoma. Takes me everyplace I want to go and then some. My group that travel with have an FJ, 2- Xterras, Jeep Rubicon, and a Ford Bronco. None of us have a problem getting anyplace.

FJ - complaint - back seat comfort and narrow door opening, bang my head every time I get in/out, not that comfortable. From the front seat very cool and visibility will never match my old International Travelall

Jeep - fine

Xterra - fine, limited storage space rear seat ok

Tacoma - everyone in my group says the best ride both on/off road. Complaint, rear trailer light hook up is too low and gets nailed every trip. Entune is kind of hokie but like the additional features of the big screen, radio and thay can have the restaurant reservation system.

 

My Vote, Tacoma...but well I own one...#5 for me!!!

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/114216-diy-relocate-trailer-harness.html
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/42844-relocating-7-pin-trailer-harness.html

 

Get both =)
But I choose the Taco more.

 

The fender tear issue with early FJ's is what turned me away. It seemed to be a hit or miss problem from what people on FJcruiserforum said, but the inner fenders just shearing apart didn't seem very reassuring, though people said Toyota reinforced the newer models (2010 and up I believe) with a "bandaid" of some form.

 

This is only an issue with early '07 models as well as the weak 3rd member. There are alot of '07 models without issues.

The biggest issue I have with the FJ is the lack of storage but there are aftermarket solutions.

I would definitely be the exception to your description. I am 40, married for 13 years with an 8 year old and a 5 month old. The FJ is my only vehicle but I do have a trailer to haul the random load of gravel or bark. My 8 year old loves the back seat and entry and exit is much better than the Tacoma. I am not tall by any means but I felt like I always had to duck when getting in.

You can't go wrong with either vehicle as they both have their purpose. Choosing the right one that fits your needs is the key.

 

Not from what I have read. From what FJC forum members are saying it seems to be an 07-09 problem (Hit or miss really):

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/toyota-fj-cruiser-polls/37556-do-you-have-inner-fender-bulges-cracking.html

I looked up all this when I was wanting to buy a used FJC (07 model specifically since price was so high even used). I still would buy a 2010 and up model though since Toyota reinforced the area.

 

You are talking apples and oranges. It depends on what you are going to do with the vehicle. One has an open bed to carry things and the other does not. Is this just going to be a high dollar toy?
If so the FJ has more internal room and comfort. If this is a practical choice and you need to haul things the Tacoma is better.
Also the FJ is a bear to see out of when backing. It has a lot of blind spots.
You might go here http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/ and see the pros and cons of the FJ

 

I still stand by my statement as most that have issues are '07 models or '08 models with a build date in '07. Also if you look at the poll there are three times as many without issue as opposed to those with the fenders bulging.

Yes, if you can swing a '10 or newer I would go that route not only for the frame revisions and other gadgetry but also the dual VVTi.

 

I've had both... went tacoma to FJ to tacoma

FJ was fun, but as a general purpose vehicle it was relatively impractical for my needs. The Tacoma is an all around better choice for every day life in my opinion and the FJ is more of a purpose built vehicle with one specific purpose in mind (wheeling).

Just my .02.

 

I went back and forth on this decision last year as well. My previous vehicle was a Tacoma, so part of me wanted to go with the FJ just for a change of pace...but at the same time I really love the Tacoma.

It was a tough choice, I changed my mind several times, and definitely checked out several of each at my local dealerships. In the end, I went with the Tacoma...primarily because I found with with [almost] all the options I wanted and I just liked driving it better (I had trouble finding an FJ in manual in my area as well, but my dealer had several 6 speed Tacos, which also influenced my decision). I admit, though, that sometimes I'll see a really nice FJ on the road and get a twang of buyers remorse...but it quickly fades.

 

I understand that but you originally said it was only an 07 problem in your post above. Just throwing out some source material for OP. It is still a thing to factor in when deciding on a used vehicle. Though for his situation looks like he is going brand new so shouldn't be an issue anyway.



Oh and good addition of the dual VVTI info! Wish the newest Tacomas came with that engine:/

 

the fj was supposed to be a real off road vehicle to compete with the jeep and bring back toyotas off road name from the past, sadly the ppl making decisions were too stupid to put a real axle on the front of the fj to make a real jeep competitor. it's being discontinued because it just doesn't do what it was supposed to do. up here in canada they were selling less than 200 a year.

 

a basic lifted ifs truck with a similar wheelbase to a basic lift solid axle truck running the same tires will be outperformed in almost all real wheeling situations. i run ifs and have for the past 8yrs. ifs trucks get bounced around and have more trouble due to lack of articulation.

 

i think a successful reinvention of the fj is very very possible if toyota wants it, they just need to offer the removable top with a straight axle up front. apparently the reg cab is going bye bye also. so i'm not sure what toyota is thinking..

 

I agree too. And it goes for pretty much all IFS vehicles, no one is picking on the FJ with this statement. The IFS will work in a lot of off road environments, and do very well, but for really serious hardcore stuff it's solid front axle for the win.

 

The FJ is pretty impressive off road. I would put a lot of $ that it would outperform any equally equipped taco. The approach and departure angles are much better, not to mention the turning radius.


But if I had to pick a DD, it would be the Taco hands down. ( or a 4runner trail edition)

 

the driver.. or the fj, im sure there are a lot of guys here willing to buy the driver lol

 

that would be accurate 4runner vs tacoma. the fj is more toy vs practical potential practical toy.

i love the FJ but its not practical. i cant live without the bed.