Anyone go from an FJ to Tacoma?

Hey guys,

I have a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser 6MT with the torsen 4wd system, A-TRAC, and rear locker. Two kids later, the FJ is feeling a bit cramped and the rear cargo area is too small. A 2-kid stroller pretty much takes all the room.

The only Tacoma I'd be interested is a Double-Cab TRD Offroad because it has all the features my current FJ has minus the torsen 4wd system and some suspension components. I'm also really impressed with the Tacoma's tow rating as I can barely tow 5,000 lbs. with my FJ.

I have a few concerns though. One of them is build quality. I've read that there are several issues regarding the front end. Were those issues resolved in 2012-2014?

Also, will the Tacoma slide out easily on slippery pavement due to it being a pick-up truck in 2wd? I've been used to full-time 4wd for so long, I have to learn how to drive a rear wheel drive vehicle again


Any help is greatly appreciated, thank you.

 

Thanks! This is what I needed. I appreciate your help!

 

I don't have an FJ, but I do have a'12 Tacoma DCSB OR and a '13 4Runner SR5. I have had no issues w/ the front end. I find the Tacoma to be a pure pleasure to drive, w/ minimal skidding sliding. I think the DCSB has better front/rear weight distribution than the access cab long bed. The back seat room is acceptable, particularly for kids and a definite upgrade over the FJ's I have looked at.

Having said that, I would advise you to look hard at the 4Runners before you buy your Tacoma. If I was only able to keep one it would be the 4Runner. Lots more room in the backseat and cargo area. Took my parents on a 1600+ mile round trip road trip to Big Bend this Thanksgiving in the 4Runner - 4adults and all of there stuff traveled in comfort with no complaints.

HTH

David

 

The rear only kicks out when you try to make it, the atrac pretty much keeps it good. tho I have only recently taken it on snow and it kicked out a few times, but I was also playin with it. in 4wd, i haven been able to really get it to kick out on the snow. course, im running duratracs, snow rated

 

4Runners are nice but having young kids and such, you can't beat the hauling capacity of a truck. Kid's furniture, swing sets, bike trailers, etc..(or insert any large items here that you know that the wife will want you to pick up followed by the phrase,"since we now have a truck"..) There's not much my LB can't haul and still have the ride comfort.

 

I thought about the 4Runners, but their tow rating is the same as the FJ.

 

I can tell you from experience - regardless of the tow rating, its not going to tow much better than a 4Runner. Yes, the Tacoma comes w/ a heavier duty hitch and transmission cooler - that doesn't make it a tow master! I added air bags to both of my Tacomas to tow loads under 5K.

If towing loads over 5K pounds on a regular basis is in your future you need a bigger truck than the Tacoma.

David

 

I went from a Tacoma to a Highlander(gave to the wife) and now I have an FJ. The Tacoma definitely has more storage cubbies and the such but for hauling humans, strollers, luggage, packages, etc. the only way the Tacoma will be better than the FJ is if you get a canopy.

 

Sounds like you need a Tundra.

 

I've had two FJ Trail Teams and a 2007 4Runner Sport and now a 2012 Tacoma Dual Cab SB TRD TX Pro. I'm happy to answer any and all questions (like the most specific and ridiculous things you can imagine). I review vehicles pretty thoroughly and track any and everything. The documentation I have on my vehicles is absolutely ridiculously detailed.

Feel free to shoot me a PM and I'll give you my phone # or email and I can go through the whole thing if you'd like.

 

We have had an FJ, a Tacoma, and now 2 4Runners. For us the 4runners have much more interior space which make hauling kids and dog easier.

They also have a lot more little features that Tacos don't have, like Party Mode