Debating trading in Tacoma for FJ or 4dr Jeep

My 2007 TRD Sport has about 123k miles. No major issues have arisen so I'm really happy with it. Except I wish it was 4x4.

I'm eyeing the FJ. I don't like them stock, but a little fixed up and they look Badass.
I also really like the exterior looks of the Wrangler 4dr lifted and with nice tires.

The issue is I have a still reliable, well maintained Toyota truck that regretfully is not 4x4 - otherwise I'd still keep it and be happy with it. So i'm looking into whether I can/should trade or sell my truck and buy either:
1) Tacoma 4x4
2) FJ 4x4
3) Jeep Wrangler 4x4

But, and it's a big BUT, I would like to come out of this trade/sell as even as possible. I have about 4k left to pay off the truck. Current payments are $440/month.

Scenario #1 (rough estimates): Sell truck for 15K +/-, pay off loan with 4K, down payment on vehicle of choice of 9k, and use remaining 2k to install lift & tires. If I were to buy a 20k vehicle, this leaves me with an 11k loan; for 5 years, roughly $215/month.

Scenario #2: sell truck for 15K, pay off loan with 4K, buy vehicle of choice for around 15K, and owe roughly 4K on new loan. The reason I don't like this option much is because for 15K, it's going to have to be a high mileage (like mine) vehicle - except I have no way of knowing if it was maintained like mine was (or better).

Scenario #3: Sell truck for 15K, pay off loan with 4K. Then buy a newer salvaged 4x4 of choice and not have a loan.

The truck's bed is seldom used. But it's like 4x4, good to have and not use often than need it every once in a while and not have it.
I've heard the FJ gets worse MPG than the Tacoma.
And Jeeps reputation for reliability and longevity is unlike Toyota's.

Any thoughts, opinions, advice, suggestions?

 

Don't buy a salvaged vehicle, ever, unless it will be a weekend warrior. That's my $0.02, also I'd go with option #1, but I am biased.

 

x2

 

Those 4 door Jks are sick... I wouldn't mind having one of those

 

I know. I REALLY like them fixed up.
Except I've heard Jeep reliability is not so great.

 

Do what you want man, your gonna be drivin it not anyone else.

 

A Tacoma or FJ will have better resale value than a Jeep Wrangler unless it's a Rubicon (they hold their value pretty good for an American vehicle).

With that bring said, I also go with scenario #1.

 

I know. I'm asking because I only have knowledge and experience of the Tacoma. I hope to use the responses from fellow enthusiasts to better make an informed decision.

 

I think both are great choices, but if I had to choose between the two vehicles, I would go with the Wrangler. 4 door with a six speed and a soft top!

 

I had a prerunner and loved. I have since sold it. Now I am in the market for a new vehicle. I was eyeing the raptor for the longest time but the Tacoma kept pulling at my heart strings.

So went with a 2013 Taco TRD offroad package with nav, etune, and 4x4...

 

I have had a JGC, not a Wrangler, but I did have good luck with it. I gave it to my step son it had 280k miles on it. To me no major work: New radiator, water pump, and starter. Everything else original miles. I loved that thing, and miss it at times. With that said, I would go with a Tacoma. The FJ's look ok and I hear are very great, but something about a Tacoma makes my heart smile.

 

I was set on a Rubicon until I read some reviews. If you want something to work on get the Jeep, if you want something reliable and low maint get a FJ or Tacoma 4x4. I daily drove a CJ5 for a long time and became a self taught mechanic from the experience haha. Jeeps are fun but I'd never DD one again, they are weekend toys in my eyes now.

 

Thank you all for your responses.

I really like the looks of the Jeeps and the off-road capabilities. But reliability is definitely a top priority.

I guess I'll have to go check out the FJs and see if they convince me. I have a 10month old and plan to have another baby sometime next year. So i'm definitely taking the rear spacing into consideration. I know that the 4dr Tacoma will be more convenient than the FJs for this reason, but I'm 6"2 so getting car seats in the back of the FJ won't be a big problem. Just need to make sure they'll fit. We'll see.

 

The annual auto issue of Consumer Reports says of the Wrangler: Although better than ever, the Jeep isn't great for everyday use. The ride rocks & jiggles constantly, and the handling is clumsy. Wind noise is loud at highway speeds. Access is awkward, and the interior is uncomfortable. IIHS side-crash results without the optional side airbags are unimpressive. Reliability of the four-door is below average.
that's worse than the Tacoma LOL!

 

A few things on jeeps.

Don't get the 4 banger and get a hard top.

I had a 2000 TJ Loved it and it was a lot of fun. BUT it was a 4 bang with soft top and that got old as a DD. And to boot i lived at 6,700 feet so some cold mornings.

The thing was fun as hell and had a 4" long arm lift with 31" tires and no lockers. I always felt it was a nice smooth ride.

I was able to do poison spider mesa/gold bar rim with the golden crack at moab with no problems. Also did hells revenge.



.

 

Ya man, don't do the jeep thing. Maybe I've just had experiences with my wife's old Cherokee and that was a money pit. We lifted it 3.5 inches just to put 31s on it!? Should be able to put 31s on stock with no lift,Dang those are low stock, expensive to lift also. ( vent, vent ). Don't know much about the new wranglers but I hope you make the right decision for yourself.
Good luck,

Brett

 

Smooth ride? That's like riding in a wheelbarrow. Lol

Brett

 

1 or 2

 

Maybe it was just the long arm lift? But the TJ I had was a really smooth ride. I could drive over gutters at over twice the speed of any other vehicle i have ever owned.

 

I had an 2004 wrangler 2 door. All kinds of fun but not practical at all in my opinion. If this is going to be a daily driver, I would shy away from a wrangler. I just picked up an 2008 DCSB 4x4 TRD Sport for $21000 with low miles. This is my first Tacoma and I know wonder why I waited so long. A jeep WILL NOT hold it's value unless it is a Rubicon, as stated before. Ultimately it is your decision.