Jeep Vs. Toyota

Ok, so its kinda in the name, but i wanna get your opinions on this topic.

I know a toyota forum isnt the place to ask if i should get a jeep.

That aside, Has anyone here owned a Wrangler and switched to a taco?

If you did, why?

Are you happy with the switch?

Help me make the right decision.

 

I have a 89 YJ and I love both vehicles. The wrangler is my beater as well

 

I owned a 2001 wrangler. It always felt like it was going to tip over when wheel'n, the top was loud, and it got terrible gas MPG's

 

No doubt about that but i have driven several of the new wranglers and it feels like they come with tires that are 2 sizes to big, or like it needs a regear from the factory (esp the manuals). also they ride squishy you kind of feel out of control the entire time. with a 4 inch lift and a long arm kit the ride is much improved believe it or not ( i think this is due to much much stronger control arms and metal bushings vs the stamped steel and rubber bushing from the factory). I started looking at the girlfriend getting one and the new one are much much better but there motor really sucks. bad gas no power. and the safety was what was the final nail in the coffin.

 

Couldn't agree more.

Towing capacity also comes to mind. Jeeps are not very capable when it comes to that.

 

I choose the Taco over a TJ because I wanted the extra comfort and power.

I would love to own a Wrangler.

 

I don't think its a question so much of the two makes. I bought my Tacoma because it fit what I need my vehicle to do. I considered a Wrangler but decided the double cab Tacoma would fit my needs better. Everyone has an opinion but few are educated. If you want a smaller and highly capable off road vehicle a Wrangler is a good option to consider. I personally needed to be able to haul stuff and people while still being confident I will be getting my cargo there and back again safely and reliably. Hence my truck.

 

good: jeeps are bad ass, solid axle, lockers front and rear, and a roll cage all stock..
bad: no bed, shitty ride, unless its a hard top they usually leak.. i wouldnt trade my taco for a jeep any day.

 

But the Taco will run 4 times aslong as the Heep will!

Just my opinion 98% of the Jeeps I have rode in drove etc have just felt cheap and just aren't build as good as a Toyota or even a Chevy.
Yes they are the most trail capable out of the box. But I guess its just depends on what you are looking for. If you want something you can will, drive around town and be comfortable, and maybe haul stuff or things like that then i would say get a tacoma. If you are planning on alot of wheeling and stuff like that then get a Heep!

 

If this is going to be your daily car, then get the Taco. A jeep, for me, would be a weekend car at best. I have never liked them. Jeep doesn't produce good quality IMO. TIFWIW

 

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I had a CJ5 and it was great off road ... and horrible on the road (due to short wheel base).

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My biggest beef at this point is their reliability. I have ALWAYS wanted one, but never got the chance(im only 24..lol) I've had my taco since 2002, and the only things i've changed are the tires and the oil. My bosses 2005 rubicon is in the shop no kidding about once every 2 months. Besides that, i know the gas milaege is terrible, and they are loud as hell.

All that said....DAMN i still want one.

I just have that dream of taking the top off and removing the doors, putting on a pair of flip flops and a white tank top, and goin down to the beach.

 

Can't say much about the reliability of a TJ or JK, but I have several friends who have the YJ that are well past the 200K mark that have been beat to hell and back and still run. Just about any vehicle will last if it was properly maintained IMHO.

 

Thats another thing....aftermarket parts are WAY cheaper for jeeps. everybody and their momma makes custom parts, lifts, bumpers, accesories, etc.

 

I have owned 3 Jeeps so far, plus 2 Tacomas and a 4 runner which I guess means I have some experience. I just sold my 2006 Unlimited Rubicon and bought a 2010 Tacoma Access Cab Off road. Some days I miss the Jeep and some days I am glad I sold it.

Some backround information on why I sold. I recently moved to Southern California (San Clemente) from Coastal North Carolina. I spend a lot of time on the road here and the Jeep was no longer stock. I had full armor, winch, long arm suspension, re-geared to 4.88 and on 35 inch MTZ's on the Jeep. The vehicle was short of power on the road and was very rough to drive due to the mud terrains, in short, I would be run over and killed on the highways out here.

In 95% of driving the Tacoma is far superior (highway, and dirt roads). Most of my trips now days are long distance expedition type trips, usually as a jump off point to go hiking. In the other 5% of crazy ass off roading (rock crawling mainly), nothing can touch the Jeep. Also, taking down the top and doors and going for a drive is great. Of course, don't plan on taking anything with you aside from your girl and your dog. And if you do have anything with you, don't plan on it being around if you are not (like my stereo system), depending on where you live of course.

To sum up, if you don't have a lot of miles to cover and want to hit some hard core trails go with the jeep. If you want a long range exploration vehicle, go with the Toyota. This is my personal experience and your mileage may vary!

 

Well put.

 

Tacoma owners should not complain about the lack of aftermarket support, my little brother drives a Nissan Titan (its a heap) but they have nothing for it. and the parts that are made for the cost like 5 times what they should, we are ordering him some sliders that are made for a tacoma and modifying them to fit the titan.

BTW i dont know anyone with a inline 4.0 that has not blown the head by 125k, and the transmission is like disposable in those jeeps on average with towing and oversize tires 80k.