Opinions: 2010/11 FJ Cruiser or 2010/11 Tacoma

Hi all:

Well, I've been contemplating this for a while now, and am about ready to move on from my 2007 Tacoma Prerunner into a new vehicle (Please do not yet ask about parting out. The wheels I might be selling soon (DPE), the S/C stays with the truck when I sell/trade it in). I am planning on moving on because I will be getting 4x4, locker, A-Trac, pretty much the whole nine yards.

I plan to camp a whole lot more this year, tow my Samurai in many of those camping trips, and have room for a full vehicle, plus my German Shepherd during those trips.

I thought I had my heart set on a 2010/11 FJ Cruiser. I like the shorter wheel base, the fact that it is an SUV, the added horsepower/tq, and the general looks of it. I know the looks aren't for everyone, but I like it. The off-road capability of an FJ is very intriguing to me, but at the price of losing the bed?

I know there are a few FJ owners on this forum, and many others with opinions. This vehicle will stay relatively stock, and the added traction control systems are mainly for added peace of mind when deciding whether or not I want to get to that "better" camping or photo spot.

All opinions are welcome, and I will continue to search. Thanks all.

 

I've read that the FJ is going to be end-of-life'ed this year (2011 or 2012 being the last year).

I've also read the visibility out of the FJ is challenging (especially in the back seat which is likened to a cave).

I would definitely drive one before making a decision. I love the FJ looks, but would be worried about the end-of-life and visibility.

 

What opinions? You know all the pros and cons, they're in your first post. You just need time to think.

Do you need a bed or not?

 

get a 4 runner or wait for year and get the next gen taco

 

I like the Fj but the blind spots were a bit of an issue for me.

 

I have a 2010 tacoma and my wife has a 2010 fj. Both are equipped similarly with 4x4 and lockers, etc... I've driven the fj quite a bit and I can honestly say that I would rather have the tacoma. She LOVES her fj and will supposedly keep it for years to come, but I would rather drive my truck any day of the week.
The big blind spots and the short windshield are just a couple of things I can't get used to. (I used to have a jeep too)

 

I had SUV's and used them extensively for skiing, hunting, lots of back-country adventure.
The utility of having a bed easily makes up for all the shortcomings of the Tacoma.
Plus not having dog hair inside?....priceless.
FJ's are really for posures anyway.

 

get what u think will fit u best, and fj's aint just for posers, i got a wheelin buddy with one and they go like heck

 

When the FJ Cruiser first came out, I thought I had to have one. Took a couple of test drives and decided against it.

I love the looks (unique), its capability and the rugged interior. I thought it drove fine and I thought I could get past the blind spots. One of my major concerns was the back seat is a REAL PAIN to get into. It’s not very useful as a back seat in my opinion.

So for me it boils down to do I need easy access to a back seat and do I need a bed.

Good Luck

Ps. Either way I don’t think you’ll be too disappointed they are both nice vehicles.

 

Here is my input. I had this:



Sold it because I always loved FJs, and bought this:



Dumbass move on my part. The interior is crap, which scratches when you so much as breathe on it. It really didn't replace the hauling potential of my pickup, and my dogs hated it, (they told me so).

Traded it in on this:



And bought a real FJ:



All is good, and my dogs have started talking to me again.

 

I wheel regularly with an FJC club.

FJC's have me beat on getting around corners and not worrying about the butt end. They also have rubber flooring, and carrying around gear is nicer since you have an enclosed storage space.

I beat the FJCs with a truck bed and a simpler rear suspension. I also have better looks . That truck bed is a huge consideration - I don't need a roof rack for the nastier, sharper gear (shovel, etc.), and I don't immediately need a trailer for work (gravel, barkdust) or play (dirtbikes)

I think the blind spots aren't much of an issue for trails. You are looking forward for the most part, and have a spotter for whatever else.

 

I drive an FJ a couple times a month offroad and I have to say. I actually like the feeling of driving an FJ more than a Taco. It could be just the stock vs. stock feeling of both but I feel more capable in a stock FJ (Pack #2 with 6MT, Atrac, Locker) than a stock TRD OR. But I think at that point its mostly preference.
Every door on the FJ opens super big and makes it nicer for getting carseats and kids into the backseat than front opening doors. The downward opening direction makes it so that the driver and passenger have to do most of the work closing the doors, but thats fine.
Blind spots. Semi annoying at first, but nothing I wasn't used to after driving a regular cab truck with a cap on it. Wide angle blind spot mirrors on the rearview mirrors do the trick.
Love both vehicles. Its more about what you want and what you need in a vehicle.
You want arguably the most capable Offroad vehicle out of the factory, the OR FJC can be the vehicle with some cool styling and fun handling. Blind spots and back seats you get used to unless you're a stubborn coot.
If you want an Offroad capable truck with a bed and some extra seating, maybe the TRD OR DC may be the better choice.

 

Since you mentioned towing in your post, I would suggest the Tacoma. With the Off-Road package, you should also get the tow package, which will increase your tow weight from 5000 pounds to 6500. You also get a heavier alternator, oil cooler, tranny cooler, and heavier braking.

 

Not True. FJs have Discs Front (4 piston front) and Rear (2 piston).

 

I think he was talking about the brakes on the TRD OR packaged tacomas comapred to the base tacoma models.

 

I know someone who loved the FJ, bought it basically on the spot and then 6 months later took a huge loss in trade because she was sick of not being able to see out of it and the odd back doors. Something about them not swinging completely open just killed her. She's the only FJ owner I know personally.

Granted, she was using it as a DD and not as an offroad truck, but my truck is my DD and I'm glad I didn't go with an FJ.

 

I looked at the fj too... but decided I like my trucks bed way more than i enjoy attaching my trailer so I opted to stay w/ the taco. When it came time to upgrade my wife's rig, I again looked at the FJ... after driving it and seeing how it would (or wouldnt) work with two kids, we went with a sport edition 4runner. Im happy with my decision. I figure if I win the lottery, id go for an fj to put in the 3rd bay of the garage.

 

I just traded in my FJ for the Tacoma. I was very happy with the FJ (07). I put Icon lift on it to stiffen the ride a bit and put 285/70-17 on it. You can take a hose to the interior to clean it out with it being all rubber inside. I guess I wanted something with a little more creature comforts inside so I bought the DD Off Road I love my truck but you cant go wrong with the FJ.

 

Thanks for all the replies. The more I think about it, the more I see that I would rather have the bed for camping situations. I am already searching for a 2010/2011 Tacoma 4x4 Off-Road DC. Only thing now is what color to get.