Am I Crazy to Trade my 2015 LC for a 2012 FJ?

[Bendcruiser]

I feel like the FJ is more compatible with my use of the vehicle. I camp and fish, don't tow any more, and definitely don't haul kids around. LC feels fancy and I prefer a more utilitarian feel. Thoughts would be appreciated? Thanks

 

[Supra Turbo]

Have you driven one?

 

[CharlieS]

If it makes you happy, do it.

The only reason I'd do it, would be to put a slinky suspension on it and do a lot of 4/5+ challenging offroad trails.

You could probably buy 3 FJs for what you can get for your 200.

I wouldn't, but that's just me.

 

[Bendcruiser]

Have you driven one?

Yes, I have friends with FJ's and I do like it.

 

[Angelo1]

I’d rather have a Bronco or a Wrangler over the FJ.

 

[linuxgod]

Tie rods are a known weak spot on the FJC. Keep an extra pair handy when you're on a trail, along with the tools to replace them.

I'm a fan of a smurf blue FJC. They were available with a 6 speed MT at one point too, though I don't know what combos existed for 2012.

If I was looking for a separate offroading vehicle I'd be inclined to look at the new Bronco, though I dislike eating huge depreciation on a new vehicle so it'd have to be ~3 years down the road.

 

[Itsky]

Wearing a football helmet with a lineman facemask is a good representation of the driver's view from a FJ.

 

[GOLIGHTLY]

www.betterhelp.com

 

[ElRob]

although the fj cruiser is completely unpractical for me at this point in my life, I would heavily consider one with the scenario you are in. I drove one for 4 years until we had our first child. Rear locker and atrac make it very capable.
I never had an issue with visibility that impaired my driving. Just something to get used to. I wish I would have been able to keep it now, i preferred it over the wrangler and bronco. I have a sxs if I don’t want doors or a roof.

 

[TLC2013]

Would you be able to borrow your buddies FJ for a weekend or longer to see how you like it for an extended period? The FJ is unique, ended up being too small for my needs and the poor visibility was a deal breaker. The prices are insanely high now for them too.
Would a truck like a built Tacoma scratch that utilitarian itch? Solid axle swap Tacoma would be killer !
After the novelty of the FJ wears off I’d personally be happier in a 4runner or Tacoma.

 

[Supra Turbo]

Yes, I have friends with FJ's and I do like it.

Personally I view it as a downgrade in multiple aspects, but YOLO. Drive what you can afford and makes you happy. Agreed with @TLC2013, if you can spend a day or two with one before listing your LC, that might give you a better idea.

 

[RyanR]

Having owned both the FJ is definitely more fun to drive, especially with the MT and full time 4WD. If I didn’t have kids and the need for more passenger room I would have kept my FJ forever.

Straight out of the box the TRD/TrailTeams FJs can be taken out and driven in anger off-road and they just eat it up. Trying the same trail and pace in a 200 series had me slamming into the bump stops and backing way off immediately. The 200 series can be built into a monster as countless builds on these forums, Canguro racing and others have shown.

The FJ vs 200 is somewhat apples to oranges. The 200 series is objectively a “better” and more premium vehicle in every regard but the FJ is kind of like a Miata off-road it’s just a blast to drive. I found the weird sight lines kind of endearing. It’s small and boxy enough that I never had any issues with placement on trail but I could definitely see that being a show stopper for many.

If I had the garage space I would have both.

 

[tys4x4]

I had an FJ for about 4 years. Had a love hate relationship with it. Super reliable (obviously) and with 2.5” mid travel shocks all the way around with 35’s it was incredibly capable. That said, it’s an awful primary vehicle. The rear half doors suck and get old quick. Personal preference but I also didn’t like the rear barn door. If you want utilitarian that it is. There’s not much beyond cruise control and power windows. My other gripe was the motor and trans. The 4.0 is decent but the auto 5spd trans is archaic. The 6spd has throw out bearing issues and needs replacing repeatedly. Lastly is the cost. They have appreciated in recent years and it would be hard for me to justify the cost for what you get.

If I was in your shoes I’d at least be looking at an early 5th gen 4Runner trail edition. Basically the same vehicle but 4 full doors and from what I’ve seen cheaper than an FJ.

Lots of gripes I had, but in all honesty if a good deal came along I’d snag it as a dedicated wheeler/2nd vehicle in a heartbeat.

 

[Dunbar]

How much cash is bundled in the back of the FJ? Seriously, if you are going that route buy an Icon FJ40.

 

[dogfishlake]

Look hard at the GX 470 or GX460 if you can swing it. My order for the mid size newer trucks would be GX470, 5th Gen 4runner, FJ Cruiser. All are good tho. Also, watch the MUD classifieds. The most honest, fair deals happen here.

 

[bigezvol]

Terrible visibility. Personally wouldn't do to. I also a 40, 80, gx460 and LX570... wouldn't swap any if them for an FJ.

 

[Madtiger]

Wouldn’t a 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro be better for your activities? Having a bed is just perfect for your fishing and outdoor activities!

FJ has a bendy front part of the body ... Fender bulge. Happens with even mild off-roading.

 

[residualboulders]

I had an FJcruiser once. I remember just a week or so after I bought it I took my 2 year old son and drove up a really rough road to the top of a mountain range nearby. Used my locker for the first time up a steep rocky section. Ran into a guy in a polaris ranger 4 seater that was about as tricked out as it could be. I'm sure it cost more than my fjcruiser. When he saw me pull up he was shocked, then proceeded to tell me I was insane for bringing a brand new vehicle up that road. I chuckled and told him I could say the same about his fancy polaris. That caught him off guard, but then he laughed and agreed.

I actually really liked my FJCruiser for wheeling and it was a great vehicle at the time. Would I trade my 200 for one? no way. But, some of the reasons I like my 200 are the same reasons you have for wanting an FJCruiser instead. So i'd say if you want one go for it.

One thing I didn't like about the fjcruiser was that massive heavy rear hatch. I much prefer the tailgate on the LC when getting gear out and on for activity.

 

[ToyotaofWar85]

Having had an FJ and currently having a 200 LC, my biggest issue with the FJ was the windshield and blind spots. Since the windshield is so vertical, its prone to rock chips/cracks and my biggest complaint is when you pull up to a stop light you have to tilt your head down to see the light turn green. I think the LC is better in every way to the FJ, but the FJ is unique and they aren't bad vehicles. But if you plan on DD'ing it the windshield and blind spots do suck.

 

[Tex68w]

I had two, both were the Trails Team Editions, a 2008 with the auto and a 2012 with the 6-speed manual and full-time 4WD. Horrid blind spots, crap head lights, the tranny pairings blow and while the manual is more fun to drive they had their issues as well. The barn door is polarizing and the rear suicide half doors were awful. All of that said, they were a blast off-road and their current values are silly. There's no way I'd trade out a 200 for a FJC, but if it fits your lifestyle and needs better then go for it, I just can't see how that would ever be the case for anyone.

They were available with a 6 speed MT at one point too, though I don't know what combos existed for 2012.

I had a 2012 with the 6 speed manual and full-time 4WD.

Wearing a football helmet with a lineman facemask is a good representation of the driver's view from a FJ.

Haha, yes, horrid blind spots in every direction.