Don't know what to choose, any suggestion?

[4runnerian]

Hello everyone, this is my first post. It's time to get a new car and I'm thinking to get an SUV. But, not just like any other SUV, i want something special, something that capable to go off-road. I'm eyeing on Toyota because it's well known for reliability and durability. So, my choices sorted down to FJ or 4runner. Any suggestions? What's the good and bad of these models? I really appreciate your advice all.

 

[woooody]

Hello everyone, this is my first post. It's time to get a new car and I'm thinking to get an SUV. But, not just like any other SUV, i want something special, something that capable to go off-road. I'm eyeing on Toyota because it's well known for reliability and durability. So, my choices sorted down to FJ or 4runner. Any suggestions? What's the good and bad of these models? I really appreciate your advice all.

hmmm... troll alert? Your username is 4runnerian

And yet you would have us believe that you are seriously considering a FJ Cruiser over a 4Runner?

Did you go to the 4 runner forum to ask them? No?

 

[spaldam]

Simple...

4runner's were built for getting groceries in the rain and snow.
FJC's were built for getting to the top of a mountain in the rain and snow.

 

[Winslow]

I think the four runner has better on road manners and an optional v-8. It is also more expensive than an FJ(considerably). If off-roading on the weekends is your intended past-time the FJC is probably better. I have driven both, own neither. I think the FJC is a lot more fun to drive. If my wife squirts out a couple of kids I would probably lean towards the 4runner, or even better a 100 series $$$$$$$.

 

[gearguywb]

I have owned both and the comments here are absolutely on the money. The FJ is a lot more fun to drive and is very capable off road even in stock form. The 4 runner is a great vehicle but is designed more for mainstream driving, grocery getting, etc. That does not mean that a 4 runner is not capable off road, they certainly are, but in a stock configuration the FJ is a much more utilitarian vehicle.

 

[SWUtah]

I have owned both and the comments here are absolutely on the money. The FJ is a lot more fun to drive and is very capable off road even in stock form. The 4 runner is a great vehicle but is designed more for mainstream driving, grocery getting, etc. That does not mean that a 4 runner is not capable off road, they certainly are, but in a stock configuration the FJ is a much more utilitarian vehicle.

..
I've had a 2004 4runner SE V8 and driven the FJ. Gearguywb is correct.

 

[FJJACK]

If ya plan on wheelin', get the FJC, very capable right out of the box!!!!!! I have own numerous 4 wheel drives, the FJC did the best in stock configuration, just a little concerned about the durability of the IFS. Sure does make traveling easy from event to event, don't need to tow.

 

[4runnerian]

Thanks for the reply guys. I really appreciate your input. More replies are welcome.

 

[4runnerian]

I've driven my sis 2wd 4 runner and I'm not too impress with highway handling. I was driving 65 to 70mph but it feels like i was driving 90mph on a sedan trying to follow the road curves. Well, I like 4wd and that's what I'm getting. I am not a hardcore off-roader. I just wanna have fun once in a while driving it to the mountain, snow, or country side. So, this will mostly be used in the freeway. So, my question is, will the 4wd handles better on the freeway speed than the 2wd version? Or will I expect the same handling? Down to the specific choice. I like the FJ appearance but don't really like the interior. I love the look of 4runner inside and out but how should i justify the price difference with the FJ? That's what bugging me when it comes down to the choices.

 

[FJTex]

buying a vehicle is an emotional decision, especially in the US. ultimately what will you be happier having in your garage, what will make you most pleased when your driving it? i LOVE my FJc, my dad loves his 4rnr, but hes jealous if my truck and wants one for himself, so even though his 4rnr is great and we all love it, well, he for his part, should have gotten an FJc. even if you only intend to use it as a grocery getter, if you love it enough then the FJ will make you happy. i see women who drive Mustang convertables to get groceries, but even though its not practical for it, they love it and so its ok for them. the otherside of the coin is true too, if you're an avid rock hopper, well, yes the FJ is more capable out of the box, however if you really like the 4rnr better, at the end of the day it dosent matter if its a little less of an offroad machine.

justifying is a funny word to use when buying a car. we justify it because we WANT it, not neccisarily because its better for our percieved needs. if it really all boiled down to NEEDS most people would be satified in a corolla or those in inclimate regions would be well suited in a subaru forester. if you feel you have to "justify" the extra expense, then write it up as "i know i'll be more satisfied with X over Y" THAT is worth any ammount of money you can afford.

 

[pkfj]

The FJ has is better suited for off road (clearance/approach/departure angles) and the 4Runner is prpbably a more comfort orientated daily driver