To wait or not to wait… The H3 vs. FJ Cruiser Story

[Gumby]

FJX? You mean FZJ-80 with the 1FZE?

Different truck. The wife doesn't want another 12 mpg behemoth in the drive. I don't want to spend $50K on a 4Skinner. We'll be buying the skinner's stripped down, short overhang, boxy little brother.

 

[j7addict]

You mention several times that the 80 is too large for some trails you're on from time to time, but isn't the H3 about the same size?

Don't think so. But anyway, not coming with manual trannies is a no go for me.

 

[Musher_Vic]

No contest. I'd wait for the CJ Cruiser. In my opinion that 5 cyl. in the H3 is really lame. The H3 is an overpriced pos.

 

[beaufort-fj60]

No contest. I'd wait for the CJ Cruiser. In my opinion that 5 cyl. in the H3 is really lame. The H3 is an overpriced pos.

sweet, i might wait for the CJ Cruiser

 

[Musher_Vic]

oops - I meant FJ Cruiser.

 

[firetruck41]

The 80 series LC is 1.5" longer, 1.3" wider, 0.5" shorter (height), 0.3" longer wheelbase, and 62lbs heavier than the H3. The H3 has 8 more HP, but 50 less ft-lbs.

 

[tabraha]

Just curious as to the necessity of the manual tranny? 80's go places no other SUV in their class can with their auto trannies so if you're thinking it's needed for offroading; don't. An H3 with a manual tranny will still be less reliable, less capable, and less comfortable than the 80 series you could buy for a fraction of $30k. I understand that if size is an issue then the 100 series is out but an 80 IS the same size as an H3. Go look at a Chevy Trailblazer and then look at the H3. This is what's underneath the wolf's clothing. Go look under an 80 series and there is a noticeable difference.

I don't understand the appeal of the H3 with the H2's shortcomings being so well known.

 

[j7addict]

I'm not saying you can not wheel with auto trannies. I've been with people wheeling with auto trannies and they do fine, just need to use the brakes more than usual. But to me, it's a matter of enjoying driving a manual 100 times over an auto.

Listen guys, my ideal truck is an 05 HZJ74, and it's not that they don't exist. They just can not be imported to the US. So I would like to get what's closer to it, not just in terms of quality.

The FJ Cruiser will have the Toyota built quality , but would it be towards the grocery-getter or to the real 4x4 side? Would I have to mod it to the point of asking myself, is it still a Toyota?

 

[Ocelot]

The FJ Cruiser is engineered towards grocery-getter, but no more so than the H3. If you really want an HZJ74, I think you will be disappointed if you buy an H3 or an FJC, I would say do it right and get as close as possible to what you want. There are many importing options even if you do live in the USA

 

[j7addict]

There are many importing options even if you do live in the USA

????

 

[desertdude]

http://www.risingsunimports.ca/

http://www.luxuryimports.ca/

 

[j7addict]

http://www.risingsunimports.ca/

http://www.luxuryimports.ca/

Those are options for lucky Canadians, besides, I was talking about '05s not 15+ years old trucks.

Thanks, anyways...

 

[desertdude]

Those are options for anyone anywhere -

what do you want to do?

 

[j7addict]

You mean I can legally import a HZJ74 to the US? Not from what I have checked, and I have with DOT, EPA, local importers, this forum, etc. etc.

 

[desertdude]

j7addict...besides, I was talking about '05s not 15+ years old trucks.

what do you want to do?

 

[Chef]

8O series are great trucks, but they only came with auto trannies here in north america and are also a little too big for some trails I ride a few times a year

The the H3 likely would be as well. Toyota build quality speaks for itself, and has for the last 40 years. Drive an 8 year old chevy product sometime-ick!
I'd wait, but I'm a cruiser-a-holic. You could easily find a tired rust free FJ60 for not much money, and throw in a crate 350 for much less money than an H3...

 

[j7addict]

what do you want to do?

I want an '05 LH HZJ74. But since that's not possible here in the US, I want to get a truck as close as possible to it. And I'm not talking about quality only, but capable as well.

 

[Ocelot]

pm a guy called drexx on this forum, he had a 1996 left hand drive HDJ-80, which clearly does not meet the older than 25 rule for the states... where there is a will & cash, there is a way

 

[desertdude]

http://www.laggui.com/cruiser-specs.html

...renewed temporary permit


http://www.birfield.com/modules.php...hives/html/landcruisers/2003-07/msg01501.html

 

[dfmorse]

I personally would wait 6 mos and see what finalizes on the FJ. Some of the data I've collected indicates that the FJ may have front and rear winches, 6 speed manual xmsn and exhaust ported where its suppose to be + a low transfer ratio. Draw backs maybe IFS and engine maintainability. I'm going to have to see one before I really decide. I've been driving cruisers since 1967 and don't see any reason to change. Of course, we would all love to have an FJ7x in our life, but! I use to drive one when I live in Arabia and they are great, but!

dfm