Tryng to Decide Between FJ or RAV4 (1 Viewer)

[Kyle Riley]

Hi guys, sorry about the double post but I though that first post was in some New Members Forum.

Anyway, I am looking at either an 07 RAV4 Sport V6 Auto or the FJ V6 Auto. Both MSRP around 28k ( Upgrade package 2 on the FJ). The FJ is about $700 more MSRP but the price isn't the issue.

I love the retro look of the FJ but there are so many around now, 3 on my street alone, that the look is no longer a real deciding factor. The RAV4 seems to have a few more conveniences and drives better but the FJ just seems a little tougher and still has a bit of a cool factor.

I've really been going back and forth on this the last couple weeks, twice I was on my way to the dealership, once to buy the RAV4 and then to buy the FJ. Both times I turned around and went home.

Need Help.

 

[WES1977]

you won't get any votes for rav4 here

Do you plan to offroad at all? The rav4 4x4 is only ment for dirt roads

 

[FirstToy]

Street suv= Rav4
Offroading= FJ Cruiser

If you are torn between the two, just think about how you plan to use it.

 

[LandCruisers4Life]

Hi guys, sorry about the double post but I though that first post was in some New Members Forum.

Anyway, I am looking at either an 07 RAV4 Sport V6 Auto or the FJ V6 Auto. Both MSRP around 28k ( Upgrade package 2 on the FJ). The FJ is about $700 more MSRP but the price isn't the issue.

I love the retro look of the FJ but there are so many around now, 3 on my street alone, that the look is no longer a real deciding factor. The RAV4 seems to have a few more conveniences and drives better but the FJ just seems a little tougher and still has a bit of a cool factor.

I've really been going back and forth on this the last couple weeks, twice I was on my way to the dealership, once to buy the RAV4 and then to buy the FJ. Both times I turned around and went home.

Need Help.

The deciding factor is going off road, or not. Going off road - FJ. That's all that needs said.

 

[Kyle Riley]

I never go off road. The 4X4 will be used for snow days only.

I'm certain that none of the FJ's around the city are used for off road use. I really can't see either of my neighbors off roading and they both have FJ's.

I was under the impression that the FJ and RAV4 shared the same platform and engine and the only difference was cosmetic, similar to an Element and a CRV. This would seem logical based on price comparisons of similarly equipped vehicles.

 

[FirstToy]

no, the Rav4 is completely different. There is no similarity between the two.
Rav4 is a 4 wheel independent (car comfort) w/ a totally different engine selection. The 3.5 V6 is fast.

I think the Rav4 is the choice for you. Good mpg's, street comfort, engine directed more for street performance, very practical layout.

If you go for the Rav4, get the V6 4wd and tow pkg (only avail on V6)- you get upgraded cooling system and alternator. I would also go for the optional DAC & HAC (those will prob. be lumped in w/ most 4wd models anyway)

 

[firetruck41]

As FirstToy said they are completely different, 4.0V6 in the FJ, 3.5 in the Rav, Rav is unibody (car), the FJ is body on frame (truck), and share much of it's platform with the 4runner/Lexus GX470/Overseas Prado Land Cruiser. The Rav4 would probably be more practical for you, but since when do Americans buy, based on practicality? I suggest you test drive both and see which one you like better, they are both great vehicles.

 

[Kyle Riley]

The salesman told me that they were built on the same platform and the differences were cosmetic. He is a younger guy and I think new.

Anyway, the RAV4 is just too bland for me so I think so I may go with the FJ. They had a TRD version on the lot and it looks very nice. I think the price was 3-5k more though.

 

[double L]

We traded in a RAV4 for the the FJ. After taking a road trip along the East coast, 3200 mls in a "toy" I told the wife it had to go. Kicking and screaming we went to the dealership and traded for FJ.
The RAV4 was a great reliable LITTLE car. I felt like I was in a death trap. The FJ is much more substantial and handles much better. I also drive a Rubicon, which takes the place of the M3 convertible that got me in WAY too much trouble. Top down but no horsepower.

 

[firetruck41]

The salesman told me that they were built on the same platform and the differences were cosmetic. He is a younger guy and I think new.

Well to ease your mind, he did not know what he was talking about. For instance, " same platform", would indicate at least a the same frame or drive train it has neither, one has a frame, the other has no "frame" (unibody), and they do not share the drivetrain (ie. different axles, suspension, engine, tranny, transfer case, etc.).

If you frequent the forum, you will find there is tons more knowledge here, than you will find at almost any dealership in the nation. I personally followed the FJC from prototype to production via Toyota press releases, car show live feeds, magazine articles, etc. and watching the live feeds of each introduction and read every press release from Toyota regarding it.

 

[Maintz]

I have a FJC and my wife just bought an '07 RAV4 Lmtd, 4WD, V6 w/tow pkg, JBL , leather, heated deats and just about everything else. As FirstToy said,... totally different vehicles.

The RAV4 V6 has 269 hp, and performs and drives well, but is definitely an urban vehicle. My wife absolutely loves the RAV4, and dislikes the FJC (can't see out of it). I love my FJC, and the RAV4 is just OK. Different strokes.

P.S. I installed a Pioneer Nav system w/rear view camera to help with visibility.

 

[Blue77FJ40]

Best hope you don't get into any deep snow/muddy dirt roads, as I believe the RAV4 has no low range.

 

[rfjtoy]

The rav is an SUV on a camry chassis, The Fj is truck built for the off-road.

 

[BOBZFJCRZR]

If you are a male, you buy the FJ. If not, the RAV4 is for you.
end of story.

 

[Kyle Riley]

If you are a male, you buy the FJ. If not, the RAV4 is for you.
end of story.

That is kind of how I felt when I first started shopping the two vehicles but there are tons of women driving FJ's around here now, in fact two of my neighbors wives drive FJ's. They also seem to have caught on with young professional women because there are a couple of single hotties at my office who drive FJ's as well.

I did some web research and you are right about the RAV4 and FJ being different vehicles.

I may go with the TRD version that I saw on the lot the other day. I really liked the looks of that car.