Wife's Ride...LC Jr (FJ), Wrangler 4dr or Xtera Off Road?

[TomR]

Hi All...While I am haapy with my 2004 LC (need to get the RBs off)...my wife's ride is at 160K miles and it is time to look at a new vehicle for her. She (we) have driven Volvos since 1980 but are not at all pleased with the current offerings. She likes the bright red/turbo/manual xmission/stiffer suspension "sport" models...but the current S 60 T5 is just too small (we currently have a '98 S -70 T5) and the new S 90 does not appeal to either of us. Too bad they don't offer the new 2008 6spd manual XC70 wagon with a diesel...which they do sell in Europe.

Since we both turn 60 this year we are determined to stay "sporty" and have vehicles that are not the "norm" for a 60 year old...and my wife says she will drive a manual xmission until she dies! BTW she also rides her own Harley Road King...we are going on a four week tour to Banff/Glacier, etc. this summer...may not be able to "tour" many more years...may have to tow when we get "old".

Question...we are looking at the new 4dr Wrangler, the Toyota FJ (Cruiser Jr!) and the Xterra. We likely will not use much for off road except for occassional minimum maintenance road...and maybe some trail riding...not the hard core rock stuff!

The Wrangler has 10" longer wheelbase and bigger back seat and easier back seat entry...grandkids only! We like the FJ styling and the Toyota reliability (based upon 3 LCs since 1990)...and the ride seems OK. The Xterra is OK looking and is probably the least expensive...and may be least "fun" of the three.

It may come down to the 10" longer wheelbase and the bigger back seat and easier back seat entry of the Wrangler...vs. the Toyota reliabilty and the fun of owning a Curiser Sr and a Cruiser Jr. Oh yes...the FJ has a 5,000# tow rating vs. the 3,500# on the Wrangler. Not sure how the FJ would handle 5,000# with the short wheelbase? We do eventually plan on towing an enclosed trailer with the two Harleys on board.

Any thoughts or experiences you may add. Thanks...TomR

 

[1loudLX]

hmmmmmm, this might be better in car chat as this is 100-Series Specific tech. Just tell her to get another LC like yours.

 

[TomR]

Yea...probably should have posted in the FJ section rather than the 100 section. Maybe the moderator can move? TomR

 

[ckkone]

I can't offer an honest opinion as I'm partial to Toyota.....

Lets see sporty, obviously she likes european cars, not much offroading and diesel:

 

[BMWSTOY]

Agree, move it to the FJ section - then get that one - my choice. Caution, once in the FJ section, its hard to leave.

 

[1loudLX]

toyota had a truck at SEMA this past year, FJC Ute Back with the 2UZ-FE supercharged...needless to say, i would jump on THAT if it ever made it into production

 

[SamoL]

Chris, it seems you like a V10 Tuareg a lot.
The PO of my LC bought one. After a month he admitted he made a huge mistake. There are endless problems with Tuaregs and almost all V10 Tuaregs develop a diff failure (I'm not sure - but I think it's a center diff).
Another guy living in my village had endless problems with the engine on his Tuareg (the smaller diesel). Finally the dealer replaced the car.

I'm sure I wouldn't want one

Regards
Samo

 

[NMuzj100]

If you have it narrowed down to these three similar vehicles I'd say it's time to test drive them and see how you like them in 3D.

 

[ckkone]

Chris, it seems you like a V10 Tuareg a lot.
The PO of my LC bought one. After a month he admitted he made a huge mistake. There are endless problems with Tuaregs and almost all V10 Tuaregs develop a diff failure (I'm not sure - but I think it's a center diff).
Another guy living in my village had endless problems with the engine on his Tuareg (the smaller diesel). Finally the dealer replaced the car.

I'm sure I wouldn't want one

Regards
Samo

Ouch, take that off the list...How about the Porsche version?

 

[fenderbender]

Have you looked at a V8 4 runner 4x4 limited??? Pretty sweet ride and very reliable/capable.

 

[Jim_Chow]

Or the V8 4runner sport edition...X-REAS shocks make for sportier handling around corners, plus you get a V8 w/ full-time 4WD (like on the LC) for less money that a FJ Cruiser. Both are still made in Japan. For the bang-for-the-buck, it's hard to beat the 4runner....quieter ride than the FJC, 4-door (so easy access for passengers), also doesn't get blown around as much in a crosswind due to having a lower, more aerodynamic profile. Less ground clearance, though, so I'd give the edge to the FJC offroad. BTW, a replacement windshield for the FJC runs $1300, and they crack easily. Still, they sure look really nice, and there are tons of accessories including an all-pro offroad steel rear bumper. I'm partial to manual transmissions, so I'd probably opt for the 6spd manual full-time 4WD FJC (hope they come w/ the V8 in the future?). For the 4runner, you can now get a ARB deluxe winchbar. Try http://www.fjcruiserforums.com and http://www.toyota-4runner.org/ .

Actually, for a fun offroader, there was a UZJ40 I saw in a back issue of LC mag...sweeeet.

 

[drfdog]

Sorry I had to chime in! You already have a 4x4, why not try something sporty... like a suburu wrx sti. I just drove my buddies and now I no why I do not own a sports car. If money is not a problem go for a porsche 911 or if you still need a quasi sport ute go caymen. Do not get me wrong, I love my fj ...But when I am sixty, my class A license will not matter any more... and I will be looking for the fastest ride I can find... Disclaimer! I am a speed freek! If it were not for my class A license I would own nothing but twin turbo vehicles.

 

[FirstToy]

If you're towing that enclosed trailer, the FJC or Xterra would be better than the Jeep.

I like the new Jeep, it's got a pretty cool feel inside- rugged, basic and lots of open top configurations. Aftermarket is huge.

FJC is more refined and quieter, better engine. Toyota reliability is tops over the other two.
FJC has a shorter wb but it isn't a 'shortwheelbase' truck, a FJ40 or Jeep Wrangler 2dr is shortwb- for towing, it will be fine and the vvti engine will def. beat the Jeep pulling up a grade.

Xterra is ok too, lots going for it.
Good luck!

 

[FirstToy]

For the 4runner, you can now get a ARB deluxe winchbar.

You can get more than that.
Schrockworks bullbar-better angles and cheaper.
check out our tech section
https://forum.ih8mud.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=115
and http://www.toyota120.com/forum/

 

[steande]

Hi Tom - I have been very happy with my fj Cruiser. I like the way it handles and feels, but it does have some drawbacks with the narrow, upright windshield which creates a small visual field especially at stop lights and it does not have a lot of creature features. I don't mind the small windshield or the lack of creature comforts because I think that Toyota has done a great job with the fj and it is a solid performer - on road and off. I have not towed anything yet so I can't speak about it's towing performance.

I would suggest a good long test drive in each of the vehicles you are interested in. I think that you will like the way the fj handles and feels, but another vehicle may suit your needs better.

 

[SWUtah]

Or the V8 4runner sport edition...X-REAS shocks make for sportier handling around corners, plus you get a V8 w/ full-time 4WD (like on the LC) for less money that a FJ Cruiser. Both are still made in Japan. For the bang-for-the-buck, it's hard to beat the 4runner....quieter ride than the FJC, 4-door (so easy access for passengers), also doesn't get blown around as much in a crosswind due to having a lower, more aerodynamic profile. .

My Xwife has our 2004 with 60K miles on it and it is solid and never had a problem with it. Rides better on rutted dirt roads then my 99 LC did. You should be able to buy a new one as discribed for around $32-33K out the door.