its all good. its been 16 years since i last bought a vehicle, a toyota, so as you can see im so far behind vehicle devt.. thanks for the update on the plastic grilles...
2014 4Runner
- Thread starter gwcpa
- Start date
Kids. Suicide doors suck.
chitown4x4
New member
Just traded fj for 4runner..
Better seats, heated mirrors' trip computers' nav and entune and real sized monitor for back up camera. , powered rear window, 4 doors' sunroof, projector headlights., interior lighting. Puddle lights. Heated wipers, heated seats, powered seats. Ambient interior glow. Auto up and down windows. Real over head console, 120v outlets everywhere. Real center console storage... and i could keep going....
Better seats, heated mirrors' trip computers' nav and entune and real sized monitor for back up camera. , powered rear window, 4 doors' sunroof, projector headlights., interior lighting. Puddle lights. Heated wipers, heated seats, powered seats. Ambient interior glow. Auto up and down windows. Real over head console, 120v outlets everywhere. Real center console storage... and i could keep going....
heres a disadvantage for ladies while bumping into a ladies forum, although men might appreciate it 
:
Last month I purchased the 2012 FJ Cruiser Trial Team Edition in radiant red. I love the way it rides, and I am loving the interior, and as you wrote “a nice departure from the vanilla interiors”. It does sit pretty high, and mine does not come with a running board so it can be challenging trying not to flash anyone when wearing a skirt. I have to say the FJ Cruiser’s retro style is a head turner. I am not sure if mine will ever get any off-road driving, but who knows. I am hoping that more girls will be seen around driving this SUV.
:Last month I purchased the 2012 FJ Cruiser Trial Team Edition in radiant red. I love the way it rides, and I am loving the interior, and as you wrote “a nice departure from the vanilla interiors”. It does sit pretty high, and mine does not come with a running board so it can be challenging trying not to flash anyone when wearing a skirt. I have to say the FJ Cruiser’s retro style is a head turner. I am not sure if mine will ever get any off-road driving, but who knows. I am hoping that more girls will be seen around driving this SUV.
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DannyLlama
Elite Member
Really?
VolksDragon
New member
Visibility in the FJ is horrible, it really only has two doors, less interior space, and more utilitarian interior.
.
chitown4x4
New member
Yep...
Real rear air vents for back seat.
Rear seat is a 40-20-40 split.. each can go down on there own.
Back seats recline with 3" more leg room.
Golf clubs actually fit across the back cargo area.
Visibility in every direction is improved.
Engine bay has more room for aftermarket gadgets.
Radio antenna is in rear glass.. not mast.
Larger glove box.
Option for 3rd row or sliding cargo tray or nothing and get even more cargo!
Suicide doors just completely suck when you are parked next to another vehicle. To get something out of the back seat, you have to open the front door, partly open the rear door partly close the front door. Its just plain stupid.
Visibility out of the FJ just plain sucks all around, from front to back. The upright windshield blocks overhead traffic lights. Those tall mirrors make it easier to not see a pedestrian while turning. The big c-pillar creates huge blind spots while changing lanes. The narrow rear window and spare tire make it impossible to see anything behind you. And though it is smaller, it doesn't get any better mileage than the 4runner.
The shorter length of the fj gives it some advantage offroad, but in every other category it loses out to the 4runner.
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PhoRunner
Member
I also came from an FJ and although I did enjoy it, many of the shortcomings mentioned made it worth trading it in for the 4runner. My biggest gripes were the suicide doors, poor visibility and upright front windshield which was a magnet for rocks and bugs. I've never had so many rocks hit my windshield in a short amount of time. The 4runner addresses all these issues and IMHO is way more comfortable. Sometimes I do miss the FJ when I see one on road but I'm sure glad I drive the 4runner now.
03_4x4Runner
Senior Member
Just more reasons why manufacturers are all switching to unibody crossovers mall crawlers. Sounds like a Highlander might have better fit your needs. Few take these things off road but many lift them and put off road tires on them trying to look cool. Just curious how yours is working off road?
The FJ wins on these off road oriented fronts:
Short wheel makes it much more maneuverable in tight spots than 4R
Better approach and departure angles
Rear locker which can't be had on the SR5 and LE
Easier to clean with all rubber.
I just got back from a weekend in Moab and the FJ was just so much fun. Mine is stock with Duratracs and it went everywhere we wanted to. Kids were in and out all weekend with sand etc and it cleaned up in short work. Out of our FJ and 4R, the FJ is the one that will stay with us longer, I suspect. With it getting discontinued, any FJ is a keeper in my mind. Love our 4R LE...for the reasons you mention, but FJ has it's place!
LightRanger
New member
I love how the guys giving the Chicago buyer shit for appreciating cold weather conveniences live where it's warm. Heated wipers and mirrors are pretty sweet when you would otherwise have to chip two inches of ice off them. I fail to see why appreciating features like this imply that he would have been better off buying a Highlander...
I live in Boston, which is not as cold as Chicago (where I grew up). I simply won't buy another car unless it has heated seats.
DannyLlama
Elite Member
I had no intention of giving anyone shit MR. Light Ranger, though thank you for your participation lol
It was a serious question. I didn't realize that, that was an option.
[MENTION=31277]chitown4x4[/MENTION] is that an east coast option or in all 2014's?
NoDak
Senior Member
too bad they don't make cloth heated seats. I love them in my 2010 legacy.
but I can accept the trade off of having leather heated and vented seats in the new 4runner. I hate having a moist back on long drives
Rocky5000100
New member
too bad they don't make cloth heated seats. I love them in my 2010 legacy.
but I can accept the trade off of having leather heated and vented seats in the new 4runner. I hate having a moist back on long drives
The Softex seats are much more breathable. I don't like leather for sticky when hot and cold when cold reasons, but the Softex are great.
I want a 2014 Trail Premium bad, but can't swing it right now
03_4x4Runner
Senior Member
All those items are also available on a Highlander. Do not take me to serious on this forum. I would not want a highlander either. You are also correct that living in Arizona spoils me. I grew up in northern Ohio so I know what cold is. Never again though, when it is below 50 which is not very often I use my heated seats in my 2011 Avalon. It has heated mirrors etc. but I do not even know if they work. I do not even ride my atv in the desert if it is below about 50. That is to cold for me. I just wait for a warmer day.
They certainly are warmer than leather in the winter and cooler in the summer. But I take my 4Runner on the beach in the summer and the leather is more water resistant than cloth.
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