Any come from an FJ or sell their 4th gen runner for one?

[2005v8sport]

So my friends and GF think I am crazy, but I get bored with my trucks/cars after a few years. I have done all the mods I want to my ride and actually enjoy modding so that makes me even more bored now that there's nothing else I can mess with.

I have seen some FJ Cruisers and they look sick lifted on 33's or 35's. Only would be looking at a TRD edition or a black or silver one. Any input from previous owners or people that have driven FJs? Right now I have a 2005 V8 sport blacked out on 33's. I love my truck so there is no reason to sell it, just was thinking about something different possibly.

 

[M1911]

The FJ has far worse overhead visibility. If you get too close to an overhead traffic light, you won't be able to see it.

Rear visibility sucks, due to the short rear window and the spare tire.

The rear blind spots are huge, due to the thick C-pillar.

The rear half doors are a pain to use in parking lots.

The 4Runner is just a far more usable all around vehicle. If you don't need the shorter wheelbase for rock-hopping, what's the point?

 

[Red]

I test drove one and the only thing I noticed in that short time is that you have terrible visibility in those things, at least that's how I felt. You may not think so.

They do look pretty nice lifted though. I just prefer the 4Runner because I feel its a more comfortable vehicle.

 

[Druss]

So my friends and GF think I am crazy, but I get bored with my trucks/cars after a few years. I have done all the mods I want to my ride and actually enjoy modding so that makes me even more bored now that there's nothing else I can mess with.

I have seen some FJ Cruisers and they look sick lifted on 33's or 35's. Only would be looking at a TRD edition or a black or silver one. Any input from previous owners or people that have driven FJs? Right now I have a 2005 V8 sport blacked out on 33's. I love my truck so there is no reason to sell it, just was thinking about something different possibly.

Do they make any extreme wide fender flares for 4th gen runner's ? If they do it should make the 4th gen look real wicked with extreme wide tread.

My thoughts on the FJ.
I really liked the way they handle and ride.
I pretty much liked the "tough looks".
I do think the visibility from all the windows is a true safety hazard.
I don't like the rear egress of the half doors at all.

 

[superman3043]

There is a member on here that is a cop in Hawaii I think. I think his username is something like OhNoItsTheCops or something like that. Anyway, he owns both a 4th gen and an FJ. If he doesn't post on your thread here you might wanna shoot him a PM.

But as far as FJ's go, I agree with you in that I like the way they look when they're modded. I've never been a fan of the white tops on different color bodies. I like the ones that are all black or all white though. My mom drives an FJ and from what little bit I've driven it, I'm not really a fan. I love the interior and the rubber floors. That flat short windshield is a little weird to me. It messes with my field of vision. Also, the engine/exhaust note sounds odd to me from inside the cabin. I don't remember any V6 4Runners I've driven sounding like that. There's also some weird lines around the tailgate that just collect crud.

You'll probably like the change of pace though. I'll bet you'll miss the runner after a while. Good luck if you pull the trigger on this.

 

[Druss]

NOTE TO MODS
As I was posting above I had to change the word tires to tread because something inserted a hyperlink for the word tires to e-bay something for tires so I quickly changed the word tires to tread.

 

[Druss]

Am I in the dark on this and perhaps VigLink may be a sponsor?

 

[Desert Fox]

My wife has a 2007 FJ and I have a 2003 4Runner. The only thing stopping me from changing to a FJ is no sunroof on the FJ. I use my sunroof almost daily.

There are some visability concerns with the FJ but it has never bothered me or my wife. The FJ and 4Runner are very similar mechanically.

The big difference to me is in the FJ you are sitting up high. The 4Runner you are sitting lower, more like in a car.

I do like my V8 in the 4Runner and I can tell the difference in power.

I dont see the value in the TRD package. You end up modding most of it away.

Driving a lifted FJ gives you the feeling of being in control (dont get in my way) kind of feeling. I dont have that with my 4Runner. I do have the "follow me if you can" feeling.

It is a hard call, you can spend a fortune modding either one and both are excellent offroad.

Toyota- put a factory sunroof in the FJ and stop my anguish.......

 

[mrrab]

My Dad is a private auto broker and sees the FJ at the Manheim Auctions blocks all the time. I too saw a bunch of them at the Phoenix auction. The 4Runner - maybe 1 or 2 that are high miles and are really rough around the edges.

 

[mrpanic7]

Some of the biggest benefits are the interior and little features. The seat material and flooring is weather/water resistant which is cleaner and easier to clean than carpet and gives you a piece of mind should you decide to go water crossing. It's not a huge deal if you get water in the FJ as long as it doesnt fill the cabin. Also rear e locker is nice but can always be added to 4R, and the rear optional power outlet is nice too. One of the other big things is clearance for bigger wheels is much better and less hassle than the 4Runners.

Benefits of 4Runner:
-Sunroof
-Power rear hatch window
-bigger cargo area

4Runner is a luxury SUV with off road capabilities, Fj is an off-road SUV

Id say ask yourself is the above things what i would need/prefer? just depends on how much off-roading you do.

 

[hiauthority]

I recently traded in my late 2007 FJ for a 2008 4Runner Sport V8. The main reason for getting out of the FJ was access to the rear seat. If you have children or are expecting one, this is not the long term vehicle for you. It was great when my son was 5 years old, but he is now 12 and getting bigger every day. So are his friends. Rear access was a "PITA" and the parking lot dance was crazy with the suicide doors. Also, putting a child seat in the back is next to impossible and back breaking.

On the good side, the FJ was definitely a fun truck! It was quick with the V6 auto, rear locker and ATRAC worked great for me. The FJ is better off road (IMO) than the 4Runner and lots of headroom. Visibility issues and the straight up windshield disappear with time as you get used to it. There are also many more upgrades available.

As far as ride, the FJ was throaty and had exhaust drone going down the road due to no noise protection and the roof rack wind noise was apparent. The 4runner is definitely more luxurious and quiet and the V8 makes it fun.

 

[dwm2112]

I have a 2004 4Runner V8 4WD sport edition and just added a 2012 FJ Cruiser. It amazes me when I see people complaining about visibility out of the FJ. They are obviously parroting the mainstream consumer report type reviews. :redbrick: I have both and I have no problem seeing out of either in any situation. Each has their own role and fill it well. I prefer the FJ as it is more truck like which I really prefer. I do not think you can go wrong keeping what you have or going g to the FJ.

 

[08medic4x4]

I notice I'm not the only one who a sunroof is a deal breaker for, I cannot believe the Tacoma nor the FJ come with sunroofs, the Tacoma especially, I think if they came with a sunroof rear window up/down option, they'd be a far better truck.

 

[aviator31]

I have a 2004 4Runner V8 4WD sport edition and just added a 2012 FJ Cruiser. It amazes me when I see people complaining about visibility out of the FJ. They are obviously parroting the mainstream consumer report type reviews. :redbrick: I have both and I have no problem seeing out of either in any situation. Each has their own role and fill it well. I prefer the FJ as it is more truck like which I really prefer. I do not think you can go wrong keeping what you have or going g to the FJ.

All it took for me was sitting in an FJ for about 30 seconds and I couldn't stand the lack of visibility and blind spots. No parroting here, just real life experience. If you like it, then great. I personally prefer the size and functionality of the 4Runner with 4 real doors. They are both obviously great and capable vehicles.

 

[Brazenhead]

I had an 07' 6 speed FJ with an ARB bumper, Icon/Toytec lift, 295/70/17 Terra Grapplers on stock black powder coated alloys, Trailgear sliders and TRD exhaust.

Pic from just before I sold it.

No one mentioned the lack of a manual transmission in the 4Runner. Visibility is definitely not an issue if you can use mirrors (for some people this is obviously a challenge). As far as the overhang is concerned its a simple fix, just don't pull up as close to the lights and you'll see just fine. In fact I hardly ever had to lower my sun visor because the overhang actually kept the sun out of my eyes.

As you can tell I'm a supporter of the FJ and am extremely regretful that I sold it, but the wife wanted a finished basement so she wins.

The FJ and the 4Runner can't be compared on a level platform. The T4R is much more refined then the FJ and a hell of a lot more money (new). Both have pros and cons. I loved my FJ but alo love my 4Runner.

 

[M1911]

I have a 2004 4Runner V8 4WD sport edition and just added a 2012 FJ Cruiser. It amazes me when I see people complaining about visibility out of the FJ. They are obviously parroting the mainstream consumer report type reviews. :redbrick:

Nope, not parroting reviews. Those are my opinions, which the OP is free to take or leave.

 

[Desert Fox]

The windows do not give the best view to behind you but it has not been a problem for my wife or me. Sitting up high seems to help along with the fact that we know we need to pay more attention to our driving.

So far the suicide doors have not been a problem. We have a 3 year old that goes in the back. we had a Jeep TJ and that was a real PIA to get her in the car seat. It has not been a probablem with the FJ.

 

[dwm2112]

I had an 07' 6 speed FJ with an ARB bumper, Icon/Toytec lift, 295/70/17 Terra Grapplers on stock black powder coated alloys, Trailgear sliders and TRD exhaust.

Pic from just before I sold it.

No one mentioned the lack of a manual transmission in the 4Runner. Visibility is definitely not an issue if you can use mirrors (for some people this is obviously a challenge). As far as the overhang is concerned its a simple fix, just don't pull up as close to the lights and you'll see just fine. In fact I hardly ever had to lower my sun visor because the overhang actually kept the sun out of my eyes.

As you can tell I'm a supporter of the FJ and am extremely regretful that I sold it, but the wife wanted a finished basement so she wins.

The FJ and the 4Runner can't be compared on a level platform. The T4R is much more refined then the FJ and a hell of a lot more money (new). Both have pros and cons. I loved my FJ but alo love my 4Runner.

I guess you are correct on using the mirrors. Never realized this would be a challenge for some...

 

[NJshadow93]

My best guess is that you would probably regret giving up the V8 if you do it. But if you are looking for something different, the FJ might be a good choice. I just sold my stock rims to a guy with a 2010 FJ. I told him I had loved those things but decided on the 4Runner. He said "Don't do it" in regard to getting the FJ. He said he wishes he had a V8, the ride isn't as comfortable as it could be, lacks some modern features that he would have liked. Everyone is different though. I personally wouldn't mind having an FJ, I love those things, but I can never say that I have driven one, or even sat in one.

 

[DexTech]

I test drove the FJ before buying my 4R. My experience was about the same as others regarding the first impression of visibility and the rear doors.

my decision came down to do I really need a great off road vehicle, or do I need a great daily driver that can do some off roading. just don't do enough trail blazing to justify driving it everyday. Wish I had mad money for both