Apples to Oranges, or comparable?

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waterpoloman13

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Hey guys, brand new to the forum, but I've been browsing it for about a year as I save a little and get ready for a vehicle purchase. As it gets closer, I'm kinda stuck on two vehicles, and I'm wondering if I can even compare them. The two trucks is the 1st Gen. T4R and the FJ Cruiser. Either way, I'd have about 15k to spend over 5 years (either a payment or mods or both), and would start with about $3500.

As for usage, I'm new to the 4wd department, but I'd be interested in getting muddy and learning how to do it all (except maybe some serious 10' boulder crawling), but it would also be a daily driver. Either way it'd be stick, and I'm curious to see if I can even compare the two trucks, and if I can, then which would be the better choice. If you think I need to set down a few more parameters to make the decision, let me know that too, as I know there are just a couple points made here so far.

Thanks!

Chris
 
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1st gen 4Runner would be my first choice- for the looks and style, but they are old trucks and parts will wear out and break. The 22RE had about 116 hp when it was new. With a 5-speed, it does just fine. One of the main reasons we sold ours in 2008 was because we were working on it all the time, but i still want another one.

The FJ Cruiser is new, expensive, and has a lot more horsepower and torque- but also weighs more and is bigger. The FJ cruiser gets a little less MPGs than our 2004 V6 4Runner which gets 16 city and 19 highway- depends on who is driving.

If you will work on your own truck, I would say go with a 1st gen 4Runner if you can find a nice one for a fair price. Welcome to the forum! :welcome:
 
Chuckles89 said:
If you will work on your own truck, I would say go with a 1st gen 4Runner if you can find a nice one for a fair price. Welcome to the forum! :welcome:
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This. If you're willing to wrench, you'll save a bundle with a 1st gen 4runner over an FJ Cruiser - they're roughly as capable in stock form and base trim, but the 4Runner is loads cheaper to mod and easier to work on too.
 
Two completely different situations. FJ is a make payments and forget about it DD. You'll owe money the entire time you own it. Its modern and is more suited to what many modern drivers expect. 1st Gen 4runner is half project half love. You need to be able to work on your own car and have a place to do it. It can be a DD but it may not be running everyday. Driving an old car is unique but its work as well. You have to spend money in cycles but not have a monthly payment and won't go into a ton of debt. Ultimately both can be fun but be honest with what you really want.
 
If you are looking to something to tinker with, go with the 4runner. With the newest 1st gen now being 24 years old, there will be plenty of that.

I have been where you are at. I was having a difficult time choosing between selling my 4runner then buiyng an FJ Cruiser, or continue with mine. I wanted something that would have character, be capable off road, and reliable. Stock for stock, the average FJ Cruiser is more capable, rides better, and has tons more power. Around here will also see 20:1 more FJ Cruisers. Not saying a first gen is an elite club, just, you don't see them nearly as often. For me, that has some extra points in and of itself.


If I could go back, and start from scratch knowing what I know now, I'd still have a hard time deciding. I love my 4runner, it's got soul, but at times, the luxury of a 20+ year newer vehicle would be a welcome addition. So would an extra door or two for my 2nd row passengers.

A big difference of the two is the loan payment. Having that every month really cuts into your modding money. For the extra $300/month you would save on the loan, that would go a long way towards building a 4runner to match your personality.
 
Hopes and Dreams Confirmed...

Thanks to all who responded. I didn't even bother checking this yesterday thinking it might be a day or two, but man you guys are fast!

My hopes and dreams are confirmed, thankfully. I love the character of the 1st Gen, so I was hoping that would be the overwhelming response. I have tinkered with Toyotas from the late '80s since I was 15 (granted, they were the cars, but a Toyota is a Toyota, right?), so I don't mind doing the work myself.

Now all that's left is to set aside a little more cash and find one!

Thanks again everyone!
 
Just to add a little balance here; i've owned a 3rd-gen T4R, then an FJ cruiser, then a 5th-Gen T4R... not quite the same as your decision but keep in mind you're on a T4R forum... if you posted this question over on the FJ cruiser forum you'd likely get a different bias.
I really loved my FJ Cruiser when i had it and they have awesome off-road capability. ultimately I wanted a bit better MPG as a daily driver but also needed four full doors, which i guess doesn't apply to your decision.
Anyway, have you driven both vehicles? if not, that would surely be helpful to your decision... good luck!
 
92-SR5 said:
My hopes and dreams are confirmed, thankfully. I love the character of the 1st Gen, so I was hoping that would be the overwhelming response.
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Wait, hang on - you came into a forum full of guys that love their 1st gen 4Runners way more than can possibly be healthy, and you're surprised that we kinda leaned 4Runnerish in our answers?

Huh.

:)
 
This is probably a silly question to some, but why a gen 1 for some offroading + DD, instead of a gen 2 or gen 3? The upfront price difference wouldn't be too huge anymore, and though it wouldn't be as unique you'd have more used parts availability if needed, plus potentially a 10+ year newer vehicle.

I'm guessing it's related to axles (friend used to have a ~84 cruiser) and highly modifying the vehicle….but thought I should ask.
 
Go with both!!! In all seriousness I know that's not the direction you are planning on going but that would solve your problems. I bought an FJ new in 08 and I love it, plenty of comfort, decent space, nice ride, and everything works!!! Out of the box they are very capable but with a bit of $$$ they can get it done. It's an amazing truck but can hold you back when you move on to more difficult trails and then there's always the wifey in the background complaining that your going to ruin a perfect truck.
The solid axle first gen was my next purchase for a trail truck. Easy to work on, cheaper upgrades and mods, more capable on harder trails, and no pissed wifey.
Both are great trucks and super cool but it really depends on what's most important to you. A reliable DD with comfort and power that you are always worried about damaging and can't easily repair yourself or a great trail truck that can be a DD but might leave you on the roadside but you can fix yourself.
Here's my truck's for comparison, good luck with your shopping.
 

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giro said:
This is probably a silly question to some, but why a gen 1 for some offroading + DD, instead of a gen 2 or gen 3? The upfront price difference wouldn't be too huge anymore, and though it wouldn't be as unique you'd have more used parts availability if needed, plus potentially a 10+ year newer vehicle.

I'm guessing it's related to axles (friend used to have a ~84 cruiser) and highly modifying the vehicle….but thought I should ask.
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Because the top comes off.

I thought we covered this.
 
Another thing to consider is the situation you are in.

I've had and loved my 1st gen 4runner for over 10 years. I never thought I would get anything else. Then last June I found out out my wife was pregnant with our first child.

Those thin sheet metal doors without reinforcement, no air bags, 2-doors, and no air conditioning (none from factory), didn't seem to be the best kid hauler.

So this summer I added a 4th gen 4runner. No way I was getting rid of my 86 though. They're both great, and I split my time behind the wheel of each. Funny though, no one has ever chased me down the road offering to buy my 4th gen!
 
if the OP wants something old where the top comes off... might as well throw in a couple other options; an old 70s Ford Bronco or an old IH Scout... yeah i know theyre not Toyota products but pretty cool off-roaders with removeable tops....
 
No, no, no... Don't listen to these people...

Go out and get yourself a 3VZE equipped 2nd gen with blown head gaskets. They are dirt cheap!
Through this tried and true method, you will be way ahead of the curve when it comes to becoming "one" with your 4runner and you will also learn creative juggling of your bank account.
:banana:
 
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I recently sold my '07 FJ (hence the screen name, I joined while I still had it). I sold it because it was paid off, still worth a good bit of cash and I had sort of grown out of it. I'm not a big off-road type but I did take it on some fun trails the first few years I had it. It was tons of fun.

But as was mentioned earlier, if you want a DD that's comfy and has power then the FJ fits the bill. But if you want to tinker with something that you don't mind messing up, then an older vehicle is for you.

I stopped the little off-roading I was doing because all the FJs around me were breaking or taking some serious body damage. I knew I would probably want to sell mine one day so it because strictly a road warrior.

My wife thought I would regret selling it. But to be honest, buying my 93 Runner fills the need just fine.
 
grey_ghost said:
if the OP wants something old where the top comes off... might as well throw in a couple other options; an old 70s Ford Bronco or an old IH Scout... yeah i know theyre not Toyota products but pretty cool off-roaders with removeable tops....
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uhhh yeah an old bronco is cool and is an offroader... but it's also the least reliable vehicle a person can buy...
 
if the removable top isnt the most important thing in the world to you, honestly go with a second gen. They are very capable, even when stock and especially with some modding. Plus sourcing parts is easier and if you plan on using a 1st gen w/ 22R or RE ( im assuming) engine as a DD, then the engine power (about 100hp or so) will just make driving on the street a pretty miserable experience to deal with everyday. No offense to all you 1st gen guys. However, 1st gens are pretty easy to go crazy with modding and such, so if you ever plan on turning it into a serious trail rig, a 1st gen is the way to go. And yes, i understand how much fun a removable top on the trails can be. Hope my opinion helps a little!
 
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