Decision Time. Go back to a 4R, or try a FJ?

[TT4RLtdV8]

Hey all.

My name is Tim, and I am a Toyota fan. I had a 2004 4Runner Limited with that beautiful V8. However, a different job and some serious driving meant that fueling the V8 was not in the budget. The 4Runner went to a better home, and a new Jetta TDI stepped in with 43 mpg.

The time has come for me to get another Toyota truck, and my soup is brain after research. My fiancé has a 2013 GLI, I really do not see the value in having two of the same car. I like her car better than my diesel, so the TDI is out. I'm a die hard fan of the 4th gen 4Runners (and do not want to pay for the 5th gen), however I do not want the V8 again - just isn't practical for my DD. I found a 2007 FJ at a local dealer, automatic (I like manuals but I'll take the automatic's 2WD option = fuel economy over the 6MT full 4wd like my v8 t4r) for a great price and low miles. $16.5k with 72k miles.

Any guys out there make the switch from the 4R's to the FJ's? Or have both? What would you do in this situation?

(Here is a pic of my old 4Runner... license plate was the best mod, before my spacers, lift, and 285's)

Thanks guys - look forward to the comments.

 

[thatoneguy]

A 2wd FJ cruiser seems to take away the point to me. If fuel economy is the only concern in your suv/truck shopping, there can be problems.

How about another 4th gen in V6 form? I believe the 5 speed '05+ models do comparatively good on fuel.
Hell, both vehicles use the same V6. Would you rather have the FJ body? I personally dig it except for the nightmare blind spot. But I really wouldn't shame it with 2wd, unless you're just looked for a pavement pounder.

 

[bzettler83]

I would say 4runner, its so much more functional than the FJ, and I am assuming the MPG will be similar.

Cant tow much with the FJ, less storage and passender space. Plus you cant beat the look of a 4th gen 4runner.

 

[NuclearN8]

Coming from a guy who test drove an FJ in 2007 when shopping for an SUV and opted for a 4runner I have no regrets.
I now own two 4th gen v6 4runners (a 2007 and 2005). one as a dd (my wife's) and one as a trail vehicle (mine)...
the dd gets 23 mpg on highway with cruise control on. the trail one about 20 mpg in same conditions..
bottom line is I've found the v6 4R to be super fuel efficient for a suv, BUT no one I know buys any SUV for the fuel efficiency of it... get the one you want and don't look back.

 

[rileyru]

I don't get too carried away over MPG... I have a V8 now, and the worst mileage I've seen is 15 mpg.

How much better is a V6 / FJ? 17 mpg 4wd? 19 mpg 2wd?

Even one of the mythical 2010 four cylinder 2wd drive might average 21+ mpg, but would that save enough money to be worthwhile?

Say you drive the standard 12k miles per year, and fuel costs $3.50 per gallon.

At 15mpg the V8 will cost you $233 per month in fuel.

Jumping to 17 mpg saves $27 a month (you only spend $206 in fuel). At 19 mpg you save $49 a month (and only spend $184).

Even 21 mpg is not as much as you might think, $67 a month savings (you still spend $166 every month on fuel).

In conclusion, none of these are fuel efficient at all by todays standards, so drive what you love!

 

[Sporin]

I agree with Riley, the actual $$$ difference between 15 and 18 mpg (I think 18 is your best case scenario with a 4WD FJC) is pretty small.

I'm in a bit of the same situation. I owned and loved a 2006 V8 4Runner. But $$$/work situation changed and we traded it on a Prius for my wife's 30k miles per year commuting. Solid financial decision, but I miss my truck.

In 2 years I'm purchasing a new (used) truck and I waffle between another 4th Gen 4R, and an FJCruiser. I totally dig the FJC but what keeps me coming back to the 4runner is that it's I can get a really nice one, with lower miles, for the same amount of money as a ragged out '07 FCJ on the cusp of needing major maintenance money spent.

Also, I LOVED the 4.7. I averaged 16mpg but I honestly think it's one of the best engines ever made. Coupled with the torsian3 tcase and 5 spd automatic it's a fantastic powertrain. So my plan now is that, in 2 years, to find the nicest, newest, best maintained '06-'08 V8 4Runner (limited please, no sport) buy it and keep it forever.

Good luck with your search!

 

[t-man]

My mom has a 2010 FJ, I have an 05 4runner. She has the V6, I have the V8 in mine. We get identical mileage in the city, about 15 in winter, and on the highway I get 22 and she gets maybe 23 or 24 at best. We both have 4wd as well. The difference, when I get on it is i can smoke hers! lol, and i have tons more space.

 

[TT4RLtdV8]

Clarifications.

The FJ is 4WD. But with the AT models you have the option to drive in 2H, like a V6 4R. The MT FJ is the same as the V8 4R in that it is 4WD 24/7.

Not too* terribly concerned with the fuel economy. The other issue I think with me and my V8 4R was the fact I reaaaaally loved the sound of that engine on on-ramps. Anything over 4k on the tach and the fuel might as well have poured out the exhaust. Hence the ****ty mileage. I would love another V8 4Runner in the future, but its just a bit too... maybe too big? I don't know. That and I can't find one I'm in love with like my 04.

The FJ seems to be a more capable off road machine as well. I am not an every weekend wheeler, but when I do its an endeavor and me and my buddies (one Xtera, a Taco, Tundra, and a 94 LandCruiser) will head into the weird gray area between OH and WV and kick it for a couple days. That being said, I feel like the FJ has a wider selection of aftermarket parts, and is a bit more suited for off roading. And its goofy looking. Definite points on quirkiness. (can you also say TRD supercharger?



Love the feedback guys. Thanks for playing along.

 

[Desert Fox]

My wife has a 2007 FJ with 40,000 miles on it. I have 111,000 on my 4Runner.

I really like my 4Runner but I like her FJ too and the low miles is a big plus.

At some point in the next year or so she will want something else and I will have to make a decision on selling the FJ or taking the FJ and selling the 4Runner.

I really do not know what I will do. My 4Runner has a lot more creature comforts than the FJ does. The FJ is great off-road and I like the way it sits higher than the 4Runner.

My point in responding to the thread is, that it is not a easy decision. Maybe if you really don't like the design of one or the other, it would be easier.

And don't take my statement about the FJ wrong. My 4Runner is very capable off-road too.

 

[Sporin]

One negative, at least to me, about the Automatic FJ is that it has the "lesser" tcase. While it gives you a true 2WD, the 4Hi it gives you is limited to slippery roads, it's a bit more old school.

The Manual FJ has the same tcase as ALL of the 4thGen 4R's. It's 4Hi is sophisticated and you can leave it in 4Hi year round if you want. On the V8, it's in 4Hi always, in the V6, you can put it in 2WD, or leave it in 4Hi year round if you want because it's the same exact tcase as the V8.

Living in northern New England, I far prefer a 4hi system that I can leave on all winter because road conditions change every mile It's easier if my wife is driving it especially because she doesn't need to worry about "putting it in 4WD" because it already is. That ability outweights the couple of extra MPG I'd get with a true 2WD option.

So get the V6 4Runner and you'll have the best of both worlds

 

[BOSMECH]

Just get both that way you cant go wrong.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

I have never really been a fan of the looks of the FJ, and the practicality really isn't there for me with the weird back seat and doors. I would suggest getting a newer 4th gen V6, at least that's what I did. I loved my 03 Sport V6 so much that I traded it in on an 08 V6. Of course, if you're looking for something different, that may not suffice. Me personall, I love having a newer 4Runner and it's still a 4th gen. Unless you're building a crazy insane trail rig, I don't really see the point of the FJ. But if you think a 4Runner is too big for you, maybe an FJ is better for what you're looking for.

 

[SolRayz]

I booked an SUV for my vacation in Colorado a few weeks ago and it turned out to be an FJ. After about a week of driving, I couldn't wait to get back into my 4runner.

First off, visibility is a joke. The windshield is waaaay to small and there is zero rear visibility. (Three windshield wipers in the front, and none in the back! Really?!?) The tiny squashed side mirrors are a joke. And who's design idea was it to place the spare tire partly in the already miniscule rear window. Plus the rear camera is poorly located and gets grimed up too easily with dirt or covered in ice/snow. The underdash sits way to low and is made of hard plastic. I too easily bashed my knees several times and I am only 5'8". And besides being totally underpowered compared to my V8 runner, I found fuel economy to be pretty subpar. There is zero room for rear passengers and the suicide rear doors are completely pointless, difficult to open, and gimmicky.

I would stay away.

 

[Martinjmpr]

I think the FJC is very much an "enthusiast" vehicle. IOW, if you wanted an FJ, you wouldn't be asking us the question, you'd be buying an FJ.

The FJ's great off road capability and unique looks come with some pretty serious compromises as far as an all-around useful vehicle. Those that love the FJ are the ones who are willing to put up with those compromises.

The 4runner is more "bland" but also much more versatile.

The people I know who have FJs absolutely love them and they have a real cult following (along with the highest resale value of any modern vehicle, last I heard.)

IMO the lack of a center diff is a cheap-out that Toyota should never have done. The multi-mode T-case on the V6 4runner is, IMO, one of its best features.

OTOH, I have to admit I'm jealous that the FJC has an actual T-case shifter instead of the stupid little electronic knob we have on our 4runners

When I was shopping, I didn't even seriously consider an FJC. It's a styling exercise first and foremost, and I am not willing to put up with having a lousy rear seat, less cargo room, a less versatile transfer case, crappy visibility, and only two windows to roll down (vs 5 on a 4runner.)

 

[mardis928]

my thoughts on my 4 runner daily driver

For what its worth...
I just traded my wifes 07 scion tC on and 04 v8 4Runner Limited. I drive 64 miles a day to and from work. Yes, I gave up some MPG....but I admit that I am pleasantly surprised with the MPG of my 4runner, Im getting 16.8 according to the on board computer. Not to shabby. Its a v8 yes, but I compared with my boss who has a 2006 Chevy 4x4 v8 truck...and I get much better MPG than he does. All in all...I agree with what people have said...get what YOU want! Im so glad I made my decision to get a 4th Gen 4Runner, it is one awesome vehicle. I haven't looked back and the full time 4wd is great in rain and or snow! Sorry if I rambled.

 

[CAN-03runner]

Just a heads up on this.

2007s have what the FJ enthusiasts are calling fender buldge and cracks.

Its a First model year. Some don't have the rear diff lock, and i think in some 2007s that do have a rear diff lock, when it is activated it deactivates a-trac for the front. Don't know if this is for all 2007s or particular option combinations.

 

[Jeff T]

I use my 4Runner for work, drive plenty... I wish either got a bit better mileage, but neither the 4R or FJ are very aerodynamic!

That's where I think Toyota is failing by not coming up with new automatic transmissions and such to a get a few more mpg's. A new 2014 V6 doesn't get any better mileage than my 2004 V6. 10 years and no improvement?? C'mon Toyota.

 

[LTDSC]

I'd take an fj over a 4th gen if I were to look at comparable figures and years and miles. Just bigger, beefier and I think looks better.

 

[oljedi11950]

^really Sam ? Bigger FJ ? As in more room inside bigger or just over-all ?

 

[LTDSC]

^really Sam ? Bigger FJ ? As in more room inside bigger or just over-all ?

Overall bigger. Interior bigger. You sit lower in the cab which helps me and it just feels more aggressive. I'm not a HUGE fan of this body style as its a little feminine to me but I've always owned trucks so bigger blockier is more attractive to me.

I like my 4runner but I'd take an FJ in a second. Do wish they put the 4.7 in the FJs though.