Dilemna: Keep 2-Gen 4Runner or go FJ62?

[itgogitrev]

Well, I've come across a rather clean '90 LC... and it's making me think about selling my '90 4Runner.

I have never realized how different these vehicles are until I drove them back to back. The 4Runner comes off as being the more 'fun' of the two and the LC is obviously more utilitarian. I will admit that I would miss the roll down window, moonroof, and 5spd in the 4Runner; however, I have a clean '89 MR2 that provides me with T-tops and a 5spd.

As far as usage is concerned, the 4runner is a temporary DD while my 'real' DD is getting some work done that will be finished in a few weeks. Once that's done, it'll will be back to weekly usage for runs to Menards and some light off-roading. Nether the 4R or LC will ever see rock crawling duties.

So if you had a chance to get into an FJ62, would you ditch your 2nd gen?

 

[85straight]

If I had a '90 I'd go for the fj only if I had the time and money to turn the fj into a built camping/expedition vehicle. A lot more room and still dependable, but if my goal was to wheel I'd keep the runner, just my .02

 

[slowpoke99]

If I had a '90 I'd go for the fj only if I had the time and money to turn the fj into a built camping/expedition vehicle. A lot more room and still dependable, but if my goal was to wheel I'd keep the runner, just my .02

X2! Definitely keep the runner for a wheeler. Not to say the FJ can't be built into a capable wheeling rig. They're just way more expensive to build. I have a set of 62 axles that I built for a samurai buggy project that is still one hold. The knuckle parts are the same as the a standard solid axle but the gear sets, install kits and lockers killed my bank account!

 

[KidVermicious]

Personally I'd ditch a second gen for a 62 in a heartbeat, but I'm lukewarm on the second gen 4Runner and madly in love with the 60 series. The right 60 at the right time would even get me thinking about getting rid of my first gen for it, those are sweet sweet trucks.

 

[T4R2014]

Go with what you like more. Be warned, the auto transmission-only FJ62 will be even more sluggish than a 2nd Gen. With that said, the looks of the 60/62 are hard to beat.

 

[itgogitrev]

Go with what you like more.

That's where my problem is. I like them both, but for different reasons. If I decide to get the FJ, I'll hold onto both of them for a while and see which one I like more over time. Should be able to tell in 6 months if I have a preference of one or the other.

My only real worry is that the FJ is "too serious" compared to the 4Runner. I'm not too worried about bangining up the 4R since I can fix everything myself. Unfortunately, the FJ is uncharted territory for me... and I'm aware of the significant price difference in maintenance and parts.

Maybe I'll just keep both.

 

[HARP]

...So if you had a chance to get into an FJ62, would you ditch your 2nd gen?

To answer your question, I wouldn't, and didn't.

I have a '94 T4R, and had the opportunity to get a similar FJ a couple months back (can't remember what year now). I basically decided I could do twice as much with my 4Runner since it's cheaper. Probably the biggest factor for me was used/salvage parts. I can work on my 4runner and save a ton with used parts - that can be found everywhere.

Two months later, the lust for the cool FJ has totally disappeared and I've been working non-stop on my 4Runner . . . haven't even given it a second thought. No regrets.

 

[turboSR5]

I have both a 1st gen 4runner and a 1982 BJ60. The 60 series wagons are nothing short of awesome but are even worse as a DD than a heavy second gen with a 3 slow pushing it. The $ value of the 60 series wagons is skyrocketing, so what does it look like as an investment?

 

[77'911]

I love the way they look, but the way they drive is like an old farm tractor. Hard to go back to leaf springs when you've had a multi-link suspension. It would be hard for us to give up the families 90 4runner as the suspension has been rebuilt along with a high level of care with low miles(under 100K).
Had an opportunity a while back to purchase a 90 FJ that needed a motor, but passed. Internals for the engine where quite high, price wise. Each to their own though, if it works for you, then go for it.
regards

 

[itgogitrev]

The $ value of the 60 series wagons is skyrocketing, so what does it look like as an investment?

That's also where my head is at. It is pretty clean and would not take much to make it a VERY clean example. At worst, I buy it, don't like it, sell it and get my money back. The 4Runner, while in decent condition, will never really be worth much more than it is now. Wrong gen, wrong color, wrong engine.

I should point out that it will NOT be a daily driver, but it may have to get me to work from time to time. 25 miles hwy one way, slow lane all the way.

Aside from stereo, suspension, and tires, I intend to keep it stock, just like the 4Runner is now.

So I guess I'm gonna take a trip to go look at it now.

 

[facepillownap]

Well. I'm actually about to trade my '97 4Runner for an '87 FJ60. I have an '86 4runner as well so I figure if I'm gonna have 2 might as well use the 60 as an expedition rig and the 1st gen as a Rally Wheeler.

Plus yea, I don't see the price of the 60 series going anywhere but up in the next decade.