info helping my next purchase... 12 fjcruiser trail or 11 4runner trail

[fishman]

i was looking to get a 3rd gen 4runner for the 5 spd but decided against getting a 12 year auto as daily driver... anyhow

I've been looking at the 5th gen trail and really like it. i was actually on the way to reno to check out a certified used one when the sales rep phoned me telling me it had been sold.

then i saw the new trail fj is radiant red and have become very interested in that as well... especially since i can get it in a 6 spd.

i have been in contact with an out of state dealer that has a new 11 4runner trail for 36k and a 1k rebate. i have also contacted a dealer in norcal that is getting a trail fj 6 spd very soon (scheduled build date starting today) msrp is 34,593 and i don't think they will come down from that. since the cost is so close its not really impacting the decision.

i would like comparisons between the two more on the daily driving aspects vs. off road as I'm sure both would be more than adequate for my off road needs. the 4runner would be my first auto trans and am only interested in the fj with 6 spd. anyone who's had experience with both please help me out... i want to make the purchase asap!

 

[Foques]

Honestly, I wouldn't think twice, and got a 4R.
though, since I am on this board, and not FJcruiser forums, probably speaks for itself.

I hated the blind spots in the FJ when I test drove one - that was the original plan.
4R is more luxurious (in my eyes), has a better presence on the road, and the smaller rear doors of FJ are a paint in the buttocks, as amne FJ owners admit.

Though, I haven't tried a manual trans, so can't speak for that.

 

[TOPDECK]

I would expect to start negotiating on price at 41k. With serious talks with dealers that is what the price REALLY was for a fully loaded new TE with Nav and all the off-road bells and whistles.

I am in socal as well, and spoke with almost every dealer in California, Nevada, and Arizona.

It came down to availability really. I was told numerous times that there are waiting lists for the 2012 models.

On another note: One big thing that turned me off about the FJ is that no matter how you look at it, it is a two door vehicle. Sure there are small doors in the rear, but the windows don't roll down or even pop-out. Kits are available aftermarket, but that is something I didn't want to deal with. The 4runner is more versatile.

 

[Intruder]

Have a look at this thread...

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/107042-decisions-decisions.html

 

[Crit Rat]

i have been in contact with an out of state dealer that has a new 11 4runner trail for 36k and a 1k rebate.

What state has a 1k rebate on an 11? That is probably the first time I've heard of a rebate being available on a 4Runner.


They are both great vehicles and really quite similar. I think it comes down to knowing how you are going to use your vehicle. For my family a 4Runner is definitely more practical.

 

[kbaum11]

I have owned both. I still believe that the issue of too many blindspots in the FJ is overkill. I did not find it a problem because I know how to use my mirrors and always use them. That being said I love my 4Runner and believe it is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned (out of 60-80 vehecles I have owned, lost count). The 4Runner fits me better, has more room inside for my dogs, fishing and hunting gear, and works better when I have others riding with me. If you do not need the room and want to drive a manual transmission go with the FJ it is a sweet ride.

 

[fishman]

thanks for the input.

my sister had a fj so i'm aware of the blind spot issue which i also feel is a little over hyped.

utah is offering 1k rebate on 2011 4runner.

hmm... i just realized iv'e never had an automobile with four doors. only had 2 door coupes and 2 door reg cab trucks.

seems like i can't go wrong with either choice...

 

[fishman]

decision has been made...

i just purchased a 12 4runner trail.:thumb3:

 

[Jaker]

decision has been made...

i just purchased a 12 4runner trail.:thumb3:

Welcome to the 4Runner family. :reddance:

 

[Ripsnort]

I've owned both an FJ and 4Runner.
Two very different vehicles for sure.

When I owned an FJ, I used to go 4wheeling about twice a year maybe 3 times max, and the FJ was great for tight spots that we have in the pacific northwest (Those that have been to Tahuya know what I mean by tight turns around the trees!) I would never take a 4Runner there though, the wheelbase and turning radius wouldn't allow it to go where the FJ went.

Father's day run with the FJ:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AveGcSIOpA&feature=BFa&list=PL4E9172B43278C6DE&lf=mh_lolz

The 4Runner is a much better rig for commuting IMO. Better gas mileage,(I average 21.9 mpg) smoother ride, more luxurious.

The FJ was okay for commuting, but I never got better than 18.5 MPG average (with 285's and a 2" lift kit, that's all I ever did to it with aftermarket) I only took it offroading about twice a year with the kids. 99% of the time I was using for commuting or towing a boat in the summer.

If you have a family, they'll grow and the 4Runner is a better vehicle to allow "expansion" of their little legs.

I was a little more than disappointed (pissed off actually) that my first major problem with the FJ was a $2300 repair, for the part alone! And naturally out of the MFG warranty. The dreaded "FJ Shudder" was another issue I was having but I ended up trading it in without repairting it for a 4Runner.

One thing about the trails we used to go on, typically you'd always see Jeeps and FJ's in the mix, never once saw a newer 4Runner. Saw a few older ones though.(1990s)

 

[clin9383]

pics?

 

[ROYALTY]

decision has been made...

i just purchased a 12 4runner trail.:thumb3:

Did u buy your 4Runner in Utah?

 

[fishman]

nope, didn't go to utah. the one i was interested in was sold before i was ready to buy. purchase was made at a local socal dealer. i went in to talk about them getting me a TT fj... after test driving the 4runner and a fj my decision was made... had no plan to drive home with a new rig but now i'm driving a silver trail with KDSS and entune!arty:

 

[hammb]

fishman:

Do you mind posting what you paid? I'm going to start shopping for a 2012 Trail w/ KDSS as well, and am curious what they're selling for currently.

Thanks!

 

[fishman]

msrp was 40,545... paid 37,7xx before fees.

 

[hammb]

msrp was 40,545... paid 37,7xx before fees.

Thanks for sharing fishman! Always good to hear exactly what they're going for. Sounds like you got a pretty good deal