Thinking of switching to a Land Cruiser?

[IBallEngineer]

I'm torn, having owned my FJ62 for over 17 yrs, I'm a little biased. But what everyone here said is true. They are massive, I've beat mine and fixed it and beat it and fixed it. Way too much overhang off the rear axle, horrible departure angle. The 80 series is an awesome rig, high pinion front, full floater rear, coils on all four corners, 4wheel discs, good master and 13mpg. Don't be fooled in to believing it will get more, they won't. I don't have direct experience with the 100, but that's an independent front, not sure how well supported it is in the a/m. If you want a nice BIG truck, the L/C is a good bet. If you want a versatile off road vehicle you can build affordably, stick with the 3rd gen. If you want to tow, buy a suburban.

I'd build an 80 if I could, but I'll build my 4runner first!

:couch2:

 

[T4R2014]

I think he's talking about the FJ Cruiser. The engine is nice. I heard that it's better to get the auto because the manual is very weak. Interior feels cheaper than a 3rd Gen. Have you considered supercharging your 4Runner? I would imagine that the cost would be similar or less than it would cost to upgrade to a different vehicle.

 

[alexb]

Damn that infinity is sick. Whats the price tag on that?

I'm still trying to decide what I'd accept for it. KBB puts the car itself right around 19K. I've probably dropped around another 10K into it. I Know I'll never get close to that back. If I can sell it all as is, I'd like to think I could get ~25Kish for it. If not, then part it out as much as possible and sell it stock.

I'm torn, having owned my FJ62 for over 17 yrs, I'm a little biased. But what everyone here said is true. They are massive, I've beat mine and fixed it and beat it and fixed it. Way too much overhang off the rear axle, horrible departure angle. The 80 series is an awesome rig, high pinion front, full floater rear, coils on all four corners, 4wheel discs, good master and 13mpg. Don't be fooled in to believing it will get more, they won't. I don't have direct experience with the 100, but that's an independent front, not sure how well supported it is in the a/m. If you want a nice BIG truck, the L/C is a good bet. If you want a versatile off road vehicle you can build affordably, stick with the 3rd gen. If you want to tow, buy a suburban.

I'd build an 80 if I could, but I'll build my 4runner first!

:couch2:

Thanks for the info, I'd like something a little bigger and can tow better than the runner. My bass boat is quite the struggle right now.

I think he's talking about the FJ Cruiser. The engine is nice. I heard that it's better to get the auto because the manual is very weak. Interior feels cheaper than a 3rd Gen. Have you considered supercharging your 4Runner? I would imagine that the cost would be similar or less than it would cost to upgrade to a different vehicle.

I've considered putting the money into the 4runner, but if anything I'd sell the 97 and get a newer one just for some of the updated features and comforts, power seats, auto lights, modern AC unit (Non-digital) etc. Even seat heaters would be nice.

 

[Xetabur]

Asking if a 100 series is reliable is like asking if water is wet. I thought this was common knowledge. The 100 series is built for 25 years severe duty and is used literally all over the planet.

 

[alexb]

Well, I think I've decided not to go with the Land Cruiser, there's a better chance I'd die waiting for one I want than finding one.

I went by the dealer today and started scoping out the new Tacoma's they had a TRD Sport and TSS that really caught my eye. Great looking trucks.

Then again, there was a 2014 Trail Edition 4Runner on the showroom floor :jaw: those things are sexy.

 

[griplimited]

I was in this same boat and it didn't help that the wife prefered the hundy over my 3rd Gen. At the end the goal is just to get out and enjoy the car and I can realistically do the same thing with the 3rd Gen saving $$$, albeit with more space and comfort.
Literally made the decision to stop searching last week so glad to see this post.

 

[04rnr]

keep the G37....
got a build thread for the G ?

 

[RaceTRaCk]

I wanted to get a 100 series as well. I like the fancy stuff & the V8 compared to an 80 series. I just didnt like how big it is for trail use so ended up with a 4th gen.

 

[alexb]

keep the G37....
got a build thread for the G ?

The G doesn't haul my Chocolate Lab around and would be kinda tough to take on a hunting trip.

Don't really have a build thread, here's probably the closest thing. I haven't been very active on the G37 forum in quite a while.

MyG37 - Garage Portal

It's a great car and I still love to drive it when the weather is nice, but I've had it for nearly 7 years now and am ready to move on to the next project. I'm hoping to bring the same attention to detail I took on the G and bring it over to a new Tacoma/4Runner/whatever I find.

 

[Fireball]

We upgraded from a third GEN four runner to land cruiser and are super happy about it.

2003 model year and newer Land Cruiser would be perfect for you given your needs and the five speed tranny for towing.

Mile per gallon difference between the two is 3 to 4 at most. The only complaint on the Land Cruiser is that it's a bit big for the tight trails in the northeast.

 

[Hepar]

The FJ was my backup buy if I couldn't find the 4Runner that fit my bill. I'm glad I held out. I drive my friends from time to time and while I do like it, I like my 4Runner better. The feel of it is much bigger, but you really don't get the benefits from it. Less cargo space and rear passenger room and tons of blind spots. I do like the 6-speed manual though.

I like the Tacomas, but the only one I think I would get is the quad cab long bed and in the end, that's just too long for my tastes.

 

[grey_ghost]

I can speak to the FJ since my last vehicle prior to the T4R was a 2011 FJ auto. I did love that FJ and still miss it sometimes. the FJ has great off-road capability, probably can get into some tighter off-road spaces than a T4R. FJ also has such a unique look, in the front seat area there is plenty of room, however, the back seat with the half-doors is pretty cramped, which is essentially why i switched. My FJ averaged about 16mpg, while my 5th Gen T4R gets 18-19.
If considering an FJ, i recommend 2010 or newer, since that year hp was boosted plus they changed engine to accept non-premium gas.
Also, the FJ is not the most aerodynamic vehicle (Ha), so i found it wasn't much good on highways going more than about 65 or 70; you start feeling the wind resistance and noise.

On the LC: if someone says they can get 16 mpg, I'd doubt it, you'll definitely take a hit on mpg. Also; I believe the LC had an engine hp & torque bump in 2006 so pay attention to that... but yes the LC is an awesome looking beast. Good luck!

 

[MAD 69]

So, I've been doing some more thinking about this. What about an FJ? Anyone have any opinions on those? I like the way they look when done right, but I'm concerned they may be too small interior wise.

Over priced and it really doesn't drive all that smooth on the highway. I agree with your thoughts on the 4th gens - they're ugly looking and too much plastic inside. I would buy an older LC and keep the 3rd Gen(best looking SUV ever made).

 

[alexb]

So... I think I've made up my mind. I went and checked out this bad boy after work today.



Infiniti and possibly 4Runner are going on craigslist this week.

 

[Fireball]

Perhaps I am just getting old, but good God that front end is hideous looking!

The 3rd gen was the last of the good look 4Rs! That's my opinion and we all know what opinions are like...

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

FWIW, 13-16mpg on the LC, 14-19 on the 4R is my real world experience.

 

[alexb]

When I first saw them online I didn't like them either, but after seeing it in person, I really like it. So aggressive looking. I think I like the interior most of all. The layout of the dash and console is awesome.

 

[IBallEngineer]

Perhaps I am just getting old, but good God that front end is hideous looking!

.

I got old first! But hey, it's a generational thing I believe. The kids will find a way to make them appealing.

 

[JBecker]

While I agree the 4th and 5th gens aren't as good looking as the 3rd gens were, they really are a more practical everyday vehicle. More room, more power, nice transmission, more features, bigger fuel tank, etc. And I really like the selectable full time 4wd feature in my 4th gen. My girlfriend has a 3rd gen and I had one before too, wasn't completely sold on the newer ones until I drove a few. And I'm getting better gas mileage than I was in the 3rd gen too.

If I could have afforded a new Trail Edition, I would have bought one in a second.

 

[Hepar]

I'm actually thinking of checking out a Trail when the weather around here dries up a bit. One of the problems I foresee is the front bumper. I'm not the biggest fan of it, but I'm not the biggest fan of the giant plastic bumper of the FJ either. On the FJ it's an easy fix, just throw on an ARB or other aftermarket bumper and problem solved. Looking at the way the front is moulded on the new 4Runner, it doesn't look like that would be such an easy solution.

 

[grey_ghost]

count me in as one of the old guys; not getting used to the '14 alien-looking front bumper... but to each his own.