Why did you pick the T4R over the FJ or Wrangler Unlimited?

[JasonCz]

Reasons why I didn't buy an FJ:

Strange looks (almost a gimmick)
Hard to see out of
Less space
Strange door setup

Reasons why I didn't buy a Wrangler Rubicon:

Consumer Reports reliability rating (this is a big one)
Horribly low-tech, poor performing engine
Fuel economy
Over priced for what was offered (only my opinion)

Reasons why I did buy a 4runner:

Great styling (won't look dated any time soon)
Plenty of room
Hi tech engine (dual VVTi)
Great fuel economy for a big truck
Toyota/4runner reliability

 

[cztheman64]

1. FJ = Ugly + horrific blind spots
2. Wrangler = Severly underpowered engine (awesome Jeep, 2012 will have new engine if you can wait that long / would have been a game changer)
3. 4Runner = Good appearance + proven reliabilty

thats pretty much it right there. plus the newer jeeps have the exhaust hanging under the axle if i remember correctly... the new FJs are pretty cool with some modifications, but the first thing i would do if i got one would make it a removable hard top, or just fab up a soft top for it. you Cannot see out of the back of them!

Honestly I wouldnt even consider a wrangler. I know everybody claims they're capable, but I think that they're a bit undersized and flip often because of the short wheel base.

and its a jeep.... who wants one other than barbie?

 

[TOYSTRY]

To all the Anti-Jeepers.........please know your facts if you're gonna offer advice to someone asking a genuine question (don't read into this statement, I'm not attacking anyone and my statement isn't to instigate a web fight).

I've been a Jeep owner (4 Jeep's total, CJ, YJ, 2 TJs) since 2001 and Jeep hold their own and then some in the category they belong in, which is "offroad" vice daily driver that is "occasionally offroad". People who buy Jeeps buy them for the appeal (convertible off road/beach cruiser) with a decent portion being hard core wheelers. You don't see very many stock Jeeps on the road, almost all have upgraded wheels or something cosmetically. I've now owned two 4Runners and 4 Jeeps and I can tell you that a stock Jeep will outperform a stock 4Runner on any given day, and a modified Jeep will destroy a modified 4Runner on any given day. In short, solid axles make a huge difference. Now.....before some of you get your panties in a bunch thinking I'm bashing Toyota as a non-wheeler, let me explain my logic.

1. Jeeps were built with off-road as the primary mission (built for WWII-1940's)
2. Jeep has more aftermarket accessories then any other vehicle brand
3. Jeep has a greater following than any other brand (very loyal customers)
4. Jeeps have a higher resale value (they shouldn't, but they do)

With that said........any vehicle can be great with the right modifications added aftermarket, but Jeeps come well equipped out of the box (especially the Rubicon models). The biggest complaint of most Jeep owners is the uncomfortable ride on the long hauls (you have to make compromises somewhere right).

The new JK's (2007-2011) have made leaps and bounds in the arena of comfort, but they still have a long way to go (longer wheelbase, better coil suspension, better seats). 2011 introduced the new interior (significant upgrade) and 2012 will introduce the new Pentastar engine with 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, which will finally provide the JK Wrangler enough power to get out of it's own way. The current 3.7L engine on the 07-10's is severely underpowered (It's the Chrysler Minivan engine) hence why most people on this thread commented on it in a negative manner, and rightfully so.

Anyway, to the OP (original poster) you should weigh your options carefully and visit forums from all 3 vehicles you're interested in. Below are some great Jeep websites and FJ websites. Each forum is going to be loyal to their brand, so if you visit a FJ site, they are gonna rave about the FJ, same for a Jeep forum, they're gonna rave about Jeeps. Both of those forums will argue why the other is inferior to what they own...........again, loyalty to brand/model:

Jeep Forums:

JK-Forum.com - The Ultimate Jeep JK Wrangler Bulletin Board (specific to JK's only)
www.jeepsunlimted.com (they have a JK specific section)
Jeep Forum - Jeep Enthusiast Network (they have a JK specific section)

FJ Cruiser Forums:

Toyota FJ Cruiser Community
SoCal FJ Cruiser Forums - Home
FJ Cruiser Home

Hope this helps. If anyone wants to have a sidebar PM me......:thanks:

 

[Thai]

To all the Anti-Jeepers.........please know your facts if you're gonna offer advice to someone asking a genuine question (don't read into this statement, I'm not attacking anyone and my statement isn't to instigate a web fight).

Hope this helps. If anyone wants to have a sidebar PM me......:thanks:

I don't think that anyone has said anything that was any different from you...thanks for restating what we have all said...maybe you should read other people's post before "attacking" us (even though you weren't...uhhh, ok). :shrug:

Oh yeah, i do know my facts....

 

[Snowfox]

To all the Anti-Jeepers.........please know your facts if you're gonna offer advice to someone asking a genuine question (don't read into this statement, I'm not attacking anyone and my statement isn't to instigate a web fight).

I've been a Jeep owner (4 Jeep's total, CJ, YJ, 2 TJs) since 2001 and Jeep hold their own and then some in the category they belong in, which is "offroad" vice daily driver that is "occasionally offroad". People who buy Jeeps buy them for the appeal (convertible off road/beach cruiser) with a decent portion being hard core wheelers. You don't see very many stock Jeeps on the road, almost all have upgraded wheels or something cosmetically. I've now owned two 4Runners and 4 Jeeps and I can tell you that a stock Jeep will outperform a stock 4Runner on any given day, and a modified Jeep will destroy a modified 4Runner on any given day. In short, solid axles make a huge difference. Now.....before some of you get your panties in a bunch thinking I'm bashing Toyota as a non-wheeler, let me explain my logic.

1. Jeeps were built with off-road as the primary mission (built for WWII-1940's)
2. Jeep has more aftermarket accessories then any other vehicle brand
3. Jeep has a greater following than any other brand (very loyal customers)
4. Jeeps have a higher resale value (they shouldn't, but they do)

With that said........any vehicle can be great with the right modifications added aftermarket, but Jeeps come well equipped out of the box (especially the Rubicon models). The biggest complaint of most Jeep owners is the uncomfortable ride on the long hauls (you have to make compromises somewhere right).

The new JK's (2007-2011) have made leaps and bounds in the arena of comfort, but they still have a long way to go (longer wheelbase, better coil suspension, better seats). 2011 introduced the new interior (significant upgrade) and 2012 will introduce the new Pentastar engine with 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, which will finally provide the JK Wrangler enough power to get out of it's own way. The current 3.7L engine on the 07-10's is severely underpowered (It's the Chrysler Minivan engine) hence why most people on this thread commented on it in a negative manner, and rightfully so.

Anyway, to the OP (original poster) you should weigh your options carefully and visit forums from all 3 vehicles you're interested in. Below are some great Jeep websites and FJ websites. Each forum is going to be loyal to their brand, so if you visit a FJ site, they are gonna rave about the FJ, same for a Jeep forum, they're gonna rave about Jeeps. Both of those forums will argue why the other is inferior to what they own...........again, loyalty to brand/model:

Jeep Forums:

JK-Forum.com - The Ultimate Jeep JK Wrangler Bulletin Board (specific to JK's only)
www.jeepsunlimted.com (they have a JK specific section)
Jeep Forum - Jeep Enthusiast Network (they have a JK specific section)

FJ Cruiser Forums:

Toyota FJ Cruiser Community
SoCal FJ Cruiser Forums - Home
FJ Cruiser Home

Hope this helps. If anyone wants to have a sidebar PM me......:thanks:

I think the original poster ask the forum for opinions, so everyone cast their opinions and thought in their own experience and understanding and that maybe different from yours. so here your opinion basing on your understanding and believe. Right ?

 

[M1911]

No one is arguing that a 4Runner is superior offroad to a Wrangler -- it isn't. But the 4Runner is adequate offroad for many of us, and vastly superior on the road to a Wrangler. For most of us, 99% of our miles are on the road, so the Wrangler just isn't as good a choice.

 

[TOYSTRY]

I don't think that anyone has said anything that was any different from you...thanks for restating what we have all said...maybe you should read other people's post before "attacking" us (even though you weren't...uhhh, ok). :shrug:

eace:

I did read the post, hence why I felt necessary to share "facts" with the OP. All information I listed can be found via Google. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I respect that, but a few of the comments made IMO were people making assumptions or criticizing something they knew little to nothing about, maybe I was wrong, maybe I was right, at the end of the day, I thought the OP would like to know both the strengths and weakness of the Wrangler. HAGO

Oh yeah, i do know my facts....

eace:

You may want to re-read my last message that said "I'm not attacking anyone and my statement isn't to instigate a web fight"

My statement was NOT directed at you or any one person and I have no intention on having a web-wheeler fight with you or anyone else. When I drafted my message I did it calmly and with no irritation or hostility, but instead with the OP in mind with the understanding that he'd want to hear more facts then hearsay or assumption/guesstimations. Words can be perceived as people want to interpret them, hence why I wrote what I wrote in my opening statement.........If you were offended, my apologies.

I think the original poster ask the forum for opinions, so everyone cast their opinions and thought in their own experience and understanding and that maybe different from yours. so here your opinion basing on your understanding and believe. Right ?

Snowfox,

The OP asked "So for those of you that considered the FJ or Wrangler Unlimited what was it that made you pick the T4R? Would the new Wrangler with the new pentastar engine be a game changer?

He asked for input from those "who considered an FJ/Wrangler" but ended up choosing a 4Runner. His follow on statement was regarding the new Pentastar engine, which will be released in 2012 (it currently is installed in the new 2011 JGC).

If you read between the lines, as I think we both may have, you can come up with whatever conclusion the OP actually meant. Me being a Jeep and 4Runner owner, and having considered the notion of purchasing a Wrangler Unlimited every year for the last 4 years thought he'd care to hear about the Jeep he asked about vice "assumptions/guestimations" from people who either have never owned a Jeep, or were basing their comments on hearsay or whatever other reason.

eace:

 

[TOYSTRY]

No one is arguing that a 4Runner is superior offroad to a Wrangler -- it isn't. But the 4Runner is adequate offroad for many of us, and vastly superior on the road to a Wrangler. For most of us, 99% of our miles are on the road, so the Wrangler just isn't as good a choice.

:iagree:

Agree completely with everything you stated.

 

[tlflow]

Jeep vs FJ vs 4 Runner

My buddy has an Unlimited/Sahara with a nice lift running Nitto 35s (re-gearing), rear-bumper ... it's damn nice looking. Also, a solid front axle is nice to have for serious off-roading. It's under powered, but he doesn't tow often and it's geared right, so it's not really that big a deal. His mileage is on par with mine.

The FJ looks a bit fad-ish to me, but it can be built into a really cool looking rig. Underneath, 4R and FJ are essentially the same vehicle (frame, drive-train), but there are more options for FJ after-market.

My TE (KDSS, a lift and 285s) will get it done off-road. The 'gadgets' for offroading make me laugh, but they are absolutely unreal. You can actually hear the difference, because it's not slipping.

In any event, 4Rs overall are more civilized.

 

[Thai]

eace:

I did read the post, hence why I felt necessary to share "facts" with the OP. All information I listed can be found via Google. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I respect that, but a few of the comments made IMO were people making assumptions or criticizing something they knew little to nothing about, maybe I was wrong, maybe I was right, at the end of the day, I thought the OP would like to know both the strengths and weakness of the Wrangler. HAGO

Your initial statement was inflammatory to those who posted in this thread, DESPITE your disclaimer. It would have been better if you noted those folks who you felt was wrong in their statements, instead of using a blanket statement.

Again, i am not sure what you added to the discussion...but i guess that Google was helpful....

 

[TOYSTRY]

Your initial statement was inflammatory to those who posted in this thread, DESPITE your disclaimer. It would have been better if you noted those folks who you felt was wrong in their statements, instead of using a blanket statement.

Again, i am not sure what you added to the discussion...but i guess that Google was helpful....

Good to talk to you to. Glad you chose to read into my statement as you saw fit instead of how I intended for it to be.

:welcome:

 

[jca21]

i waited around... oh.... 10 years to buy a 4runner...................

an uncle of mine bought a brand spankin new 3rd gen back in 2000. forest green she was.

went on some great road trips to fishing places all over washington. some on road and some off.

ever since then i've wanted one. and now i've got one.. too bad they didnt make the 5th in forest green otherwise i woulda bought it in that color

reasons for not buying a wrangler?

i do most of my driving on road, probably 90% on road 10% off road (just on the weekends). so the 4runner made more sense. solid axles are great but IMO the front IFS and kdss gives the 4runner a much better ride than the wranglers...

reliability was also an issue.. a buddy of mine used to run a YJ back when we were in highschool. it had a 4.0L straight 6 with the aisin tranny and ran spot on. sad to see that 4.0L I6 got replaced with the 3.8L V6.. not too sure how well the new 3.8s run.. :dammit:

in terms of having solid axles? i think the IFS in the 4runner is plenty strong to do what most people do with it. travel on logging roads, navigate a few obstacles and use it as the family fun mobile there will of course, be people who want to crawl with it or do some "hardcore" off roading and im sure a SAS conversion will come out just like it did for the FJ... who knows, maybe someone will throw some volvo or mog portals under a 5th gen.. :nerd:

as to why i didnt get the FJ? way too cramped. i'm only 5'7" and even i felt cramped in both the drivers seat and the back. visibility was limited as well...

wish toyota made a 4runner that was I4 diesel... the 3.0L 1KD-FTV would be a good engine to drop in along with a 6 speed manual... maybe drop the weight a couple hundred pounds... :hungry:

 

[tlflow]

it is what it is ... stand and shut TF up

 

[jca21]

it is what it is ... stand and shut TF up

who are you directing that at?

 

[harper7]

it is what it is ... stand and shut TF up

Who is that directed at?
ITS?
Internet
Tourette
Sydrome

These Jeep threads always get heated and crazy!
I like Jeeps and I like turtles too! <iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CMNry4PE93Y" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen></iframe>

 

[SeattleMike]

To all the Anti-Jeepers.........please know your facts if you're gonna offer advice to someone asking a genuine question (don't read into this statement, I'm not attacking anyone and my statement isn't to instigate a web fight).

It's impossible NOT to read into this statement. Which was Thai's point. Had you skipped the "Anti-jeepers" and the accusation that people (which? some? all?) don't know their facts, your post would have been above reproach and really helpful. Instead you came off sounding like a jerk who was pontificating.

 

[mgrande]

When you say that jeep has a higher resale value, you mean the entire company right? Because there's no way that they hold their value as good as a toyota.

 

[Thai]

sad to see that 4.0L I6 got replaced with the 3.8L V6.. not too sure how well the new 3.8s run.. :dammit:

The 3.8L is itself reliable and durable...it is an old engine that is well-proven. From my research a while back, the problem to the powertrain is the transmission, specifically the 4-speed auto. The auto came from one of the old Chrysler car (Sebring i think)...so, it was not really made for off-roading and durability is not its strong point. I am not sure if Jeep has modified that tranny with the 2007-up Wrangler.

When you say that jeep has a higher resale value, you mean the entire company right? Because there's no way that they hold their value as good as a toyota.

I agree...only the Wrangler has any decent resale value...the rest of the Jeep lineup is junk in resale value. Don't tell me that the Jeep Compass has higher resale value than the 4runner!

 

[TOYSTRY]

When you say that jeep has a higher resale value, you mean the entire company right? Because there's no way that they hold their value as good as a toyota.

CJ's and Wranglers..........I think (my opinion) that the new GJC will prove to hold their value as well in the future.

 

[mgrande]

CJ's and Wranglers..........I think (my opinion) that the new GJC will prove to hold their value as well in the future.

so the new jeep that hasnt been out for a year yet, thats built by a bankrupt company, is going to have awesome resale value? I'll stick with toyota