Need a DD. fun 4x4

[bhmkv]

Anyone here owned a fj cruiser? May need a daily driver soon. Looking for 4x4 with enclosed storage. Prices seem a bit high for used car. They also seem to have a cult following. I'm aware of some rust issues. Will look it over very closely if I move forward. I do auto body appraisal for a living. Looking for current or past owners opinions. Thanks.

[chocolatelab]

Wrangler unlimited in my opinion is the best

[JavaBrewer]

Yes wrangler.

[MMiller]

Funny this comes up... I owned an 08 and sold it to my Dad after driving it about a year and half. Nice truck, capable and traveled nice for extended road trips. He totaled it a few months later... Fell asleep behind the wheel ( he was 80 yo) left the frwy at about 65 mph took out a fence and cut a telephone pole in half before coming to rest in a field. Totaled the FJ but not a scratch on him...again a impressive piece of engineering by Toyota. Well he wanted another one to replace it so I found him a 2010 model. Fast forward about 2 years and we lost Dad ( to natural causes ). Mom ask do I want the FJ... I have been driving it for a couple weeks. I went and test drove a 2012 JK unlimited (I'm in the market for a new ride). Bottom line is I can have a 2010 FJ with 55K miles on it for free or a 2012 JK for 30k price.... I would rather have the Jeep and spend the money. Yes I know I'm an idiot but Jeeps just stir the soul and Toyotas are just Toyotas.... Well made, well crafted, dependable....blah....not for me. I have owned no less than 5 Jeeps so I might be a bit bias.. YMMV...they really are great and capable trucks and deserve their reputation but just not as sexy or iconic as the Jeep badge.

[onewhippedpuppy]

What is your price range? For like money I totally agree, Wrangler Unlimited is fantastic. Driving a Wrangler with the top down and doors off is one of the great automotive experiences. If budget allows get a 2012 for the more powerful V6 and updated interior.

[chocolatelab]

The 2011 model is the unicorn, old engine new interior.

[bhmkv]

I was thinking about a Jeep. I've had Chrysler products as a company car for a while now. I've found my past 3 cars to be very unreliable. They were Chrysler 200s. Is the Wrangler more reliable?

Also sorry for the recent loss of your father.

[berettafan]

if you want off road capability you will not do better than the wrangler.

if you want aftermarket fun you will not do better than the wrangler.

if you want to not have to look at others longingly on the first warm days of spring....you will not do better than a wrangler.

the FJ is neat but top off is top off...you can't get that elsewhere.

[Outback Porsche]

I'd put my arse in the tojo every time. Nothing else copes with the Aussie outback better than a tojo.

[berettafan]

whether the jku is a suitable daily driver depends on your perspective. coming from an older 911 you'll be like 'man this is luxury'. coming from a modern SUV or luxury car you'll be like 'man this is primitive'.

[Seahawk]

We bought my daughter a used FJ almost eight years ago. It has been flawless.

I drove it quite a bit and rally like the power train and the roominess - the drive train is essentially a 4Runner set up.

The FJ gets poor gas mileage but will do everything you want without worries...my DD is a Tundra.

However, there is just something about top off driving that cannot be replicated. I even did some searches on after market convertible FJs but I don't like the look:



If I sell the 560SL I will get a Wrangler.

[VincentVega]

Its hard to argue with the FJ reliability but I found the visibility a little challenging. Check your mirrors, move your head, check again, check again... I never got comfortable.

[bleucamaro]

Subaru WRX.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by bleucamaro

Subaru WRX.

I rented the large Subaru one time in Portland, super nice and I would not hesitate to buy one if I were in the market for a 4x4.

[JavaBrewer]

Originally Posted by VincentVega

Its hard to argue with the FJ reliability but I found the visibility a little challenging. Check your mirrors, move your head, check again, check again... I never got comfortable.

I was pressed for time with my first simple response. I agree about the lack of visibility being a deal killer in the FJ. When they arrived I was immediately drawn to the look and Toyota reliability. I got a chance to drive one at the SD Auto show where Toyota had and outdoor off-road track for their 4x vehicles. Immediately after getting settled in the drivers seat I felt like I was in a WWII bunker with gun slits. Even though it was fun to drive on that track I knew it was not for me as soon as I stepped out. My wife drove a Land Rover Discovery at the time which has acres of visibility (but little of that Japanese reliability) which probably contributed to my impression. YMMV.

[MMiller]

Originally Posted by bhmkv

I was thinking about a Jeep. I've had Chrysler products as a company car for a while now. I've found my past 3 cars to be very unreliable. They were Chrysler 200s. Is the Wrangler more reliable?

Also sorry for the recent loss of your father.

Thank you. I appreciate that.

I had good luck with the reliability of my Jeeps. My current 2009 Grand Cherokee has been very reliable. It just rolled over 140k and nothing but routine maintenance. I have not owned a JK Wrangler only YJ's and TJ's so I have no experience with the latest model Wranglers.

I will say if reliability is high on your must haves then I would take a hard look at the FJ. The FJ is built in Japan and the build quality is very good. It feels like you are in a vault or tank when behind the wheel. As noted there are a lot of blind spots while driving one... It does not really bother me as I find it akin to driving a panel van, just use your mirrors. A good set of spot mirrors fix the blind spots in short order.
Go test drive a few and see what you think.

[flipper35]

I wouldn't use the 200 as a comparison tool, or the minivan transmission issue. Totally different products.

[bhmkv]

Just an update to this. I ended up going with a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Sport. 6spd trans.

It's been good so far! Glad I gave the Jeep a second look.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Congrats!

[varmint]

Poor visibility.
My dog sets off the seat belt alarm when she rides with me.
The storage box behind the steering wheel is too small for a 1911.
Looks like Darth Vader's helmet on wheels.
Not very good mileage.
And the windshields are notorious rock magnets.



Otherwise very happy with the FJ.