No FJ Yet, But..............

[mwh986]

My old 1996 4WD Suburban is on her way out, so I'm looking at a 4 door Jeep Wrangler X and the FJ. With gas exceeding $3.00/ gallon, downsizing makes sense, inturn saving some purchase $$ and operating $$.

I've searched the site looking for pros/cons of the FJ, but did not find much other than individual issues a nice comparison between the two. For my purposes I will be an urban and highway driver 90% of the time, with occasional towing (small trailer for lumber or landscaping stuff, and a sailboat). 4WD is mandatory even though actual use will be minimal.

As for my thoughts on the FJ:

Like: larger cargo area, more HP, more refined than the Jeep, smoother ride, less bare metal on the interior, unique style, roof rack, better towing capacity, vast aftermarket stuff.

Dislike: Ding Dong Warranty (36/3 years????), smaller passanger doors, no map lights over dash, no homelink, can I get the white top painted?

Wrangler X 4 door:

Like: Boxy body style, lifetime drive train warranty, freedom top, vast after market stuff.

Dislike: Smaller cargo area, leg trap when rear seats are folded down (we have 2 weimeraners), reduced towing 3500lbs, smaller engine, no roof rack ability, no homelink.

So as current/past owners, what do you all like/needs improved for the FJ?

Mark
San Antonio, Texas

[mikesfj]

mwh986 previously said:

My old 1996 4WD Suburban is on her way out, so I'm looking at a 4 door Jeep Wrangler X and the FJ. With gas exceeding $3.00/ gallon, downsizing makes sense, inturn saving some purchase $$ and operating $$.

I've searched the site looking for pros/cons of the FJ, but did not find much other than individual issues a nice comparison between the two. For my purposes I will be an urban and highway driver 90% of the time, with occasional towing (small trailer for lumber or landscaping stuff, and a sailboat). 4WD is mandatory even though actual use will be minimal.

As for my thoughts on the FJ:

Like: larger cargo area, more HP, more refined than the Jeep, smoother ride, less bare metal on the interior, unique style, roof rack, better towing capacity, vast aftermarket stuff.

Dislike: Ding Dong Warranty (36/3 years????), smaller passanger doors, no map lights over dash, no homelink, can I get the white top painted?

Wrangler X 4 door:

Like: Boxy body style, lifetime drive train warranty, freedom top, vast after market stuff.

Dislike: Smaller cargo area, leg trap when rear seats are folded down (we have 2 weimeraners), reduced towing 3500lbs, smaller engine, no roof rack ability, no homelink.

So as current/past owners, what do you all like/needs improved for the FJ?

Mark
San Antonio, Texas

The toyota drive train warranty is 6/60. The jeep "lifetime drivetrain warranty", from what I have heard from reviewers (I have not actually read the warranty) Is that is is a bit of a marketing sham. For it to stay in effect, you need to have it inspected at precise intervals of mileage and or time (you pay) or it is void. Basically there are lots of loopholes for chrysler to void the warranty. My advise is to read and understand the warranty BEFORE letting it sway your decision. My thinking is that past quality/longevity concerns, problems, have led chrysler to this to try a win back customers. I have heard estimates of 5% or less of owners will actually abide by the warranty requirements and keep their vehicle long enough to need it (non transferable if you sell it).
Drive them both and buy what you like. My opinion on the dogs, the FJ wins hands down and if you are going to use it as a DD, then the FJ wins. If you just want open top offroad fun and a SFA, go with the Jeep. But I think since you are in SA, TX, you will appreciate the A/C in the FJ more than the jeep, so will your dogs.

[nevadaesh]

For quite a few years, the wife and I have a running contest on who can ID the Jeep that's broken down alone the freeway first. How many Jeeps as opposed to Toyotas' along the highway. Not sayin they aren't good off road but how reliable?

[frankv64]

You can purchase the extended warantee from Toyota, there's also a map light kit for sale right here in the forum. As for the smaller doors and homelink, that shouldn't sway you towards the Jeep. Just remember Toyota makes quality pruducts.

[Dontfollowmeb]

[quote=mwh986;848899] For my purposes I will be an urban and highway driver 90% of the time, with occasional towing (small trailer for lumber or landscaping stuff, and a sailboat). 4WD is mandatory even though actual use will be minimal.

Definitely choose the FJ,..from what your use & needs are, the FJ fits the bill perfectly for you. (Perfect package for you),.. by the way I've seen JK's with Roof Racks already.....here's a picture I found on the Web with a Rack on the Freedom Top. Don't no how much weight they'll take.
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[KAMFFJ]

nevadaesh previously said:

For quite a few years, the wife and I have a running contest on who can ID the Jeep that's broken down alone the freeway first. How many Jeeps as opposed to Toyotas' along the highway. Not sayin they aren't good off road but how reliable?

My thoughts exactly. If I didn't buy the FJ I would have definitely went with a Toyota product! They are at the top of the list (consistently) year in and year out for reliability. I live in Toledo (where all the Jeeps are made) and I have spoken with assembly line workers who said they would never buy one after some of the stuff they have seen happen on the assembly line. Toyota just builds a more solid product from top to bottom, and I bet the FJ will either do as good a job off-road as any Jeep, or out-perform it. Good luck and hope we can call you one of our FJ brethren in the future.