Wife wants to Swap FJ for 4R : (

[FJ_Marine]

I have read where a few have suggested that 3 car booster seats will fit just fine. The picture provided shows that it appears they will. My question is........Where in the FJ can you confortably fit a rear facing baby seat that is going to be required?

[ThyIrishMen]

good luck with whatever you end up with!! congrats on the little one.

[bcsfj]

Nine12 previously said:

Wow I am impressed on the Britax installs. I have a Britax roundabout and a Recaro young sport currently in the back seat. I also have a graco base/ carrier system that I will try to fit this weekend...do you find that with 3 Britax's is there is any room between them?

The setup I had( I was babysitting plus my daughter) My daughter was rearfacing in the center and the the two outboard seats were forward facing. If all were rear facing, I think that might be a little more difficult. Also the companion is a little bit wider than a normal infant carrier. Not sure if that is what you are going with, but just letting you know on that.

nine - if you were in Texas, I'd let your borrow my companion and a roundabout to see how the setup work. Originally before we got the FJ, my wife wanted a highlander. We actually took the a roundabout to the dealership . The salesman tried to argue that with me and my friend(who is a certified carseat tech and I am on my way to getting certification) that the seat would fit fine...except for the fact that you couldn't buckle it in.

So kudos to you for doing your research. I understand the situation you are in because I had to give up my Tacoma for an FJ. (which isn't necessarily as bad as I initially thought it would be)

On a sidenote, Britax is having a sale right now. You can get a roundabout for $139.99(normally ~$229) and the companion is $129.99(normally $199)

[Nine12]

I thank every one for their input and stories. I can see how boosters will fit across the back but am not going to be able to safely install two rear facing seats with a forward facing (which is what I require). We have done some parking lot shopping and found the the Highlander (with 3rd row) will not support us and that a 4runner for short term (3-4 years) will work. For the long run we have thought about the Sequoia and that may be our answer. I have found out from the wife that the 3rd row is more of a just in case option not going to be used daily or monthly....just in case. So that opens back up the options for us but limits us to 3 car seats in one row. Either way we are doing our research now and looking to buy later this year (Oct-Dec). Thanks again for your advice and the wife and I really enjoyed your posts.

Thanks,
Nine12 and Family

[CarolinaFJ]

We've had our FJ sinse July '06. About three weeks after bringing my rig home, I chanced to drive my wifes '99 Outback. After driving the FJ and feeling I was driving the tightest vehicle I'd ever driven, the Outback seemed completely worn out. Thus, guilt drove me back to the dealer where I lined up a Highlander, a 4Runner and a Rav4. She drove each and decided on the 4R. The FJ is my daily driver and she the 4R. I drive the 4R about every Sunday to church and back. We have a very steep gravel driveway almost a mile long. The steepest part is usually deeply gullied. The FJ literally eats up the bumps. I'm completely impressed with its ability to take the bumps and provide a really smooth ride. You are already familiar with the head room in the FJ. The head room in the 4R is considerably less. I'm 6' and if I'm not carefull, I'll hit my head on the grab handle. She does have a sunroof and I can't speak for one without a sunroof. But the headroom is definitely less in her car. It is also much tighter on the bumps. It doesn't ride nearly as smooth as the Cruiser over that kind of bumps. Parked next to each other with the hoods open, it would be difficult to tell the two apart if it were not for the fender color. The only really noticable difference is the windshield washer fluid reservoir. Don't get me wrong, I really like the 4R, I feel she's as safe as I can provide for her. I think I'm just spoiled with the best all around vehicle on the road today. However, with all this said, if we didn't need two vehicles, I'd trade both of them for a Sequoia in a heart beat. That's one really sweet ride. I read another reader's post for you who stated his recommendation for a four door Taco. Good advice. My future son-in-law just bought a long bed four door TRD Taco and again, I'm impressed. That may be your best choice yet. Good luck and keep us informed. rog

[crozhawk]

If you still look at the 4R, I recommend the V8. The gas mileage is negligible compared to the increased performance. Don't bother with the Xreas, most just rip it out eventually. Check out toyota120.com for more 4R info. Underneath, as you know, they are nearly identicle except for a few things. From what I've seen, the 3rd row seat in the 4R is pretty tight, may not really be worth it and they're kinda tough to find. Congrats and good luck with your search.

with a few little tweaks, you can make the 4R pretty capable.
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