Wife wants to Swap FJ for 4R : (

**Nine12** · 05-15-2008, 12:25 PM

We both love the FJ and think it is awesome but new event have happened in our lives and she is leaning on swapping for a 4Runner. Currently we have two beautiful daughters ages 3 and 1...and as of a prego test on Monday night we have another one incoming

. With the new addition on the way there is no way 3 car seats will fit in the back on an FJ. I though I had read somewhere the 4Runner had an optional 3rd row but can't find pictures of it. Anyways, I have done some research and besides the clearance and 5" longer the FJ and 4R are basically close to being the same vehicle. I do however like the 4 actual doors and this time I will pick up the 4x4 V6 with the 4Runner. If I can not sell her on the 4Runner I believe she will stay in the Toyota family and probably look into the Highlander :

. I do value all of your opinions and want to know what you think of the swap or any ideas/ ways I can keep the FJ with all of the rug rats.

Thanks
Mike

WyoOtto · 05-15-2008, 12:27 PM

You can get a third row seat for the FJ too!!!

For Sale Little Passengers 3rd Row Seat

Sorry Here's a direct link. FJ Cruiser Third Row Seat, Suv 3rd Seat, Leather Suv Seat

I agree that it would not be overly accessible and having a 19 month old and another due at the end of this month, I can sympathize with the carseat issues.

**DominicG** · 05-15-2008, 12:30 PM

The way i see it is, how easier/difficult would it be to access the 3 babies in an emergency? The door setup on the FJ doesn't allow for an easy access, where the 4R you can easily get them in and out of the back.

Plus you would still have an awesome 4x4.

**Nine12** · 05-15-2008, 12:31 PM

I think I know what your talking about... the 3rd row with the hidden box under it?? Would that be safe to strap a car seat to it (anchor system or protection) and accessibility would be a little rough around the edges.

BigPoppa'sFJ · 05-15-2008, 12:34 PM

Congrats on the newest member of the family!

I'd say, hold of until the second or third tri-mester and then make a move. It'll give her (errr...you) time to make the right decision on the next move.

myyoda · 05-15-2008, 12:34 PM

Congratulations on the new one on the way! As much as I love my FJ, if I had to mess with car seats I don't think I would have one. It is so much harder to open up that half door when in a parking lot and inbetween other cars. 4Runner wouldn't be a bad choice at all!!

1 Bored Clerk · 05-15-2008, 12:38 PM

I found the 4R depressing to drive. It felt like a bland minivan-esque vehicle compared to the FJ. Of course, the kids I haul around are older and can get in and out of the back quite well by themselves. If I were to look at any other 4wd in the Toyota family for kid carrying while still having fun, I'd get a 4 door, short bed Tacoma TRD off road. The back doors are big, the seat is great and the windows are HUGE. Very nice rig. Plus, you still have a truck bed to haul stuff in...or you can put a canopy on it. I just didn't like the 4R at all. Not to diss any 4r owners on here...they are capable and they look really good. It just didn't do it for me behind the wheel.

Sienna Minivans are nice.

**Nine12** · 05-15-2008, 12:38 PM

Thanks for the Grats...she (Gaby) is not due until Jan 09 so we are looking into the swap now but will not make a move until Oct-Dec. Having two car seats back there now is very challenging in parking lots...always doing the door shuffle is rough...we are usually found at the back of any parking lot just for door room.

daPitbull · 05-15-2008, 12:48 PM

I don't know. I had an 03' 4runner sport before the FJ. Awesome ride, i just always wanted an FJ since they came out with the concept.

4 Runners are bad arse...check out here Gallery - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum for some modded runners. Pretty sick. They are definately more family freindly vehicles but still capable offroad.

**Crotalus** · 05-15-2008, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Nine12 previously said:

We both love the FJ and think it is awesome but new event have happened in our lives and she is leaning on swapping for a 4Runner. Currently we have two beautiful daughters ages 3 and 1...and as of a prego test on Monday night we have another one incoming

. With the new addition on the way there is no way 3 car seats will fit in the back on an FJ. I though I had read somewhere the 4Runner had an optional 3rd row but can't find pictures of it. Anyways, I have done some research and besides the clearance and 5" longer the FJ and 4R are basically close to being the same vehicle. I do however like the 4 actual doors and this time I will pick up the 4x4 V6 with the 4Runner. If I can not sell her on the 4Runner I believe she will stay in the Toyota family and probably look into the Highlander :

. I do value all of your opinions and want to know what you think of the swap or any ideas/ ways I can keep the FJ with all of the rug rats.

Thanks
Mike

Well first of all, congrats on the expected new addition to your family! You have quite a dilemma - one that I hope that I will avoid because my wife and I have stopped at two children.

Unfortunately, the FJ ain't for breeders....

However, I would encourage you to give it a shot. Have you actually tried putting three child seats in the back of the FJ? It's a long shot, but as far as being accessible, I find that reaching into the back seat area from the outside is very easy - perhaps it might not be so bad?

If you do have to go with the 4R, they're great rides and you'll always be welcome here on the forum because of all of the great folks here.

Hey! Keep the FJ for fun and just buy a mini-van! Good luck!