Well it is unfortunate! I have been a mechanic for Toyota for over 20 years and I also bought an FJ.....But ended up selling it...for a profit.... and buying a Jeep TJ for on and off-road use. It is amazing to me that a stock Rubicon with swaybar disconnects has 18 inches of front wheel travel! The FJ had a hypnotic-Bling factor that reeled me in. Super advanced technology and reliability to boot! Vision while Driving on or off-road was flat out dangerous! And for the 10k difference in price The TJ with slight modifications was a steal of a deal! The FJ can be driven by anyone with hardly any skills... The TJ needs major driving skills to keep it under control.. Maybe if they release a convertable FJ with staight-axles then I will switch back! But for the fun-factor, I am really enjoying this Jeeps capabilities compared to the FJ when driven off-road.. it is really hard to compare.. apples and oranges!
Wow! I'm really Glad you posted this on an FJ site BUT weren't trying to pick a fight
What a lame arguement DRT, yea If I had all of the money, I would have a Porsche for the road, a scorpion for rock crawling, a lear jet for flying, a helicopter for hovering, a volvo big rig for towing, etc, etc. Oh and I would throw in a segeway so I didn't have to walk.
But not bored enough to change the picture under your name.
I have a hard time getting excited either way about Peterson's 4x4 of the year claim. I'd almost be more upset if the FJ won in a contest that included KIA and two identical GM trucks under different names.
seeing that I work for toyotas "soft division" Lexus. I tell people all day long cars are a depreciating asset. Unless they are old and/or unique they devalue perioed. 20% depreciation the first year then it gets less each year. Only people making money off used cars are wholesalers and resellers of the used cars. Not the person trading it in. Unless you bought the FJ for dealership invoice or even got hold back you would still lose money or dont you pay taxes, mv, etc? just my 2 cents on cars...
With your wonderful logic, i can easily go out and buy a Suzuki Samuri and way undercut your TJ! Hell, i can get a nice Samuri for under $2K!! Add all of your stuff and i will be able to buy a FJ with the money left over instead of a motorcycle! Do you see how your logic is wrong because anyone can do what you're doing...it's rather easy. But is it right for most people?? No. Many people and myself like to have a vehicle that can do almost everything. This is why i have what i have in my garage now (see signature).
You are a SINGLE-income household with wife and kids, right? Then why the hell did you just blow you money on THREE vehicles just for yourself??!! Does your wife drive something else?? That is just plain stupid economy 101!! (No offense intended) If you have the money to buy all three, then it's good...but don't complain about your limited income (YOUR problem), why you sold your FJ (yet a very dumb solution...as you likely took a huge hit on resale no matter what you said, AND shows your total lack of research..and you're a Toy mechanic, nevertheless an "expert"!!), AND THEN say that you have 3 vehicles to yourself. That's insanely dumb.
As for the JKS Discos, i do have experience with them. In my group, we have a nice Jeep TJ with Discos (see one of my videos). The owner admitted to me that it was indeed a PIA to disco it every trip. It took him a good 10-15 min to do it with the little rubber hammer.
It's wonderful that you have a dedicated off-roader, a Powerstroke Ford pickup, and a motorcycle. Don't you have to buy insurance for all three vehicles?? Or is your TJ a trailer queen?? Again, i would not call this the smartest of financial decisions.
Oh yeah, your Powerstroke Ford is big and heavy...but if you hit something close to it in weight, you're screwed!! Only the new F150 has done well in crash-testing. Your Ford crumples like a marshmellow in IIHS crash tests! You don't have side airbags or stability control. Pickups are not known for their safe handling. And your motorcycle is a death wish waiting to happen ("organ donors on wheels").
Wouldn't it be easier if you sold your Powerstroke and TJ and get yourself a Toyota Tacoma or Nissan Frontier?? These small pickups can off-road, carry stuff, and tow all in one package. If you needed a fullsize pu, then why not get the Dodge Powerwagon??
I certainly don't want to go to a mechanic that makes these kind of poor decisions for his family.
Glad you said this because I would not have been so kind, from his post just here I see he is an ***** who I do not think I could take stock in his word, in fact I doubt if he even works for Toyota, I think he said that to look like a big man. Which makes me even think less of his post.
Face it, there are guys here who actually know what they are taking about, and spewing the kind of bad breath drivel this guy has puts a flag up with them.
The discussion was about why it was picked. A lot of respected opinions have looked at the Mag, and the decision and thought it was a good choice. Not the choice for everyone, but a good choice. Personally I think Wranglers should remain toys, like the way I treat mine. As I do my Kawasaki ZZR 1200, weekend toy or make road trips to Vegas. Or my 94 Vette, sunday Drive car, or my 64 Chrysler 300 H, or my 62 Plymouth Belvedre(wanna guess the engine guys) which are lucky to see pavement 2 times a year. My FJ Cruiser is a full time driver, it has the utility the Wrangler lacks. Does that make it better for 4x4 of the year? Nope. Makes it a better choice for a daily driver, but not a better choice for 4x4 of the year.
Awards There are no awards for this vehicle at this time.
Pros Superior off-road ability, comfortable and supportive front seats, retro styling that captures the spirit of the original.
Cons Limited visibility fore and aft, rear-seat entry hindered in spite of reverse-opening doors.
Edmunds JK
Ratings and Awards
Ratings Consumer Rating
17 Reviews
9.2
Awards There are no awards for this vehicle at this time.
Pros Superior off-road ability, available in short- or long-wheelbase versions, choice of soft top or hard top, upscale navigation system.
Cons Unlimited model's mediocre acceleration, ride and handling suffer from off-road-oriented suspension, interior materials look and feel cheap.
Hmmm! I don't see the words cheap, mediocre or suffer anywhere on the FJ review
Re: Rubicon beat the FJ for 4x4 of the Year???
Do you see how your logic is wrong because anyone can do what you're doing...it's rather easy. But is it right for most people?? No. Many people and myself like to have a vehicle that can do almost everything. This is why i have what i have in my garage now (see signature). 
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