AWD Minivan.

 

Not interested in going with a mini van if I can possibly help it. Wife is actually more against it than I am

 

Look at a GX470. Basicly a polished up 4runner with a v8 and AWD.

Most only get driven to the mall and starbucks and are almost always dealer serviced. Theres a ton on the market and seem to be a much better deal then the 4R. Shop around and you should find a good one in your price range.

And theres a great aftermarket support market developing and they share a lot of suspension components with the FJC. so you can still have a wheeler

 

My vote is for a 4Runner with a third row of seating. It'll give you all of the flexibility that you're looking for, as long as you're willing to occasionally move the child seats to the rear. As you know, the rear-facing stage doesn't last long, and it's not too far to reach back to buckle and unbuckle them.

We debated 4Runner or FJ, and found quite a few used 4Runners with under 75k miles, for around $25k. We really wanted an FJ, but it would've been a simple matter of time to find the 'right' 4Runner.

Oh, but you said dog, too. That sounds like an AWD minivan.

Does anyone know how big a dog will fit in the back of a 3-row 4Runner will all seats up?

 

My vote is for a 4Runner with a third row of seating.

+1. I would buy a 4Runner if it: A. Was available with a stick, and, B. I had room to get it in out of the weather.

Sometimes I think I should build a huge shop and just live in the back corner.

Charlie

 

I know you said no to minivan, but our 2015 Sienna AWD Premium is so nice. 4Runner is the next choice, but honestly it is not a whole lot bigger than the FJ, the real doors help.

 

If going the truck route. The Tundra Crew Max is nice. Big cabin, shorter bed, lots of power and same if not a little bit better MPG. Put a cap on it and you’ll have a ton of space in the back to haul whatever you want + tow.
I use one for my work rig.

4Runner is always a good choice and still a body on frame. I’ve never felt like there was a bunch of room in the 4Runner though... it’s like there is an illusion of space. Always felt a little cramped to me.

The newer Highlander has gone the softer AWD route and has 3rd row seating.

The GX470 seems to be the sweet spot for a lot lately. 4WD, 120 platform that will share a lot of the FJC characteristics, plus comfort and 3rd row seating. You can pick one up right now w/ 85K, usually very well kept as most Lexus are. And if you look hard enough, you can find them under 20K

100 or 200 series Landcruiser but mileage might be higher and at the upper spectrum of your price point. They are a beast of a rig that you can easily push 200-300k out of them with little to no issues other than routine maint. and wearable parts.

Lastly the Sequoia. Built on the Tundra platform, big, spacious, 3rd row seats, 4WD and comfortable.

Good luck!

 

Keep the FJ for those times when you need/want 4x4, and get a commuter. I bought a Chevy Bolt because it gets fantastic gas mileage (it's 100% electric). With a free plug-in at work, I have literally paid NOTHING for my commute in 4 months. I still have the wallet-sucking FJ parked at home and I drive it to the beach 3 or 4 times a week, but I'm still working on the same tank of gas I put in it a few months ago. The Bolt is a smallish crossover but it's actually pretty big inside. The back seat of the Bolt is bigger than the back seat of the FJ by a very noticeable difference. With the seats folded down it can easily haul a fat Costco spree.

If your FJ is paid for, let it do what it does best.... weekend fun runs and adventures. It doesn't commute well at all, and neither do any truck/suvs. If you can line up a 220v plug at work or even at home, your Chevron card will collect dust. I was paying 250-300 a month is gasoline, and now I am paying ZERO. Plus, I received over $11,000 in tax, pg&e, and Costco rebates!!!! Not $11k in write-offs ... actual REBATES! If you add $11k to your budget you'll find quite a few brand new electric vehicles within your price point.

 

4runner. make a few extra car payments to save on repair bill for the next 10 years.

 

I would have zero issues driving the new mini vans - have had quite a few as rentals during my travels and they have been a hoot.

 

Your best options are the 4runner, Tundra, or Tacoma, in this order.

 

Wife, two kids, one on the way, two grandparents??? And dog...

If my addition is correct your in minivan territory.
At the very least a Suburban.

You aren’t going to fit all that in a four door truck or 4Runner

 

Toyota Sequoia.

 

Strap dog to roof?
>

 

"What comes after the FJ"? Regret after the sale.

 

Appreciate all the suggestions. I got the FJ when I was younger, single, no kid, etc. I looked at (but didn't buy) a pathfinder, pilot, and others because they were too "Suburban dad" for me. However, I'm now a suburban dad, so they are making a lot more sense.

It seems like you pay a premium for "Cool/Manley" SUVs. the cross over variants are like 10 k cheaper. Honestly the thought of spending 40k on a 4runner seems crazy pants when I can get a Highlander or even Lexus 460 for 20 and change.

I don't plan on driving the grandparents much, but if I end up closer to home that would be an every once in a while consideration for sure.

 

I had a 2002 Yukon Xl before the FJ. It has 320,000 miles on it and my dad still uses it for hunting or going to the lake. While pretty worthless offroad it was very reliable with only basic maintenance and stuff like the water pump needing to be replaced.

 

bump, I'm still looking. I drove a Lexus 570 that I liked a lot, but they wanted too much money for it. the 460 I looked at was nice, too, but had damage so that's a pass. Just wondering if others on here have made the jump to something else after the FJ.

It doesn't make sense to just keep it for me since I already have a 75 olds for weekend cruising. also the resale being about what I paid for it 5 years ago will really help me take the bite out of what I can get now.

 

Funny you mention this. I recently swapped my FJC for a GX470. Got a great deal on the FJ trade and walked away with title in hand for the 470. I’ve since swapped all my suspension components, wheels and tires over to the GX. Really liking the added comfort features, V8 and space.