Thought about getting Tacoma, then a Wrangler, now not so sure..

[ywen]

Always figured a DC Tacoma would suite my needs due to the cargo capacity and the reputation of better reliability compared to the Jeep. I understand Wrangler has better off-road capabilities but I'm not looking to do the extremes like climbing boulders or putting 35" tires on. So the off-road capabilities between the two doesn't matter to me.

However, upon further research, I found out all these issues with Toyota trucks:

-Tacomas and Tundras rusting - Initially acknowledge for 97-2001 models, then it was extended thru 2004..
-Some reports of rusting on current generation Tacoma frames ( I live in Chicago where roads are covered in salt 1/2 of the year so this concerns me)
-Current generation Tacoma transmission shifting problems.
-Widespread FJ Cruisers with body panels ripping/cracking

Needless to say, after reading all that, my perception of Toyota quality has drastically changed. Now I'm wondering if it's worth spending $30K+ on a new Tacoma?

Rented a Wrangler unlimited for a week when I was in California and took it all over Yosemite and Owens Valley. Loved it. However I still have concerns with regards to the Jeep.

Wranglers are generally not perceived as reliable or good every-day on-road vehicles. Given the redesign in 2007, are most of those criticism mitigated? How is the reliability/durability of Wrangler JK thus far? Much improved over the previous generations? Perhaps ny short stint with a JK Unlimited wasn't telling enough of what a long-term ownership experience will be. Your insights would be appreciated!

Some pics from the E. Sierras with my rental Wrangler Unlimited X. Great time!

 

[BIGdaddy]

my 2004 jeep wrangler unlimited was utterly reliable for the few years I had it. the 4.0l jeep motor is a world class motor on par with the 22re from first-gen 4runners, but the 4.0l inline six actually has power..lol.

The 2007 and up wranglers are as good as ever. They have strong frames, good anti-rust charactoristics, and the hardtop version is very quiet for what it is.

I have the requirement of 4 doors, but if I didn't a two door 2007 and up wrangler rubicon would be on my list.

I'm a big fan of the double-cab taco, too, though. Thats a great truck, right there. very good compromise. It's smaller inside than my xj, though, so I'd not get one, due to my large-ish family (5)



good luck.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Sorry, you're talking about 4wd trucks and 4wd SUVs

Can't compare the two

You're talking about 13K bucks to spend--

A Tacoma truck is one of your best choices

If you can find a 4dr jeep JK,for 13K--it's very used

I think you need to broaden your horizen and decide on what class vehicle you want

I've had a lot of 4wd trucks, won't do what a jeep will do and the jeep won't come near doing what the truck will do-apples and oranges

Good luck

:costumed-smiley-007:safari-rig::safari-rig: JIMBO

 

[BIGdaddy]

:sombrero: Sorry, you're talking about 4wd trucks and 4wd SUVs

Can't compare the two

You're talking about 13K bucks to spend--

A Tacoma truck is one of your best choices

If you can find a 4dr jeep JK,for 13K--it's very used

I think you need to broaden your horizen and decide on what class vehicle you want

I've had a lot of 4wd trucks, won't do what a jeep will do and the jeep won't come near doing what the truck will do-apples and oranges

Good luck

:costumed-smiley-007:safari-rig::safari-rig: JIMBO

yeah, thats pretty much what I'm saying too. more of a needs identification thing...

 

[RedRocker]

Well, I just took an 06 LJ on a three thousand mile trip with a week of wheeling in between.
Don't know where you get your reliability info, but I'd say it's unfounded. I do have a friend that lost an engine in a new JK, but that could have been an isolated incident.
If you like the JK 4 door get one, they come with a warranty in case you have problems.

 

[Scott Brady]

The new Jeeps are actually quite reliable. We have three of them in service, and non have ever given even the smallest complaint.

Of course, my 2004 Tacoma was also completely reliable with 80,000 miles of fully loaded service from -57 in the Arctic to the Darien Gap in Panama.

 

[86cj]

Jeep reliability

My AMC CJ was very unreliable, but this is not the 80's. My 2004 LJ has not been to the dealer once, everything I have done to it has been mod's and maintenance. Every factory installed system works perfect....

While not a Toyota my in-laws Honda Crv has had the waterpump and rear diff both fail completely in the first 20,000 miles. My father-inlaw is so proud of his Crv that he still thinks it's one of the greatest cars ever.:Wow1:

So if you like the JK your halfway there, I mean pride in ownwership makes up for a repair or two.

 

[Hilldweller]

Glad you made it over to this forum; stick around and read a bunch.
This is a group of people who thoroughly use their vehicles, improvise, and share the information. You'll find interesting perspectives.


And again, nice pics.

 

[JohnnyS]

My '06 Rubi LJ lunched a motor at 17K (oil pump gear) and has had several other issues, it seems that we've worked all the issues out though.
I'm keeping it and getting a Taco 4 door with either a blower or a V8 (maybe 2011?) for non-jeep stuff.
They really are different animals.
I've had an FJ40, an 80, tacos, and jeeps and I've yet to get one to do everything.
The JK might suit your needs well depending on what you want to do.
I need one that doesn't have doors and is fun for local trips, and then something with doors that can cruise at 80 while carrying a ton of gear and several people.
Have fun on your quest!

 

[mcm4090]

I don't own a Jeep but if you have driven one for a week and loved it, then you should get the JK. I have only read complaints about ride and power so If those are not an issue for you then go for it. They also have a better powertrain warranty.

If you still feel you need a truck then get a Nissan.:victory:

 

[BPage]

So first let me say that I agree, they are two different beast! Different functions, different capabilities, etc...
Having said that there are vehicles that "seem” to bridge the gap. May pay dividends for you to research before buying. Check out these:

http://www.throttledownkustoms.com/prospector.html

http://www.summitunlimited.com/company/whoIsSummit.htm

http://www.aev-conversions.com/products/brute/


These are some conversions that bridge the gap between Jeep and Truck. just something to think about...

 

[JohnnyS]

A built FJ43 would be my favorite.
Like an ICON.

 

[deadbeat son]

I debated about whether to purchase a JK Rubicon Unlimited or a TRD Tacoma DC as well. While both vehicles have many similar features and can be used in similar ways, two things were the deciding factor for me.

First, I decided I'd rather have the separate bed for the dog to ride in when dirty, wet, etc after an adventure. I also felt the separate compartment would be better when towing my dirt bike instead of traveling with the dog for gas and tool storage to alleviate the issues of fumes and the noise of the tools rattling.

Second, having owned both Toyota and Jeep products in the past, I felt the fit and finish of the Toyota was leaps and bounds over the Jeep. My XJ had more squeaks and rattles in 20k miles than my FJ60 with 200k. I also felt there were aesthetic design issues that plague Jeep/Chrysler interiors.

These two issues led me to the Toyota and I am happy with my purchase. You'll have to make a list of pros and cons of both vehicles for your particular application and decide which list has more merit for you.

 

[Xjaddiction]

I've owned both the Jeep and toyota brands. 4 Toyota pick-ups, '92 80 series Land Cruiser, and a Mini van Sienna. The Sienna we still own. I can say that all the Toyotas have excellent quality, fit and finish, as well as excellent mechanicals. The 4x4 systems are fantastic, tough, and very dependable.

Jeeps, I've owned a few of those too; a Scrambler CJ-8, 2 little Cherokee XJ's, a Cherokee pick-up MJ, and 2 Grand Cherokee ZJ's, a 5.2L and my current project, a 5.9L. I've driven the TJ many times, and have a good friend that owns a '07 4 door unlimited 4x4 wrangler. Every year since she bought it, I drive the unlimited 4 door for at least 2 week. She borrows the mini van to take her 5 kids and husband to the beach.

My impressions about the Jeeps; the fit and finish, not as good as the Toyota's, the unlimited though is really good for a Jeep. My grand cherokee is really nice, and in very good shape for a nearly 12 y/o vehicle. The mechanicals, the CJ's are rough, but that's not what your looking for anyway. Everything else is fantastic. I've had more trouble out of the Yotas mechanically, than the Jeeps. Plus, for me this is big... The power is so much better than the Yotas. I think this is an American demand that the Japanese manufacturers have a hard time understanding in the truck, and suv market here in the U.S. Their cars, like the dreamy S-2000 hit the mark for power. Their trucks are so reliable because the power is so limited in my opinion.

I really like the Jeep unlimited. I will purchase one in the near future. Nothing like being able to put the top down, doors off, even the windshield down if you wish... Then there is nothing like driving a true American icon... every year, when I get the Wrangler 4 door unlimited for two weeks, I can't wipe the smile off of my face when I'm drivin' it.

She hasn't had any trouble out of it at all. Also, I do like the stick shift models better than the auto. Get the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

 

[4Rescue]

You're comparing old trucks to new... a Modern or even previous Gen Tacoma or 4Runner with a smattering of engines: 5VZE (3.4L v6) 1GR-FE(4.0L v6) will spank any wrangler on the road and are far more reliable and better built. Yes the old trucks are underpowered, but then the frame and chasis is FAR stronger then a Jeeps (if it even has a frame)...

I love Jeep LJ's, but I'd rather drive a Toyota for a few reasons, reliability and strength being a few. I knwo the LJ in Rubicon trim will walk all over the Toyota in the rocks, but the Toyota will be infinately more comfortable on long drives.

Choose your weapon based on what you want it to do. If you want to play in the rocks, go with the Wrangler. If you want to haul gear go with a Tacoma or a 4Runner

Cheers

Dave