EXPO Toyota plans in the making

[just eric]

I am the current owner of a 2008 FJ Cruiser that I have been playing with for the past two years. Thus far I have added a swayaway x-resi coilover lift, total chaos ucas, arb bumper with warn 9.5xp, lightforce 170s, metaltech rock rails w/rock lights, streetpilot 7200 with TOPOs, and a cobra 75 radio. The truck has served me well as a DD and on the trails.

However, as the days pass by I can't help but think I should have started with a different platform...

I am seriously considering a trade for a 2010 Taco double cab with short bed. What do you think? Is the Tacoma a preferred platform for overlanding? How would you prioritize dealer options? Trade in value o n the FJ is well above what I owe and I may even be able to lower my monthly payment with the trade.

Thanks for your ideas.

 

[ywen]

what do YOU need out of the rig?

Why do you ask it's a better platform? Your needs should come first.

Without additional details of what you need, I can say that the FJ is a much better quality vehicle than the Tacoma.

Lots of issues with the new Tacomas..

 

[iflypropjobs]

I just traded in my 2005 Tacoma TRD Sport with over 150K on the odo, & I put less than $800 in repair parts into it - and I did use it quite a bit offroad (not including wear & tear items) - there are very few problems with the Tacomas overall. Not to mention the FJ is basically just a short Tacoma.

Just depends on what your needs are. I needed to trade up to a fullsize truck for work purposes.

 

[AlwaysExplr87]

+1 on your needs. I like the smaller size of the taco and dont really care for the blind spots and poor visibility of the FJ but they are solid rigs. Mostly I think its just preference and since you have the FJ, which seems pretty well built I would go for it. Are you finding the FJ not meeting certain needs?

Ywen why do you think the FJ is a better quality vehicle? FJs have their share of problems too. Both are great quality if you ask me, yea some have their problems but there are alot of these trucks on the road and people always seem to want to focus on negative experiences more so than positive.

 

[targa88]

Not sure what you mean by different platform...

FJC is a very capable vehicle. I have had mine for three years (of expedition/off-roading). Built according to my requirements.
Essentially you can build any platform to suit what you want to do. Just decide what that is... and I am sure that you will get plenty of input from forum members

 

[just eric]

Thanks for the replies.

As far as my needs and why I began looking:

• Visibility is poor at best with the FJ, on or off road. My better half refuses to drive it!
• Rear access- with the double cab Taco, getting in and out of the rear seats would be a breeze and much better than the FJ.
• Cargo room- moving/organizing gear seems like it would be easier with the bed of the Taco. I could run a soft shell camper, a RTT, or the standard bed.

Of course I don't need a new truck, and yes the FJ is a great rig, I just don't know if it is the rig for me...

 

[AlwaysExplr87]

Yea I can see all of those problems getting annoying. I was never really interested in an FJ but drove one when I bought my truck and the visibility was horrible in that thing. I think nuclear subs can have better visibility.

 

[RU55ELL]

I say you post pics stat.

 

[hillbillyjake]

if you are basing your trade on the 3 reasons above, then i agree. i have an 08 taco 4 door and my wife has a fjc and your observations are spot on.

RU55ELL, you get a new truck?

 

[Corey]

The FJ Cruiser IMO is an excellent choice for an overlanding rig.
I have had mine since July of 2006, and this is what I have built mine up for.

Take out your rear seats, put a fridge behind you, and you have plenty of room for gear.
I use a big shoehorn, but I am able to pack a ton of gear and enough food for a week or more excursion.

 

[Verde Rat]

Sometimes, it seems like the grass is greener on the other side. I love my 1st generation Tundra and have enjoyed building it up, but I constantly catch myself daydreaming about moving to a FJ, LC, or, 4runner. But, I always come back to the fact that I need my rig to have the versatility of a truck bed….Good luck!


Have you considered the 2010 4runner?

 

[RU55ELL]

if you are basing your trade on the 3 reasons above, then i agree. i have an 08 taco 4 door and my wife has a fjc and your observations are spot on.

RU55ELL, you get a new truck?

Eh, but are those good enough reasons to thow away the time and money already in the FJ? You know as well as anyone with any sense that mod money is just like throwing money out the window. It doesn't increase the resale one bit.

Yes, I got it on Monday; sold the 4Runner on Sunday.

 

[gfiero]

I have a 07 Taco Dble Cab shtbd, I considered the FJC or a used LC. My criteria for the decision making was I needed to move 3-4 bodies for work or for my BSA commitments (I work at a summercamp part time), I liked the idea of inside (clean) storage and outside (dirty) storage. I needed to be able to carry two large pelican cases full of electrical test equipment during the week where it could be locked up, and camping/expedition gear when I took off. After test driving a FJC, and I mean we tested it, The salesman at Northridge Toyota was stunned when we drove into the facility where I was working and discovered about 25 miles of PRIVATE dirt roads all in bad shape. Longest test drive I have ever had, great guy. I decided the FJ did not have enough room and I did not like the lack of vision. Both could have worked but I thought I would be more comforable with the Taco and it would mean less modifing.

Anyway good luck.