Which 4x4 to buy?
- Thread starter landroner
- Start date
Utah_jeepster
Super Moderator
of course this board is going to be bias...not to be insulting here but Jeepz, Jeep...Jeepz, toyota....see what I mean.
Ok fun aside here the question here is what do you intend to do with your new ride. If you want a daily driver and a run down a forest road weekender, than you need to look at what creature comforts you want.
Both Jeep and Toyota make a fine weekend warrior for those light trips off the beaten path.
If your looking for something more than take the kids and dog down the forest path but up to the top of the mountain as well, than I would go with a Jeep.
Something along the lines with a solid front axle that you can up grade later on. ie lift kit, bigger tires...
Toyota FJS is a fine machine and can do a lot off road but it has one limiting factor thats IFS (independent Front suspension), this limits your lift and tire size for off-roading.
The new wrangler has a solid front axle and already has enough after markets parts that you can lift her to any height, and run almost any tire size you want and still maintain that factory ride.
Ok fun aside here the question here is what do you intend to do with your new ride. If you want a daily driver and a run down a forest road weekender, than you need to look at what creature comforts you want.
Both Jeep and Toyota make a fine weekend warrior for those light trips off the beaten path.
If your looking for something more than take the kids and dog down the forest path but up to the top of the mountain as well, than I would go with a Jeep.
Something along the lines with a solid front axle that you can up grade later on. ie lift kit, bigger tires...
Toyota FJS is a fine machine and can do a lot off road but it has one limiting factor thats IFS (independent Front suspension), this limits your lift and tire size for off-roading.
The new wrangler has a solid front axle and already has enough after markets parts that you can lift her to any height, and run almost any tire size you want and still maintain that factory ride.
what type of Toyota are you looking at? A pickup, or an SUV?
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
The FJ Cruiser is a very capable vehicle right out of the box.
[suspects]trolling[/suspects]
[suspects]trolling[/suspects]
larrymo49
New member
Hi Ron,
Since their are so many variables to consider with both 4x4 brands...not the least of which are your personal needs, vehicle usage and taste...I would suggest you read as much as you can on each model, and then test drive as many as you can to get a "feel" for what you might prefer.
Narrow it down some...and then talk to several owners of various models.
As "Utah Jeepster " said there is a bias for Jeeps in these forums.
Good luck in your research.
Larry
Since their are so many variables to consider with both 4x4 brands...not the least of which are your personal needs, vehicle usage and taste...I would suggest you read as much as you can on each model, and then test drive as many as you can to get a "feel" for what you might prefer.
Narrow it down some...and then talk to several owners of various models.
As "Utah Jeepster " said there is a bias for Jeeps in these forums.
Good luck in your research.
Larry
Dry suit diver
New member
from a british point of view
jeeps indestructible ( well almost)
toyota almost indestructible
jeep lots of toys to make em better
toyota as above
jeep expensive when they go wrong
toyota even more expensive when they go wrong
I had a hilux double cab pick upo before the XJ, it was newer but far less fun to drive. will i ever buy a different make of 4WD from jeep - no chance.
jeeps indestructible ( well almost)
toyota almost indestructible
jeep lots of toys to make em better
toyota as above
jeep expensive when they go wrong
toyota even more expensive when they go wrong
I had a hilux double cab pick upo before the XJ, it was newer but far less fun to drive. will i ever buy a different make of 4WD from jeep - no chance.
Thanks guys..I wish to go for easy trails with my two kids . But I would love to do rockcrawling step by step. I want 4x4 only for recreational activity. Jeep seems to be great but I wonder about security for my kids...
Thanks so much again for the advice.
Utah_jeepster
Super Moderator
If your going to enter the world of Rock Crawling then there is no choice but a Jeep. The amount of money it will take to convert any (new)Toyota into a rock crawling machine will out-way any cost savings or safety factor in buying a Toyota.
All wranglers come with a sports cage, with just 500 dollars you can purchase a bolt in cage components that will tie in the cage front and rear to the frame. Rock Hard 4x4 makes just this bolt in along with several other MFG's.
As a more serious rocker, I spent many of nights researching these cages and decided that for the money Rock Hard was the best for me since my welding skills are on the lacking, and trusting them with my fat arse....well the paint it and bolt it in was a better choice. I did buy the frame tie in kit but I had a local machine welder do the welding there.
I have seen several jeeps with this cage design on there tops with nothing more than windshield frame and sheet metal damage.
With the Toyota and XJ and ZJ you will be looking at a ecto-skeleton which will cost you a lot more for this type of safety.
Thanks Utah for the suggestions you have given to me...They are really valuable and would help me in buying a 4x4.
Dry suit diver
New member
for rockin then its gotta be a jeep, and if you do just start off on the easier rec routes then not having to relearn a vehicle is going to help when you do get into the rock crawlin seriuos fun stuff.
Dry suit diver
New member
enjoy yourself
can't comment for your home market but if it was over this side ogf the pond I would get a pre 1996 as they look better than the face lift version even if they don't have a seven slot grille.
depends on your budget I suppose.
I got a 1996in reasonable condition and have spent almost the same amount on it as I bought it for getting it 'right' I could spend even more getting it exactly how i wantr but I think my wife would cut my nuts off or divorce me and i beleive they are both as painful
Jeff George
New member
if your looking for a 1st time 4x4 and a family vehicle i would go with a jeep cherokee. it depends on how your going to build your rig to. r u lookin for a toy or a daily driver? if your lookin for a cheap rig to build, a cherokee is a cheaper jeep to buy but the lift kits are more expensive and more difficult to install if you planning on doing the work your self. but on the other hand the wranger yj's are a little more expensive but the lift kits are less expensive and easier to install. it depends on how hands on you are and what your lookin for outta the rig.
Thanks George.. I want to start my rock crawling with an easy trails with my family....is this a good idea to buy an already modified small truck.
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