FJ cruiser - better than the standard prado?

[LD.02]

How can it be much more capable than a Prado when its exactly the same running gear and electronics, it is only the approach and departure angle that are only slightly better is my understanding of it which would give a slight advantage but not much

That what I was thinking, hence why I asked! I’ve been surprised with the replies, super encouraging and steering me more down the FJ path. Besides, even if they were identically capable I love the childish tonka truck look. Horses for courses!

 

[TYNO87]

While the FJ starts with the 120 Prado chassis and uses a lot of parts in common with the Prado, but it's very different from there. The wheelbase is about halfway between the 4 door and 2 door Prados, with a better ramp over as well as approach and departure angles. It also has a slightly different suspension setup with the wishbones at the front. Also, the electronics are from a later generation, with CRAWL from around 2012 or 2013. It's like a hybrid mid wheelbase with a 120 base and 150 updates internally. Make sure you get one that has CRAWL. CRAWL is like a 'magic carpet button' on sand.

But on the other side IMHO it's too small for long trips and more than 1 passenger, and not the prettiest girl in town IMHO. The Petrol has a reputation for reliability, and they last forever but it likes to drink, or does in Parado's anyway.

A bloke from works young fella’s got one of the last ones with crawl. He reckons it’d drive up the lunchroom wall. That’s coming from a one eyed “got nothing on me patrol” driver who’s done some hard wheeling, so for him to praise a Toyota that’s saying something.

I have to say, if I was going to buy a wagon they’d be right up the top of my list, even being petrol and ifs.

 

[phs]

How can it be much more capable than a Prado when its exactly the same running gear and electronics, it is only the approach and departure angle that are only slightly better is my understanding of it which would give a slight advantage but not much

Better tyre size and offset from the factory
Can easily fit decent aftermarket tyres
Better approach and departure
400+kg lighter
300+mm shorter body

 

[LD.02]

A bloke from works young fella’s got one of the last ones with crawl. He reckons it’d drive up the lunchroom wall. That’s coming from a one eyed “got nothing on me patrol” driver who’s done some hard wheeling, so for him to praise a Toyota that’s saying something.

I have to say, if I was going to buy a wagon they’d be right up the top of my list, even being petrol and ifs.

Looked briefly at utes but just couldn’t pull myself away from the wagon look and convenience. Hopefully the route I’m going pans out!

 

[Neil Watts]

Yeah everything I’ve heard is that it’s really under stressed so unless you’re strapping on 35’s, a huge lift and all the bar work you can dream of you shouldn’t expect a huge increase in fuel drinking. Glad to hear that I can push the envelope a bit re GVM and still come out pretty good.

also, wicked looking car mate. Might serve as a bit of inspiration if I end up down this road

Briefly looked at getting a GVM upgrade, part of it required proving to the engineer that the axle mounts could support 3t. The Aus spec FJ share the same axle mounts as the Prado 150 which is rated to 3t GVM. I understand all the legalities blah blah blah but I have no issues running close or over GVM on remote trips.

 

[LD.02]

Briefly looked at getting a GVM upgrade, part of it required proving to the engineer that the axle mounts could support 3t. The Aus spec FJ share the same axle mounts as the Prado 150 which is rated to 3t GVM. I understand all the legalities blah blah blah but I have no issues running close or over GVM on remote trips.

good point, will remember that. Cheers

 

[Albynsw]

@Neil Watts, those fuel consumption figures are not too bad really considering being a petrol and the mods

 

[Neil Watts]

@Neil Watts, those fuel consumption figures are not too bad really considering being a petrol and the mods

I can live with them for sure and it's only my preference but I'm hoping that if there's a next car I can stay away from Diesel.

 

[megamung]

Nearly bought a new one in 2012 but having a petrol motor scared me off as I was planning a trip to the cape. I still regret the decision. I would of bought a new one in January if they still made them.