Prado vs the new FJ

[PradoDude Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close PradoDude]

Hi guys, as the new FJ is about to be available in Australia for under a week, I thought it might be a good idea to start a discussion between the two vehicles. Both are pretty much similar in power (FJ only come in petrol in Aus, V6 4000), similar build ( the FJ suspension and chassis is adapted from the Prado), the FJ come standard with a rear diff unlike the Prado which comes standard with a centre diff. And the next obvious difference is the fuel tank size (ie. touring range) where the Prado wins hands down. However, despite their minor differences, the FJ is priced at only $50,000 which is much less when compared to a GXL (as FJ doesn't have the option of KDSS and CRAWL). Now the question to answer is why should someone pay almost $20,000 and more for a Prado GXL where the FJ might be able to provide a similar 4X4 experience.

[Guest Close Guest]

Re: Prado vs the new FJ

You can't put a bullbar on the FJ.
The FJ comes with 265/70R17 tyres as standard = much better choice of tyres without jumping through hoops to change from 265/65R17 on the Prado.

[baby_troupe Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close baby_troupe]

Re: Prado vs the new FJ

When Toyota were discussing the release last year, they were talking 40K drive away.
At that point I was interested as a daily driver replacement.

Now it is closer to release they have since said 44990 plus onroads and you mention $50K, I think I will explore other options, as for 50K (or a little more) I can buy the new 70 series wagon with turbo diesel V8.

[William Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close William]

Re: Prado vs the new FJ

the FJ come standard with a rear diff unlike the Prado which comes standard with a centre diff.

I'm certain the FJ will have centre diff lock too. As for the Prado 150, only the Kakadu comes with a factory rear diff lock.

However, despite their minor differences, the FJ is priced at only $50,000 which is much less when compared to a GXL (as FJ doesn't have the option of KDSS and CRAWL).

I've heard conflicting accounts of the FJ pricing, forums say they will be at $45,000 whereas my Toyota source say they might be $50,000. A GXL prado doesn't have KDSS or CRAWL.

Now the question to answer is why should someone pay almost $20,000 and more for a Prado GXL where the FJ might be able to provide a similar 4X4 experience.

We're actually thinking about getting an FJ. The gap isnt 20k, a GXL Prado can be purchased for approx $60K. So the difference is more like $10K. I suppose the difference in price could be attributed to:
1: Size of the vehicle and its bootspace
2: Comfort?
3: Electronics?
4: The fact that the FJ has a 30kg limit on the front end? Which means no steel bullbars etc

I haven't seen the FJ yet, but when I do (next week), I'm sure I can give better and more accurate reasons for the 10k difference.

Cheers

[ozwapet2 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close ozwapet2]

Re: Prado vs the new FJ

From an article in the Age/SMH drive last week.

THEY said the FJ doesn't have full time 4WD. ( ie no centre diff ).
So it's gone back to the system of 2WD only drive then you engage the front diff if you want 4WD.

Apparently they come standard with a rear diff lock and traction control.

So overall probably a better offroad system than Prado however doesn't look as practical for long distance touring. ( smaller tank,, no diesel, and less room in the cargo area )

[William Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close William]

Re: Prado vs the new FJ

Thanks for the clarifying Wayne. I suppose they may be right since they've had the car to review? I've also read that the rear diff lock may be an option. Lots to clear up when at the dealership!

Cheers

[MDS69 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close MDS69]

Re: Prado vs the new FJ

You can't put a bullbar on the FJ.
The FJ comes with 265/70R17 tyres as standard = much better choice of tyres without jumping through hoops to change from 265/65R17 on the Prado.

Doesn't the FJ have a bull bar in America.
And the touring range/fuel tank size can be fixed with a long range replacement or aux tank which I believe Rob A or FJ Cruiser have mentioned. Seeing as these things are a couple of years old in the USA there are bound to be a heap of aftermarket accessories available albeit on the other side of the world.

I reckon Snaga might have some pics to put up of a modifed FJ.

[William Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close William]

Re: Prado vs the new FJ

This review seems to compare the FJ to the Prado a little. http://www.anyauto.com.au/2011-toyota-f ... er-review/

MDS69: The 30kg limit bulletin can be found in this thread: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=9842

Check this out too: http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/p ... -rips.html

[LaoK User account deleted at own request. Find all posts View Profile Close LaoK]

Re: Prado vs the new FJ

It looks like Toyota's answer to the gay Jeeps. Something Brian Kinney would drive in that Queer As Folk SBS gay show that was on television, in place of his gay Jeep. Except the Toyota has more bling. Eeeeek!

[barryswanson Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close barryswanson]

Re: Prado vs the new FJ

The FJ would hands down be the ugliest car ever made.

[ntp Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close ntp]

Re: Prado vs the new FJ

The FJ would hands down be the ugliest car ever made.

Big claim - there are some pretty crook vehicle designs out there. Hardly the worse - and certainly different. But not the ugliest by a long shot.

Check out: 100 ugliest cars or even 15 Ugliest cars ever made

[William Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close William]

Re: Prado vs the new FJ

Is it the colour thats putting you off? I've been told that yellow is no longer available. How about black?







With some aftermarket accessories, I reckon the FJ would look dangerous :shock:

For the record, the ugliest car ever made would have to be the pt cruiser :shock:

[longdog Member Find all posts View Profile Close longdog]

Re: Prado vs the new FJ

Can you have traction control on all four wheels without a centre diff? I wouldn't think so - Prado 120 turns off traction control with centre diff lock on.

[barryswanson Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close barryswanson]

Re: Prado vs the new FJ

The FJ would hands down be the ugliest car ever made.

Big claim - there are some pretty crook vehicle designs out there. Hardly the worse - and certainly different. But not the ugliest by a long shot.

Check out: 100 ugliest cars or even 15 Ugliest cars ever made

I stand corrected. The FJ would slot in that list at about number 8 IMO.

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

Re: Prado vs the new FJ

William wrote
For the record, the ugliest car ever made would have to be the pt cruiser

Your kidding me, I think they are a superb looking car, I would love to own one. But then again you think the FJ looks good enough to consider buying :shock:

Each to their own i guess.

Couldn't possibly consider an FJ until it comes in diesel anyway.

Cheers Andrew