Considering a visit to the dark side

[68Hawk]

First time poster, newbie, blah blah blah.

I'm thinking of buying a 2019 Jeep JL Wrangler, two door, likely in a Sport S config.
Asking for some opinion in the following paragraph, and yes - I've been reading this site like it's late 19th century and there's no other entertainment going round. And yes, I WILL test drive multiple vehicles to make sure I'm comfortable with the decision.

The very specific reason for the thread title is, I'm an FJ Cruiser guy.
Two out of my last three vehicles, 8 out of the last 11 years, have had me riding in FJ's and I've loved every second. Loved the truck, loved the mods, loved the forums, loved it all.
Most importantly, I thought it was a brilliant ride for a compromised vehicle like these true 4x4's are..... when they're expected to cross the badlands AND have you looking a million bucks stepping out on to the rock rails for the money shot at the end.
With all the things it struggled with, the FJ was super composed, strong enough to pull in traffic, quiet enough inside to talk on the phone, dialed up just the right suspension stock to cover the pavement just as nicely as the rutted stuff, even turned a corner confidently if you set her up with a slow approach and tucked and accelerate. Not much body lean, not floaty. Pretty damn civilized.
It was a great great vehicle.

I was wondering if there are any other former FJ owners here on the site who now drive Wranglers, and can give me their honest feelings about the differences, strengths and weaknesses, and what they would tell someone like me considering the step over in to the dark side.

I love the look of Wranglers, always have, but have never wanted THAT compromised a daily driver to consider previous models.
The JL has me curious.

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[RagTopDeluxe]

Welcome!

I haven’t had an FJ, but test drove a nice one and we were considering it. But the ability to remove the top and doors swayed us to the Jeep side and we bought a JKUR. Something to think about if you think you might like the open-air driving. It is a lot of fun!

 

[melendez69]

There's nothing dark about this side.

 

[Roky]

For me personally the switch was a no brainer this new jl is almost like a Cadillac compared to my last fj 40.......

,...... seriously though, if you’re that happy and content as you say you are with the fj, then I doubt you’ll ever be happy making the switch, because to own a Jeep, you have to commit to it.

You have to be willing to accept it the way it is, in order to truly enjoy it...you have to be Jeep people, not people that drive Jeeps....

 

[Goin2drt]

I don’t personal own or have owned an FJ but friends have. Also I am a huge Jeep fanboy.

Haven’t said that unless you are going to two things A LOT don’t get out of your FJ. Top off driving around and hard core off reading. Your FJ is a way better vehicle for all the other things. Build quality, ride quality, interior, creature comforts, reliability and the list goes on.

just in general you will be disappointed coming from a Toyota experience to an FCA experience.

 

[Wabujitsu]

First time poster, newbie, blah blah blah.

I'm thinking of buying a 2019 Jeep JL Wrangler, two door, likely in a Sport S config.
Asking for some opinion in the following paragraph, and yes - I've been reading this site like it's late 19th century and there's no other entertainment going round. And yes, I WILL test drive multiple vehicles to make sure I'm comfortable with the decision.

The very specific reason for the thread title is, I'm an FJ Cruiser guy.
Two out of my last three vehicles, 8 out of the last 11 years, have had me riding in FJ's and I've loved every second. Loved the truck, loved the mods, loved the forums, loved it all.
Most importantly, I thought it was a brilliant ride for a compromised vehicle like these true 4x4's are..... when they're expected to cross the badlands AND have you looking a million bucks stepping out on to the rock rails for the money shot at the end.
With all the things it struggled with, the FJ was super composed, strong enough to pull in traffic, quiet enough inside to talk on the phone, dialed up just the right suspension stock to cover the pavement just as nicely as the rutted stuff, even turned a corner confidently if you set her up with a slow approach and tucked and accelerate. Not much body lean, not floaty. Pretty damn civilized.
It was a great great vehicle.

I was wondering if there are any other former FJ owners here on the site who now drive Wranglers, and can give me their honest feelings about the differences, strengths and weaknesses, and what they would tell someone like me considering the step over in to the dark side.

I love the look of Wranglers, always have, but have never wanted THAT compromised a daily driver to consider previous models.
The JL has me curious.

I’m your guy. I traded in my 2013 FJC for my current 2018 Jeep Wrangler Sport Unlimited JL.

I loved my FJC. I would own it and my Jeep if I could afford to.

1. The FJ is slightly more refined on the road, due to IFS. However, road/wind noise is the same in my Jeep with hard top. They are both houses on wheels. After you get used to the different steering I think you will find that the Jeep is pretty darned refined as well - just a different feel. After you get used to it, you will have an “ah-ha!” moment.

2. Mods are far, far more numerous, and generally cheaper if you shop around, than for the FJ. Aftermarket support for the Jeep is unmatched.

3. Toyota reliability is considered better than FCA.

4. Both are great off-road. The edge definitely goes to the Jeep for many reasons you probably already know.

5. Gas mileage in my 2-liter turbo Jeep is FAR better than my FJC. Power and acceleration is FAR better in the Jeep.

6. Jeep folks are *generally* friendlier, less judgmental, more supportive, with a higher-refined sarcasm.

7. Both retain value extremely well.

8. You can take doors and top off of the Jeep.

 

[ChattVol]

For me personally the switch was a no brainer this new jl is almost like a Cadillac compared to my last fj 40.......

,...... seriously though, if you’re that happy and content as you say you are with the fj, then I doubt you’ll ever be happy making the switch, because to own a Jeep, you have to commit to it.

You have to willing to accept the way it is, in order to truly enjoy it...you have to be Jeep people, not people that drive Jeeps....

I can empathize...my JL tracks a little better on the hwy than my last FJ..

 

[timn1984]

First time poster, newbie, blah blah blah.

I'm thinking of buying a 2019 Jeep JL Wrangler, two door, likely in a Sport S config.
Asking for some opinion in the following paragraph, and yes - I've been reading this site like it's late 19th century and there's no other entertainment going round. And yes, I WILL test drive multiple vehicles to make sure I'm comfortable with the decision.

The very specific reason for the thread title is, I'm an FJ Cruiser guy.
Two out of my last three vehicles, 8 out of the last 11 years, have had me riding in FJ's and I've loved every second. Loved the truck, loved the mods, loved the forums, loved it all.
Most importantly, I thought it was a brilliant ride for a compromised vehicle like these true 4x4's are..... when they're expected to cross the badlands AND have you looking a million bucks stepping out on to the rock rails for the money shot at the end.
With all the things it struggled with, the FJ was super composed, strong enough to pull in traffic, quiet enough inside to talk on the phone, dialed up just the right suspension stock to cover the pavement just as nicely as the rutted stuff, even turned a corner confidently if you set her up with a slow approach and tucked and accelerate. Not much body lean, not floaty. Pretty damn civilized.
It was a great great vehicle.

I was wondering if there are any other former FJ owners here on the site who now drive Wranglers, and can give me their honest feelings about the differences, strengths and weaknesses, and what they would tell someone like me considering the step over in to the dark side.

I love the look of Wranglers, always have, but have never wanted THAT compromised a daily driver to consider previous models.
The JL has me curious.

You have been to the dark side my friend. Step into Paradise......... Get a Jeep Wrangler.

 

[aldo98229]

I’m your guy. I traded in my 2013 FJC for my current 2018 Jeep Wrangler Sport Unlimited JL.

I loved my FJC. I would own it and my Jeep if I could afford to.

1. The FJ is slightly more refined on the road, due to IFS. However, road/wind noise is the same in my Jeep with hard top. They are both houses on wheels. After you get used to the different steering I think you will find that the Jeep is pretty darned refined as well - just a different feel. After you get used to it, you will have an “ah-ha!” moment.

2. Mods are far, far more numerous, and generally cheaper if you shop around, than for the FJ. Aftermarket support for the Jeep is unmatched.

3. Toyota reliability and customer service are considered better than FCA.

4. Both are great off-road. The edge definitely goes to the Jeep for many reasons you probably already know.

5. Gas mileage in my 2-liter turbo Jeep is FAR better than my FJC. Power and acceleration is FAR better in the Jeep.

6. Jeep folks are *generally* friendlier, less judgmental, more supportive, with a higher-refined sarcasm.

7. Both retain value extremely well.

8. You can take doors and top off of the Jeep.

9. FCA gets design: JL is attractive, comfortable and user friendly, all at the same time. Its iconic exterior looks refined, the interior is attractive and comfortable, and Uconnect is modern and easy to use. When Toyota tries design, we end up with 3 wipers, a Lego-like interior, and —like in my Tacoma— 25 mismatched buttons across the dashboard, and a navigation system that looks, feels and acts 20 years old

^^^ perhaps the most objective assessment one could ask on a public forum.

I added a couple items —above, in bold.

 

[cosine]

i never had a fjc. but i can say that the jl is far better then my last ride which was a 07 jeep grand cherokee. yeah it sound strange. my 07 gc had a 3.7 v6 with 5 spd auto. the ride was ok, it does throw you around on rough roads, etc. the gas mileage was 12-13 in town and 16-17 on the highway. my 2 door jl is by far the best jeep. 3.6 v6 with 8 spd auto is the best combo to have. mpg is 18-19 in town and 25.5 - 29.6 on the highway. the ride is better then my gc. i dont feel tired driving the jl vs the gc. i have the hard top and the noise is not all that bad. yes you will feel the wind more on the jl vs other cars. you will pick up the driving habits of the jl quickly. i've had the jl on a couple of long trips and wouldnt trade it for anything else. and yes its my daily driver.

 

[68Hawk]

Terrific responses all. I love the loyalty of Jeepers, the objectivity of Jeepers, and zero doubt there's an 'it' thing about the Wrangler in particular that says you're family for life - or a quicky divorce is needed coz both of you just aren't that in to eachother!

My FJ is gone, 5 months ago now to pay for my daughter's first car and down payment for my son's. Gotta say that was one awesome thing about FJC ownership, residual value was incredible and they have one helluva niche following.

This is my favorite pic of her, getting new shoes and rubber and suspension that made my wanderlust a feed-able journey.

Being 51 with 3 bulging discs and arthritis in one hip, if I buy a JL there won't be ledges and boulders in our future, probably more a tear drop trailer and visits to Colorado/Utah/California where I can feel good about getting in and out of some picturesque scenery.
I know it's not what the offroad community here would think the right activity for a purpose built vehicle, but hey - I'm the guy you'll want to buy your 6 year old gently used/ well cared for vehicle from.

Looking forward to some test drives Monday, will give an update on whether you might have to suffer me on these forums in the future, or whether it was a crash and burn.

Go Chiefs

 

[oceanblue2019]

,...... seriously though, if you’re that happy and content as you say you are with the fj, then I doubt you’ll ever be happy making the switch, because to own a Jeep, you have to commit to it.

You have to be willing to accept it the way it is, in order to truly enjoy it...you have to be Jeep people, not people that drive Jeeps....

This is very true.

Are you the type of guy that the little Jeep quirks upset you or are they the beginning of many wonderful adventures?

 

[VooDoo1]

I purchased my 2007 FJ Cruiser new in December 2006. It was my daily driver until a year and a half ago when my daughter went away to college (approx 400 miles from home). She needed a good reliable vehicle for college, one I wouldn't have to worry about. She loved driving my FJ, so when I asked her what kind of car she wanted, she told me she wanted my FJ. So after giving her my FJ, I got my JL Sport S.

Today the FJ has 183,000 miles and has never had a recall nor has it ever been in for a warranty repair. Other then the normal wear & tear items (tires, brakes, shocks, belt), only 3 items needed repair. Alternator at 117,000 miles for bad bearing, CV axle at 133,000 miles for leaking boot and rear differential pinion bearing started whining and replaced at 154,000 miles.

My score card between FJ and JL would look like this:
Dependability - Toyota
Dealer service - Tie, since neither vehicle has required warranty/recall servicing
On Road driving - Hard to compare since the FJ had street tires. The FJ was smoother and quieter on the road. JL has BFG KO2's and my JL is a 2 door so the JL is a bit harsher ride and a bit more road noise. Seating position and comfort is better in the JL.
Off Road - JL much more capable and gives me greater confidence even though my offroading is extremely mild.
Modifying - JL
Fun to own - JL hands down, no competition

I liked my FJ, but I love my Jeep. I have absolutely no regrets giving up my FJ for the JL.

When my daughter comes home for winter & summer breaks and is going out with friends, she always asks "Dad can I take the Jeep?" I think that pretty much sums things up.

 

[iki4life]

I've never owned an FJ, but my family has only owned toyotas and hondas, and my JL is the first non japanese make. I must say its easily the most fun vehicle I've had. The quality over the JK has tremendously improved.

 

[entropy]

I love Toyotas for their reliability and customer service. A jeep jeep wrangler is the most fun vehicle Ive ever owned,I wouldnt trade it for anything and dont think I will ever leave the Wrangler family unless Fiat does something too dumb. When you drive a wrangler off road youll see why nothing else compares. Also driving with the top off is a blast.

You get used to the onroad manners. Just drive it as if it was a brick on wheels. Oh wait, that's exactly what it is.

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