Newbie looking to by, 06 Explorer vs FJ Crusier

[Jeff L]

Hi Everyone, My name is Jeff and I am looking to buy a new SUV by years end.
I have it narrowed down to either the Toyota FJ Crusier or Ford Explorer. Both will fit within my price limit and both will do what i want, which is to be able to tow a 12' trailer cross country. l like the ground clearance of the FJ Crusier and the fact that you air blow the inside out when it gets dirty. The FJ is really for made for offroad. I'm not going to do alot of that, but I do like to have the ability to do so. The Explorer is more classy inside and out. Mileage wise both are almost equal, edge to the FJ by 1 gal.
I would greatly appreciate any advise regarding why I should choose the Explorer over the FJ.

 

[jimbo74]

haha, i actually like the fj quite alot, but wouldnt spend the $ on it.... new cars are jsut a waste of money... 10 minutes after you drive off the lot, they are worth half what you just paid for them... no thanks... ill jsut buy a truck thats a year old and pocket $15k......

 

[hiridin]

i'd go with the toyota, would be much more capable offroad. and to me thats important. since explorers went irs i would never ever considere getting one. personally i think they ruined a capable 4wd truck by doing so. but thats my opinion.

 

[Blee1099]

The new Explorers are nice, I believe they all have satellite radio standard. Alot more pep in the motor

 

[Kyle0614]

i'm with the other guys.........i totally love my ex but go for the FJ all the way for a killer off road vehicle........u guys do know they made the FJ back in the day right? it's just a remake of that vehicle a lot of people probably don't know that.................

 

[JDraper]

If your primary use is towing cross country, then I'd go with an Explorer V-8. Don't even think about the V-6 for long haul towing. V-8 motor and tranny are much better suited for the job.

If you're doing any serious amount of offroading besides driving on dirt roads or fire trails, go with the FJ.

Have you looked into the towing capacity of both vehicles? I would think that the V-8 Explorer would have a much better capacity than the FJ.

 

[Jeff L]

I don't expect to do any towing other than the move from AZ. As far as offroading probably not. But I want to have both options available. towing capacity is about the same so that is not an issue.
However I hear that Uhaul will not rent trailers to Explorer owners for legality resons (Uhaul says Explorers supposedly flip). If this is the case then I my choice has been narrowed done for me.