Opinions on FJ80 Land Cruisers?

[IROC]

My wife has always loved the FJ80 style of Toyota Land Cruisers (I'm more of an FJ40 person myself), but anyway there are a few for sale in our area that - for their age - seem to be in really clean condition. We're actually toying with buying one and using it as a family vehicle.

It seems that everything I read online indicates these things are ultra-reliable tanks. Aside from the gas mileage, are there any issues to look out for on these?

[MisterB]

I have owned them, great family cars for the road trips. Bought mine with 70k miles and sold it at 180k 7 yrs later. Basisc oil changes and brakes with mine ... go to Your Online Offroad 4×4 Tech Resource – IH8MUD.com and research issues, tons of info.

Good Luck

[LWJ]

I had an FJ80. I was in love with the engineering. GUTLESS. I always said that you could get home with a pair of vice grips and some duct tape. And I think that is mostly true.

If I were to buy another Cruiser, it would be the FZJ80 with the 4.5 liter six. Different rig. More power.

It really was that slow.

Larry

[tabs]

Originally Posted by LWJ

I had an FJ80. I was in love with the engineering. GUTLESS. I always said that you could get home with a pair of vice grips and some duct tape. And I think that is mostly true.

If I were to buy another Cruiser, it would be the FZJ80 with the 4.5 liter six. Different rig. More power.

It really was that slow.

Larry

Why didn't U get out and PUSH it....

[IROC]

Originally Posted by LWJ

If I were to buy another Cruiser, it would be the FZJ80 with the 4.5 liter six. Different rig. More power.

That's actually what we're looking at (some FZJ80s). Specifically a few 1997s that are for sale. I was initially wary of the mileage (many of these have 150k miles or so on them), but in reality, is that a big deal? I've read about head gasket issues on the earlier ones, but the later ones seem to just run forever.

I've owned a lot of Toyotas (two of them with over 175k miles when I sold them) and have confidence in their longevity, but it's hard to even find anyone bad-mouthing these Land Cruisers and I just wondered if I'm missing something.

[Scott R]

We have 270K on my brothers anniversary edition. So far it's only needed some minor cooling system work and an EGR valve and we had to replace the front locker solenoid thingy. And that's been in the last eight years, they are a hell of a car.

[kaisen]

The late (96-97) ones had leather seemingly made out of paper as they are generally ragged and torn by now. And they rust like crazy, but maybe not a problem in Tennessee. Fuel mileage is horrible given that they also have poor power.

If you are going off the beaten path on a regular basis, they are a fantastic choice.
If you are using them like a car, or like a truck (and not an off-roader) that same money would buy you a much better tool for the job. They're not "all that".... but no one takes my advice.

So good luck with your new FJ80!!

BTW, what 15 year old anything doesn't have 150K+ miles!? Big friggin deal! My Suburban has 260K miles and I wouldn't hesitate to jump in and drive cross country. If miles bug you, buy something very new. LC's go 300K miles if they don't rust out first. But then again, even "normal" cars and trucks with 150K miles are still good to go.

[porwolf]

There is one thing to consider with Landcruisers: Gas mileage! I have an older, 1982, FJ 60 model and get 10 MPG's in the city! Never got more than 14 MPG's. I don't know how much more efficient the FJ 80's are. Other than that mine proved to be indestructible. It has close to one million miles on it with the first engine and transmission, untouched!

[IROC]

Originally Posted by kaisen

If you are using them like a car, or like a truck (and not an off-roader) that same money would buy you a much better tool for the job. They're not "all that".... but no one takes my advice.

What would you suggest for less than $8k or so? I haven't seen a lot of vehicles in that price range that I would feel confident in - or that aren't ragged out.

So good luck with your new FJ80!!

BTW, what 15 year old anything doesn't have 150K+ miles!? Big friggin deal! My Suburban has 260K miles and I wouldn't hesitate to jump in and drive cross country. If miles bug you, buy something very new. LC's go 300K miles if they don't rust out first. But then again, even "normal" cars and trucks with 150K miles are still good to go.

You seem to have an attitude when it comes to Toyotas. I was just asking for some input as this vehicle would most likely be my wife's (and kids) primary transportation. We have a 2007 530i right now functioning in that role (and it is a great car), but my wife has always loved these 80 series Land Cruisers and I thought it would be fun to get something "automotive" that she really liked, too.

[IROC]

Originally Posted by porwolf

There is one thing to consider with Landcruisers: Gas mileage! I have an older, 1982, FJ 60 model and get 10 MPG's in the city! Never got more than 14 MPG's. I don't know how much more efficient the FJ 80's are. Other than that mine proved to be indestructible. It has close to one million miles on it with the first engine and transmission, untouched!

Yep, we're aware of the gas mileage. From what I can tell, that seems to be the primary drawback.

[slakjaw]

I used to have an fj-60. Best truck I've ever had. I miss it!

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by IROC

What would you suggest for less than $8k or so? I haven't seen a lot of vehicles in that price range that I would feel confident in - or that aren't ragged out.

You seem to have an attitude when it comes to Toyotas. I was just asking for some input as this vehicle would most likely be my wife's (and kids) primary transportation. We have a 2007 530i right now functioning in that role (and it is a great car), but my wife has always loved these 80 series Land Cruisers and I thought it would be fun to get something "automotive" that she really liked, too.

How, exactly, will it be used? Will it tow? How many miles a year? City/freeway mix? How many kids?

I have no problem with Toyotas, they're good cars. The buying public, however, believes they are "superior" cars and have driven prices higher than their real value, IMHO. Toyotas break too. So paying a significant premium doesn't always make sense.

If anyone "wants" a particular car/truck, they'll justify buying one. It may meet their needs, it may not. There may be better choices, or not. But if it's emotional, it doesn't always need to be rational. If your wife "wants" a LC, she'll likely be happy with one.

But a fifteen year old solid-axle SUV with 150K miles that gets 12mpg for $6-8K?

Why not a 4Runner if you like Toyotas? Or a RX300/350?

Why not an older BMW X5? Mercedes ML? 2001-up Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade? 2003-up Expedition/Navigator?

[kaisen]

2001 TOYOTA SEQUOIA

2001 Toyota Sequoia SR5 V8 iforce with 150k miles this car will go to 500k no problem. It has leather, navigation, tv sat, new tires, it has 3rd row seat, tow package it's been a great suv $6,700

[IROC]

Originally Posted by kaisen

If anyone "wants" a particular car/truck, they'll justify buying one. It may meet their needs, it may not. There may be better choices, or not. But if it's emotional, it doesn't always need to be rational. If your wife "wants" a LC, she'll likely be happy with one.

But you seem to be suggesting that there is something wrong with "wanting" a particular vehicle? I specifically asked about 80 series Land Cruisers, not "what's the best vehicle to buy for my wife". Other than to give me a hard time about what my wife wants to buy, I don't understand what point you're trying to make.

Why not a 4Runner if you like Toyotas? Or a RX300/350?

Why not an older BMW X5? Mercedes ML? 2001-up Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade? 2003-up Expedition/Navigator?

Already owned a 4Runner. Two of them, actually. We looked at X5s when we bought the 530. Show me an X5 for less than $10k. I wouldn't even consider the Chevy/Ford products. Too many bad experiences.

I appreciate your comment on the rust issues although I haven't seen any rust on the ones we've looked at (or excessively worn leather).

[vash]

i love the FZJ80. i am 90% sure that is what a buddy owns. they all "blend" to me because i am not familiar with the various models. his is lifted with all this ARB stuff. i tried to follow him once on a hunting trip and he got all ambitious with me. it was super capable and made me scared trying to follow him with my stock tacoma.

i do know my fuel tank lasted much longer than his did.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by IROC

But you seem to be suggesting that there is something wrong with "wanting" a particular vehicle? I specifically asked about 80 series Land Cruisers, not "what's the best vehicle to buy for my wife". Other than to give me a hard time about what my wife wants to buy, I don't understand what point you're trying to make.

Sorry, buy what you "want" and live with it

We looked at X5s when we bought the 530. Show me an X5 for less than $10k.

Seriously? I could show you dozens of 2000-2003 X5s with under 150K for well under $10K

I wouldn't even consider the Chevy/Ford products. Too many bad experiences.

Touche, says the guy with a problem-free original-drivetrain 260K mile Chevy

I appreciate your comment on the rust issues although I haven't seen any rust on the ones we've looked at (or excessively worn leather).

If they came from Southeast TN, you're probably clear of rust. But if lived elsewhere, ever, just be sure to check. You can't buy a rust-free 80 within 300 miles of me. They're all really quite rusty.

You haven't seen the horrid leather? Again, lucky to be in a mild climate I guess.

[speeder]

The 4.5 twin cam motor gets significantly better fuel mileage and makes more power than its predecessor, but it's a relative thing. It's still no economy champ.

TLC ownership is rarely a practical matter. People simply love these rigs, (much like an old 911), and tolerate the gas mileage and other compromises. I have a couple of friends who have used FJ62s as DDs for ages. I never understood why until I briefly owned one last year. I simply fell in love with it. The way that it's built, the driving position, (unbelievably perfect), the tight turning circle, the cargo room, etc., etc. It would be an awesome DD.

I cannot even begin to imagine driving any domestic vehicle from the 1980s with 200k miles as a DD in SoCal. I'd drive a good FJ62 w/o hesitation. Apples/oranges.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by kaisen

Sorry, buy what you "want" and live with it



Seriously? I could show you dozens of 2000-2003 X5s with under 150K for well under $10K



Touche, says the guy with a problem-free original-drivetrain 260K mile Chevy



If they came from Southeast TN, you're probably clear of rust. But if lived elsewhere, ever, just be sure to check. You can't buy a rust-free 80 within 300 miles of me. They're all really quite rusty.

You haven't seen the horrid leather? Again, lucky to be in a mild climate I guess.

In all fairness, where you live is a different universe in terms of used vehicles more than a couple years old. The freeways are a slushy mix of salt and filth for many months of the year and vehicles are absolutely destroyed by it. There is a massive difference in the value and desirability of used cars and trucks in dry climates. I would never own another rusty vehicle unless it was free.

[JavaBrewer]

I would ping Matt (onewhippedpuppy) for his take. I believe he owned one (or more) plus a bushel of similar SUVs. I like the FJ80 series just fine but for some reason the FJ60 just looks amazing to me. I would not be afraid of high miles. A couple from the SoCal craigs list today - the white one is very pricey but looks outstanding!

[vash]

wow..how much for the white one?

those are truly underpowered..but amazing.