[bdruff]

I am purchasing a land cruiser and would like some help choosing the best one. I am at least 3 hours from them and wont have a chance to look at them before i buy them.

There are 4 that I'm looking at.

1. 1995, 195,000 miles, looks very clean, ,4.5 liter v6, ,tow package, and guards for the lights. He's asking $8,100

2. 1997, 160,000 miles, Not quite as clean but still very nice, ,4.5 liter v6, no tow receiver. He's asking $8,500

3. 1994, 166,000 miles, not as clean as the first one either, tow setup, guards, and it has a V8. He's asking $5,890.

4. 1996, 166,000 miles, more used than the other 3, Las guards and tow setup, It has the locking differentials but also has a small oil leak between the engine and transmission. Owner said about a quart between oil changes.


I will use it mostly as a daily driver. I will take it to the mountains and desert and will want to do some mild 4-wheeling. How important is the locker? Is there an aftermarket locker that is as good

Thanks for reading my post

[denis]

There's no such thing as a toyota 4.5 V6, but I'm guessing you' talking about FZJ 80 series (4.5 I6), in which case you're in the wrong section, try the one just above

[wearsabrowncoat]

Move to 80's section.

#3 has a V8?

How much is #4?

If you want lockers it is nomally more cost effective to get them with the truck.

[BManning`]

From that list, I'd buy the 97. A lot less miles & 2 years newer than the 95, for $400 more. Also, last model year of the 80...neat feather in the cap.

You say "clean"...I assume you're seeing pics online or via email? I wish you could go see/drive them before pulling the trigger, but I get it if you can't & just want a damn Cruiser, now. Been there.

Steer clear of #3-- no factory V8 around back in 94. You don't want it if it's an engine swap job.

No price on #4, and apparently rougher than the others. Unless you want one to tear down & rebuild to your fancy, forget #4.

Get the 97!

[bdruff]

I bought the 95. I wanted to look at the 97 but it didn't have the tow setup or grill and light guards. It also sounded like he played off road more. He was a young guy. Everything on mine works perfectly. The leather on the front seats is a little worn but i just put some seat covers on them. Drove it home 4 hours away and it rides perfectly too. Very happy

[BManning`]

Congrats! Sounds like ultimately you made the right choice....

Welcome to THE SICKNESS!! Start budgeting for all the good stuff...

[TEPUI]

Moved this thread to the 80 series forum. Thanks for stopping by the 90 series forum.

[gotmud]

Welcome

Now tear off the light guards, as they are only damage multipliers. Were are you located?

[firetruck41]

Welcome. Light guards are worthless, and every 80 is set up to tow (tranny cooler), only option was whether it had the ~$100 tow bar.

[cody c]

welcome to the addiction! It is customary to post a picture of your new cruiser, and state if it came with lockers, and read the FAQ section! welcome aboard!

[retrofive]

Oh and have to post 3 really lame questions answered in the FAQ already or search:

1) What tires should I buy; will 33" fit?
2) What size lift should I buy?
3) All my dash lights are on and my truck wont start, what should I do?

LOL Welcome to the addiction!

[jlg32281]

i would buy the 94 just because i'm a cheapo. a little patience could probably yield a better deal than all of those options though. welcome aboard.