Land Cruiser or Jeep Wrangler?

[I Slap Fat Kids]

First off, I know that the opinions may be biased on here, so I intend to post a similar thread on a Jeep Wrangler forum as well.

My question is what is easier/cheaper to work on: a <'98 Jeep Wrangler or a '91-'97 Toyota Land Cruiser?

I am torn between choices (and kinda pressed for cash), so I need to honestly know what will be most affordable to work on if I end up getting one that needs a little TLC.

Any helpful information will be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

[cody c]

are you a fat kid?

 

[bpassmore]

if that is your criteria, get a jeep. These are not cheap to operate or maintain, but nothing compares to it.

If you want the best OEM off road vehicle made in that time period, get an 80.

 

[Butt Ugly Chuck]

Land Cruisers suck!


















Get one anyway.

Butt

 

[zombified]

jeeps are more plentiful and easier to work on. jeeps are not as robust as an 80. jeeps need lots and lots of upgrades to do what an 80 can do. jeeps are definately not as stout, however a 4.0L is a very stout motor and doesnt need much to keep on ticking. a 98 wrangler should have an aw4 or an ax-15, both of which are good transmissions.

the drawbacks are the axles and the tcase. if you don't plan to modify it, you'll be just fine.

i've had plenty of jeeps and i've moved on to what i think is the good stuff ( landcruisers)

 

[cody c]

of course everyone on a landcruiser enthusiast forum is going to favor the cruiser. As far as simplicity of the toyota versus the jeep goes... well im not sure the cruiser would win.
Actually the bigger reasons most of us like the cruisers is that we feel they are more reliable, and built better and bigger than a Jeep. For example ask anyone who has done gears or an axle rebuild on a Jeep AND a landcruiser what was easier and stronger or better built.
I find the drivetrain to be overbuilt enough that they take much more abuse and handle off road punishment with larger tires than a jeep with oversize tires.

Having said that i do like the light weight and I dont think the I-6 or the V-8 in the grand cherokees are bad motors.

clearly they both have their pros and cons, me and probally everyone else on this site feel that a cruiser is the better vehicle, but the bottom line is what you need a vehicle for and what makes you happy.

welcome to the forum by the way.

 

[-Spike-]

Buy the Jeep. You'll get way more practice wrenching.

 

[ALCO]

'Consumer Reports' indicate that you would be wise to stay far, far away from anything made by Jeep/Chrysler/Daimler/Fiat or whatever it is now.

 

[I Slap Fat Kids]

Wow, very speedy replies, thanks. So from what I read in these posts; I shouldn't get a Land Cruiser if it needs work.

However, if I were to pick up a Land Cruiser that was in good condition, would it be a better idea than a Wrangler in the same condition and same price?

One last question, how long do land cruisers usually run for (in a good climate) without breaking down? 400K miles?

 

[murf]

I have owned both a CJ7 and a 80 series. I would have to honestly say that my 80 with lockers out performs the jeep in off road abilities and on road comfort. When I was single with the Jeep, I had a heck of a time being able to throw that light vehicle around and it was a blast to drive.

I think the build quality on the Toyotas are beter than the Jeep/Chrysler quality but at this stage it really depends (due to the age of the vehicles in question) on the previous owners maintenance and care of the vehicle.

The aftermarket parts are probably more plentiful and maybe more available(?) for the Jeep.

I like the room and comfort for myself and friends or family in the 80 better by far.

How will you be using the vehicle? Will you be driving alone or with a family/friends? Do you want to be just another jeep on the road or in a cool 80 series? (ok that last one was biased).

Shop around!

 

[spdwaver]

Welcome! <--(Official Mud Salute)


Let me start off by asking a few questions:

1. Are you going to be taking this vehicle off road?
2. Are you going to be lifting it?
3. Daily Driver?
4. Do you care how much gas you will be paying?

All of these play a big part in the decision-making process. You will more than likely spend more in gas for a Land Cruiser than you would a Jeep.

My opinion, based on ownership of three Jeeps and two Cruisers (I owned a Jeepster Commando and a '75 CJ5):

Jeep: There is a lot of aftermarket support for Jeeps. Part two to that is you will need aftermarket support, if you plan on taking it off road. The axles are fine in a stock configuration, but if you add 35" tires, you will be better off doing some upgrades to the drivetrain.

Both the CJ5 and the Jeepster were fine in their capability, but just did not feel "tough." They had a rather flimsy feel, in that the frames would twist under the body really easily.

I also currently own a '93 Jeep Grand Cherokee; it also feels very flimsy, and feels like I am driving a tin can.

TLC:I have owned a '66 FJ40 Land Cruiser, and now a '91 FJ80 Land Cruiser. The difference in quality is truly vast between the Jeep and the Toyota, in that both are very well built and very capable, not requiring much beyond stock to enjoy it off road. Then again, the Jeep is not too far off in capability out of the box, to keep it fair.

Both of my Land Cruisers have held up well over the years (the '66 did not have any major breakages, and had stock axles; while the '91 is new to me but has 239,000 miles on all original drivetrain).

You really need to take both for a test drive and see for yourself; cost of ownership should not be a factor in buying something you will not regret, because anything could always be better than it was. My opinion is that it requires less for a Land Cruiser to truly enjoy the experience, which is aided by the fact that not everyone has a Land Cruiser.

Bottom line: In my opinion, a 1991-1997 Land Cruiser is what defines an "off road" vehicle, and was built with this in mind - and you can tell.

Others may have a better technical analysis on the cost/performance difference between the two, but these are my thoughts on the joy of ownership above and beyond that of a Jeep.

I guess I just do not get the "Jeep thing."

 

[Butt Ugly Chuck]

One last question, how long do land cruisers usually run for (in a good climate) without breaking down? 400K miles?

About 4J (four Jeeps worth)
Butt

 

[I Slap Fat Kids]

To answer a few questions:

This will be a daily driver.
I will be taking it off road (in the desert for a few years before I move to CO).
I will be driving with friends (the Land Cruiser has my vote for that)
It will not be a family car.
I don't care how much gas is if I really like the vehicle.
I will lift it slightly, but I plan to buy one pre-lifted if possible.
I want a car that won't get me killed if I get hit.
I want a vehicle that can take a hit, but keep ticking.
I want to be confident in my vehicle's capabilities.

If there are any questions I missed, let me know.

 

[SBFJ60FIG]

I want a car that won't get me killed if I get hit.

Just keep the speeds down when you get into this impending accident...and don't drive off any bridges and you'll be fine.

Oh, one last point, try to keep you accidents limited to:

1. Other things that move
2. Other things that move but weight < 4k lbs.
3. Keep the road sodas to a minimum
4. No texting while driving either

Follow these simple rules and you'll be fine...I guarantee it!

 

[JollyGreen]

The Toyota is VASTLY better quality, longevity, ride, comfort, and overall dependability.
The jeep is cheaper.

Just go drive some. You will have your answer within 5 minutes.

 

[malottki]

Sounds like you just answered your question. Welcome to the club!make sure you post pics of your TLC after you purchase it.

 

[spdwaver]

To answer a few questions:

This will be a daily driver.
I will be taking it off road (in the desert for a few years before I move to CO).
I will be driving with friends (the Land Cruiser has my vote for that)
It will not be a family car.
I don't care how much gas is if I really like the vehicle.
I will lift it slightly, but I plan to buy one pre-lifted if possible.
I want a car that won't get me killed if I get hit.
I want a vehicle that can take a hit, but keep ticking.
I want to be confident in my vehicle's capabilities.

If there are any questions I missed, let me know.

Well then, the obvious choice is a Land Cruiser based on all answers given.

But, you really should test-drive an 80 series (1991-1997) and a Jeep; see which one works for you. One thing is certain: you will turn more heads in a Land Cruiser (especially lifted) than you would a Jeep.

 

[gotmud]

One of the nice things about a Jeep is you can get replacement parts for them just about anywhere, and they are typically just as good the OE stuff. That said, the Jeep OE stuff was never that good compared to the way a Toyota is built. As others have mentioned, drive both and you'll see quite quickly which one feels like it is higher quality.

 

[80t0ylc]

First off, I know that the opinions may be biased on here, so I intend to post a similar thread on a Jeep Wrangler forum as well.

My question is what is easier/cheaper to work on: a <'98 Jeep Wrangler or a '91-'97 Toyota Land Cruiser?

I am torn between choices (and kinda pressed for cash), so I need to honestly know what will be most affordable to work on if I end up getting one that needs a little TLC.

Any helpful information will be greatly appreciated, thanks.

First off, no one on this forum or any jeep forum will be able to sway your decision. You have to get behind the wheel of each and make your choice - 'cause that's where the rubber meets the road. If you don't enjoy and appreciate the driving experience, you and said vehicle will eventually part ways, no matter how everything else stacks up. I've owned a CJ2A, several 4x4 mini-trucks, Broncos and a Quadravan and they all fell short of satisfying. Took me about a minute back in '94 when I test drove a brand new 80. Couldn't afford a new one back then, but I knew that I'd eventually own one. Six years later I got my '94 used for less than half the price. Nothing's perfect, but let's just say the negatives of the 80 series are a lot easier to live with, IMHO, than those of most other off road capable rigs. And the positives will make you want to throw rocks at everything else.

To answer a few questions:

This will be a daily driver.
I will be taking it off road (in the desert for a few years before I move to CO).
I will be driving with friends (the Land Cruiser has my vote for that)
It will not be a family car.
I don't care how much gas is if I really like the vehicle.
I will lift it slightly, but I plan to buy one pre-lifted if possible.
I want a car that won't get me killed if I get hit.
I want a vehicle that can take a hit, but keep ticking.
I want to be confident in my vehicle's capabilities.

If there are any questions I missed, let me know.

The 80 series will take good care of you in each and every one of these categories. But, it will require regular TLC in the maintenance areas to go the long run. These rigs are well made and when taken care of, return the favor to the owner. So economy, is a relative term. If you get one in good shape - it should be a reasonable expense to keep up. However, it will be $expensive$ to restore one, though.

 

[Marcus1983]

Reasons I miss my 2001 Jeep TJ Sport:
1) Being able to take the top off - big downside to the 80 series (I guess there is one exception now?)
2) Manual Transmission (my personal preference in a vehicle, especially on steep downhills)
3) Size - my 80 feels like it is wearing a fat suit compared to the Jeep
4) Aftermarket support at a much lower price point

Things I like about my LC:
1) Factory lockers
2) Stock running gear is definitely superior
3) Ability to take guests/family members on trips in comfort
4) Ability to sleep in the back
5) My wife likes it better than the jeep . . . but not as much as she would like a CRV

Like Murf, I had a LOT of fun throwing my Jeep around. It is a very tough vehicle if you leave stock size tires on it. If you will generally have 2-3 people in the vehicle, I would get the Jeep in a heatbeat. If you ever want to have 4 people on a trip -- get the Landcruiser.

If you get the Jeep, I would try to find a 98-2002 with low miles, something that looks like it wasn't taken off-road much/ever, factory dana 44 in the rear if possible. Don't worry about beat up seats, top, etc. Pretty much everything aesthetic is easy to replace. Drive it a lot before modifying it. Depending on your goals, my priorities would be lockers and protection (rockers/skid/front bumper with good recovery points). . . and then maybe a lift if you want to run anything larger than 30" tires.

If you get the LC, find a 95-97 (but really a 96) with as few miles as possible and then spend every penny you have left in your budget to baseline the thing. If you get your paycheck direct deposited, see if they can automatically direct a portion each month to "American Toyota." You may want to factor a headgasket replacement and front axle job into the short-term/immediate cost of ownership. If you do not know how to weld, do some research into how much a set of sliders will cost before you purchase this vehicle.

Toyota 4runners and Jeep Cherokees also deserve a hard look. Please don't get a JK.