I think so too. Very unique vehicle in it's day. Thank God few know it or there'd be none out there for us.
100 Series vs 80 Series (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter DesertCruiser
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I think so too. Very unique vehicle in it's day. Thank God few know it or there'd be none out there for us.
I disagree with this as both my 93 200k 80 and my 96 126k LX450 have exhibited none of these problems except one starter which needed contacts replaced. While there are issues, every vehicle is not necessarily plagued with all or even some of them. The 80 is a ten year older vehicle than many 100 series, so there is no doubt similar issues will arise for the 100 down the road, it is a function of age, not of the vehicle itself. My 80 series has less creaks and rattles than my 98 LX470. If I could only have one it would be the 96 LX450, can't quanitify it, that's just how I feel.
Well Done, Andrew!
Wow, what a great commentary. Someone ought to put that in Toyota 4X4, or somewhere.
Andrew, you galvanized my ponderings very well. I love my 80, and am in process of restoring it to new condition inside and out. I plan on owning it till I die, then carefully choosing which of my three sons gets it when I'm gone.
That said, I salivate every time I see a built 100 drive by. I love the look, the idea of V-8 power in a Cruiser, but cannot bring myself to even consider getting rid of the 80, no way, no how.
Interesting that what brought me to the 100 section today was to post a thread asking 100 owners who have made the switch how they feel about it. I opened this thread and the first few posts did little for me, but yours hit the spot.
Thanks for clearing my thoughts and reafirming my original plan, which is:
Restore the eighty, enjoy it, maybe even get a 60 and or a 40 to make a collection. Buy a 100 for my wife and use it for family trips where wheeling isn't on the radar.
Later,
DTaylor
I hesitate to post in the 100s section, but here goes. I'll post about what I've said before. The 80 is unique. It's weirdly overbuilt in an old school way. Solid axles, full float rears, 6 x 5.5, straight 6 with all the torque down low. It's a dressed up utility vehicle. If you want to remember what Land Cruisers were, 50 years from now, the 80 is the one to keep. It, is a truck. Nothing will be made like this again (for the USA).
The 100 is a great vehicle, almost too good, it just isn't unique. Can you tell me it's that much different than a Tahoe? It's obviously better made, more capable, stronger etc, but it's just Toyota's vision of the same thing. I saw a guy at Sierra Trek in a Ford Expedition. It's the same thing, only with "legendary Ford quality". Toyota goes the extra mile with the 100, and I'd like the V8 in an 80, but the 80 reminds me of my 60 and it's Land Cruiser heritage, and the 100 reminds me of a Tahoe, only better.
Think about this-20 years from now, they won't be making 100s any more either. Are you more likely to see an 80 or a 100 at Rubithon? I guess I see the 80s aging better over time. To me, Cruisers get better every year they exist in the world, and I love my 22 year old FJ60, and my 35 year old FJ40. I just don't see myself feeling the same way about a 100, 30 years from now, even though I will likely own one during that time frame.
So is an 80 better? Not really. The 100 is faster, quicker, bigger, same or better fuel economy. For most uses, the 100 is better, a superior vehicle. The problem is, for most uses a CAR is better, or a MINIVAN is better, than either. It isn't about most uses. Instead, it's about balance. A fairly average 80 can take on the Rubicon trail, and drive home in climate controlled comfort at 80 mph. A well built 100 can take on most trails in Moab and drive home at 90mph. Where each individual exists on that balance beam determines what he will enjoy most in the long run.
So, flame away if you must, but remember, I like all Land Cruisers, and I have great respect for guys who own, drive and build 100s into their version of a perfect vehicle. Don't take what I say too seriously, I'm the guy who lets a perfectly good 80 series sit in the driveway and drives a 60 series every day because I can. For me, personally, I like the historical connection to the past that I feel was broken with the USA version of the 100 series. That may mean nothing to the original poster who asked the 80 vs 100 question for the 999th time.
Wow, what a great commentary. Someone ought to put that in Toyota 4X4, or somewhere.
Andrew, you galvanized my ponderings very well. I love my 80, and am in process of restoring it to new condition inside and out. I plan on owning it till I die, then carefully choosing which of my three sons gets it when I'm gone.
That said, I salivate every time I see a built 100 drive by. I love the look, the idea of V-8 power in a Cruiser, but cannot bring myself to even consider getting rid of the 80, no way, no how.
Interesting that what brought me to the 100 section today was to post a thread asking 100 owners who have made the switch how they feel about it. I opened this thread and the first few posts did little for me, but yours hit the spot.
Thanks for clearing my thoughts and reafirming my original plan, which is:
Restore the eighty, enjoy it, maybe even get a 60 and or a 40 to make a collection. Buy a 100 for my wife and use it for family trips where wheeling isn't on the radar.
Later,
DTaylor
We all have different experiences.
Here in AZ most my 80 friends have cooling issues. They swap radiators, buy new electric fans, try anything to get them to run so the A/C doesn't shut down. That's just one example. My '93 doesn't do this. My '97 sucks. No 100's do it because it was addressed.
Same with brakes. 80's are simply dangerous. 100's are world class. My 100 with 35's blows away an 80 with 31's.
Sunroof? 120K and the 100 is silent. The '97 with 120K creaks and cracks when closed 24/7. Can't eliminate it.
It's these things in which I refer too. Yes, my 80's have been reliable but their build quality and durability don't compare to the 100.
Dang.....ride in the 80 all day then come home and go to dinner in the 100. 5 seconds inside after startup and you know you have a completely different class vehicle.
Not trying to start another war....but damn....it's not rocket science to know how much better built the 100 is....Toyota even says so.
This is halirious!
Not being rude here....you just don't know what you're missing. Becky and I come back from 4-7 hour 4-wheeling trips in the 80/LX and we're toast. Old age! When we take the 100 we come home like the day was half over. It doesn't beat us up.
Another note - a 99 and 00 are worlds apart as far as a solid feel. The 99 feels more 80ish and the 00 feels more lexus like. I am not sure what happened between 99 and 00 but man what a difference a year makes.
uzj100
uzj100
WOW! I had no idea!
I hesitate to post in the 100s section, but here goes. I'll post about what I've said before. The 80 is unique. It's weirdly overbuilt in an old school way. Solid axles, full float rears, 6 x 5.5, straight 6 with all the torque down low. It's a dressed up utility vehicle. If you want to remember what Land Cruisers were, 50 years from now, the 80 is the one to keep. It, is a truck. Nothing will be made like this again (for the USA).
The 100 is a great vehicle, almost too good, it just isn't unique. Can you tell me it's that much different than a Tahoe? It's obviously better made, more capable, stronger etc, but it's just Toyota's vision of the same thing. I saw a guy at Sierra Trek in a Ford Expedition. It's the same thing, only with "legendary Ford quality". Toyota goes the extra mile with the 100, and I'd like the V8 in an 80, but the 80 reminds me of my 60 and it's Land Cruiser heritage, and the 100 reminds me of a Tahoe, only better.
Think about this-20 years from now, they won't be making 100s any more either. Are you more likely to see an 80 or a 100 at Rubithon? I guess I see the 80s aging better over time. To me, Cruisers get better every year they exist in the world, and I love my 22 year old FJ60, and my 35 year old FJ40. I just don't see myself feeling the same way about a 100, 30 years from now, even though I will likely own one during that time frame.
So is an 80 better? Not really. The 100 is faster, quicker, bigger, same or better fuel economy. For most uses, the 100 is better, a superior vehicle. The problem is, for most uses a CAR is better, or a MINIVAN is better, than either. It isn't about most uses. Instead, it's about balance. A fairly average 80 can take on the Rubicon trail, and drive home in climate controlled comfort at 80 mph. A well built 100 can take on most trails in Moab and drive home at 90mph. Where each individual exists on that balance beam determines what he will enjoy most in the long run.
So, flame away if you must, but remember, I like all Land Cruisers, and I have great respect for guys who own, drive and build 100s into their version of a perfect vehicle. Don't take what I say too seriously, I'm the guy who lets a perfectly good 80 series sit in the driveway and drives a 60 series every day because I can. For me, personally, I like the historical connection to the past that I feel was broken with the USA version of the 100 series. That may mean nothing to the original poster who asked the 80 vs 100 question for the 999th time.
Drew that was the most observant post I have ever read on this topic. Particularly the statement "The problem is, for most uses a CAR is better, or a MINIVAN is better, than either. It isn't about most uses. Instead, it's about balance."
I am really just trying to get to 1000 post. 100's rock and 80's rock.
uzj100
uzj100
And as someone who is also trying to decide, there are many pros and cons to both. Also, quite a bit of difference of opinion on both.
I'm still confused!
I'm still confused!
I'll jump in here even though I have nothing of real value to offer since I've never even driven an 80.
It kills me whenever I see an 80 because I like the look so much better. But through my extensive reading here and elsewhere, I'm convinced that the 100 is the best choice for 95% of us out there. I mean, I know lots of people that collect old things because "they don't make them like they used to", etc... Every time something has a strong following and a "new & improved" version comes along, there is always resistance. Kind of reminds me of when front suspension for mountain bikes came along... all the 'hardcore' bikers cried foul and "no way". And now they wouldn't have it any other way. It's all just part of the cycle. I'm convinced that in another 10 years or so, the 100-series will be the new 80-series... that's just my non-expert, but well informed opinion ;p
It kills me whenever I see an 80 because I like the look so much better. But through my extensive reading here and elsewhere, I'm convinced that the 100 is the best choice for 95% of us out there. I mean, I know lots of people that collect old things because "they don't make them like they used to", etc... Every time something has a strong following and a "new & improved" version comes along, there is always resistance. Kind of reminds me of when front suspension for mountain bikes came along... all the 'hardcore' bikers cried foul and "no way". And now they wouldn't have it any other way. It's all just part of the cycle. I'm convinced that in another 10 years or so, the 100-series will be the new 80-series... that's just my non-expert, but well informed opinion ;p
We certainly do.
Never had any cooling issue with any of my Toyotas yet, have heard of some problems on the forums.
Is there any way you could leave these ridiculous exaggerations (aka lies) out of these threads? The 80 series brakes are in no form or fashion, "dangerous". In fact they work quite well. The 100 series brakes are definitely better than the 80, but world class? I don't think so.
All of mine have been silent.
I agree the build quality and durability is different as evidenced by the 100 series weak cable support for the tailgate, the tailgate that has more flex than the 80, easily scratched plastic door sills, 3rd row seats that won't stay in the up position with out banging around, rattling exhaust shields, lack of redundant drive belts, wandering/vague steering, lack of fr/rr lockers, lack of useful sliding cargo windows, styling which some consider bland.
More comfortable? Yes. More amenities? Yes. Different class? No, simply an update of the world renowned Land Cruiser.
Either that or you are an attention seeker, you do it every time there is a 80/100 thread.
As an owner of both, I am as qualified as any to call this: Bull****
What, some marketing material trying to get you to buy a new Land Cruiser?
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And as someone who is also trying to decide, there are many pros and cons to both. Also, quite a bit of difference of opinion on both.
I'm still confused!
One thing I found a little over 2-years ago when I was trying to decide between an 80 and a 100: It was difficult to find a later model 80 ('96 or '97) with reasonable mileage (<75K) then...and has only gotten harder to find a good 80. If you can find a clean, well cared for 80 then you better hop on it; they're only going to get harder to find. This is assuming your intended use/application will be for more hard-core off-road usage where the SFA and taller lift potential will be a benefit.
NorCal Cruiser
I don't post much
And as someone who is also trying to decide, there are many pros and cons to both. Also, quite a bit of difference of opinion on both.
I'm still confused!
IMHO they both have their ups and downs but they still rock!
One point that made it easy for me to pick a winner on was the price. I understand the difference in age and original stick price and everything else- but bottom line is how much do you want to pay? I decided that I didn't want to be tied to a car payment for the next 5 to 6 years. I found what I think is a great 1993 FZJ80 with 132k miles for $6500- I bought it from the original owner and it had tons of maintenance records. It does have a few scratches and a couple stains on the carpet but mechanically it's in great shape. If it does need some work down the road that's ok- I like wrenching and this isn't my daily driver. On the other side of things my brother spent over $30,000 for a 100 series when he was looking for a new larger vehicle for his family. He was impressed with my 80 but he wanted a newer vehicle with a warranty. To him it was worth the extra money and he was able to trade his wife's car in on it.
So, how much do you want to pay?
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Well I can't do better than Andy but can throw out some turds for Shotts-y
I felt what Andy was speaking to came from having owned an old Land Cruiser. Most folks north of 40 on this board probably have a serious deeply seated psychological issue with the romanticized mythical image of an old 40-series (maybe a troopie or pick-up...) chasing down a zebra or avoiding a rhino. And the 80-series really was the last version of that truck (*-in NA). It took the inline six design about as far as any company ever has - and I'll bank mine against your UZ V8 any day. And I can wrench on the whole damn thing with minimal tools just about anywhere. I'm just not convinced I'll be witnessing that in 2010 when a 10-yr old 100-series gives it up on a trail.
I see the 100-series carrying on the Land Cruiser lineage just fine, just not in NA. There are plenty of folks enjoying a standard tranny, inline petrol and turbo diesel sixes, full-floater rears and solid front axles from Toyota - just not in a market where cupholders, soft cushy suspension and riding hours of slab interstate are the foci.
But since you're stuck with what hits the NA shores, you won't do better than getting a new 100-series or LX470. Just don't expect me to offer much more than a beer and a head scratch when your auto-leveler counter-mands your vehicle stability control as the ABS interferes with the TRAC due to some slight moisture condensate
but can throw out some turds for Shotts-y I felt what Andy was speaking to came from having owned an old Land Cruiser. Most folks north of 40 on this board probably have a serious deeply seated psychological issue with the romanticized mythical image of an old 40-series (maybe a troopie or pick-up...) chasing down a zebra or avoiding a rhino. And the 80-series really was the last version of that truck (*-in NA). It took the inline six design about as far as any company ever has - and I'll bank mine against your UZ V8 any day. And I can wrench on the whole damn thing with minimal tools just about anywhere. I'm just not convinced I'll be witnessing that in 2010 when a 10-yr old 100-series gives it up on a trail.
I see the 100-series carrying on the Land Cruiser lineage just fine, just not in NA. There are plenty of folks enjoying a standard tranny, inline petrol and turbo diesel sixes, full-floater rears and solid front axles from Toyota - just not in a market where cupholders, soft cushy suspension and riding hours of slab interstate are the foci.
But since you're stuck with what hits the NA shores, you won't do better than getting a new 100-series or LX470. Just don't expect me to offer much more than a beer and a head scratch when your auto-leveler counter-mands your vehicle stability control as the ABS interferes with the TRAC due to some slight moisture condensate
- Thread starter
- #38
This is all really great info everybody. Thank you all for the posts. It's crazy, I go to work (where I do not have internet, so I can't waste my day on here), come back, and it takes me 20 minutes to read the thread. Gotta love Mud!
I get the general consensus here, and it's pretty much what I thought it would be. Better ride for the 100 series and better off road (for those rare trails where we need it) for the 80 series (pretty much becuase of the front end.
So, I don't want to take this thread too far off topic, but I have to ask. Are there any known issues with the 100 series when buying a used one. Will probably be looking 98-99, since that's what the budge will allow. Don't believe in car payments, so I'll still to the early years.
Any known problems I should look for? What I've always done when bying a used vehicle is look for as many service records as possible, have it checked out at a local dealer (including compression check) and check it/drive it myself. Any other tips or suggestions if I look for a 100?
I get the general consensus here, and it's pretty much what I thought it would be. Better ride for the 100 series and better off road (for those rare trails where we need it) for the 80 series (pretty much becuase of the front end.
So, I don't want to take this thread too far off topic, but I have to ask. Are there any known issues with the 100 series when buying a used one. Will probably be looking 98-99, since that's what the budge will allow. Don't believe in car payments, so I'll still to the early years.
Any known problems I should look for? What I've always done when bying a used vehicle is look for as many service records as possible, have it checked out at a local dealer (including compression check) and check it/drive it myself. Any other tips or suggestions if I look for a 100?
- Thread starter
- #39
Nope, we haven't. Ijust moved here about a year ago. To be honest, I haven't done any wheeling in my Cruiser. I know, it's a sin. But, just havne't really hooked up with people to do it. I'm a novice, so I don't want to get in trouble on my own. Maybe we can hook up sometime down the road and you can show me the ropes here in AZ.
I purcased an 80 brand new in 1991. And until a few months ago, it was the only car I owned. It was my daily driver for over 15 years. Earlier this summer, I purchased a 2006 100 series. Before driving the 100, I believed I would never drive anything other than the 1991 80. For longer road trips, however, I needed something newer. In my view, neither model is "better." Both models are better than anything else on the road, but when compared to each other, the ultimate conclusion depends on each individual's preference. For me, when I purcahsed the 100, there was no way I would ever get rid of the 80. It is now and has been for a long time almost like a member of the family. I will never get rid of it. On a regular basis, however, I would prefer to drive the 100 for all the reasons others have expressed. I really feel like I have the best of both worlds. If you can, own both. If that doesn't work for you, figure out your needs and select the one that fits best. Either way, you can't go wrong.
