...we've found out that we're expecting a 2nd baby.
Congrats on the new arrival
...long term ownership and how practical it will really be to owning a meticulously maintained legend. been told not to wheel it and go overboard, i agree. i believe she's one of the last nice ones left in original shape.
These things aren't really "practical" from a $$ and cents standpoint at all IMO.
But if you're not going to wheel it, whatever wheeling is to you, and not be able to do what you want to do with it cosmetically, performance wise, for concern over deteriorating the value, then I'd lose it and get soemthing else.
so, im in southern ontario with bad winters and lots of salt on the roads... i've been using her as a DD and she will be used in the winter time. the PO heated garaged the rig and used a winter beater which explains why it's in such good shape (regular oil spray and detailed maint. records since new). so there's that.
I'm somewhat fortunate that I don't have to deal with snow, ice and salt.
I say somewhat because first I think the countryside with snow in the hills, is a beautiful sight.
2nd, we have salt spray and heavy humidity here that wreaks its own forms of havon on vehicles.
then there's the other things like not having AC, not having rear head rests, and the plain fact that she's not the fastest thing out there (but she get's me there)... so we do a lot of convoys with fam and friends and i know i'll be slowing the crew down...especially on long gentle uphills...lol. thanks to the 3B!
The no AC would be a deal breaker for me and the Family, but we're in Florida too.
The no rear headrests can be corrected.
Speed?
If you want speed, buy a full sized diesel (Excursion)!!
You'll have all the speed you want, it can carry 2 families and thier gear, climb grades loaded and towing without missing a stroke, and with regular maintenance, can be more economical to own.
It won't get the around town (or even highway) fuel economy you'll get with your toy diesel, and the only way the toyota would keep up with it, would be passing it at diesel stops
But it would eliminate all the above concerns you have.
but don't get me wrong, i freakin love this rig! there's just something about it's simplicity, robustness, and reliabilty that i love very much! i like cruising in the slow lane and drivng the 5spd... she could use a turbo, but she's just to nice to mess with if ya know what i'm saying?? so i moslty think she should be kept stock, maybe a mild lift...
...and that, my friend, is the ADDICTION
in the end, she'll eventually sucumb to the winter/salt and will end up being one of those high mileage 60s with strong engine/tranny but body is gone.... a part of me wants to see this thing staying rust free in a place where there's better climate (maybe the USA) and living a long healthy life with a good owner. or at least be a hobbyists rig where it get's less than average use and stored in teh witner time.
The elements are going to get to everything that isn't made of some sort of plastic or expensive metal
There are not that many places in the states that she'll be "protected."
Arizona and California come to mind. You really want to send it to a life in the PRK?
finally, maybe it's more practical to have a minivan so the aging inlaws can go on our road trips and not have to drive (so i thought about JDM mitsubishi delicas, turbo diesel 4x4)... we're lucky that the wife has the 80 and we're likely to keep that rig for a longer time. she loves it and it's perfect for trips with just us.
If you're really going to be hauling the inlaws along frequently, then I'd say yes.
I wouldn't even worry about the 4x4 if I were planning on hauling the in laws. Unless you're taking them camping.
Then again, the Mitsubishi can get a little cramped with 4 adults, 2 kids and all the baby and camping gear.
I'd seriously stick with a full sized rig for the "huge family outings."
Even then, you can get the X with 4wd, it's easy to get in and out of and still relatively capable for the terrain you mention.
I'd keep the 80 and convert it to a "family" trail rig, for you the wife and kids.
Enough room for a couple days on the trail, comfortable, very capable, and newer.
oh yeah, only 238K kms, 5spd, new exhaust, rad, and she's running like a top!
Nice for someone
the 40 will need to go soon too i think, too built to have young kids in it and it'll still be a loooong while before i can take that out to the woods with my son...??? if all else fails, at least we still have the 80 for our main family rig.
I don't know?
I had a 40 when my son was born. Let the wife talk me into selling it because of the still ride, lack of "creature comforts" poor fuel economy, and lack of safety features.
If I'd known then.....I'd have kept it, made a beach/weekend camping rig out of it, and went ahead and bought a DD.
Hindsights a beotch!
I have my FJ62 now, and for all but a team rig (SAR TEAM) it's perfect for my uses.
Tough decisions for you my friend. I wish you the best
