60 series reliability/Teenager's First Car

[TRDOffroad03]

Hi Guys. I'm a Teenager from New England who wants a tough, reliable safe car that can handle any terrain with no problem. I recently got my license and, am trying to figure out if the 60 series Land Cruiser Wagon is a good reliable ride to start out with.

Some other factors are...
I can drive Stick!
I can already drive a 2003 LC 100 Series with a 4.7 L 2UZ-FE V8
(Sadly, the Legendary 100 series is on its last leg)


Also, no matter what car I get, I'll take care of it and, give it a weekly car wash to ensure that salt or mud does not corrode the frame.


What do you guys think about my possible decision?

 

[brian]

take over the the apparently alling 100 series. probably less work there than bringing the average 60 series up to DD standards.
buying a western truck and taking it to the north east is horrible idea as well. dding something like that in the northern winters will rot it in short time...shorter than you think and washing it won't stop anything.

 

[TRDOffroad03]

take over the the apparently alling 100 series. probably less work there than bringing the average 60 series up to DD standards.
buying a western truck and taking it to the north east is horrible idea as well. dding something like that in the northern winters will rot it in short time...shorter than you think and washing it won't stop anything.

Good point. The 60 would rot compared to the already rotting/dying 100 in the winter!


I do have access to the 100 sometimes however, when blizzards come, My father requires the 100 to get to work! He's a doctor and, when the roads are a nightmare and unplowed, his AWD BMW 5 series does not have enough ground clearance to make it through!

Last year, I estimate he used the 100 at least 30 times! (then again New England was hit by one of the worst blizzards of the century!)

So, overall, if I do have access to the 100 9/10s of the time for the winter, would that make the 60 more logical?

 

[brian]

no.
if he's still driving it, it doesn't sound like it's dying.

 

[Creeker]

I own an FJ62, live in lower New England, and just got a "new" car for my teenage daughter. We considered a 60 for her, but ended up with a 2003 Subaru Forester (no, she's not on a softball team...). Pros and cons of the 60:

Pros: it's slow enough that it's hard to get yourself into trouble. 4 wheel performance is awesome. DIY is good for a teen motivated in that direction. Cool factor.

Cons: safety is poor if on the receiving side of an accident. Modern small cars with crumple zones and air bags are safer than the old tank. (This was probably our main deciding factor). 4 wheel performance doesn't keep you from sliding off the road. Fuel efficiency is terrible.

That's my reasoning FWIW.

 

[EastCanFJ62]

Probably not the best choice for a first car but there are definitely worse choices out there...My teenage son is going to be driving my 62. I like it as a driver for him because it's slow and hard on fuel which means he probably won't be road racing it and if he can't afford to put gas in it, he stays home...

 

[User Name]

I will say it is totally dependant on yourself and what you really feel capable of driving, safe in and happy with. I grew up building classic cars, my first car was a '73 XC ute that I got when I was 16 and worked on until getting my licence at 18, I then sold it for a panel van (XF), which I then sold on quickly for a '68 XT wagon which was my main daily driver during my P plates (probationary licence is Australia).
I had (and have) an utmost respect for the cars that I drive. The XT was drum brakes all round, no power steering etc. You'd hit a large puddle and the brakes would lock up afterwards, it taught me a lot about driving and I really miss the simplicity of the old girl. It also taught me to be highly aware of other drivers on the road.
For me (10 years on since being licenced), my HJ61 is borderline on modernity (second newest vehicle I have owned) and while I love what it gives in an older vehicle (quite luxury, really, for a near 30 year old 4WD) I still miss the simplicity of even older vehicles.
I wouldn't do it any differently if I did it all again, perhaps except for selling them on.
Listen to me getting old...

 

[TRDOffroad03]

I will say it is totally dependant on yourself and what you really feel capable of driving, safe in and happy with. I grew up building classic cars, my first car was a '73 XC ute that I got when I was 16 and worked on until getting my licence at 18, I then sold it for a panel van (XF), which I then sold on quickly for a '68 XT wagon which was my main daily driver during my P plates (probationary licence is Australia).
I had (and have) an utmost respect for the cars that I drive. The XT was drum brakes all round, no power steering etc. You'd hit a large puddle and the brakes would lock up afterwards, it taught me a lot about driving and I really miss the simplicity of the old girl. It also taught me to be highly aware of other drivers on the road.
For me (10 years on since being licenced), my HJ61 is borderline on modernity (second newest vehicle I have owned) and while I love what it gives in an older vehicle (quite luxury, really, for a near 30 year old 4WD) I still miss the simplicity of even older vehicles.
I wouldn't do it any differently if I did it all again, perhaps except for selling them on.
Listen to me getting old...

Thanks so much. Another reason I'm going older is to be able to repair these vehicles myself without having to worry about ECU, and other electric parts!

And, the equation less electronics(and legendary build quality) = less that can go wrong and, the more durable it is.

Also, I can handle the size of a FJ60. I won't be trying to floor it either and, I'm gonna drive responsibly!
I would treat my FJ60 with care and, love to make it last for decades to come!

 

[Honest Don]

Thanks so much. Another reason I'm going older is to be able to repair these vehicles myself without having to worry about ECU, and other electric parts!

Actually, I've found that something new enough for OBDII makes problems easier to diagnose. Not always, but quite a bit.

 

[gregnash]

There are a lot of variables that play into the first vehicle and the major one that I have experienced myself and seen from lots of other young people was the willingness to WORK on the truck. This is not your dad's spare 100 series where you can just go and start her up and drive off, in the winter she will need to be warmed up, the heater will take a while to kick on as it relies on the engine temps to power the heater fully. But, again, most of all you will be responsible for FIXING things which means less money for gas, fun stuff, etc. While the "cool factor" is there for the vehicle there may be that time where you have to make the hard decision of spending the entire weekend working on rebuilding the knuckles before the winter really hits so that you can safely use the 4wd or you will have some weird stutter/hesitation for some reason and have to spend and extended period of time trying to work through the diagnosis of the problem.

Even as an adult I had to go through this same reasoning process before I bought my 60.... did I want something that would require diagnosis other than taking it to a mechanic, time spent FIXING little things here and there, and money spent on replacing parts because it is a 20+yr old truck that needs things replaced like heater hoses, gaskets, bearings, etc. or did I want to reduce the "cool factor" and go with something that may be slightly more expensive but would possibly give me less issues?

To date, I have spent maybe $2500 on my truck outside the cost of the vehicle and registration. I have been lucky enough to source spare parts fairly easily and been able to work on everything myself and where I couldn't I have had support to help out (see my recent welding issues). But I bought this truck fully knowing that it was a 25yr old truck, would have SOME issues and would require time and money to ensure she worked adequately and safely. The reward for this is the fact that I drive a unique vehicle that I FIX and I TAKE CARE OF, the wife and my mtb are the only other things that can instantly put a smile on my face no matter my mood.

 

[klinetime574]

Don't have kids, only 24 years old... can't really vote.

Reliable right off the bat really isn't going to be a possible scenario unless you spend some silly money (think like new 4Runner money)

These trucks take a lot of work to keep on the road. Tire rotations, oil changes, constantly monitoring fluid levels, and fixing any components of the 28+ year old truck that may fail whenever they feel like it.

Less often maintenance but still necessary: Changing spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter, tuning the carb, valve adjustments, setting engine timing, constantly monitoring fluid levels (yes I said that twice).

All that said... If you're really in love with them and ready to take on the challenge, Don't let me stop you

(I'm going to check how often you are washing the thing if you get one though)

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Good chance the 100 series is not dying. That's wishful thinking on your part. If you can get dad to give you that, take it and don't look back. They don't die unless hit by a dump truck. They don't even rust that much.

Most Land Cruisers are basically immortal. Meaning, they are good enough to keep on the road and fix problems forever. They have 2 enemies-rust, and overheating. And a maybe third---teenagers---who inevitably wreck their first car.

It doesn't matter if you "floor" a 60, it won't go any faster. You can't rev them very high either. But if you even think about "flooring" you should not drive a Land Cruiser.

How much money do you realistically have? It isn't the purchase price, it's the $500/month parts budget they take until baselined, which can easily take a year. Plus, they burn gas like you have an oil well in your back yard. They will easily use $100 worth of gas per week with just normal driving.

They are old enough they will need major systems rebuilt. Even doing it yourself is $$$. I recently went through the power steering on my FJ60. New pump, new hoses, rebuilt steering box, new TRE's. Probably $1200 and I did all the work. That's typical.

Do you have alternative transport for when the Land Cruiser is in the middle of a "project"? You'll meed it for when that suspension install takes 2 weekends and not the 1 you budgeted for it.

You live in the rust. Like, they invented rust where you live. Don't sacrifice another 60 to the rust gods.

My advice-have dad buy you a nice boring car. A 10 year old Camry or Accord gets my vote.

If you absolutely have to drive a Land Cruiser, drive one with fuel injection.

 

[TRDOffroad03]

Don't have kids, only 24 years old... can't really vote.

Reliable right off the bat really isn't going to be a possible scenario unless you spend some silly money (think like new 4Runner money)

These trucks take a lot of work to keep on the road. Tire rotations, oil changes, constantly monitoring fluid levels, and fixing any components of the 28+ year old truck that may fail whenever they feel like it.

Less often maintenance but still necessary: Changing spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter, tuning the carb, valve adjustments, setting engine timing, constantly monitoring fluid levels (yes I said that twice).

All that said... If you're really in love with them and ready to take on the challenge, Don't let me stop you

(I'm going to check how often you are washing the thing if you get one though)

Thanks for the heads up guys. Right now it seems like a stupid idea for a daily driver. If this was a summer toy, I'd be more rational or, if I worked/went to school closer. Currently, my commute would be 5 days a week around 50ish miles (private school)

Going on the highway cruising around 55mph, I'd be afraid to break it! Looks like I may have to buy a 80 now and, save up for the 60 later

 

[klinetime574]

Thanks for the heads up guys. Right now it seems like a stupid idea for a daily driver. If this was a summer toy, I'd be more rational or, if I worked/went to school closer. Currently, my commute would be 5 days a week around 50ish miles (private school)

Going on the highway cruising around 55mph, I'd be afraid to break it! Looks like I may have to buy a 80 now and, save up for the 60 later

I was going to say 80 Series right off the bat, but I didn't want to be a 60-hater lol

50 miles a day, 5 days a week = gassing up every 4 or 5 days. Talk about gas money... I got 13mpg last tank, and I'm a lucky one.

Don't be afraid to look into other 4WD Toyota's though. Tacoma, 4Runner, heck even an AWD Previa! jk lol

(video in link has NWS language btw)

 

[TRDOffroad03]

Also, I am saving up my money for,the 60 and, will have little left over for the car (10 grand will be spent on the car (split 5 with father))!

Second, I am a cautious driver who does not like to race/floor my engines. I treat the 100 with care and, drive better I'd say we have around 3 vehicles (BMW sedan, '12 Highlander, and the 100 series ). We have 2 drivers and, the 100 is used for dump duty.

I was going to say 80 Series right off the bat, but I didn't want to be a 60-hater lol

50 miles a day, 5 days a week = gassing up every 4 or 5 days. Talk about gas money... I got 13mpg last tank, and I'm a lucky one.

Don't be afraid to look into other 4WD Toyota's though. Tacoma, 4Runner, heck even an AWD Previa! jk lol

True, thank you for being generous. If only there was a manual 80 (I don't have time to do a conversion) but, maybe someday.

You also reminded me of what my father told me "don't fall in love with your first cad cause you probably will break it!" As you can tell, I'm obsessed with Land cruisers and, recently am starting to love the 60 or 70(non us market 1989 for RHD and 12k) that is more illogical!


Compared to price, a 80 is cheaper in my neck of the woods, and, I can have the same budget but, have more money for repairs and, other non essentials (ARB Bumper, rally headlights, ect)

My runner up if worse comes to worse could be a early 90s 4Runner. (Isin't the 4-cylinder more reliable than the V6 or something?)


Overall, no matter what it is, as long as it's reliable with a good buget, gets me from point A to Point B, and can handle New England Winters, it'll stick with me for at least 10 years!

 

[Mseitz20]

Not sure what help this will provide but I'll put my opinion out anyway. I bought my 40(yes I know you're looking at 60s) last year when I was 17, thinking it could be my daily driver, I live in Mass. Drove it through the spring and summer constantly spending money on fixing things because it's a 40 year old vehicle and parts wear out over time. I eventually twisted the transmission in half and bought a ford sedan which ended up being totaled(not my fault) and then in turn bought a 2013 Ford Focus. I still own my 40 but I truly feel that it's better as a weekend driver/wheeler and less of a daily driver. I understand that 60s are 10 years newer but it's still a vehicle that has 30+ year old parts which will eventually break, and when they do break there's a good chance the parts aren't cheap.

 

[TRDOffroad03]

Not sure what help this will provide but I'll put my opinion out anyway. I bought my 40(yes I know you're looking at 60s) last year when I was 17, thinking it could be my daily driver, I live in Mass. Drove it through the spring and summer constantly spending money on fixing things because it's a 40 year old vehicle and parts wear out over time. I eventually twisted the transmission in half and bought a ford sedan which ended up being totaled(not my fault) and then in turn bought a 2013 Ford Focus. I still own my 40 but I truly feel that it's better as a weekend driver/wheeler and less of a daily driver. I understand that 60s are 10 years newer but it's still a vehicle that has 30+ year old parts which will eventually break, and when they do break there's a good chance the parts aren't cheap.

You are completely right. There is a blue FJ40 for sale around my house in perfect condition and a choose not to get it because of the price and I'd be ashamed if I broke it!

Overall, both my possible 60 and your 40 share the same message. Toyotas are beautiful cars however, both of our models are too old to be used as DD's.

 

[Mseitz20]

You are completely right. There is a blue FJ40 for sale around my house in perfect condition and a choose not to get it because of the price and I'd be ashamed if I broke it!

Overall, both my possible 60 and your 40 share the same message. Toyotas are beautiful cars however, both of our models are too old to be used as DD's.

I wouldn't trade owning my 40 for anything but it's a massive burden removed when I have another car as a backup/daily driver. So when something breaks you can fix it when you're not in a time crunch, and still have something to get you to and from work/school/wherever.

 

[TRDOffroad03]

I wouldn't trade owning my 40 for anything but it's a massive burden removed when I have another car as a backup/daily driver. So when something breaks you can fix it when you're not in a time crunch, and still have something to get you to and from work/school/wherever.

Sweet that's good to hear! You have a great idea with a back up car!

 

[Slow Left]

I'll stay away from trying to give advice on whether or not owning a 60 (or 40) era LC is a safety issue...because I wouldn't know how to answer that and I think that would be between you and your folks...but having a dad that owns a LC already puts you in a good spot to have that sort of conversation...I would think.

I can say that I've had 60s as a Daily Driver in the US for most of my life...starting in college...living all over the US...driving 'em across country over a dozen times. I continue to own and drive the 60 as a DD because I love driving it.

Yes, it can be stressful if it is your only vehicle and you have to fix it and it is snowing out and you don't have a lot of resources (money, time, rides to the parts store, etc.) and you are learning about mechanics as you go...BUT, I've found that the people I like being around are people who like solving those types of problems...instead of getting all stressed out about it, you learn to become a much better problem solver...and the people who end you sticking it out with you (either here on MUD or give you a ride to the parts store or swing by while you are working on it to lend a hand) are people you'd probably want to spend that type of time with anyways...

The 60 puts you in a position where you must be mindful. And in return, you can be almost 100% guaranteed that you'll make it home if you are holding up your end of the deal as a mechanic. Usually, when something on the 60 starts to go, it will tell you...and give you some time to address it.

The 60 forces you to be in the moment and aware...because of the way it drives, you can't drive too fast...because you are trying to listen to hear if something might be going on in the engine compartment...because when people see you in it they will automatically want to talk to you and you can create instant bonds with them just talking about the vehicle...

If I had owned another vehicle I wouldn't have had all those memories, nor would I be in the position to have them in the future.

I don't know. If you really like owning and driving the 60, you'll want to drive it every day. And if it breaks down, you'll find a way to fix it. That's how I see it at least. I say go for it. I say the fact that you are here on MUD talking about it already tells me you are trying to find a way to make it happen.