80 vs 100 Series

[Spdstr280Z]

So is it even realistic to expect to be able to fix and maintain an 80 series over the next 10 plus years?

Could be a concern for sure. And that NLA thread does scare me, but honestly I have been shocked what I HAVE been able to buy new from Toyota. Some of that is probably the sheer number of these vehicles sold worldwide, and Toyota does seem to be better about maintaining parts than some other automakers. Of course that is a driver for how stupid my "while I'm in there" build has gotten. If I touch it, and it's still available new and reasonably priced, I'm replacing it. It it lasts another 20-30 years, I'm good.

Jason

 

[LuckyOreo]

I have an 80 and 200 series and I love the 200 as a family hauler. I skipped over the 100 series so I don't have much input on the 100s but I did test drive a few. If 200 is in you budget, I'd consider it as well. They are plenty powerful, capable and comfortable.

 

[OffRoadRN]

So far the only well maintained 80 I can afford is a 91, should I pass and keep holding out/saving for a FZJ?

 

[thatcabledude]

You mentioned it’ll be used about once a month? How often do you use that travel trailer that needs a dedicated hauler?

 

[OffRoadRN]

You mentioned it’ll be used about once a month? How often do you use that travel trailer that needs a dedicated hauler?

I have a F250 for the travel trailer, I could conceivably get a trailer to tow the FJ to the trail, but I don't have space at my house for that. This is my first season with the travel trailer. So far we have done one two week trip and have another week long trip planned. I like the travel trailer, especially for longer trips for kids, but going deep into the woods and making them rough it in a tent is also appealing. Plus I like the idea of getting into 4 wheeling. I already do a good amount of trails with my DRZ400, so my thought with the LC would be doing similar trails but with the whole family.

Edit: I'm guessing I'll be using the travel trailer on average once a month. The thing is with the Land cruiser I can do day trips since I live close enough to the sierra Nevada's, it doesn't have to be and overnighter.

 

[leonard_nemoy]

So far the only well maintained 80 I can afford is a 91, should I pass and keep holding out/saving for a FZJ?

Neither...... They are both selling for a premium right now. Really consider a gx470(land cruiser Prado) or even a 4-runner. Than save some money, I have a feeling when the economy bottoms out and gas gets more expensive you will be able to pick up an 80 series for a much better price.

Also, remember that in California chances are high that getting any 80 series to pass emissions will be a project entirely of it's own, especially an early 3fe 80.

 

[OffRoadRN]

Neither...... They are both selling for a premium right now. Really consider a gx470(land cruiser Prado) or even a 4-runner. Than save some money, I have a feeling when the economy bottoms out and gas gets more expensive you will be able to pick up an 80 series for a much better price.

Also, remember that in California chances are high that getting any 80 series to pass emissions will be a project entirely of it's own, especially an early 3fe 80.

I'll have to research the GX470. The FJ80 I'm looking at t has been smogged. Definitely wouldn't buy one with that being done.

 

[ZackR]

If your F250 is 4x4 then sell the travel trailer, add a truck camper and overland in comfort. Tow a utility trailer for the dirt bikes and you'll still be able to explore.

 

[leonard_nemoy]

I'll have to research the GX470. The FJ80 I'm looking at t has been smogged. Definitely wouldn't buy one with that being done.

Definitely check them out, they are sweet rigs. I am pretty sure my next rig will be a gx470.

 

[COYS]

Definitely check them out, they are sweet rigs. I am pretty sure my next rig will be a gx470.

View attachment 2679364

I love the way this one looks except the eBay headlights and phlegm exterior color.

I would hazard a guess that it’s pretty significant work to get the Prado chassis to handle 35s plus ripping out the rear hydraulic lift?

 

[thatcabledude]

I would hazard a guess that it’s pretty significant work to get the Prado chassis to handle 35s plus ripping out the rear hydraulic lift?

It’s air and I don’t think it could get any easier to swap to coils.

 

[fj40crusher]

I have an 80 and 200 series and I love the 200 as a family hauler. I skipped over the 100 series so I don't have much input on the 100s but I did test drive a few. If 200 is in you budget, I'd consider it as well. They are plenty powerful, capable and comfortable.

Same.

 

[OffRoadRN]

If your F250 is 4x4 then sell the travel trailer, add a truck camper and overland in comfort. Tow a utility trailer for the dirt bikes and you'll still be able to explore.

I thought about that, but I bought a used trailer, that's a 2015 Keystone Bullet for $15k. I doubt I'm going to get into a cap over big enough for four people for that much money.

 

[fj40crusher]

So far the only well maintained 80 I can afford is a 91, should I pass and keep holding out/saving for a FZJ?

95-97 is the 80 you want if you have the option. They are out there if you're dead set on having one.

 

[Stoshu]

Just my $.02, but if you aren't daily driving it, do your due diligence and test drive your favorites, then go with the one that really trips your trigger! There's not a bad choice among everything that has been mentioned above.
We have had a 60, 91 FJ80 with LS conversion, a 2nd gen 4 Runner, and 2 - LX470's. All great vehicles in their own regard. If you plan on doing lots of travelling with highway mileage, you should definitely consider the more modern platforms (100, 200, GX, T4R).

 

[FedEx]

80- gang
100- club
gx- cult

pick your poison, or be like me and buy all three.

 

[woodsman 44]

Would a 91 with the 3FE and 270k miles be a bad buy? It's the cleanest one that I've come across the last couple weeks. And the guy has replaced the alternator, starter, radiator, and water pump. It's got a clean car fax and has spent most of its life in California. So far I haven't found any decent FZJ's, except for the ones people are asking $20,000 for.

Yes.... its under powered with the 3FE

 

[woodsman 44]

So far the only well maintained 80 I can afford is a 91, should I pass and keep holding out/saving for a FZJ?

Yes

 

[ZIFFFZJ80]

So far the only well maintained 80 I can afford is a 91, should I pass and keep holding out/saving for a FZJ?

Yes

 

[efjayatee]

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