Firstly I know how ‘Mud is 
, I’ve searched a lot on here and the internet. I’ve read most of the first 5-6 pages of threads in this section. Now that that’s out of the way… lol.
Good afternoon all. I’ve come over here from the 80 section. I’ve owned/driven 80’s for over 25 years. I learned to drive in my parents FJ80 when I was 12. My dad flew gliders at a massive and privately owned former naval air base in the middle of KS. Private property and I’d have the run of the place, and the ‘Cruiser, pretty much all summer. When I was 22 I bought my first FJ80. I’ve had two FJ80’s, a ‘93 FZJ80 and a ‘96 LX450. I own the FZJ and the LX currently. So, I guess you could say they have a special place in my heart.
That being said, I think I’ve come to the realization as I’ve gotten to my late 30’s and contemplate having kids that they’re overkill for my use. And getting more and more expensive to daily drive and justify daily driving.
We just got back from 12 days in Scotland and the RHD was not a problem at all, it made me heavily reconsider JDM’s. Specifically I have been eyeing the KZJ/VZJ95’s. Replacement parts seem to be easy to come by, and easier to work on than 80’s. And the capabilities seem more in line with my style of camping. I don’t do a lot of off-roading for the sake of off-roading. More of off-roading to get to cool spots with less people, forest roads and trails in CO, etc. And they are lighter, and more fuel efficient getting there.
Another consideration is that I’ve had an ‘01 Tacoma 5spd and loved it. Power was plenty for me as well as its off-road abilities. I am open to the 1KZ-TE or the 5VZ-FE, in my heart I want the diesel. Want the manual regardless of engine.
I’d like to hear peoples experiences in real world driving edit: and real world mpg with either engine in the USA. Mostly highway speed experiences. I know the gasser is powerful enough. How does the diesel do in the US? I drive trucks for a living, so have no problem being patient as far as passing. But can it cruise comfortably at 70, 75, 80mph? What rpm does it like to be at? We go to CO several times a year. Would the 1KZ be able to handle the passes at a non road hazard speed? I know the cooling system needs to be in primo shape, and would do boost and EGT gauges. I’ve read a lot on upping the boost to help drop temps, and other mods to help increase longevity. Not sure I’d want to dick around with fueling or not.
I am working under the thought process that a 95 series is going to be more road friendly than my 2.5” lifted, 35” tired 80. In all of your experience, is this correct, or am I off base? Had also looked at KZJ78’s, but I don’t think that would be a step up in road manners even though I love their looks.
My old boss, oddly enough, just bought a KZJ95 with the auto. He absolutely loves it, and that kind of opened my eyes to them. I’ll be driving that soon when I get a chance to go to where he lives. But it’s still flat there, and won’t really give me a good feel for it on longer term driving.
Thanks so much all! I appreciate any and all experiences and thoughts.
, I’ve searched a lot on here and the internet. I’ve read most of the first 5-6 pages of threads in this section. Now that that’s out of the way… lol.Good afternoon all. I’ve come over here from the 80 section. I’ve owned/driven 80’s for over 25 years. I learned to drive in my parents FJ80 when I was 12. My dad flew gliders at a massive and privately owned former naval air base in the middle of KS. Private property and I’d have the run of the place, and the ‘Cruiser, pretty much all summer. When I was 22 I bought my first FJ80. I’ve had two FJ80’s, a ‘93 FZJ80 and a ‘96 LX450. I own the FZJ and the LX currently. So, I guess you could say they have a special place in my heart.
That being said, I think I’ve come to the realization as I’ve gotten to my late 30’s and contemplate having kids that they’re overkill for my use. And getting more and more expensive to daily drive and justify daily driving.
We just got back from 12 days in Scotland and the RHD was not a problem at all, it made me heavily reconsider JDM’s. Specifically I have been eyeing the KZJ/VZJ95’s. Replacement parts seem to be easy to come by, and easier to work on than 80’s. And the capabilities seem more in line with my style of camping. I don’t do a lot of off-roading for the sake of off-roading. More of off-roading to get to cool spots with less people, forest roads and trails in CO, etc. And they are lighter, and more fuel efficient getting there.
Another consideration is that I’ve had an ‘01 Tacoma 5spd and loved it. Power was plenty for me as well as its off-road abilities. I am open to the 1KZ-TE or the 5VZ-FE, in my heart I want the diesel. Want the manual regardless of engine.
I’d like to hear peoples experiences in real world driving edit: and real world mpg with either engine in the USA. Mostly highway speed experiences. I know the gasser is powerful enough. How does the diesel do in the US? I drive trucks for a living, so have no problem being patient as far as passing. But can it cruise comfortably at 70, 75, 80mph? What rpm does it like to be at? We go to CO several times a year. Would the 1KZ be able to handle the passes at a non road hazard speed? I know the cooling system needs to be in primo shape, and would do boost and EGT gauges. I’ve read a lot on upping the boost to help drop temps, and other mods to help increase longevity. Not sure I’d want to dick around with fueling or not.
I am working under the thought process that a 95 series is going to be more road friendly than my 2.5” lifted, 35” tired 80. In all of your experience, is this correct, or am I off base? Had also looked at KZJ78’s, but I don’t think that would be a step up in road manners even though I love their looks.
My old boss, oddly enough, just bought a KZJ95 with the auto. He absolutely loves it, and that kind of opened my eyes to them. I’ll be driving that soon when I get a chance to go to where he lives. But it’s still flat there, and won’t really give me a good feel for it on longer term driving.
Thanks so much all! I appreciate any and all experiences and thoughts.
.. the only real downside I can think of is the rear door not being like the 80, I would lose the tailgate option for when I carry lumber or long items but I've been saying I want a trailer for some time so that would fix that issue., but she sees that as me just getting more stuff....
but the KZJ95's are amazing.
