A bit underwhelmed with a recent HZJ73 test drive

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Apr 4, 2005
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Location
San Antonio, TX
Greetings all,

Had the chance yesterday to test drive a HZJ73 yesterday which was a JDM import, RHD. It drove fine but I was a bit underwhelmed.

I have owned a few Land Cruisers before with the most similar being a BJ74 and a BJ42. I am looking for a "car" that I could comfortably drive to work in and get okay gas mileage. This was the 1st 1HZ I've driven and was able to do so with a 5 speed. The suspension was underwhelming but it was also likely due to the vehicle still being on its original equipment. I don't expect a lot of power (though I had no complaints with the 1HZ) and I understand that it is leaf sprung and old... but I was left wanting.

It definitely had a cool factor and needed attentional to rust, leaks, and random odds and ends, but the practical side of me thinks the money would be better served buying something newer and more comfortable even if it gets less mpg and potentially depreciates more. I'll be possibly looking at a UZJ100 (my wife drives one already) and a FJ43--yes, two opposite ends of the spectrum.

Other vehicles I have been looking at/considering are Hilux, Defender, Nissan Safari/Patrol, 4Runner, and above them all a HZJ75 Troopy (I love the utilitarian aspect of the interior design).

Let the flaming begin!
 
Making a 70 series a comfortable daily driver, depending on your definition of comfortable, will not be a cheap endeavor.

Buy a 100 or stretch for a 200 if you really want a LC.

I forgot to mention. My current commute is a lot of boring highway where the average speed is around 65-70 mph. I had previously DD'd my BJ42 and BJ74, however, I was living elsewhere where it was a mix of rolling hills and backroads which was ideal.

I don't need this to be a DD (I have other vehicles for that), but I've owned way to many 4x4s that I ended up parting with prematurely because they didn't get driven enough, i.e. a built SFA 4Runner, multiple Jeeps, FJ Cruiser, etc.
 
You're experience seems about right. These vehicles have to be appreciated for what they are: workhorses from before the plastic era of independent suspension and coilovers. Did the HZJ have suspension seats? These help a lot (the fact that they even exist in a consumer vehicle should be a flashing red sign - sh*ts gonna get rough). My understanding is that new springs can affect a marginal improvement in ride quality. My advice after owning one is - only get it if you really are just losing sleep over how beautiful they are. They will need work, maintenance, eventually rust repair and you will be throwing that shifter a long ways in traffic over and over. But you will also sit high above the masses on a throne of solid live axles, a bumper that is wide enough to double as a picnic table, and a naturally aspirated diesel rumble that no black smoke billowing Ram-bro can ever hope to achieve no matter how bad his axle wrap is or how hot his vape coil is burning.

If I eventually decide to sell mine, I'll be returning to my long lineage of 2002 or prior 4runners. I've regretted every one I've gotten rid of.
 
How would you compare the HZJ73 with the BJ74 you had?
I'm mean technically they are the same thing minus engine so I was wondering your thoughts.

Now as to an HZJ75, those are pretty sweet, but I think you may be more underwhelmed with that and a naturally aspirated 1HZ. Still same basic vehicle, just longer, more room and heavier. My friend said his BJ74 felt like a sports car compared to his 1HZ troopy. They serve different purposes for sure, but I can't imagine being any less underwhelmed unless you really are just into into in for room/space/looks etc.

As for a daily driver, I've daily driven 40's (one on 37's and a EFI 350) 55's on 35's, 60, 62, 45, 80's stock to 35's, 100 series. The 100 was by far the most comfy with the 80 being next. I loved driving them all for different reasons so the harsh ride, vague steering and lack of climate controls on many of them were zero issues.

Like others have stated, unless you are just in love with the rig, it's going to get old quick driving a 30 year old, low horsepower spartan rig that will need work. That 100 series is the smart bet, the FJ43 while cool as hell makes the HZJ73 look modern and fast.
 
how about a LJ-78 or anything else LJ? Just got to make sure the engine checks out and then do a bit of work on the engine to make it last. I had a BJ-70 that I drove about 1600mi to get home and I thought it drove a lot better than I expected a swb leaf sprung vehicle should. I daily drove it for about 3 yrs when I parked it. I then drove my -75 ute from Southern Georgia to Anchorage, AK. and had no complaints, except having a longer cab would have been nice. So, I guess each person has to decide on what they expect and what reality is for you as to what you want to get or not when it comes to the 70 series. Non-turbo diesels will be slugs if you do any hills.
 
I bought a HZJ73 last summer....a 91 soft top(aftermarket soft top). Figured I would drive it a bit, sell it(I got it for a really strong deal). Truck really needed very little.

I have fallen madly in love with it. From the noisy diesel(I've never owned a diesel....it took me a while to not assume rods were going to fly out of the sides of the block) to the ridiculously slow acceleration. There's just something cool to it. As a kid I had a Samurai soft top....this thing reminds me of that but larger. A lot larger. I've got a pile of trucks but I keep finding myself in this 73...maybe it's the open top in FL in the winter or maybe it's just how mechanical and simple it is or maybe that it's more comfortable than the 40s I have and have had(wheel base on the 73 certainly helps). Can't say I'd want to spend an hour driving it each day(I've had it on a couple 1 hour trips) but I certainly could. I've got suspension bases to install....might make it even better from what it sounds like....
 
how about a LJ-78 or anything else LJ?

Or KZJ7x for more power and a better engine. KZJ77 is LHD mechanical injection turbo diesel on coils. Little bit of tuning and they go like stink.

Lately I've been dreaming about HDJ100's. I think they ticks all the boxes for me (besides solid front axle). Downside is they are damn expensive here.
 
I appreciated my 75 series the most driving through the desert on bad roads with 450klms between fuel stops and 12 hour days. They are not for everyone and having a small fuel efficient car for going to work in makes owning a 7* series bearable.
And 1HZs have a max cruising speed around 110-120klm/h , if that drives you insane, you are in the wrong vehicle.
 
Lately I've been dreaming about HDJ100's. I think they ticks all the boxes for me (besides solid front axle). Downside is they are damn expensive here.

Same here, if you have a 15 year old well maintained HDJ100 with sub 300k, you can get one the best resale prices ever.
 
If I eventually decide to sell mine, I'll be returning to my long lineage of 2002 or prior 4runners. I've regretted every one I've gotten rid of.

Zuker, I was contemplating a 3rd gen 4runner as well. Not sure if you've seen the products that SRQ Fab makes for them (mostly aesthetic stuff), but seeing their ads instantly made me want to get a 4runner...
 
How would you compare the HZJ73 with the BJ74 you had?
I'm mean technically they are the same thing minus engine so I was wondering your thoughts.

Now as to an HZJ75, those are pretty sweet, but I think you may be more underwhelmed with that and a naturally aspirated 1HZ. Still same basic vehicle, just longer, more room and heavier. My friend said his BJ74 felt like a sports car compared to his 1HZ troopy. They serve different purposes for sure, but I can't imagine being any less underwhelmed unless you really are just into into in for room/space/looks etc.

As for a daily driver, I've daily driven 40's (one on 37's and a EFI 350) 55's on 35's, 60, 62, 45, 80's stock to 35's, 100 series. The 100 was by far the most comfy with the 80 being next. I loved driving them all for different reasons so the harsh ride, vague steering and lack of climate controls on many of them were zero issues.

Like others have stated, unless you are just in love with the rig, it's going to get old quick driving a 30 year old, low horsepower spartan rig that will need work. That 100 series is the smart bet, the FJ43 while cool as hell makes the HZJ73 look modern and fast.

Good points. Comparing my old BJ74 to the HZJ73 is hard bc the BJ74 had an OME lift and 35s whereas the HZJ73 was stock. Drivetrainwise if I can recall correctly I found the 13BT more fun to drive as it was a bit more "peaky" in power delivery probably bc of the turbo. The HZJ power was just fine but very broad and linear more like what I remember from my BJ42 but better. Kind of appliance like in a good and bad way.

The underwhelmed part on my end was not the drivetrain but maybe the total package or the nostalgia aspect not measuring up to what I expected. With a bit of love, money, mods put into the HZJ73 it would be great I think... though I'm not ready to make that commitment as of yet. A HZJ75 would be ideal I believe due to the usable space that would be more family and dog friendly. I'd possibly fashion a tie down point to allow the dogs to wander down the middle isle forward and back without impacting any of sides or top if possible. We did something similar in the Huey helicopter for the crew chiefs.

I think I'm over/done daily driving a vic on 35s, looks great but I'm always torn what I feel like is a waste of it's intended purpose. That said they looked amazing and always put a smile on my face except for the one time I emergency brake in my BJ42 causing skid Mark's across the I-15 and thankfully not in my drawers.

The last point you make is solid. There's a beautiful built UZJ100 down the road that I need to convince my wife to drive and a FJ43 would be yet another Sunday car for me which is a problem but one that would not depreciate as long as I can keep the shiny side up!
 
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how about a LJ-78 or anything else LJ? Just got to make sure the engine checks out and then do a bit of work on the engine to make it last. I had a BJ-70 that I drove about 1600mi to get home and I thought it drove a lot better than I expected a swb leaf sprung vehicle should. I daily drove it for about 3 yrs when I parked it. I then drove my -75 ute from Southern Georgia to Anchorage, AK. and had no complaints, except having a longer cab would have been nice. So, I guess each person has to decide on what they expect and what reality is for you as to what you want to get or not when it comes to the 70 series. Non-turbo diesels will be slugs if you do any hills.

I appreciate your patience with me and understanding. That is the first MAJOR thing that all car lovers must understand.... that whatever you get will have compromises. Just like a car that was "expensive" for me in the past and I didn't want to drive and get door dings or possibly have any mechanical issues on my watch so I resold it in a year and didn't enjoy driving it much which was a shame. But the sound of a Turbo flat 6 is glorious!

I guess my big must have have always been buy used/get a good deal, cant depreciate too much in the next 2-3 years, relatively reliable (yet to ever own a LR but they are nifty), and must excel at something/have a purpose. The ones that couldn't get put to there purpose often enough always got sold sooner than later.

I like that LJs have coil springs... but am not a big fan of their powerplants....
 
I bought a HZJ73 last summer....a 91 soft top(aftermarket soft top). Figured I would drive it a bit, sell it(I got it for a really strong deal). Truck really needed very little.

I have fallen madly in love with it. From the noisy diesel(I've never owned a diesel....it took me a while to not assume rods were going to fly out of the sides of the block) to the ridiculously slow acceleration. There's just something cool to it. As a kid I had a Samurai soft top....this thing reminds me of that but larger. A lot larger. I've got a pile of trucks but I keep finding myself in this 73...maybe it's the open top in FL in the winter or maybe it's just how mechanical and simple it is or maybe that it's more comfortable than the 40s I have and have had(wheel base on the 73 certainly helps). Can't say I'd want to spend an hour driving it each day(I've had it on a couple 1 hour trips) but I certainly could. I've got suspension bases to install....might make it even better from what it sounds like....

That's it! I was expecting or hoping to fall in love but didn't. Maybe I would have if it had a 2ish inch lift and 33s. . I'm a sucker for looks but do appreciate the quality on the inside as well. The HZJ73 was a hardtop and the AC was good which is necessary for TX. The FJ43 is a drool worthy soft top with AC and requires me to go to FL for it. Either vehicle should be my go to for around the neighborhood errands... i.e. groceries (like I ever do that but would if I had the right ride!), small home depot stuff, gym, etc. My wandering eye now is interested also possibly in a diesel 60 series. I've always loved the lines and aesthetics on them while prices only seem to be going up....
 
That's it! I was expecting or hoping to fall in love but didn't. Maybe I would have if it had a 2ish inch lift and 33s. . I'm a sucker for looks but do appreciate the quality on the inside as well. The HZJ73 was a hardtop and the AC was good which is necessary for TX. The FJ43 is a drool worthy soft top with AC and requires me to go to FL for it. Either vehicle should be my go to for around the neighborhood errands... i.e. groceries (like I ever do that but would if I had the right ride!), small home depot stuff, gym, etc. My wandering eye now is interested also possibly in a diesel 60 series. I've always loved the lines and aesthetics on them while prices only seem to be going up....

I bought a really nice unmolested 60 a few months ago. Kind of excited to get it on the road(needs lift, tires, etc.). Will be a neat truck to run around in I think. I've always wanted a 60....just never got around to getting one.

We've had a few 43s come thru the shop.....mostly to get straightened out because they're South American imports that need a lot of straightening out. They definitely check the right boxes. The longer wheelbase really makes them useable compared to a 40. I'd still take the 70 though....kind of dig it being more modern but still really old school.

Or you could just get one of each. That's my motto. The I don't have to worry about which one to drive.
 
Good points. Comparing my old BJ74 to the HZJ73 is hard bc the BJ74 had an OME lift and 35s whereas the HZJ73 was stock. Drivetrainwise if I can recall correctly I found the 13BT more fun to drive as it was a bit more "peaky" in power delivery probably bc of the turbo. The HZJ power was just fine but very broad and linear more like what I remember from my BJ42 but better. Kind of appliance like in a good and bad way.

The underwhelmed part on my end was not the drivetrain but maybe the total package or the nostalgia aspect not measuring up to what I expected. With a bit of love, money, mods put into the HZJ73 it would be great I think... though I'm not ready to make that commitment as of yet. A HZJ75 would be ideal I believe due to the usable space that would be more family and dog friendly. I'd possibly fashion a tie down point to allow the dogs to wander down the middle isle forward and back without impacting any of sides or top if possible. We did something similar in the Huey helicopter for the crew chiefs.

I think I'm over/done daily driving a vic on 35s, looks great but I'm always torn what I feel like is a waste of it's intended purpose. That said they looked amazing and always put a smile on my face except for the one time I emergency brake in my BJ42 causing skid Mark's across the I-15 and thankfully not in my drawers.

The last point you make is solid. There's a beautiful built UZJ100 down the road that I need to convince my wife to drive and a FJ43 would be yet another Sunday car for me which is a problem but one that would not depreciate as long as I can keep the shiny side up!

I think this is how you decide.
 
I bought a really nice unmolested 60 a few months ago. Kind of excited to get it on the road(needs lift, tires, etc.). Will be a neat truck to run around in I think. I've always wanted a 60....just never got around to getting one.

We've had a few 43s come thru the shop.....mostly to get straightened out because they're South American imports that need a lot of straightening out. They definitely check the right boxes. The longer wheelbase really makes them useable compared to a 40. I'd still take the 70 though....kind of dig it being more modern but still really old school.

Or you could just get one of each. That's my motto. The I don't have to worry about which one to drive.

I just saw you are in Tampa. I'm coming to MacDill next week and wanted to ask if there are any Cruisers worth checking out in the area? Thanks in advance!

FWIW, I love the look and proportions of a lifted 73 with larger tires. I love the 43 with the soft top. The lines of the 60 are timeless and it is a LC I haven't owned yet...
 

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