Before you tell me to search for threads: I have searched for threads and most 80 v 100 have been dead for 10-11 years at this point. Most of the other threads were started when the 100 series was at its prime and you could buy one with in tip top shape any day of the week. Now that the 200 series has been around for a while and it is the latest a greatest I thought it couldn't hurt to rehash the 80 v 100 debate on level ground.
I have been heavily researching LCs over the past few months and thought I settled on the 100 at first until I looked into the 80s more. I remember one of my best friends growing up having an 80 and his mom having a 100. At the time I thought the 100 was one of the nicer cars I had ever been in but I also remember getting into whatever we wanted to in the 80 and the ride quality wasn't horrible.
For my purposes I need a car I can take to work most days (I'm going to keep my S2000 but it already has a sparco fixed back seat in it and is getting closer to being a permanent race car every year). I do need the LC to go for the occasional work related trip during the week but not travel cross country by any means. Maintenance is a big thing for me - I work on my own cars almost exclusively with the exception of alignment and body work and I would like to keep it that way. I've worked on Toyota straight sixes before (supra turbo) so the 80 engine shouldn't be too far from what I already know. If I can find a locked 80 in good shape I'll probably do that, but as of right now the f/r lockers aren't the biggest concern for me as much as finding a clean truck in good condition. I'll probably want to modify everything I can get my hands just like every other car or truck I've owned which makes the 80 appealing.
I am making a mistake choosing an 80? Or is it the way to go for what I need?
I have been heavily researching LCs over the past few months and thought I settled on the 100 at first until I looked into the 80s more. I remember one of my best friends growing up having an 80 and his mom having a 100. At the time I thought the 100 was one of the nicer cars I had ever been in but I also remember getting into whatever we wanted to in the 80 and the ride quality wasn't horrible.
For my purposes I need a car I can take to work most days (I'm going to keep my S2000 but it already has a sparco fixed back seat in it and is getting closer to being a permanent race car every year). I do need the LC to go for the occasional work related trip during the week but not travel cross country by any means. Maintenance is a big thing for me - I work on my own cars almost exclusively with the exception of alignment and body work and I would like to keep it that way. I've worked on Toyota straight sixes before (supra turbo) so the 80 engine shouldn't be too far from what I already know. If I can find a locked 80 in good shape I'll probably do that, but as of right now the f/r lockers aren't the biggest concern for me as much as finding a clean truck in good condition. I'll probably want to modify everything I can get my hands just like every other car or truck I've owned which makes the 80 appealing.
I am making a mistake choosing an 80? Or is it the way to go for what I need?
