Any advice purchasing my first FZJ80?

[drzhivago]

Hey Guys,

I’m brand new to the forum and looking for some advice on purchasing my first FZJ80. But first, a little background info. Last year I sold my 1999 Jeep Cherokee to buy a 2011 FJ Cruiser. The Jeep was a good vehicle that I bought from the original owner in Portland, OR. At the time I bought it my plans were to lift it, install steel bumpers, winch, etc., etc. But life got in the way and I sold it stock. I thought I wanted an FJ Cruiser, but the more I drive it the less I like it. Then I had an epiphany, and “discovered” the 80 series.

Here in the Northwest, there just are not any 93 to 97’s currently for sale. I’ve spent the past few weeks scouring eBay, Auto Trader, Car Guru’s and have come to the conclusion that I’ll have to go nationwide for my search. The few low mileage (by low mileage I mean <150k), good examples at reasonable prices I’ve found (a 96’ with E-lockers in SoCal with 140k and a 95 without E-lockers in in TX at an amazing 110k), get sold out from under me before I can even react.

I have my eye on some pristine examples on eBay at considerably higher prices. They’re both from the same seller (bought at auction). One is a 94’ with E-Lockers (144k) and the other is a 96’ without E-Lockers (180k). I’m torn between the two. Chances are I won’t need or use the lockers much at all. On the other hand I’m also of the opinion that it’s better to have them and not need them… The one without lockers is the 96’. I like the dash of the 95-97’s better, though not a deal breaker. What I REALLY like about the 96-97’s is the fact that they're OBDII compliant, have airbags, one piece headliner, etc. On the other hand (again), the 93-94’s have the beefier transmission, three row brass radiator, etc. (92’s are not a consideration as they have R12 AC systems, and 91's and 92's, well...).

Any thoughts or advice on the pros vs. cons to an FZJ80 newbie?

Thanks!

 

[Mighty690]

I don't have lockers on either of my vehicles. I purchased them due to their good condition inside and out. Poor condition and little maintenance history would not trump lockers in my purchase decision. While I would like them (duh, right?) I have to be realistic with the environment I use my 80 in and the type of offloading I do. I'm usually loaded up, traveling fairly fast in dry, washboard conditions. Sand would be a place where I could use lockers, but there are alternatives in that scenario. Anyway, that's my $0.02. I may add a rear locker in the future, but a winch would come first. As you have seen, factory lockers increase the resale value of the rig.

 

[Cruzerman]

Some additional information would be helpful. What are you looking for? Is this going to be a daily driver or a trail rig? Does it need to be a car show beauty or does peeling paint / beauty marked rigs work? How many miles a year do you anticipate putting on it? Will it see trail duty at all? Expeditions in you plans? And a big one is what is your budget? And is that your total budget, or if you get one without all the features you want (lift, tires, armor, etc.), will you be have money to purchase that? Basically, what are you going to use it for, what features do you have to have, and how much do you have to spend?

Byt the way, my '93 had R12 as well. Conversion to R134a was pretty easy and not too costly. I wouldn't let that stop you from looking at rigs. I personally like the '93+ rigs for the more powerful engine and even more so for the lockers, but that may not be one of your requirements. Earlier 80s are definitely easier to work on IMHO.

I live in Oregon, and they are out there. Don't give up and don't settle for one that doesn't work for you.

 

[Alleycats]

If I bought another 80 I'd look closely at three things:

1) HG
2) Knuckles
3) is it rusty underneath

 

[nigelsiam]

I agree with you on everything but the main thing is to have patience and don't bite on the first one. I know it's hard not to do but keep it under control!! haha
The thing with getting one with lockers is you might settle for buying one w/o them but you will always have it in the back of your mind as you wishing you had them.

 

[drzhivago]

I don't have lockers on either of my vehicles. I purchased them due to their good condition inside and out. Poor condition and little maintenance history would not trump lockers in my purchase decision. While I would like them (duh, right?) I have to be realistic with the environment I use my 80 in and the type of offloading I do. I'm usually loaded up, traveling fairly fast in dry, washboard conditions. Sand would be a place where I could use lockers, but there are alternatives in that scenario. Anyway, that's my $0.02. I may add a rear locker in the future, but a winch would come first. As you have seen, factory lockers increase the resale value of the rig.

Good advice. Realistically the "environment" it will be used most is Interstate 5, with occasional use on trail, logging roads, etc. Eventually, after I retire from work in five to ten years, I would like to do more expedition type activities. Guess I just need to be patient - lucky to find the right one at the right price. Now that I FZJ80 "itch" thats really hard to do!

 

[drzhivago]

I agree with you on everything but the main thing is to have patience and don't bite on the first one. I know it's hard not to do but keep it under control!! haha
The thing with getting one with lockers is you might settle for buying one w/o them but you will always have it in the back of your mind as you wishing you had them.

Yeah, thats what I'm afraid of... Coulda, woulda, shoulda! Back in the day I bought a 2WD Rodeo new. Didn't get 4WD because the wife vetoed the extra couple of grand expense. Always regretted not buying that 4WD! Thanks.

 

[drzhivago]

If I bought another 80 I'd look closely at three things:

1) HG
2) Knuckles
3) is it rusty underneath

Yep, I'm laser focused on the rust and knuckles, and interior condition also. If a brought home another 20+ year old "project" vehicle my wife would kill me. I'm just finishing up my project BMW E30 now. But that's another story. Noob that I am, whats "HG"?

 

[Cruzerman]

So, it seems to me that lockers are not needed for your application. If you were looking to wheel it, I personally would hold out for lockers. The factory ones are sure a lot of bang for the buck. However, not needing lockers really expands the number of rigs available. Budget? What about other wants (lift, armor, tires)?

 

[drzhivago]

Some additional information would be helpful. What are you looking for? Is this going to be a daily driver or a trail rig? Does it need to be a car show beauty or does peeling paint / beauty marked rigs work? How many miles a year do you anticipate putting on it? Will it see trail duty at all? Expeditions in you plans? And a big one is what is your budget? And is that your total budget, or if you get one without all the features you want (lift, tires, armor, etc.), will you be have money to purchase that? Basically, what are you going to use it for, what features do you have to have, and how much do you have to spend?

Byt the way, my '93 had R12 as well. Conversion to R134a was pretty easy and not too costly. I wouldn't let that stop you from looking at rigs. I personally like the '93+ rigs for the more powerful engine and even more so for the lockers, but that may not be one of your requirements. Earlier 80s are definitely easier to work on IMHO.

I live in Oregon, and they are out there. Don't give up and don't settle for one that doesn't work for you.

Thanks for your reply Cruzerman. Initially it will be a daily driver. When I say daily, I mean a 60 mile commute on I-5 once a week as I work from home the other four days.

To get this purchase past the wife, it needs to be closer to a stock show car beauty than a "beauty marked" rig. The beuty marks should come from me - in the future. Eventually (as I get closer to retirement in five to ten years), I'll add bumpers, winch, lift, etc., as I'd like to get into expedition type travels. In most cases it's better to add these things yourself so you get what you want and know when it was installed (IMHO). So for the time being it will be a commuter and Home Depot vehicle, with occasional logging road "adventures".

As far as budget is concerned, I'm at a point in my life where I could buy almost any one I wan't. That being said, I hate to over pay for things. In other words I like to get the best deal I can for an item - house, pair of shoes or FZJ80 it matters not. I do like the asthetics of the 60/62's best, but theres no way buying another 30+ year old vehicle is going to fly with the wife. I'm just finishing up an 1988 BMW E30 project now, but that's a different forum!

Guess I'll have to be patient and wait for "the right one to come along". But in this environment, the reasonably priced low mile/owner examples are few and far between. When they do pop up, they sell fast!

 

[drzhivago]

I agree with you on everything but the main thing is to have patience and don't bite on the first one. I know it's hard not to do but keep it under control!! haha
The thing with getting one with lockers is you might settle for buying one w/o them but you will always have it in the back of your mind as you wishing you had them.

Thanks for the advice. You're right - t's hard not to wait!

 

[Cruzerman]

Have you thought about a 100 series? Will probably rate higher with the wife.

 

[Alleycats]

HG (head gasket), the 93-97 80's are known to have HG issues if not well cared for.

 

[drzhivago]

HG (head gasket), the 93-97 80's are known to have HG issues if not well cared for.

HG = Head Gasket - Duh! Yes, Have thought about that. If th LC that I end up buying doesn't have documentation showing it's been replaced, I'll do it myself. Have put a new head on my E30, so I should be able to do it on an LC.

 

[drzhivago]

Have you thought about a 100 series? Will probably rate higher with the wife.

Yes I have, but I'd prefer the solid front axle of an 80. Plus, I like the looks of the 80's body better. Finally, I like that they have sliding rear windows. Great for my German Shepard to stick his nose out when he's riding along!

 

[Cruzerman]

Just throwing it out there. I'd get the 80 for the same reasons. Keep looking, you'll find one.

 

[jeremy56]

I would not worry about lockers as it sounds like you have the money to upgrade to electric anyway, and I wouldn't worry about miles to an extent. I would rather find one with 200k and an owner from this forum then one with 100k and neglected. There are less and less with low miles and be super skeptical of them.
If I had it to do over I would be more picky on rust issue and want one with some records that would alleviate some of the baseline expenses.

 

[ExpoGeorgia]

Welcome! I've been wheeling 4wd's for years, never really had a situation where I needed lockers so I wouldn't stress about finding a locked rig. Looks like everyone covered everything but I will add this.. this forum will become addicting and drain your wallet! I've spent close to $5,000 the past 3 weeks ordering parts on an already modified LX. You probably know how it is from owning a BMW.

If you wouldn't mind post some pics of the E30 man! I use to have a E34 and E38, great driving cars when they were running right.

 

[drzhivago]

I would not worry about lockers as it sounds like you have the money to upgrade to electric anyway, and I wouldn't worry about miles to an extent. I would rather find one with 200k and an owner from this forum then one with 100k and neglected. There are less and less with low miles and be super skeptical of them.
If I had it to do over I would be more picky on rust issue and want one with some records that would alleviate some of the baseline expenses.

Yep, rust and records are big concerns for me. I won't consider an LC that had the misfortune of spending most of it's life in the midwest or northeast.

 

[drzhivago]

Welcome! I've been wheeling 4wd's for years, never really had a situation where I needed lockers so I wouldn't stress about finding a locked rig. Looks like everyone covered everything but I will add this.. this forum will become addicting and drain your wallet! I've spent close to $5,000 the past 3 weeks ordering parts on an already modified LX. You probably know how it is from owning a BMW.

If you wouldn't mind post some pics of the E30 man! I use to have a E34 and E38, great driving cars when they were running right.

Know what you mean about droping big coin on project vehicles. What started out as a timing belt change turned into let me replace everything! Heres some E30 pics for you...