Are they good trucks? Really?
- Thread starter Ballsie
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I find your list a little funny I will admit. I bought my 97 LX with about 150k miles and consider myself fortunate yo have had nearly every problem you have to a t. I replaced the stripped gears in my seat ($20 from gamviti), replaced my power lock motor ($5 from eBay) ordered a new antenna mast ($40), fixed a 401 code ($40 vsv). I also replaced many brake components, PHH, radiator hoses, all belts air intake hose, throttle cable, and my brake low level light still doesn't work. I love my LX but I don't expect a 15+ year old vehicle to be flawless. I wanted the last solid f&r axle body on frame SUV that Toyota sold in the US, and I'm happy to have it.
Cruiserdrew
On the way there
When you first buy an old vehicle, you spend the first year fixing it's problems. Come back a year from now with an update. For now, you are worried about nothing. It's 16 years old-you are expecting new car reliability from an old used car.
I've owned mine since 99, and replaced 1 vsv, and the head gasket as pm. It been the most trouble free car I've ever owned. It's dented and banged up a bit now, but still ready to go and do anything.
You are right, though; it isn't a great daily driver. It's too big and uses too much gas. Get a minivan.
I've owned mine since 99, and replaced 1 vsv, and the head gasket as pm. It been the most trouble free car I've ever owned. It's dented and banged up a bit now, but still ready to go and do anything.
You are right, though; it isn't a great daily driver. It's too big and uses too much gas. Get a minivan.
1973Guppie
Supporting Vendor
power antenna fail
both front seats stripped gears
brake fluid level sensor fail
rear door lock actuator fail
weak AC
oil level sensor failed
no offense but this just is not for you if you think the above makes this vehicle "unreliable". These things are minor fixes that should / could be fixed by yourself to save money. For me the 80 series is incredibly reliable from the aspect that I can take it anywhere with my family and I WILL get home. Something minor might come up but the drivetrain and vital components are there to ensure I get home, especially on a well maintained rig. This is the aspect that most folks talk about when they term landcruisers a reliable vehicle. For me I love my 80 series (so much I sold my 40) in that it can be consistently rebuilt. The engines are incredibly stout on the 80 series and below landcruisers. The straight six engines are strong and mostly only need the top ends refreshed on a well taken care of vehicle. Axles, etc can also be refereshed fairly easily.
Just depends on what your idea of true "reliability" is.....
For me it is a truck that I can drive to moab towing a trailer, reving high rpm's most of the way, bounce and drag across rocks for 3 days, and then drive home in complete comfort with my family, 2 dogs and gear. It got me home, not fast, and a few things might have gone awry because of the age of the vehicle, but it performed as I expected.
My 80 has only stranded me once, and that is because I was stupid enough to put a high amp ebay alternator in it. Seqoia alternator is on the list of future mods.
It is a passion. I am constantly thinking of mods to do in the future and I have lists to prove it. If you are not excited about fixing and improving it then best to buy a new car.
Noah
both front seats stripped gears
brake fluid level sensor fail
rear door lock actuator fail
weak AC
oil level sensor failed
no offense but this just is not for you if you think the above makes this vehicle "unreliable". These things are minor fixes that should / could be fixed by yourself to save money. For me the 80 series is incredibly reliable from the aspect that I can take it anywhere with my family and I WILL get home. Something minor might come up but the drivetrain and vital components are there to ensure I get home, especially on a well maintained rig. This is the aspect that most folks talk about when they term landcruisers a reliable vehicle. For me I love my 80 series (so much I sold my 40) in that it can be consistently rebuilt. The engines are incredibly stout on the 80 series and below landcruisers. The straight six engines are strong and mostly only need the top ends refreshed on a well taken care of vehicle. Axles, etc can also be refereshed fairly easily.
Just depends on what your idea of true "reliability" is.....
For me it is a truck that I can drive to moab towing a trailer, reving high rpm's most of the way, bounce and drag across rocks for 3 days, and then drive home in complete comfort with my family, 2 dogs and gear. It got me home, not fast, and a few things might have gone awry because of the age of the vehicle, but it performed as I expected.
My 80 has only stranded me once, and that is because I was stupid enough to put a high amp ebay alternator in it. Seqoia alternator is on the list of future mods.
It is a passion. I am constantly thinking of mods to do in the future and I have lists to prove it. If you are not excited about fixing and improving it then best to buy a new car.
Noah
You did your research??? Where...
The sticker MPG is 13/15 for a '94. I doubt the '97 is different.
The truck weighs about 5000lb stock and only has 212HP and 275lb-ft torque.
But, it has full float solid axles with coil springs and lockers. If you are not using it for wheeling, you got the wrong vehicle.
Too funny. The thing (even in its latest form) is 16 years old. When they where new they where unreal. My dad literally picked up a brand new 1993 TD 80series on a wednesday. We where off to the cape on the friday 3100 miles. Never missed a beat. The toyota dealer was apparently shocked when it was returned for its first service 3 weeks later.
They are OLD. Be prepared to spend the $$ on them and they will return the loyalty. Mine is a 93 model. I purchased it with 500 000k's on it. Ive spent almost 70k on rebuilding absolutely everything better than new. Paint works still farked though
They are OLD. Be prepared to spend the $$ on them and they will return the loyalty. Mine is a 93 model. I purchased it with 500 000k's on it. Ive spent almost 70k on rebuilding absolutely everything better than new. Paint works still farked though
- Thread starter
- #27
I don't know about that list and your gripe. It really seems like minor stuff to me, nothing that would leave your wife stranded or would require you to drop everything and get right on it. I don't want to call you Alice, but you are kind of being a.....Probably should sell it.
Or-
Take a deep breath, put your wifey in one of the other 10 cars you seem to own, and run it through the proper PM schedule and get it back to top shape. If you plan on using it like an old accord ie doing the least possible maintenance and running it into the ground while beating on it on trails over the weekends, not going to be good for you.
First of all, add the price of those parts that failed. It may be minor stuff to you, but I guess Im one of those "princesses" that dont like their instrument panel to be lit up like a xmas tree. I would like for my seats to move back and forth as my wife is 6" shorter than me. I would also like to know that all the doors lock when I hit the lock button.
Dont try to flame me because I want everything on my truck to work. I never implied that I own more cars. I have my GMC and we sold the pathfinder after getting the LC for my wife.
I didnt ask you to give me a plan of action. I asked if people thought they are good trucks.
94SRUNNER
GOLD Star
- Thread starter
- #30
Yeah, I did my research. Go back and read the whole thread before you try to school me on something.
I SAID, I was willing to deal with the bad fuel economy since I was supposedly getting a stout Toyota that would last forever.
I have CLEARLY struck a cord with a few very sensitive LC owners on this forum.
I guess Im the crazy one that would question the fact that a half dozen things have failed on my truck in the first 3 months I have owned it. Maybe I should have started this thread in a different forum.
See ya.
If its a numers or $$ thing. Dont buy a 4x4 fullstop.
You havnt struck a chord with sensative owners. Just people getting annoyed with your view of a reliable truck. A broken seat and arial vs something that will survive and bring you back from places where if your truck breaks down "YOU DIE". lol
I couldnt give a crap about a broken mirror/ seat/ arial/
Squash
SILVER Star
Sensors are a crapshoot on any vehicle.
Pop the hood and use your eyeballs, this takes seconds to do. Visual inspections catch your attention and will also give you the heads up that service or PM's are due ,and it is time to buy the needed supplies in order for you to Plan the Job as opposed to reacting.
The other things are minor fixes.
Low brake fluid means either worn pads or a leak, you see this by popping the hood.
Pulling the dipstick means I have oil or I need to add oil, does it hold oil between service intervals.
Sorry there is not an app that.
Pop the hood and use your eyeballs, this takes seconds to do. Visual inspections catch your attention and will also give you the heads up that service or PM's are due ,and it is time to buy the needed supplies in order for you to Plan the Job as opposed to reacting.
The other things are minor fixes.
Low brake fluid means either worn pads or a leak, you see this by popping the hood.
Pulling the dipstick means I have oil or I need to add oil, does it hold oil between service intervals.
Sorry there is not an app that.
Mine has been constant work because it was neglected. It is my daily driver and I love it. There are things I don't like, but I don't mind turning a wrench now and then. I think they are good rigs, just old and need a lot of tlc. I like mine because I have a wife, three kids, and a German shepherd.....its better than driving a mini-van.
Sell your cruiser, NOW! Get rid of all the hassle, pain, and burden. Then head for the mountains, seriously.
I've only owned my 97 for a month, I've began my short list of things that need to be done as PM and I have picked up a $1000 rack, because I want to use my cruiser. I use it as a daily driver, kids to school, go to work, go to church on Sunday and get off road at any possibility. I LOVE my gas mileage, I am driving something that I feel safe in and the few mpg I lose for that safety is worth every dollar.
Before I got mine, I read this https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/124556-should-i-buy-80-costs-ownership.html
I accepted it basically verbatim. Perhaps you should give it a read too.
Otherwise, sell your land cruiser and head for the mountains.
I've only owned my 97 for a month, I've began my short list of things that need to be done as PM and I have picked up a $1000 rack, because I want to use my cruiser. I use it as a daily driver, kids to school, go to work, go to church on Sunday and get off road at any possibility. I LOVE my gas mileage, I am driving something that I feel safe in and the few mpg I lose for that safety is worth every dollar.
Before I got mine, I read this https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/124556-should-i-buy-80-costs-ownership.html
I accepted it basically verbatim. Perhaps you should give it a read too.
Otherwise, sell your land cruiser and head for the mountains.
1973Guppie
Supporting Vendor
Hey princess, go buy a prius. 
Azca
If there is a harder way - I will find it...
Reliability, it depends on what you mean by it. I have a 2001 Expedition that was very reliable until it decided to pop its sparkplug out of the block (common problem) I did rebuild the transmission, replace an alternator, rebuild the limited slip twice along with various other issues. It just hit 200k.
My cruiser has 175k on it and while it leaked it still runs strong and did not demonstrate the same issues as the ford did at the same mileage and 4 years younger.
I started not to trust the ford at 150k miles, the cruiser I trust now and don't see me failing to trust it for some time. Yes stuff stops working (especially on the fords, honda, dodges all with much less mileage) than my cruiser. Nothing has been as reliable in my family as my Toyotas. I had an 86 truck that all I replace on it was a clutch, one set of brakes, a coil and tires. I just sold it last year with 180k on it and I bought it new. They thing just ran. Same with my other toyota trucks (my 4 runner gave up at 220k) my corolla and my camrys.
My Toyotas have never left me stranded, can't say the same for the others. My definition of reliability is, will it get me home. Time after time the Toyotas do, I trust them more than any other make and can GUARANTEE YOU nothing else will take the punishment these rigs can.
So yes you will have aches and pains as it grows older, what doesn't?
My cruiser has 175k on it and while it leaked it still runs strong and did not demonstrate the same issues as the ford did at the same mileage and 4 years younger.
I started not to trust the ford at 150k miles, the cruiser I trust now and don't see me failing to trust it for some time. Yes stuff stops working (especially on the fords, honda, dodges all with much less mileage) than my cruiser. Nothing has been as reliable in my family as my Toyotas. I had an 86 truck that all I replace on it was a clutch, one set of brakes, a coil and tires. I just sold it last year with 180k on it and I bought it new. They thing just ran. Same with my other toyota trucks (my 4 runner gave up at 220k) my corolla and my camrys.
My Toyotas have never left me stranded, can't say the same for the others. My definition of reliability is, will it get me home. Time after time the Toyotas do, I trust them more than any other make and can GUARANTEE YOU nothing else will take the punishment these rigs can.
So yes you will have aches and pains as it grows older, what doesn't?
maxamillion2345
Franken-80
Truth be told, yes you'll constantly have to maintain the truck. My truck has about 130k miles as well and a seeping oil pan gasket, oil pump, power steering pump. Amongst other things I'd like to address...and the pending headgasket possibility.
The truck comes with the "it's a Land Cruiser thing", just like any other marquee...whether it's Rand Rover or MB G-Wagen.
As the truck ages, it becomes less of a daily driver type vehicle and more of a specialized, only when camping or hauling vehicle. Especially when it costs $10 in gas to run simple errands.
Anyway, my point is the 80 is now a labor of love type vehicle. You don't buy it because it has the best comfort, power, reliability, etc... you get it for the special enjoyment we get out of fixing or modding it...and occasionally driving it.
The 100/200 series may be a better fit for me personally (and you as well), and many 80 owners have migrated toward the newer vehicles.
I'll agree whole heartedly.
I don't think I'd ever buy an 80 series with the intention of keeping it stock. And if you're not mechanically apt you shouldn't buy one at all, IMO, better be ready to work on it.
I don't think they stand up to the reputation or reliability of other Toyotas either, but you're right, too many guys here wrapped up in it and would never admit to such a thing. You really can strike a nerve here with the simplest of things. Heretic!
I've seen a lot of posts saying what a great engine the 4.5 is, arguably the best engine Toyota ever made. I just don't see it. I'll say the 3FE may be slow but to me it's a much better engine. And there are a lot of other great engines Toyota made, that IMO are superior.
Wow tough crowd.
While it is tough love I think most people are just trying to keep you from having heartache in the future. It seems a lot of older Land Cruiser guys are tinkerers. They don't mind fixing little issues that come up and in fact they kind of like it, but there are a lot of people that want a car to be an appliance and never have to worry about it (but find me a 20 year old appliance that has never had any issues lol)
If you just want to get in and drive, and want a vehicle that will be nothing but gas and oil changes, maybe the 80 isn't the best choice. A 6 year old or less 4runner maybe. Sell the 80 now while it is still in great shape and before any of the other 20 year old small things start to become issues and it drives you crazy.
Ryan
While it is tough love I think most people are just trying to keep you from having heartache in the future. It seems a lot of older Land Cruiser guys are tinkerers. They don't mind fixing little issues that come up and in fact they kind of like it, but there are a lot of people that want a car to be an appliance and never have to worry about it (but find me a 20 year old appliance that has never had any issues lol)
If you just want to get in and drive, and want a vehicle that will be nothing but gas and oil changes, maybe the 80 isn't the best choice. A 6 year old or less 4runner maybe. Sell the 80 now while it is still in great shape and before any of the other 20 year old small things start to become issues and it drives you crazy.
Ryan
When 8/10 replies are to sell that thing, perhaps you should consider that.
Add another vote for Range Rover.
Ok so you bought a used 16 year old vehicle and are complaining about some minor, and I say minor problems.
What did you expect?
Regardless of how well you claim the vehicle was maintained that does not really mean anything.
It is 16 years old.
Sorry to hear that you are not happy, time to move on.
This is a forum for land cruisers and people are very passionate about them here just as they would be in any other vehicle forum.
Complaining on here is not going to make any difference for your situation.
Do I think an 80, or any cruiser for that matter is a good vehicle, yes I do
Are there other vehicles out there that are just as good, yes there are.
As far as your GMC I am actually surprised it has done so well for you.
My neighbor has one and it has had nothing but problems, yet he still stands by it because he is a chevy/gmc guy, just like we are toyota guys.
The stuff you are complaining about is all relative in the grand scheme of things when buy a 16 year old used vehicle with over 100k on it.
Would you go out and buy a used GMC with over a 100k on it and expect no problems?
I had a nissan xterra prior to my 80 and i gave me 175k of worry free driving.
I now have an 80 for the last 4-5 years love it regardless, have had no major issues.
That being said I believe you picked the wrong place to complain about an 80.
Guys like you come along every now and then to completely bitch about how bad an 80 is and they just fade into the sunset.
Again sorry about how you feel about an 80
But at this age an 80 is not going to make a very good daily driver for your family regardless of what you think, these vehicles at this time are more hobbies and off road adventure vehicles at this point and do that very well, daily drive a family not so well.
I think you made a poor choice to buy an 80 for your wife to drive on daily bases.
What did you expect?
Regardless of how well you claim the vehicle was maintained that does not really mean anything.
It is 16 years old.
Sorry to hear that you are not happy, time to move on.
This is a forum for land cruisers and people are very passionate about them here just as they would be in any other vehicle forum.
Complaining on here is not going to make any difference for your situation.
Do I think an 80, or any cruiser for that matter is a good vehicle, yes I do
Are there other vehicles out there that are just as good, yes there are.
As far as your GMC I am actually surprised it has done so well for you.
My neighbor has one and it has had nothing but problems, yet he still stands by it because he is a chevy/gmc guy, just like we are toyota guys.
The stuff you are complaining about is all relative in the grand scheme of things when buy a 16 year old used vehicle with over 100k on it.
Would you go out and buy a used GMC with over a 100k on it and expect no problems?
I had a nissan xterra prior to my 80 and i gave me 175k of worry free driving.
I now have an 80 for the last 4-5 years love it regardless, have had no major issues.
That being said I believe you picked the wrong place to complain about an 80.
Guys like you come along every now and then to completely bitch about how bad an 80 is and they just fade into the sunset.
Again sorry about how you feel about an 80
But at this age an 80 is not going to make a very good daily driver for your family regardless of what you think, these vehicles at this time are more hobbies and off road adventure vehicles at this point and do that very well, daily drive a family not so well.
I think you made a poor choice to buy an 80 for your wife to drive on daily bases.
