At the cross roads (descision time)

[Flex]

So after a couple months of owning my BJ-70 I have to make a descision. I can keep it and start the mods now...or I can sell it. Let me explain

I love the truck, I get thumbs up all the time, and it's a joy to drive. the thing is I really like larger suvs and I'm thinking an 80 series would be right up my alley. Don't get me wrong, I am ready to keep it and start chuckin the coin at it on mods, but I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing, afterall nothing like thinkin you shoulda, coulda, woulda but you didn't after dumping money into a vehicle.
So...whatcha think, say Hell with it, and build it? or sell it and buy/build an 80 series? hmmmmmmm

 

[dieseldog]

You are where all true cruiser-holics eventually arrive--the realization that owning merely one LC is not enough. Horses for courses is what I always say. Every model of LC does something just a little differently than the others. I could never go back to owning just one cruiser again. I'd vote to keep the 70 because if you don't, you'll later regret it. Keep your mods simple/modest for now and keep your eyes open for a slammin good deal on an 80. With the fuel prices right now, there are folks looking to bail on their trucks. I've seen lots of good deals on 80's here in Houston and on eBay. Be picky and check with the guys in the 80 series tech section regarding what you should look for. Then strike when a good deal comes along. But I guarantee you'll never regret keeping the diesel 70 because the economy, ruggedness, and unique nature of the 70 series vehicles is worth it. Good luck!

 

[colby1979]

I would NEVER trade my 70 for an 80!

Hey Dieseldog,,,I'm out here in West Texas....
Email me some time.

Colby
burningsyn@hotmail.com

 

[crushers]

depends, the 70 series and the 80 series are 2 completely differnt beasts.
the 80 series i sa nice unit, quiet powerful but it is heavy. the 80 series is surprisingly capable right out of the box. it is also thirsty, not as bad as one might think, espec if left stock but as soon as you mod it then it becomes a typical gasser. you do have one option though, you could buy a diesel 80 series and then you have the best of both worlds.
the 70 series is short, nimble, compact, rare, easily mod'd to be a really capable wheeler.
the 70 sereis is better on tight twisty trails and if the 70 series is kept in decent shape it will have a decent resale value State side.
it comes down to what you are using it for.
cheers

 

[beanz2]

Keep the 70, you may never find one in better shape at the same price.

Wait for a few months, 80 series prices are crashing through the US$8000-$10000 range now. It will can only go down further with rising fuel prices this summer

Dave

 

[Red Herring]

Guess it depends on what your needs are? Could go for the JDM Diesel 80 with that sweet sweet motor from Japan.... I personally would'nt touch a gasser.

 

[Stone]

Flex...it depends if you REALLY love the 70 series or not. If the 70s happen to be your favourite series, I would vote Keep It too simply for the reasons that the guys above have given: you may not find another good one later for the same price. Heck, even the JDM BJ74 in good condition with the right options are getting rarer to find.

The 80 on the other hand are plentiful...and prices in the US for a decent one seems to be better than our prices up here. You could always find an 80 if you need one.

Having said that, if you sell your BJ70 you would probably easily buy a good 80 and have thousands left over in your pocket. Do what you have to do...but know full well that your BJ70 was a rare find indeed and one may never come again in the condition and price that you picked yours up for because it will just go up from here on in.

 

[Greg_B]

Are you not into trying RHD? If this does not have enough room, look/test drive an HJ61, BJ74, or the JDM 80's now becoming legal here.

I saw 80's in Moab walking up things build 40's had trouble with. You can be paitent and wait for the right one south of the border as Beanz mentions. If you do not want both, consider a trade and cash with someone south for a loaded 80, and swap in a JDM diesel.

I think the HJ61 has more room then the 80 series...anyone?

Chances are you will never find another 70 for that price in that shape.

gb

 

[crushers]

BTW, if you are really into a gasser 80 i have one coming in with a canadian title and lockers front and rear, 94,000 miles...
cheers

 

[Flex]

Thanx everyone...I realize a 70 series in great shape is a rarity, and it's such a cool ride, honestly I love it and I can't find a flaw with it at all. The thing is room, and I do see your point Greg about the 61 or 74, but I'm just not sure I could learn to love the rhd. So I was thinking exactly what you stated Greg..find a good 80 series with f and r lockers swap in a JDM diesel, lift it etc....Then I think I would have the vehicle I really need.

I just want to start the build up now, but if I may trade it off, or sell it then I don't want to start dropping the money into it.....sigh

ps....Thanx Wayne, I'd like info on the 80...price etc thanx

 

[crushers]

i am in a bit of a rush right now, send me your private email and i will try and get some info off to you before i leave for Cali...
the RHD is just too easy, it really is...
cheers

 

[Stone]

You're always welcome to come over and take a drive in mine, Kevin.

 

[Flex]

Thanx Allstone

 

[Greg_B]

Ya...you're better off going to Langley and trying Stones...I seem to have lost mine...

gb

 

[Stone]

Ya...you're better off going to Langley and trying Stones...I seem to have lost mine...

gb

Hahaha! You'rs is going to have Winnie the Pooh seat covers and matching floormats and steering wheel cover soon. I wouldn't be surprised if the kids spray bomb the rock armor pink or yellow. What was it that they called it, Greg...the "hunk of metal"? Ouch.

We're going to have to mount a Rescue the BJ74 campaign soon.

 

[Greg_B]

Hahaha! You'rs is going to have Winnie the Pooh seat covers and matching floormats and steering wheel cover soon. I wouldn't be surprised if the kids spray bomb the rock armor pink or yellow. What was it that they called it, Greg...the "hunk of metal"? Ouch..

Shudder the thought! Horror...I think they were talking about Das Poo Vagon when it was parked there for 6 months...Hmmmmm...



gb

 

[Stone]

They're great kids, Greg...but need someone to deeply instill a love of Cruisers in their hearts. Then you know they'll be on the right path for the rest of their lives.

 

[Flex]

well whether it's this cruiser or an 80 spec...My son is just three, so no Hijacking of said vehicle for a long time lol

 

[Rvl]

I have a 70 and I think they are great offroad with only a few mods to them.
I might be selling my hardcore Hilux and getting another 70 series.

 

[dieseldog]

I also find that there's a world of difference between my BJ-73 and my KZJ-70 in terms of room. The mid-length 70 series cruisers are so much more roomy for carrying stuff than the SWB version. I know it's only about 12 inches difference, but it really does make a big difference. I would never, ever sell a 70 series once I get my paws on one--not here in the States where creativity in the acquisition is so important.