Hey all,
I am in the market for a new DD/overland vehicle and I am considering purchasing my parent's 1993 FZJ80 off of them for $3k. Its got the usual issues: bad seat gears, torn leather, but the body is clean and it's 100% rust free top and bottom. Unfortunately, it burns oil like nobody's business and none of the obvious fixes have done the trick. If I plan on having to rebuild the engine (top and bottom) would that be a huge financial mistake? I would need all of it to be done by a shop as I just don't have the time/space to take on that sort of a project at the moment. I have done a bit of research and it seems like this could run between $8-12k. It's a ton of money to spend on a ~30yo vehicle, but it seems like if the outcome is a clean FZJ80 thats likely to go another 2-300K miles, then a $16-21K total investment (includes engine rebuild, bumpers, lift, tires, wheels, rack, sleeping platform) is actually a decent value for a reliable, totally built overland rig. Based on prices here, I think I might even be able to get my money back if I go through all of this and decide I need something newer. Other options I am considering are: 2nd gen tacoma or 5th gen 4runner. Building either of those vehicles would push my budget closer to $25k for the builds I am considering. The gas mileage and amenities of the newer rigs would be nice, but they aren't 80s...
What do you guys think? Would you rebuild the 80? Is it a decent financial decision? Is my budget reasonable?
Thanks!
I am in the market for a new DD/overland vehicle and I am considering purchasing my parent's 1993 FZJ80 off of them for $3k. Its got the usual issues: bad seat gears, torn leather, but the body is clean and it's 100% rust free top and bottom. Unfortunately, it burns oil like nobody's business and none of the obvious fixes have done the trick. If I plan on having to rebuild the engine (top and bottom) would that be a huge financial mistake? I would need all of it to be done by a shop as I just don't have the time/space to take on that sort of a project at the moment. I have done a bit of research and it seems like this could run between $8-12k. It's a ton of money to spend on a ~30yo vehicle, but it seems like if the outcome is a clean FZJ80 thats likely to go another 2-300K miles, then a $16-21K total investment (includes engine rebuild, bumpers, lift, tires, wheels, rack, sleeping platform) is actually a decent value for a reliable, totally built overland rig. Based on prices here, I think I might even be able to get my money back if I go through all of this and decide I need something newer. Other options I am considering are: 2nd gen tacoma or 5th gen 4runner. Building either of those vehicles would push my budget closer to $25k for the builds I am considering. The gas mileage and amenities of the newer rigs would be nice, but they aren't 80s...
What do you guys think? Would you rebuild the 80? Is it a decent financial decision? Is my budget reasonable?
Thanks!