Buy a locked 4runner or locked 80?

[Imola Red]

It's been in the back of my mind but haven't given it full thought until now.

I'm looking for a DD that I will use about 15k miles a year on the road and then do some off roading also. I'm not looking at doing the rubicon but still some nice 3 to 3+ rated trails would be fun. So I would be lifting the vehicle, putting on sliders and other stuff.

I have always loved the LC but 12 to 13 MPG is kind of a killer. Not a huge deal but it's tough to think about.

So is the 4runner that bad of an off road vehicle? I'm not the hugest fan of them but they are a toyota. I could probably pick up a 4runner with fewer miles too for the price (looking at spending about 15-17k).

What do you guys think?

 

[80jay]

Well I have an 80 so Im going to tell you to get one, but your right the mpg sucks bad!!! I had a buddy with a 4runner he put it through hell and back and it always got him home, its that whole toyota thing!! good luck making the decision.

 

[-Spike-]

I get 10 MPG in my lifted 80. Our stock one was getting 14.5 and I expect to get more with a tune-up. Our '94 4Runner gets 17, but that's probably an older vehicle than what you're looking at.

The 4Runner is a good off-road platform, IMO. Lifted and locked, it would easily handle 4.0 rated trails- ours is relatively stock and I've taken it on a few 3-rated trails. The 80 modified is an incredible 4x4 with few competitiors, and while Toyotas in general are very well-built, they went an extra couple of miles with the Land Cruisers.

The 4Runner drives well. My biggest complaint is that it's too small for a family vehicle. The 80 drives exceptionally and has more room though still not what I would call 'spacious'. Not cramped by any means. The 80 also has way more power.

I've owned our 4Runner for 7 years and been happy with it. I recently got into the 80 Series for my trail rig, and soon after started looking for one for the wife. We're going to sell the 4Runner as soon as I dial in the 80 we purchased for her. Ultimately, obviously, I'd go with the Land Cruiser as the increased fuel consumption is offset by the reliability, comfort, and capability the 80 offers over the 4Runner.

-Spike

 

[reffug]

Do you really expect an unbiased opinion here?????

80 all the way.

 

[JimmyK]

Funny thing I also have both a 994runner and a 97 LX450 but I actual lean towards the 4runner as a mix of 90/10 for DD/off road

The Cruiser IS better 4wheeling especially when it comes to climbing big rocks and tree stumps (that front locker makes a huge difference for me), BUT I personally like dirving the 4runner more as a DD and the 4runner is MUCH easier to maneuvar on the tighter trails, the cruiser can get a little too big at times.

Also I have no family just me and the wife; so space isnt much of an issue.

The Cruiser is not as responsive on the road as the smaller 4runner is. I have a lot of deadzone in my steering on the cruiser which bugs the heck out of me, something I have to fix...

I think the 3rd gen 4runner is cheaper to own overall as well.

But if you had to ask me to choose between the two I couldnt, thats why I have both.

 

[Elijah]

80 without lift and sliders and even without lockers will do 3 and some 4 rated trails. 80 all the way.

 

[tucker74]

Both are great trucks - the 4Runner is not as stout as the Cruiser for sure. I wheeled with a locked/lifted 4Runner recently and was pretty impressed ... he ended up breaking his front diff however (thought it was a CV ... but nope). Depends on what you ultimately want to do with it -

You will spend a lot of money making a 4Runner wheel on par with a stock 80 with decent tires.

Tucker

 

[John E Davies]

Have you actually sat in an older 4Runner? They are quite cramped compared to an 80. The build quality isn't as robust either - it is obvious to the casual observer. I have always liked the looks and design, but they are way too small for me. And I'm not oversized or anything.

Sit in one before you spend any more time debating the idea. If the size is ok, then you can go from there.

John Davies
Spokane WA

 

[gnx7]

Let's say a LandCruiser averages 13mpg and a 4Runner averages 17mpg. Over a 20K mile period the difference what you would pay in gas is around $1,000 if you put the cost per gallon at $3.

If you can swallow the difference... the 80 will hold its value better and wheel better. Plus is more plush and IMO better.

 

[Tuner]

Traded my 98 4runner with 90k for a 96 LC with 180k and haven't looked back. The mpg delta isn't that great. The 4runner was not stable enough for me above 60mph, a strong gust would put it across a lane of traffic while the LC just boogies on. LC is a far more comfortable DD. Good luck whichever

 

[mickey_rubicon]

I had a 2000 4runner with the lockers and all and I totaled in a single weekend of wheeling. It never made it out of the ditch I put it in. It basically fell apart underneath. I drove my 80 in and out of that ditch multiple times the weekend after, at the same speed. There is pictures in my garage of the 4runner. I would strongly recommend an 80. More robust and capable off road than a 4runner, and more headroom, legroom. Also if the 4runner still has ISF, than it's not even a comparison. Cheers.

 

[firetruck41]

Annual fuel cost at today's prices using 12mpg for the 80 and 18mpg for the 4r:

4r: 833 gal x $2.50 per gal=$2082.50
80: 1250 gal x $2.50 per gal=$3125

that equals:
$174/mo for the 4runner
$260/mo for the 80
If you can afford the extra $86/mo for the 80, you will not be sorry.

 

[Cruiserhead05]

A quote from a previous thread on the same topic.

I think this is the best way to describe it..

Elum - "Anyway.. while the 4Runner is a good vehicle.. the FZJ80 is a Great Vehicle... one for the record books..."


link- https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=54367&highlight=record+books

 

[bamachem]

either way, you're not going to make a BAD purchase.

i have the runner, and have often thought of adding an 80 just for the hell of it...

 

[chacoetaco]

I owned a 95 LC until very recently. Now I own a 2000 4runner with elocker.

I sold my 80 for the following reasons:

- I didn’t need the substantial off-road capability. Something I realized in hindsight
- I just couldn't justify daily driver fuel costs (10mpg city drv) in consideration for the amount of off-roading it was used for
- It wasn’t all that enjoyable as a daily driver

In short, my 4runner better suits my on/off-roading desires. I will admit that I miss the additional room and increased safety the 95 LC has over my 2000 4runner.

Best of luck.

 

[Imola Red]

Oh boy lot's to think about. The size thing does bother me a little. Maybe I need to sit in a 4runner first. I'm 6'4 225lbs so I like a little room plus I have the wife and 2 kids.

Oh man my fuel costs are going to jump hugely no matter what. I got 24-25 MPG in my BMW which I just sold but it also can't drive up here in Lake Tahoe in the winter.

 

[landtank]

At 6'4" get the LC, I could use another sale

 

[fuelgeddes]

buy a mini-van. why even think about a 4 runner. The 80 has three row seating and if thats not enough buy the mini-van. toyota of course.

 

[bamachem]

I'm 6'5" and 235 and i fit in my runner fine.

A guy that wheels with us used to have a 3rd gen (98 Limited to be exact) and he's 6'10" and fit in it OK.

A second gen (1990-1995) is a good bit smaller (both width and head room) so you can't compare that to a 1996-2002 4runner for sizing.

 

[spartan]

The 4 Runner is a great " sports " truck. Legs extended outward in front of you. I barely fit in the 80. Impossible with the 4 Runner. I'm 6'3" 230#. Whatever floats your boat.

As said - I barely fit in the 80 - which is why my wife drives it all the time except when I need it.

I have to move the seats FORWARD in my Ford Excursion to reach the pedals and the seat is kinda like a Lazy Boy.