Cherokee v. 70 series

[gobabcock]

Okay - I'm sure this subject has been covered a hundred times, but I'm not finding much in my searches, so my apologies to those who've seen this tread too many times..... but,

I driven a number of Jeep Cherokees over the years and I currently own a 92. However I also own a 83 LC, and now my dear wife has decided one has to go (i know, i know, but there's no point arguing) So, while this is a basis place to ask - which should it be?

Basically, I love the LC, but I find it hard to argue with the practicality of the Cherokee. The LC has 249k, the jeep 160k. I've had two Cherokees that made it over the 300k mark, and while there are more repairs along the way, they do seem to be cheaper in parts. Also, in the hp (125 v 190), torque (200 v 225) and mpg (12 v 18) department, the jeep has the LC beat, not to mention, the LC is rusting out. The jeep is auto, which I hate and the LC manual. Both have a few drips of oil, but don't burn it. Help convince me of the LC's merits, particularly that the LC will outlast the Cherokee in the long run. Also, as far as use for each about 80% on road, deep snow, cold weather commute, 20% offroad, though both are fairly stock. A lot of dirt road use. Thanks -

 

[projectcruiser]

You own a 1992 Cherokee and it hasnt rusted through? I think there should be a medal for that.

But seriously, Theyre totally different vehicles, I consider the Cherokee a car, its a unibody, its tiny, I know guys that have had them, done a lift, and when they flex, doors start popping open and glass starts breaking.

The cruiser is always going to be worth more, especially if its in good shape.

 

[Mark_kzj78]

your asking that question on an LC forum...!!!

 

[PhrogsPhorever]

The 70 series started in '84, what model do you have?

If it's a wagon type, it's prolly a 60 series, great truck.

 

[cicak]

you posted this on a Landcruiser forum.

hahaha I wheel with both and yes I owned a XJ Cherokee once.

I towed a XJ last weekend for 10 hours. Story coming.

THere is no comparison a 7* Toyota walks rings round a XJ cherokee anyday anytime any conditions unless it comes to being useless in the jungle sorrry but the XJ excells at this.

 

[gobabcock]

Okay, I'm getting the general opinion. And, my mistake, I am referring to an FJ60, not 70 series. Basically, I'll rephrase - given the FJ60 is ten years older, has an extra 100k and is really starting to rust out (though the frame is still fine), is it worth hanging onto or am I better off sticking with the Jeep and finding a younger FJ? Also, most of what I use the vehicles for is some off road, but nothing extreme, more than anything it is very, very remote - so, reliability is a very big factor. Also, mpgs really do make a difference.

 

[PhrogsPhorever]

No problem mate, and in regards to the OP, all depends on what you want.

Based on what you have said, I'd sell both and pick up a good mid/late 90s 4-Runner. You'll get the Yota quality, but get a little better mileage, ride, and the and creature comforts that a newer car will give you.

A newer cruiser will be heavier duty and probably have less rust, but they are heavy trucks, so you will still get low-mid teens on MPG. A '95ish 4Runner will get mid-high teens maybe low 20s depending on year, and decent in stock form for light wheeling

 

[Volcano cruiser]

Okay, I'm getting the general opinion. And, my mistake, I am referring to an FJ60, not 70 series. Basically, I'll rephrase - given the FJ60 is ten years older, has an extra 100k and is really starting to rust out (though the frame is still fine), is it worth hanging onto or am I better off sticking with the Jeep and finding a younger FJ? Also, most of what I use the vehicles for is some off road, but nothing extreme, more than anything it is very, very remote - so, reliability is a very big factor. Also, mpgs really do make a difference.

In these types of discussions I always start here, how many 30 year old Jeeps do you see still doing their intended duty day in and day out versus how many Landcruisers. I pass 30 year old Cruisers doing exactly what they were made and desgined for everyday here. The few Jeeps that I come accross that have the same age are all being lovingly restored but will never see any of that heavy duty again. In terms of durability no argument, keep your cruiser. I have owned a Cherokee, it didn't make it past 110K miles before the engine blew. The first car that ever really left me on the side of the road.
That being said, you have to figure out what also makes economic sense. If your cruiser is rusting out all over, what will it cost you to get the cancer cut out and get her into servicable, reliable shape for the long haul? Now match that cost up against the cost of a newer cruiser or 4runner. For me, if I have a vehicle that I have confidence in and that I know, I would rather fix what ails it right, really swap out bad parts for new ones not stuff from the junkyard etc than start on a journey with an unknown rig, unknown repair and maintance history etc.

No problem mate, and in regards to the OP, all depends on what you want.

Based on what you have said, I'd sell both and pick up a good mid/late 90s 4-Runner. You'll get the Yota quality, but get a little better mileage, ride, and the and creature comforts that a newer car will give you.

A newer cruiser will be heavier duty and probably have less rust, but they are heavy trucks, so you will still get low-mid teens on MPG. A '95ish 4Runner will get mid-high teens maybe low 20s depending on year, and decent in stock form for light wheeling

I like the 4 runners enough that when my kids are each ready for something I'm getting them 4 runners. They love my 40 but for the needs of my 20 somethings, the 4runner fits the bill.

In sum, my .02, sell the Jeep. Keep the cruiser if you can cure the cancer and get her into reliable shape for less than the cost of a recently used 4 runner. If you can't justify the costs of getting the 60 series cruiser back into shape, sell both the Jeep and the 60 series cruiser and get yourself a more recent 4runner with the sale proceeds. I like the 4 runners off road. While they have a bigger keyster than my 40 series they still manuver well in tight spots.

 

[romey]

92 jeep will prolly sell for half of what the 83 fj60 will get...and yet it's 10 years older. assuming someone will even want to buy it... if somebody does, put it in the 60.

want inspiration to keep the 83fj60?

Worldrecordtour, Index, Start, Begin, Overview, Guinness Book of World Records, Toyota, LandCruiser, Emil Schmid, Liliana Schmid

this couple started their world tour in 84 with an 82fj60...it finally needed a rebuild after close to a million k's! world record holder for most distance, most countries travelled by vehicle.

i think it'd be more helpful if we saw how bad the rust is on the 60?

cheers.

 

[gotoy]

Worldrecordtour, Index, Start, Begin, Overview, Guinness Book of World Records, Toyota, LandCruiser, Emil Schmid, Liliana Schmid

this couple started their world tour in 84 with an 82fj60...it finally needed a rebuild after close to a million k's! world record holder for most distance, most countries travelled by vehicle.

i think it'd be more helpful if we saw how bad the rust is on the 60?

cheers.

This couple and their vehicle passed through Malaysia about 4years ago. I actually met them in Kuala Lumper. They had a few repairs done, exhaust and a few engine parts.

I loved their door locks....padlocks!

 

[ducatiman81211]

yep, ultimate road trip; they never went back home!

I have followed these 2 also for over 10 years now~ Hearty setup, and now they are even visiting smaller islands! Amazing story.

 

[Eric Winkworth]

I've seen cherokee's do things first hand I can say without a doubt my 100hp diesel land cruiser couldn't do. That being said it's a uni body truck, with more little ticks than I care to list. The death of it was pulling a samuri in from the woods and ripping the entire rear sub frame which the gas tank came with, right out on the ground! We broke the link setup in the front suspension, countless U joints and a diff. They're a fun truck to buy cheap and abuse. I can still faintly hear the sound of the tower of power bouncing off the rev limiter before the rad blew, then the main seal, it was only a minute or so more before she was silent. lol. but it's still just a heep!

 

[Devils Paw 80]

92 jeep will prolly sell for half of what the 83 fj60 will get...and yet it's 10 years older. assuming someone will even want to buy it... if somebody does, put it in the 60...

Good advice. If someone doesn't want to buy it, perhaps your wife would be satisfied to store it until the cruiser rusts out. Neither vehicle is likely to get much, so it doesn't make much sense to sell either one if you're trying to be frugal. Where in AK?