Considering FJ60/62 as Daily Driver in Austin (1 Viewer)

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Joined
Apr 4, 2017
Threads
2
Messages
12
Location
Austin
Hello,

I'm new to the group. I've been considering ditching my sedan for an FJ60 or FJ62 as my daily driver. I live in Central Austin, and my daily commute consists of about a 5 mile loop: up 35 about 2 miles to drop off kids at school, then back down Guadalupe to an office building downtown. Pretty standard in-city driving. I have a friend who had an '87 FJ60 in Colorado and he thinks it's a terrible idea for my use, so I thought I would see what this group thinks. Here are my questions:
  • The two I've been considering are both in California. The FJ60 I actually test-drove when I was out there for work. It was clean and didn't seem to have any issues. The other is an '88 FJ62. Any reason to choose one over the other? Both have around 200K miles, and both are asking about $16K.
  • Do you think I can hire a cruiser specialist out there to check them out for me? I don't really care to fly out there just to check it out, and I wouldn't know what to look for anyway. Related, does anyone know of a good cruiser specialist out there to hire to do this?
  • Is anyone in the group in Austin with an FJ62 that they'd be willing to let me check out? I've seen/driven a 60, but I haven't been in a 62. I'd love the chance to see one in person, and possibly even drive it, if you were willing.
  • Any modifications you'd recommend to make it a better city driver?

I appreciate everyone's input in advance. I look forward to being a part of your community.

Dustin

PS, here are links to the cruisers I'm considering:

FJ60: Cars for Sale: Used 1987 Toyota Land Cruiser for sale in Foothill Ranch, CA 92610: Sport Utility Details - 438370803 - Autotrader

FJ62: Cars for Sale: Used 1988 Toyota Land Cruiser for sale in Costa Mesa, CA 92627: Sport Utility Details - 454359777 - Autotrader
 
Hi, Welcome . Our family drives 40, 60, 80 and 100 series daily . We have very little but maintaince items that need fixing most of the time. The cruisers probably have saved our lives on at least 3 occasions in wrecks. We look at gas mileage as a wash to not needing our health insurance in wrecks. We get complements everywhere we go, and the cruisers are easy to find in a parking lot . However I do most of the work on our cruisers, that saves thousands of dollars and I've come to know a few things about cruisers. If your going to hire out all work on the cruiser it will probably get very expensive , if you can work on it yourself it's more financially feasible . 40 and 60 cruisers you have to clutch this can be tough in heavy traffic. Automatics have there place . My wife likes the break from clutching that our 62 and 80s provide. Daily driver...works for our family. Have fun. Mike
 
^ x2
 
Lots of traffic in Austin, and anything "F"-powered is pretty doggy in the acceleration dept. if you're needing to merge on to freeways and the like. And it will be warm in the summer for passengers in the back. I love driving these older trucks, but you have to want to, and be willing to give up many modern conveniences.
 
What 1911 said. Traffic in Austin sucks a$$. I'd get a 100 if you have kids.

If you could swing it, get a 100 as a DD and a 40/60 as a project/fun truck.
 
Hi, The traffic is so bad in Dallas you couldn't accelerate in traffic if you wanted too. Merge into traffic the guy with the old steel cruiser wins every time. Mike
 
I have a SC'd Tacoma that's my daily in Dallas. I love both my 80's, but sometimes you need acceleration to make it through traffic here. However, if I only had a 5 mile commute vs. a 30 mile commute, I'd drive the LC every day.
 
I live in Austin, I drive my 80 daily. Most of what has been said already applies, however I live up 183 about 15 miles, and commute to Mabry daily. I usually even run home at lunch. Mileage sucks, and it will for any cruiser. I dont know that I would daily a 60/62 with my commute, but with yours it would be a possibility. The AC in my truck is fine, with a good tint, and sound/heat insulation its plenty comfortable.

I know you are interested in the 60 body style, but the 80 is still more affordable and a better vehicle by every measurable yardstick. Literally twice a week someone comes up to me to talk to me about my truck, or asks if i want to sell it. So the Cruiser mystic is still there with an 80. In any case, good luck with whatever you end up with.
 

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