Debating with myself - keep the 80 series or move to 200 series (1 Viewer)

[White Stripe]

What makes a 200 so comfortable? My 80 with stock suspension rides pretty nice. I've driven lots of 200s, especially the lx versions. They were comfortable but it didn't seem like a 80 with some interior mods couldn't be just as comfortable.

 

[zona]

I don't own any Tommy Bahama shirts so I won't consider a 200.

Zona

 

[ppc]

I think a 200 series would be great until you have to start footing the repair bills. The oldest models are now 10 years old and will start needing more significant maintenance and repairs. What's going to happen in the next 10 years? I read the 200 series forum for several years and came to the conclusion that with all of the electronics there were a lot of reported quirks that occurred in relatively new vehicles. Can the average owner diagnose and repair those systems? I think not and the parts are not going to be cheap nor the labor. I'm going to stay with the 80 for now but may look for a later model GX470 down the road.

 

[1973Guppie]

I don't agree with others that say the 200 will do everything the 80 will. A built 80 can run the rubicon, dusy, hardest trails in moab because it has the solid axles. That being said it really does not matter if you are not in need of doing these trails. A well built 200 can do alot but it is a bigger truck. It all depends on what your needs are. I keep my 80 because it is a good medium between capability and comfort and I can run most trails I want to do.

 

[1973Guppie]

I have to say I'm surprised and disappointed in the comments posted in this thread. Three years ago my son and I switched to the Toyota platform after years with Rovers and wheeling with our local TLCA chapter (TAC). We have built Mitch an incredible 3x locked LX450 that truly is a billy goat and will take us anywhere we ask it to go. Of late, we have discovered Overlanding and are putting our focus and resources to that sport rather than the rock climbing around here in the Midwest. On our last trip to Silverton/Ouray we were joined by a 100 and 200 which went up, down, and through every pass, river, obstacle, etc. that all the 80s conquered without any difficulties or challenges. To say that either the 200 or 100 aren't true Landcruisers is a little offensive but do agree that the 80's locked SAs can go places that the IFS 100/200 cannot.

I don't recall reading the OP's specific missions or terrain he intends to utilize his rig in so as far I know the 200 could be the perfect match for him and his family. Since our last trip to CO, I have built up a 100 to serve our purposes better in Overlanding knowing full well that it is not as capable as a locked 80 in extreme environments but it will provide a much more comfortable platform for our specific missions without sacrificing utility or obstacle clearance. I do agree that dimensionally the 100/200 platforms are considerably wider than the 80 not just on paper but also due the the 80's flares make the width comparison even more dramatic. With the flare width considered the 100/200 rigs will see side panel contact on narrow trails that the 80 might just graze a flare. With respect to weight, Mitch's 80 weighs 6,380 lbs as configured and our new 100 6,070 lbs but does not have a swing-out rear bumper, roof rack, belly armor or drawer system yet...both are heavy pigs compared to the Jeeps we wheel with around here. Build quality between the platforms has a lot more to do than simply the materials utilized. The engineering strides has placed each of these three generations in completely different universes. Where a 10 lb piece of cast iron thng-a-ma-jig was needed on an 80 and replaced by a paperclip on a newer rig doesn't necessarily call out a build quality issue. I have yet to identify a part on my 100 or my best friends 200 that doesn't appear to be engineered and built to outlast my ownership or for that matter any conceivable period of time but again, my mission with this platform isn't rock-crawling.

From a road/daily-driver stand point, I've yet to meet an 80 owner that finds it to be their dream rig...just acceptable. Yes it makes me smile when Mitch lets me drive his 80 and I do get a lot of attention but even with the Audi S5 seat swap and 4.88s w/ 35s its tiresome to be so limited on power. S/Cs, turbos & engine swaps help a lot and we have considered an LQ9 for his as our next project but it still will be an 80 at the end of the day on the street. We trailer Mitch's 80 to most destinations and the 100/200 makes driving 16hrs to CO to play a little more palatable and efficient. I like the idea of multiple cruisers for various missions but this is not always practical or possible for many of us. We have found ourselves in the situation of what to send Mitch away to college in this coming fall. He resisted the idea like most of the responders here about leaving the 80 for a newer generation but after driving the 100 for a three day weekend last week he has already asked if he can trade me when the time comes as it will perform commuting duties more comfortably. We find ourselves contemplating if we will return to rock crawling local on trails/parks or leave that permanently as we explore the country overlanding. Like the OP, we will keep both for now but likely we will sell the 80 as the practicality of keeping such a built rig to use a couple times a year really isn't fair to it as it should probably find a home that will use it for what it was built for.

At the end of the day, I'm a believer in buying and building a rig for your mission. I have a Swiss Army knife in my tool box but a I carry a single blade Kershaw in my pocket everyday...handles 99% of My needs for what I use it for.

View attachment 1587164

it just depends on how robust of a swiss army knife you need. Honestly most "overlanding" can be done in a honda civic. If you want a truck that can play in the "overlanding" world and can tackle 9 out of 10 trails out there then there is no comparison between the 80 and the 200. Reality is most people only need their trucks to do the most basic 4x4 stuff and fireroads, etc. Personally I spend the time and $$ to keep my 80 because I know it is comfortable for the mild trails, which is what i am usually running, but I can take it on harder trails if I end up at cruise moab or the rubithon the following year. That versatility is what keeps me motivated to keep it running and loved.

 

[1973Guppie]

What makes a 200 so comfortable? My 80 with stock suspension rides pretty nice. I've driven lots of 200s, especially the lx versions. They were comfortable but it didn't seem like a 80 with some interior mods couldn't be just as comfortable.

exactly, my 80 is very comfortable, I don't understand when people complain about them, I guess it may be because i drove a leaf sprung fj40 from 16 year old for many years, compared to that it is a cadillac.

 

[Kernal]

FWIW. I recently plunked down $5000 for a (second) FZJ80, 97 model (unlocked). It's a survivor, stock, original tire size, unmolested, two owner, rust free, creampuff, mall cruiser. Even though it's a close twin (same int/ext colors) to my current 80 (Locked 96 model) I just couldn't see it being destroyed by some kid (who was next in line to buy it) so I grabbed it. Did some basic pm (the fluids except engine oil and coolant appeared to be original) and parked it in the garage (I need a bigger garage). Would I like more power, yes. Would I prefer a quieter cabin, yes. Would I like a back-up camera and Satellite radio, yes (working in it). But still, there's something about driving an 80 series that I don't get from other vehicles.

So my vote is; buy the 200 (if that's what you want) and keep the 80, at least until you've lived with the 200 for awhile.

 

[ranma21]

Both vehicles are great, 80 sure has character!! The 200 is just better in almost every way for most of us unless you tackle hardcore rock climbing trail all the time otherwise the 200 is super.

I have both and recently acquired a 100 too just to save it from rotten away. My 11 201 drives like s dream, looking forward to drive every single time and truely enjoy it. So far no surprise except usual oil change and recently brakes job. Go for it if you like it!

 

[weejub]

exactly, my 80 is very comfortable, I don't understand when people complain about them, I guess it may be because i drove a leaf sprung fj40 from 16 year old for many years, compared to that it is a cadillac.

Even for on-road, I prefer the LX with the Slee 4" to my Tundra with the plush and comfortable new 6112 coilovers. I don't think IFS gets any better than the 6112 Bilsteins with the Dever rear AAL in terms of comfort on road - and that is still not as nice as the LX450 imho. Now the Tundra has a big bed a V8 and more room in the cabin . . I also don't want to just rack up the miles on the LX.

 

[LS1FJ40]

From a road/daily-driver stand point, I've yet to meet an 80 owner that finds it to be their dream rig...just acceptable.

We should meet up sometime. I get down to KC half a dozen times a year. @BILT4ME is in the KC area as well. FWIW my 80s are my "dream rig". I bought my 92 when I was 16, 25+ years ago. I picked up my 93, 18 months ago. I've owned a fair list of other people's "dream cars". I've sold them all and still have my 80.

I don't own any Tommy Bahama shirts so I won't consider a 200.

Zona

Tommy Bahama is the requirement for 100s? I thought the requirement for 200s was something more along these lines...

 

[Dragos80]

How the infotainment system on the 200 series?
The reason I ask is the one on Lexus GS (new ones) is just awful. I hate it. Designed as an afterthought and probably to avoid any patent issue with other brands.
Navigation is bad, switching between radio, satellite, navigation, phone, messages, address input, storing radio stations and all the rest of the menus is so overly complicated it's unbelievable.

My wife hates it so much she wants to give up the car all together.

Now, is it anything like the stupid Lexus?
I've been considering doing the same thing 80 to 200.

 

[Formulaonehd]

How the infotainment system on the 200 series?
The reason I ask is the one on Lexus GS (new ones) is just awful. I hate it. Designed as an afterthought and probably to avoid any patent issue with other brands.
Navigation is bad, switching between radio, satellite, navigation, phone, messages, address input, storing radio stations and all the rest of the menus is so overly complicated it's unbelievable.

My wife hates it so much she wants to give up the car all together.

Now, is it anything like the stupid Lexus?
I've been considering doing the same thing 80 to 200.

Don't go the 200 unless you are happy to never work on the car yourself. Electronic everything, expensive everything. Stick with 80s/100s

 

[Dragos80]

Computer on wheels? I hate that. Had enough of it.

 

[Formulaonehd]

Computer on wheels? I hate that. Had enough of it.

Yeh i turned down a 200 and bought a 105 series to go with the 80 so i could work on them both myself and proven reliability second to none

 

[tominboise]

I don't know about the infotainment system on the lexus but the LC I bought isn't too bad. I was able to program my radio stations without a lot a trouble. I don't typically use the nav but it seems OK. I would rate it overall as OK and not a deal breaker.

Computer on wheels - probably. They all are any more and even the later 80 series have an ECU. Not sure that much work will be required on the computer controls. In the meantime, I am going to install sliders and lift myself. Including upper control arms. Plan on adding a Harrup elocker to the rear axle. Oil changes and fluid changes are doable. The plugs need replaced at 120k miles. I'll probably pay someone to do it.

 

[TXBruiser]

We should meet up sometime. I get down to KC half a dozen times a year. @BILT4ME is in the KC area as well. FWIW my 80s are my "dream rig". I bought my 92 when I was 16, 25+ years ago. I picked up my 93, 18 months ago. I've owned a fair list of other people's "dream cars". I've sold them all and still have my 80.



Tommy Bahama is the requirement for 100s? I thought the requirement for 200s was something more along these lines...

View attachment 1588025

I think you mean more like this

With that said, if my wife wanted to sell the GX470 for a 200.... I wouldn't hesitate. But she prefers the smaller size of the GX. I would NOT get rid of my 80 for one though.

 

[LS1FJ40]

I think you mean more like this

View attachment 1602050

With that said, if my wife wanted to sell the GX470 for a 200.... I wouldn't hesitate. But she prefers the smaller size of the GX

GX470 to 200 is a no brainer.

 

[ranma21]

Don't go the 200 unless you are happy to never work on the car yourself. Electronic everything, expensive everything. Stick with 80s/100s

100 is pretty much equipped with bunch of ECUs and electronics as well just like 200. Petrol 80 has some electronics in the systems. Diesel 80 or 105 diesel is another story. Most common problems or I should say wear and tear items on 200 are radiator, starter, water pump, or cam tower leak. Otherwise not much issues.

 

[Formulaonehd]

100 is pretty much equipped with bunch of ECUs and electronics as well just like 200. Petrol 80 has some electronics in the systems. Diesel 80 or 105 diesel is another story. Most common problems or I should say wear and tear items on 200 are radiator, starter, water pump, or cam tower leak. Otherwise not much issues.

True... however there are far more complications in a 200 compared to a 100 or even a petrol/gas 80. I have mates here who have gone through heartache at the wallet due to excessive costs with electronics and the severe lack of room and practicality with the mechanical design and layout on the 200. Take for instance the transmission. Any issue there will nearly wind up with the need to remove the tranny completely. It is not uncommon to have people 'limp' home from miles away due to a simple faulty sensor which would otherwise just light up on your dash in the 80s/100s

 

[DSRTRDR]

I don't own any Tommy Bahama shirts so I won't consider a 200.

Zona