FJ40 as daily driver?

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MTBGUY

MTBGUY

Joined
Sep 22, 2005
Threads
23
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232
Hey there- I normally post in the 80 series section but have been lusting after a 40 series for sometime now. I don't know that much about them, but have always wanted one.

I'm thinking about selling one of my cars and buying a 40 series to use as a daily driver. I don't mind projects from time to time, and have another car I can drive if needed (the 80). But my question is:

1) is the 40 pretty reliable as a daily driver, or prone to leaving you stranded?

2) what kind of MPG does it get normally?

3) do they get stolen easily? What is insurance like?

Yeah, I know these are probably dumb questions, but I think I may buy one soon. I'm looking at some pretty nice ones on the internet that are fairly complete restorations.

Thanks!:beer:
 
1) Reliable, absolutely if maintained as you would normally.
2) MPG? Have never passed a gas station the cruiser didn't like.:)
3) Insurance is cheap, but lumped in with three other vehicles.
 
Daily Driver

Ive only had my 40 for about a month but ive driven it alot, mpg sucks(2fengine) maybe 10 to 14. Insurance is dirt cheap for me I think it is like 10 bucks a month for liability. Its a blast to drive around though.
 
You may get a lot of differing responses to this one.

But, IMHO, the FJ40 makes a poor daily driver.

* They are simple trucks but constant daily use is going to wear stuff out.
* They are not great on the highway as a commuter: poor mileage, bouncy handling, lousy aerodynamics and very noisy. Forget listing to the stereo at highway speeds.
* They are not great in city traffic.
* They could become a target for thieves if they are out and about everywhere. They are easy to break into.
* They are just not that comfortable to sit in for long periods or constant use. It gets worse the taller you are.

But, IMHO, the FJ40 makes a GREAT second or third car!

* Nice to drive around in the summer with the top off.
* Great 4x4 off-road rig, perhaps the best ever made.
* Great rig to take camping, fishing etc.
* Are more fun when driven recreationally. All the negatives I listed don't seem that bad when you are having fun.
* Superb platform if you desire to build a serious wheeling truck.

In the end it is hard to build a 40 that is great on the highway, is comfortable, is quiet, and excels on the trail. Its possible to get close but it takes cash and effort. Most 40 owners make up their mind and face the choice: is the truck going to be mainly a serious 4x4 off-road rig or is it going to be comfortable, tarmac friendly show piece that hardly ever sees any low range off-road use?

The 40 was designed more for off-road use: the early models were never designed to go 70MPH and they never really got that refined. Gas prices are already way high but they could go way higher. So, for daily driving or commuting I would buy something else. If you really want a 40 then try to mainly use it for fun: you will enjoy it way more...

Cheers,

Max
 
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been covered quite a bit in here, a search would yield many hits.


1) it's a land cruiser. it established the cruiser legend, it did'nt manage that by making people walk on a normal basis.
a 40 does'nt need WELL maintained, it just needs maintained, oil water gas.

2) when driving a 40 gas milege isn't something you really want to think about.
even when the're getting "good" milage, it's still not that great.

3) "can they be stolen easily"...yes, very easily, if somebody wants it, and has any clue about the way auto's work, your 40 is gone period.

going from an 80 to a 40 is going to be an "eye opening experience", to say the least.
they are not comfortable nor quiet. they are a absoult hoot to drive and it will get you where you want to go, rain, snow, sleet or hail.
 
I too am looking for a 40 series. I am just about finishied restoring a 60 series
for my father to use at his soon to be finished log cabin in WY. These landcruisers really do get in your blood...When we ship off the 60 I know I am going to miss this 60...I currently have an 02' forunner as my DD. I think
a 40 would be lots of fun to use recreationally, not as my DD. I am pretty
shocked by the prices I have been seeing on ebay, TLC, CCOT. I live in
central Calif. and I rarely see a fj40 anymore. I want to find a very good condition 78 or newer w/no chevy anything, just stock. Guess I better
get in line. Should have bought one 15yrs ago.
 
Yeah, me too- wish I had bought one ten years ago. Thanks for all of the responses- perhaps I'll keep the DD and just get a bigger garage for the 40!
 
There are many folks that I know that love them to death... quite a few of them ,, they are the only vehicle they own in some cases.. many bought new, 1 owners,, back as far as 1960 FJ25 model.. Several military guys w/ nothing else to drive... but what is stranger is the amount of females & gay type folks that own one... but what the hell! I live near Austin TX & everything goes here....
 
Daily Driver

I gave up the lease on my Honda Pilot in June and have been driving my FJ40 everyday since.

No top. No doors. No radio.

I love it.

The best thing about driving it everyday is when I am sitting in the drivethru line at McDonalds and my wife calls my cellphone I can just pull out over the curb and bushes before she hears where I am.
 
as far as mileage goes. stock in perfect running condition ( all restored) they get about 15 plus.

with a 5 speed conversion and tbi fuel injection and everything else stock you could be looking at gettting no less than what the new mid size suvs get ( except for anything hybrid)

mine is very reliable. haven't had a problem yet and i drive it all the time wherever. It doesn't have p/s or anything. oh i got a front disc brake conversion

I am 21 year old woman and If i say its an easy car to drive you guys should be just fine ;). Its not bad at all. I love it!

oh and my mom of 57 loves driving it around as well!
 
Reality check here...

They are terrible daily drivers, unless you like loud, bouncy, hot, fuel hungry, poor handling cars. Even well maintained, the brakes are borderline. They are prone to roll in any sort of an acident.

Bottom line-I would never have a 40 as a daily. For occasional use, and offroading they are great. As a throwback to a simpler time, they are superb.

They are, however, very reliable, even 30 or more years old. The more mods it has, the less reliable it will be. It would make a great second car, but as an only car, or a commute car, keep looking.

On the other hand, an FJ60 is more similar to a 40 than you might think, and makes a great daily driver.
 
okie said:
with a 5 speed conversion and tbi fuel injection and everything else stock you could be looking at gettting no less than what the new mid size suvs get ( except for anything hybrid)
Click to expand...




And you base this opinion on what?


How many five speed fuel injected stock six Land Cruisers have you seen, let alone owned and operated?
 
okie said:
as far as mileage goes. stock in perfect running condition ( all restored) they get about 15 plus.

with a 5 speed conversion and tbi fuel injection and everything else stock you could be looking at gettting no less than what the new mid size suvs get ( except for anything hybrid)

mine is very reliable. haven't had a problem yet and i drive it all the time wherever. It doesn't have p/s or anything. oh i got a front disc brake conversion

I am 21 year old woman and If i say its an easy car to drive you guys should be just fine ;). Its not bad at all. I love it!

oh and my mom of 57 loves driving it around as well!
Click to expand...


See I told you so......
 
Poser said:
And you base this opinion on what?


How many five speed fuel injected stock six Land Cruisers have you seen, let alone owned and operated?
Click to expand...


I know of 3.....
 
If it had P/S, A/C, Disc brakes and the top on with a decent stereo and sound deadening material installed - I wouldn't hesitate to daily drive it here in FL. But then again, my other 2 vehicles have all the amenities and well, while they have their usefulness I can't help but smile every time I get behind the wheel of my 40. If you can get a beater car and a 40 - that would be ideal. I only see the prices on decent cancer free 40's going up and up - so get one while supplies last if you can.
 
I drive my BJ41 100 miles round trip daily. Being a diesel it gets about 20 mpg, best yet was 25 mpg. Noise isn't too bad, I sprayed "Second skin" on the floor boards and firewall.

forgot I have a/c.
 
Howdy Okie-Are you really getting 15 mpg??? I'm lucky to get 12, and that's with a Jim C carb rebuild. A 40 with an EFI 350, H55f and split case would be pretty sweet, but it would still be loud, bouncy, hot etc...

You really should get power steering-it makes all the difference.
 
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