FJ60/62 vs. HJ61 Buying Decision

[Tyler Ulmer]

Hello all - I am totally new and inexperienced with LC's but have recently gotten the bug and I'm looking to buy one. My sister recently bought an '87 FJ60 and a coworker has several different LC's, and I love them. I have been shopping around for a while and have talked with some folks about the different models, and I've become torn between which model I want. I'm looking for advice and pros/cons before I pull the trigger on one. I know I want a 60/61/62 series based on my needs and the style of the rigs. I prefer old/classic cars that will hold value rather than depreciate non-stop like a new truck. It will be my daily driver at least for the immediate future; but work, home, and play are all in a very short radius for me (plus I have a motorcycle and my wife's car if mine ever needs work). I'm not afraid of a truck that needs some work/cleaning up, but I'm also open to finished builds.

Here's the thoughts I have based on my limited knowledge and the stuff I've read in my research. I'd love some help deciding, and didn't see anyone on here address this directly.

FJ60/62:
Pros -
More common, thus easier to find parts and work on and more available on the market
More affordable compared to imports/diesels
Left hand drive - This doesn't really matter to me, but wasn't sure if it mattered if I ever wanted to sell it (hopefully I won't ever need to)

Cons -
MPG (compared to diesel, but I live in SC where gas is currently $1.79/gal)
4 speed - Slower?


HJ61:
Pros - Diesels last forever
MPG
Power
Rarity (for the cool points)
Seem to be more options (power windows, sunroof, etc.)

Cons-
Rarity (as far as finding parts, work)
Diesel - I know almost nothing about diesel engines
RHD- Again, doesn't bother me personally, but may hurt resale. Also, is it harder to find interior parts/accessories for refurbishing the interior?

Questions I have:
1. Other than engine/drivetrain, are most other parts and fitments the same? I.e. Suspension, aftermarket accessories, etc.
2. Is RHD a big deal?
3. How hard are Diesel parts for these rigs to find these days?

Here are a couple I've found and been watching:

'86 HJ61 in pretty good shape:
https://www.japandirectmotors.com/toyota-1986-landcruiser-60-white.html

'84 FJ60 in immaculate condition:
1984 Toyota Land Cruiser | eBay

 

[erse]

Well you have lots of threads here to read for more insightful comments than I can give you but...

Your basic pros/cons are fairly accurate I think.
Depending on what your intended use and budget are I would probably go HJ61 if you truly do not care about the RHD. The guys that own those rigs seem to love them and that engine has many advantages over the stock gas rigs.

In terms of resale you may find the market is smaller for the RHD but not so much that you wouldn't be able to offload it if need be. However any niche vehicle will definitely take a little longer to sell in most cases.

In terms of cost to own I cannot give you real world info but perhaps direct contact with another hj owner might shed some light? @Mr Tibbs or others may be able to speak to that?

Word of caution on the diesel japanese trucks. I was advised that many of them were used in the north of the country as farm vehicles. Rust can be an issue for them so make sure it is thoroughly inspected before you make any deal. That one you posted looks pretty good but pictures can be deceiving and I have not heard of that company before.

Now having said all of that for balance I have to say there is no better place to start as beginner than a regular old fj60. It does have speed and MPG limitations as you mention but they are amazing vehicles. Easy to work on, great to look at and they get under your skin quickly. Their resale value is holding or climbing depending on the day and who you talk to so unless you pick poorly you are not likely to lose your shirt.

Now having said all of that! the one you posted is overpriced IMO. No disrespect to the seller if they are a member here but I believe you could get a comparable rig or better for less. Again just my opinion and full disclosure I do not claim to expert in anything let alone land cruiser appraisal.

Good luck in your search

 

[Shes Mad]

I've had both, FJ60 and RHD diesel. The only drawback to me on the diesel was the 24v and
Parts sourcing. Parts were always available, but not like just going to NAPA and picking them up. You are usually down for quite a few days. If you cant do your own work, you have to find someone who knows Toyota diesel cruisers. Anybody can figure out the FJ60

 

[Skniper]

IMO having a RHD vehicle in a left side world for a daily driver would really start to suck. Maybe fun and unique for a weekender but not too practical.
Resale on that would be a very niche market. Very cool truck though.

 

[drenmaster]

I have an 87 HJ61 and it's awesome. Sure RHD is a little inconvenient at times but you get used to it. As far as parts yea it can be difficult and you can expect to wait but that's pretty much just internal engine parts . Doubt you will have many engine related issues on a 12ht as long as you service it correctly and check the valves I have had zero issues and don't see any in the future since it only has 70k miles on it. Most of the other parts are the same steering box would be different and the mirrors can be a pain if you need to replace them due to the convex in the wrong side than us models . There is so much info online about getting other parts that fit an work that it's not too bad. These things are really reliable to begin with if properly maintained. Napa has all the oil air and fuel filters for it too.

The 12ht is a beast with the h55f and 4.10 gears. cruises down the highway so good and I can still pass anywhere I want . Get about 20mpg even more if I drive like a grandpa. Oh yea the sound of the 12ht should sell you on it haha.

24v system sucks for finding bulbs but radios and other accessories can be run with a 24v to 12v converter. Most of them coming from Japan have them installed.

The only issue I had was slave cylinder went out and the speedometer cable needed replaced but no other problems. I don't see reselling being an issue. Yea it's a rare vehicle but wait a little and a buyer will come get it.

Let me know if you have any questions. America missed out on this never being sold here .