Nothing but decent LC's to play with.
No doubt the FJC is quicker/faster/stronger with the V6 than the in-line 6. I'm planning a re-gear for the FZJ80 also, it made so much of a difference in the FJC, ti seems silly not to do it with the 80 also...
FJC V. 80 series
- Thread starter Boone
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Nothing but decent LC's to play with.
No doubt the FJC is quicker/faster/stronger with the V6 than the in-line 6. I'm planning a re-gear for the FZJ80 also, it made so much of a difference in the FJC, ti seems silly not to do it with the 80 also...
FJC vs. 80 series
As a former owner of a 80 series I can say that they are about the same in room. My 80 had the folding seats which took up some room. My fj is great.....enuff room back there. You just need to check one out @ the dealer. I would suggest you buy the Team Trails edition. Then mod the hell out of it> haha
As a former owner of a 80 series I can say that they are about the same in room. My 80 had the folding seats which took up some room. My fj is great.....enuff room back there. You just need to check one out @ the dealer. I would suggest you buy the Team Trails edition. Then mod the hell out of it> haha
I've never owned an 80 but after borrowing Woody's I agree tough choice so I want one of each.
I own an 80. It is a 91 with the 3fe. I have test driven a few FJC as well. With the 80 you get far, far better visibility. Stronger components, and more room and weight capacity. You also get, assuming you get a 1fz, problematic head gasket, rougher ride, less power and worse mpg.
The FJC, is a new(er) vehicle, requires less maintenance. Which is a big thing unless you have a garage and the willingness to work on the 80 periodically. Less visibility, more power. It is a good ride for a young guy.
If I had the money to spend right now, I would buy an FJC. Its nice having a newer vehicle that requires less maintenance and has more on road performance. That said, I love my 80 and like driving it.
If Toyota would make a new 80 under 40k it would be no contest. Actually the '10 4runner is really close to an 80 now...
My advice would be to buy an 80 and spend the money you save on a super charger, lift, gears, tires ect.
The FJC, is a new(er) vehicle, requires less maintenance. Which is a big thing unless you have a garage and the willingness to work on the 80 periodically. Less visibility, more power. It is a good ride for a young guy.
If I had the money to spend right now, I would buy an FJC. Its nice having a newer vehicle that requires less maintenance and has more on road performance. That said, I love my 80 and like driving it.
If Toyota would make a new 80 under 40k it would be no contest. Actually the '10 4runner is really close to an 80 now...
My advice would be to buy an 80 and spend the money you save on a super charger, lift, gears, tires ect.
I sure wouldn't characterize a problem that happens well after 100,000 miles on some engines a "problimatic head gasket"
Even if you had the problem you can get it fixed for 2-3 monthly payments on a FJC.
That being said, my FJC has been 100% problem free for 60,000 miles.
Then again, my 80 was 100% problem free for that long as well.
Even if you had the problem you can get it fixed for 2-3 monthly payments on a FJC.
That being said, my FJC has been 100% problem free for 60,000 miles.
Then again, my 80 was 100% problem free for that long as well.
I just wanted to share that I am having this same debate right now with myself!! Not sure which rig is in the lead right now, but I found a really good deal on an FJC, and I am very tempted to put my 80 on the block!!
Keep the opinions coming, it might help me decide!!
Keep the opinions coming, it might help me decide!!
The way I see it, the 80 is a great truck if you are capable of doing the baseline maintenance and upkeep work yourself, or if you have a reputable shop nearby and don't mind paying a premium to have the work done correctly on an older vehicle most mechanics don't understand. The FJC is nice if you don't have the time/interest/ability to do the work since it is a current model and the dealerships have some idea of how to work on them. If you do your own work, there shouldn't be much to do as it is a newer vehicle.
There have been times when I wished I had an FJC instead of my 80 so I wouldn't have to spend as much time working on my truck (lying on my back in a gravel driveway) but now that I have caught up on the neglect of previous owners I am quite happy with my 80. The interior volume is bigger, visibility is better, I don't have all those electronic nanny's beeping at me, and I find it really easy to work on since that is how it was designed to be (world wide sales vs NA dealer network).
They are both great trucks, but for my needs/wants/uses/lifestyle/finances/whatever, the 80 is a great fit. The FJC (or maybe the new 4Runner) would be decent alternatives though.
There have been times when I wished I had an FJC instead of my 80 so I wouldn't have to spend as much time working on my truck (lying on my back in a gravel driveway) but now that I have caught up on the neglect of previous owners I am quite happy with my 80. The interior volume is bigger, visibility is better, I don't have all those electronic nanny's beeping at me, and I find it really easy to work on since that is how it was designed to be (world wide sales vs NA dealer network).
They are both great trucks, but for my needs/wants/uses/lifestyle/finances/whatever, the 80 is a great fit. The FJC (or maybe the new 4Runner) would be decent alternatives though.
- Thread starter
- #50
Ok folks i decided that the 80 with the 1fz is the truck for me. I drove a few more fjc and then drove a couple 80's. Getting back into an 80 was really what i needed, i didnt realize how much i missed it. and the pwer that the 1fz had was refreshing compared to my 3fe.
Cool. There are a few nice ones on the market in our area. Don't forget to post up pics on the 80 section and as you get it built to meet your needs...
I did the exact opposite today... I drove an 07 FJC in a 6MT and LOVED IT!! I think I'm going to put my 80 on the block after Christmas sometime and see what I can get for it!!
I think I would prefer the 5AT, but I won't let it be a deal breaker either way!!
CRAP!!
I think I would prefer the 5AT, but I won't let it be a deal breaker either way!!
CRAP!!
- Thread starter
- #53
Hey mtbcoach, yeah i have posted a bunch of stuff over in the 80's section from the time when i had the first one, lots of good info over there... As far as the deals in our area would you mind pm-ing me some links, i've been checkin some stuff out but havent found too much...
Thanks!
Hey kupp, to each his own, both trucks are awesome and i really wish i could have both but i DONT have the funds... too bad i'm not up in the great white north or i might take you up on your truck.
Thanks!
Hey kupp, to each his own, both trucks are awesome and i really wish i could have both but i DONT have the funds... too bad i'm not up in the great white north or i might take you up on your truck.
Ya totally.. I've had mine a couple of years, and am just thinking I'd like an upgrade... not saying for sure it's gonna happen, but one day it will, and it will be an FJC!!
I'd head over into the Olde North State Cruiser section of mud here and post up what you are looking for. There are a whole bunch of Craig's List hounds who post up whenever they find anything local.
You've got to be quick though, there are some dogs also that try to snap things up right away. And, if you find anything in another area, just post up and ask one of our members to check it out for you for a report...
- Thread starter
- #57
Just to resolve my thread and to help anyone that might search this post in the future....
I decided to pull the trigger on a 97 80 series. After lots of thought and test drives i feel i made a good decision (not to discount the FJC but for me it didnt fit as well).
The 4.5 I6 does not have as much power as the FJC but the power difference that it has over the 3fe is incredible. Since i live in the mountains power is important, i can now pull hills that would cause me to shift down into second (with the 3fe) with ease (with the 1fze). The truck stays in 4th or OD much more of the time.
I have a little more space inside which was also important because i haul a lot of fishing gear and sometimes take clients out fishing.
The vision is also better but that is no secret and is just something one would have to get used to.
I'd also like to say thanks for everyones help, yal helped a lot! Thanks for everyone in the FJC crowd catering to me.
I decided to pull the trigger on a 97 80 series. After lots of thought and test drives i feel i made a good decision (not to discount the FJC but for me it didnt fit as well).
The 4.5 I6 does not have as much power as the FJC but the power difference that it has over the 3fe is incredible. Since i live in the mountains power is important, i can now pull hills that would cause me to shift down into second (with the 3fe) with ease (with the 1fze). The truck stays in 4th or OD much more of the time.
I have a little more space inside which was also important because i haul a lot of fishing gear and sometimes take clients out fishing.
The vision is also better but that is no secret and is just something one would have to get used to.
I'd also like to say thanks for everyones help, yal helped a lot! Thanks for everyone in the FJC crowd catering to me.
Congrats, no doubt the 97 FZJ80's are a great rig and glad it fits well into your needs. Just post up a pic to finish the thread off for all to see...
Good score, thanks for sharing. And, yes, it is too friggin cold to be in NC...
