FZJ80/GX470 Comparison

[Marc311]

I noticed there are numerous people here who own or have owned both a FZJ80 and a GX. I'm wondering if I can get a real world size comparison between the two.

I still love my 80 and would keep it if I had the room. But I need a more family friendly (toddler and elderly mother) vehicle that is good on road trips. The fact of the matter is, the 80 is WAY more capable than I need. And some of the mods (285 ATs, OME) have made it less "soft.";p Heck, I've even resorted to putting the ugly running boards back on so it is easier to put the youngest in and for my mom to get in.

I know the GX has limited space in the third row, but that isn't a big issue. I've never kept the third row in my 80 anyway. However, I do plan to keep whatever vehicle I get stock.

I'm leaning toward a 100 series, but the GXs are plentiful and I can get into a newer, lower mileage example for my budget of around $20K. While I don't need the room of the 100, I would certainly use it. I just want to be sure the GX isn't a lot smaller than the 80 since I have filled that on occasion. Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Lc80series]

I had a 93 FZJ80, a 99 UZJ100 (sold to my dad so I still get to drive it), and now an 04 GX470. The GX is the smallest but not that much smaller than the 80 so size isn't that much of an issue. I don't have kids, though, so your results may vary. The GX is great to drive with the 2UZ and A750F combo but I'd say the biggest negative is the suspension. Not a fan of the airbags although they can be upgraded to springs so it's all relative. I'd say you should test drive a 100 and a GX and see what you think. If I could do it over, I think I'd wait and try to find the right 100 which is not easy since nice ones are big money and hard to find. My GX, however, is starting to grow on me. I'm sure I'll really love it once I get sliders, skids, suspension, and 33s! One thing I'll mention is to try to find an 05+ if you go the GX route. 35 more HP and Bluetooth is a big plus in my book. No Bluetooth on my 04 bugs me but that's also something that can be upgraded. Good luck with your search.

 

[IanB]

I find the rear cargo area of my GX a lot narrower than my 81 was, so it FEELS smaller back there for sure. The taller roof helps, but you have to stack stuff up high to take advantage, so almost never. The power is nice, and it drives very nicely.

I'd skip the OEM nav if I was doing it over again, it's way easier to put an aftermarket deck with the base stereo as the HVAC controls are integrated on the nav setup, and it's an old nav setup so it sucks anyways.

 

[Marc311]

Thanks for the help guys. I was hoping you would say it is closer in size the 80, but I figured it's a bit smaller. The biggest thing the GX has going for it is availability. I don't want to sell the 80 and be without a vehicle for months searching for a 100. I don't think I would be disappointed in either, but I guess I know the 100 series is probably the best fit.

Size isn't a deal killer. Heck, I had been considering an H6 Outback but figured I would just add a roof carrier for extra room. (I don't really want to try to load a roof carrier on top of a GX.) But a new Outback Limited is $30K+ and you really don't get a huge mileage benefit. I also considered the previous generation, but marketing aside, I don't think a 100K subaru holds up like a 100K LC. So I came back to my original plan of another LC.

If I do go the GX route, I should be able to afford a 2005+. I would love a non-Nav, KDSS version, but can't be searching for months. Since I will probably be financing, I'd like to sell the 80 first. But I suppose if the right 100/120 pops up I could jump on it and sell the 80 afterward.

 

[GXO]

The GX has 10 cubic feet less cargo space than a 100. Primarily because it has more people room. I had a 100 and the GX is just as comfortable with my 3 kids, wife, myself, and a few of the kids friends in the 3rd row (no leg room).

I am completely biased, but I did have an 80 and a 100.

 

[Frankencruiser]

The 80 is longer and a bit wider in back. the GX feels bigger in front, and is taller inside. The GX has much nicer road manners, power, and gets better gas mileage. I don't have the third row in either one, so I can't comment on that.

 

[Marc311]

Thanks everyone. I definitely need to get out and see a GX firsthand and give it a testdrive. I think at the very least, I won't be disappointed if I go the GX route if I can't find a suitable 100 series.

 

[Twinair]

Thanks everyone. I definitely need to get out and see a GX firsthand and give it a testdrive. I think at the very least, I won't be disappointed if I go the GX route if I can't find a suitable 100 series.

I have both and FZJ80 and a GX470. I feel both are equally capable. I do find the GX a little more refined and you can't beat the smoothness and power of the V8. The GX is a little better on fuel economy than the 80. I enjoy driving both trucks but find myself walking by the GX to hop in the 80 more times than not. Bottom line is you will be pleased with either choice BUT you WILL miss your 80 without a doubt

 

[Marc311]

Bottom line is you will be pleased with either choice BUT you WILL miss your 80 without a doubt

If I had the space I would just keep the 80. But honestly, I don't think there will be too much heartache if I get a 100 (aside from missing what has been a very good truck). My worry about the GX, in addition to the size, is whether it will seem as "overbuilt" as the 80. But I'm hoping the on road improvements of either one will outweigh any misgivings.

 

[GXO]

It is overbuilt, except for the tie rods.