@Roastchestnuts Like residualboulders said above, the 80 is more planted and solid feeling on the highway. I'm the brother, the Prado is a fun little whip but feels more like a 90's 4runner (quicker with the turbo diesel and more nimble) than the big heavy 80 or 100 series would feel like at higher speeds. If I was to choose to be in an accident in either, it would be the 80 or 100 series rather than the Prado. KZJ78 is going to be more unique and I like that but that comes with some drawbacks, parts are available globally as the 1KZ-TE engine was widely used for a decade or more in the Prado, Surf and probably some other vehicles. You'll just need to plan ahead with maintenance and have a backup if its ever down for repairs and parts delay. Having owned a handful of cruisers myself, I think they all have their virtues but I will say I am loving the new to me KZJ78 so far, efficient (20-24 mpg) quick, solid axles, comfortable but not as roomy and planted on the road as the other more modern cruisers. I looked for an 80 or 100 when shopping as well but it is very difficult and expensive to find anything desireable with low enough miles that you won't be spending a small fortune on repairs just to baseline it. The JDM Prados have been historically less expensive and much less mileage than most 80 series in the US but that is changing. JDM import prices have recently been climbing substantially so if you go for it, $18-22k should be the price range and you should be ok. The Prado doesn't feel antiquated to me compared to an 80 but does feel a little lightweight when you compare the 2. This vehicle was made in the 90's to compete with the mitsubishi montero, isuzu trooper and other similar vehicles and it is very reminiscent of those vehicles. Dobinson does have just about any accessory you could want for it and much of the ARB stuff for the current 70 series works on it as well, the cab part of the body is still pretty much identical. Hope that helps!
