Going from an fj80 to possibly a kzj78

[Roastchestnuts]

Everyone 100 series is not my cup of tea. I really appreciate the suggestion and I did ponder on it but its not for me. This is not going to be a highway vehicle all the time. we have a Subaru Forester for long trips. I don't live in a city. I am actually fotunute that I live on an island where I can literally walk everywhere if I need to. also beach driving is a thing too where I live. I am more interested in what you think of the kzj78. My 80 had the 3fe in it. and I loved it. I had a 1st gen 4runner with a 22re at one point too that I rebuilt at home. I don't mind an antique feeling car. I actually really enjoy fixing things on old cars. I also did and do all of my own maintaining and repairs. I am accustom to turning wrenches. As for jdm vehicles I am familiar with a few. my father has a dijatsu Hijet that I work on occasional as well. I understand parts can be annoying to get.

 

[OGBeno]

I’m assuming, perhaps incorrectly, that even the 1996 70 Series (legal to import) wouldn’t have the basic safety systems (airbags) of the 100 Series.

Correct. Those were not introduced until about 2015.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

@Roastchestnuts So sorry to hear about your accident, that's a traumatizing thing to go through. I'm glad you both survived.

FWIW - Just this last week I bought a low mile 1994 fzj80 stock condition - coincidentally a few days later my brother purchased a stock 1996 KZJ78. Both phsyced about our new cruisers, we took them out to a local mtn pass to compare the two rigs. The 80 definitely wins for comfort and road handling, the Prado diesel climbs quicker and is a bit peppier to drive. I could see myself owning a prado in the future, it's a fun car. But it's not as robust as the 80 and a little cramped to drive (I'm 5'11). I also have an fj60 which feels more like the fzj80, just more rudimentary. Brakes and handling are much better in the fzj80 than the fj60. If it is your main vehicle and will see a lot of road time, I'm afraid I agree with everyone else - I'd try and find a clean 100 series. It will have better brakes, better handling and more power. They can be had for less money than the Prado, an 80 and even a nice 60 series. If it's not your main vehicle, the Prado or 60 are both awesome rigs. But, I love them all.

I agree with the above that you should be able to work on these and source parts yourself.

It's true that the KZJ78 was made for just a few years. That said, the 1KZTE and A343F were produced in a ton of models and parts are available and prolific. The light duty 70 series shares a ton of parts with heavy duty 70 series. Even parts made for the brand new models are often the same as the older ones. I've never had a problem finding parts for mine. Places like Partsouq, Amayama, Megazip, Ebay etc. make it easy and fast. Use ToyoDIY and other online EPC's to find your part numbers.

Also, the A343F is a much better trans IMHO than the hydraulic A440F and A442F. I never find myself lacking for torque or power while offroad. In fact, mine is a little too jumpy from idle, and I actually turn the fuel down while offroad. Little bump of the throttle and the 35s step right up ledges etc. no problem. No high rpms needed.

Yeah I am thinking this 1kzte and a343 has got to be better than a fj80 with the 3fe and a440 with 33 inch tires.

 

[OGBeno]

Then just get the 78 and be done with it. If you don't like it, you sell it and you get a Prius and get on with life.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Then just get the 78 and be done with it. If you don't like it, you sell it and you get a Prius and get on with life.

Prius? those are fighting words. No need for hostility.

 

[OGBeno]

Prius? those are fighting words. No need for hostility.

The Prius might be the best toaster on wheels ever made.

I own one. And love it.

But, like I said, you don't want an 80, you don't want a 100, then just buy the 78 and drive it.

 

[FJ40 that green thing]

Maybe I don't fully understand why you and your fiance can't sit behind the wheel of a FJ80 anymore but I will say you won't find the KZJ78 any better than the FJ80 for US highways...maybe slower?

Wrong, the 1KZ-TE is much quicker than any stock 80 series. Speaking from personal experience and side by side comparisons up the same hill.

 

[FJ40 that green thing]

@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!

 

[Roastchestnuts]

The Prius might be the best toaster on wheels ever made.

I own one. And love it.

But, like I said, you don't want an 80, you don't want a 100, then just buy the 78 and drive it.

haha good point. Well I am going to look at it on Friday and Ill be sure to post if I buy it. And who knows I might not like it and end up with an another 80.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Wrong, the 1KZ-TE is much quicker than any stock 80 series. Speaking from personal experience and side by side comparisons up the same hill.

Yeah I was thinking the Prado has got to be quicker than my 3fe. what vehicle did you own with a 1kzte?

 

[Roastchestnuts]

If a safe vehicle is your concern, the 70 series isn't exactly the pinnacle of safety.

haha neither was a 1991 fj80. but I am looking for more or less another off road vehicle for camping and the beach. we will probably stick with my finances Subaru from here on out for long highway trips

 

[FJ73Texas]

Wrong, the 1KZ-TE is much quicker than any stock 80 series. Speaking from personal experience and side by side comparisons up the same hill.

Really? Even the 80 series with the 1FZ or 1HDT in stock form? I find that hard to believe but then I haven't driven the KZJ78.

You are just talking about the engine itself vs the 3FE?.....the 76/77/78 is a bloated huge boat of a 70 series....just like the 80 series as well.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

.. Brakes and handling are much better in the fzj80 than the fj60...

Yes, and the same can likely be said when comparing older 70 series to an 80. After going through such an accident I wouldn't want to move backwards in the safety department. If you must have a Cruiser, 100 series for sure.

 

[FJ40 that green thing]

Yeah I was thinking the Prado has got to be quicker than my 3fe. what vehicle did you own with a 1kzte?

I just bought a JDM 1996 KZJ78 Prado. 130k miles. For what I bought it for, I love it!

 

[Roastchestnuts]

@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!

This does help! I wanted to hear what somebody who drives one thought. The issue in North Carolina is finding a land cruiser that has lower miles is almost impossible now. and like you said all the matenence will be a fortune. Not saying low miles means trouble free but it certainly helps. This one I am looking at is below that price range as well. and 20 mpg is certainly better than the 10 - 12mpg I was getting before. Random but I am a fan of the Isuzu trooper. I have a friend that has one that flooded over the hood during a hurricane. all we did is replace the breaks and a few other things like the fuel filter. and it runs fine now. Although I am pretty sure it will dissolve into a rust stain in two years now. That same storm flooded my 1st gen reg cab tacoma and it still works too. anyways I got off on a tangent. thanks for your response.

 

[FJ40 that green thing]

Really? Even the 80 series with the 1FZ or 1HDT in stock form? I find that hard to believe but then I haven't driven the KZJ78.

You are just talking about the engine itself vs the 3FE?.....the 76/77/78 is a bloated huge boat of a 70 series....just like the 80 series as well.

KZJ78 isn't a bloated wagon, its more comparable to a 4runner in dimensions and weight. Feels narrower and lighter weight than the 80. I don't know about the diesel variant of the 80 series wagon, but I can tell you we just recently went up the same pass at about 7,000 feet elevation, pretty steep and long grade and the 1996 KZJ78 Prado gained at least half a mile on the 1994 FJ80 with 1FZ motor. Similar mileage and condition on the vehicles. Its a turbo diesel, maybe the higher elevation allows it to perform better, not sure but it did. Pretty fun to drive actually! 80's are awesome too in their own way.

 

[Shyrock]

Our KZJ78 Prado was originally titled in Virginia, and we had no issues registering it in North Carolina.
We hit the beach at Fort Fisher here a lot, and it does great in the sand.

 

[residualboulders]

@FJ73Texas yes @FJ40 that green thing is correct. We tested my 94 fzj80 against his KZJ78 and his climbed a steep mtn pass quicker and is more responsive on the throttle. Could be partly due to the weight of the vehicle, but he had two passengers and mine was just me and no cargo.

 

[FJ40 that green thing]

This does help! I wanted to hear what somebody who drives one thought. The issue in North Carolina is finding a land cruiser that has lower miles is almost impossible now. and like you said all the matenence will be a fortune. Not saying low miles means trouble free but it certainly helps. This one I am looking at is below that price range as well. and 20 mpg is certainly better than the 10 - 12mpg I was getting before. Random but I am a fan of the Isuzu trooper. I have a friend that has one that flooded over the hood during a hurricane. all we did is replace the breaks and a few other things like the fuel filter. and it runs fine now. Although I am pretty sure it will dissolve into a rust stain in two years now. That same storm flooded my 1st gen reg cab tacoma and it still works too. anyways I got off on a tangent. thanks for your response.

Ha! I almost bought a JDM Isuzu Bighorn turbo diesel (JDM trooper) and have owned several US troopers, they are great. I ultimately decided on the Prado because of resale value in the event I decide to move on to something else. I think the KZJ78 would be a better buy if you are keen to being involved in the maintenance and repairs when they come. Let us know if you do it.

 

[FJ73Texas]

Among the 70 series...the 78 is a bloated wagon. This comes from someone who has owned a PZJ70, FJ73 and finally the HZJ77. I can't imagine how the troopy feels.

I definitely agree with one thing for sure... any 70 series in the US should not be a sole vehicle for daily driving.