HJ61 Questions

[btfury]

I'm new here and have a few questions regarding HJ61s. I currently drive a 2000 Jeep Cherokee XJ with 5in of lift, 32s and a bunch of other goodies, and am starting to think about getting a Cruiser instead.

I love my Jeep, but I read something about the HJ61 series Cruisers getting around 25 mpg. I would also love to be able to run biodesel. Basically, I love the idea of being able to drive one of the most capable off road vehicles ever made and still get fairly good mileage...

I've got a few questions.

1. Can they really get around 25mpg?
2. Do they make good daily drivers?
3. Could I find one in good enough condition for me to drive it daily for under 10k?

I'm a college student so I don't have a lot of money, and it would be my only vehicle... So I'm just trying to see if this would be a smart move. I wouldn't want to trade my reliable XJ in for something that I'm going to have to spend a ton of money on just to be able to drive it every day...

Also, how does the HJ61 (or any 60 series cruiser, for that matter) compare to a Cherokee?

Thanks!

 

[FJ40Jim]

What country are you in? HJ61 was not sold in North America.

 

[Hovenator]

My guess is Canada. JDM truck. We can import them... for now.

 

[btfury]

Maybe its not the HJ61 that I'm thinking of then... Whatever the diesel version of the FJ60 was.

 

[In2cruisers]

4cyl = BJ-60
6cyl = HJ-60

 

[GM60]

Maybe its not the HJ61 that I'm thinking of then... Whatever the diesel version of the FJ60 was.

HJ60 is 6 cyl indirect injection 2H engine. (no turbo)

HJ61 is 6 cyl direct injection factory turbo 12HT engine.

Yes, 25 mpg (imp) is possible, but depends on how the vehicle is being used.

 

[btfury]

How easy to find are HJ60s?

 

[RockDoc]

Where are you located? That makes all the difference.

 

[marting]

Yeah...makes all the difference... If you live in Norway there are about 5 or 6 of them on the biggest used-car websites.. ranging from 2500$ to 15000$.. But my guess is you are in USA they were never sold there because of cheap gas...and this makes it a bit harder...
It also seems (atleast from where I'm looking) that the interrest for diesel-cruisers have exploded over there now, due to higher fuel-price..and this makes it even harder..

Good luck diesel is the way to go.. 25mpg no problem on highway driving.. Good for daily driver,, weeeell.. that is a matter of opinion. I use it like that and I like it. It's pretty noisy..5 gears is recommended ..I'm sure it's no worse than a gas version..

 

[AGreekBoy]

if your in the states the best thing is to find a 60 rust free and then purchase a drivetrain anc do the swap. its not cheaper but usually the canadian trucks are rusty, and will run into issues.

 

[hoppie]

I have a 5 speed 61 and its been very reliable. In the past 5 years all I've had to do is rebuild the slave cylinder, mind you, I've only put on around 40,000 km. I wouldn't recommend it as a long term daily driver due to the poor access to parts. Some are shared with the HJ60, but others would need to be imported directly from Japan, or bought used.

1. Can they really get around 25mpg?

25 mpg no problem at all. I actually get better mileage in town.

2. Do they make good daily drivers?

Ride is smooth enough, manual shifting is trucklike, especially out of first. Not a power issue, just gearing. Second gear is a little tall for starting off with for my liking. Don't forget they are right hand drive, but very easy to get used to...a matter of minutes. Try backing through a drive through for a laugh.

3. Could I find one in good enough condition for me to drive it daily for under 10k?

Doubt it, unless it has some issues. If you find one in good condition, buy it.

As for how it compares to a Cherokee, not at all. It is heavier duty in every aspect. Every part of it is overbuilt.

Gas vs. diesel. I would not have bought a landcruiser if it was not diesel, the gasers cost too much to run.

Hope this helps.