I can't pick my first Toyota

[drbeau]

Been lurking here for a while. I've always wanted a Toyota and now I'm torn between two.
Candidate #1 is a '97 4Runner with 115,000 miles for about 8300-8500.

The good: It's a black auto V6 4x4 with SAW coil-overs in the front for a 3" lift and something in the back (I forgot). The engine is running synthetic (could be a con too). He's taking out his stereo (I have my own) and taking off 1500 for the stereo (originally listed at 10k). Doesn't seem to break the bank.

The bad: It’s still set up for ADD. He says that he got some "high angle CV boots" put up front. Personally I've only heard high angle CVs for the main axles going from the xfer case to the diffs. This kinda worries me. Also, of low concern, there is a small dent just behind the driver side signal in the fender/bumper. It's small and the only paint scratch looks to be where the bumper touched the fender. Also, about a week ago (after he posted the ad) someone keyed the passenger side of his truck. I still have yet to get it checked out professionally, but the CV thing worries me.


Candidate #2 is a '95 Land Cruiser with 150,000 miles for about 10,000.

The good: This is a damn fine truck. Most of the miles are highway miles. He's replaced the radiator and the water pump (at separate times). Leather int, clean, nice paint, blah blah. Key point: It has the factory front and rear lockers. I had trouble getting the lockers to engage, but I've never done it before and didn't have room to move the truck around at the time.

The bad: It's a little more than I'd like to spend. I don't know if the factory head gasket has been replaced yet (which as I understand can die easily). It'll get total crap for mileage, which matters a bit in SoCal.

I'm pretty torn between the two and figured this may be a good way to get something to lean me one way or another, although I'm leaning a little to the LC right now. I'll be taking both trucks to a local place called ProTrux for an inspection as I understand they are pretty good. I’m also posting this at YotaTech.com because I couldn’t find a good General Toyota truck forum and I figured 2 biased forums would balance each other out.

 

[calamaridog]

Hey bro, I'm from SD also. I don't have a 4runner or an 80 (yet). I have a 2001 Tacoma 4x4 and belong to TTORA so I'll give you an unbiased opinion, as much as I can. I would go with the 80 series, especially if it has the lockers.

That 4runner is nothing special and the SAWS are not even a very good coilover. And those things aren't cranked up to 3" anyways, the most you would want to do is about 2.5 max or else you'd bust cv's all the time and the ride would really suck.

The 80 series will hold more value than the 4runner if you need to sell in a few years it will still be worth something. The 80 has more character. The 80 is a little bigger and has more utility. The 80 has a solid front axle and the lockers. The LandCruiser was a top notch vehicle when it rolled off the production line, the best Toyota had to offer.

Good luck!

 

[NovaFZJ80]

Had the same decision to make last winter.. looked at a few 96-97 4runners that were going for $10k +/- w/60k - 80k miles on them...also looked at LCs from 93-96 for roughly the same prices and mileage in the 100,000...ended up picking up a 93 LC....

 

[MSGGrunt]

If you want to drive what everyone else has on the road go with the 4 Runner, if you want to drive one of the best made vehicles then get the cruiser. Gas mileage will be lower on the cruiser, but you will be driving a heavier and safer vehicle.

They do sell high angle CV shafts for the smaller Toyotas for the front IFS to accomodate a lift, Downey Off Road is one company that comes to mind. If you are unsure of the modifications made to this truck by the previous owner then I would again lean towards the Cruiser as it looks stock and you know what you are getting.

If the head gasket hasn't been replaced then I would print off a few posts from this site to let the seller know that this is a major issue and it may help bring down the price some. I am currently replacing mine in my 97 and if you are mechanically minded all it will take is your time. You will have to know how to work on these as the dealers prices for service is very expensive. If you're budget is low and don't like to wrench then I would not consider a LC.

Spend the extra cash and have the Cruiser checked over by a Toyota mechanic that is familiar with these vehicles. I would not be concerned with the miles if the truck was properly maintained. Look for service records and if the front axle service has or has not been done. If it hasn't been done this can be another bargaining chip to reduce the price. Not a hard job. Get a factory service manual or at least a Haynes manual.

Land Cruisers are legendary and will be around long after the 4 Runner has bought the farm. Good luck.

 

[Kaderabek]

Candidate #2 is worth about $8,000, and you should most certainly buy it.

TJK

 

[Cruiserhead05]

Go with the cruiser. It ten times the vehicle. Granted 4runners are nice but they cant compete with the cruiser. 150k miles is nothing. i have 232k right now and it runs awesome. As far as the lockers, they probably just need to be used more. They will engage easier with time...The cruiser is better though

 

[Junk]

There's a huge difference between a 4skinna and a cruiser. You need to drive both to understand the difference, then figure out what your purpose is then finally make a buying decision.

 

[Kaderabek]

Yeah, what Junk said. And then buy the Cruiser.

TJK

 

[yooper]

Don't be a 'tard. Get the Cruiser. I agree with TJK, it's worth about $8,000.

 

[1974 fj40]

I don't even own an 80 series (yet), but I would go with the Cruiser also.

Of course this is a biased Cruiser board so you already know what 99% of your
responses will read.

Cruizers ROCK !!!!!

 

[phishtaco]

I have both a 94 80(150k) and a 97 4runner(130k)(wifes)....I really like both....My wife prefers her 4runner and I prefer the 80. IMO the 4runner has a better ride, smaller, gets better mpg, but also for some reason shows the wear and tear more on the interior and she keeps it very clean. We've owned the 4runner since new and have never had any problems at all. Same with the 80. Not much info here is there? Buy either and you will be happy.

 

[hoser]

On the plus side for the 4runner, it's is quicker, gets better fuel mileage and you don't have to change the birfs ($$). If money is a tight issue, the cruiser costs more to fix, maintain and upgrade.

I would of course get the LC. Try to get more history on the radiator/water pump. Why did he change it? Did the thing overheat at any time? Preventive maintenance?

As for price, $10k sounds fair in California. I can't remember ever seeing any 95 go for less than that. If its been in SoCal all its life, it's probably rust free too.

 

[LX_TREME]

Definetely LC80,~ got look,~ value and ~most popular 4x4 worldwide!!!

 

[G-Cat]

We got rid of our '98 Runner to buy our '97 Cruiser. My dad still has my old '98 Runner so I drive it once in a while. The Runner for Cruiser trade was one of the best automotive decisions I've ever made. (Oh, and 136K miles and still running the original head gasket)

 

[Steve C]

Get the LC. the 4runner is nice, but a little tight inside. The 80 series is the pinnicle of the 4wd wagon design concept that you will not see commercially available in this country again.

The closest thing to an 80 is a range rover ( i hope you like your mechanic) or a Mercedes g500 (i hope you have the 80k and a like your mechanic).

 

[sleeoffroad]

The bad: It's a little more than I'd like to spend.

Herein lies the problem. I agree with MSGGrunt in that if you are stretching yourself to pay for the vehicle AND you do not do the maintenance yourself then you might be in for a surprise. Any 150k mile cruiser is going to need maitenance. And if you have to take it to a shop or dealer it could cost you a pretty penny to get it reliable.

 

[e9999]

Regardless of what you choose, one thing to keep in mind for me is that even a thousand bucks seem like a lot of money upfront for some special feature or model but after a few years you'll have forgotten how much you paid, OTOH you will still need to live every day with the shortcomings of not getting what you really wanted in the first place if you didn't get it to save the $$.
E

 

[Dirk Diggler]

I have both vehicles and love them both. If push came to shove, I would keep the LC. I see 4Runners evrywhere, but I rarely see 80 series LC's, especially with diff locks. The LC will cost you more in every way imaginable but it is worth it.

 

[LX_TREME]

Garth1, 136K miles still running original headgasket? Mine is 175K damn thing still running with original headgasket! and im uspet my new '04 RangeRover already create new problem ( adjust suspension wont go up ~due the defect module )

 

[photogod]

I have a 2000 4Runner and a 91 LC and if I had to choose between the two I would also go with the LC. The Runner is a nicer ride as it is much quicker and I get 21mpg. But it is smaller and I am 6'2" 235 and I fit in it like a glove. I also had a hell of a time trying to find a spot for my Sat Radio in the Runner. A LC with lockers is in my future I hope and that will become my DD. I like the size and style and off road abilities of the LC.