I want my 80 to last forever, but...

[SavGACruiser]

what if it doesn't?!

i have a '97 with 207k on the clock, her name is Elsie. it is my daily driver. i drive over 30k / year. i can't help but wonder how long it can keep up with the miles (90% highway) i put on it and therefore i think about what my replacement options are.

the problem is, there isn't anything out there that turns me on the way the 80 does. rebuild / replace the 80 indefinitely? 100 series? maybe. 200 series - my wife used to have a highlander, do we want another? the extended cab tundra might be an option.

what does everyone think? i still want a utilitarian vehicle that is capable off road. anything else out there that i'm not considering? i would definitely prefer to stay in the T family but would love to hear other thoughts.

JM

 

[tominboise]

I'm going with a 100 series next. They don't have the same character as the 80 series, but they have some upside to them, like improved driveability and (probably) better fuel mileage.

 

[SavGACruiser]

tom -

the 100 is probably my clubhouse leader. with a lift and tires they get a bit more character and wouldn't be a bad option. for some reason it is more like facing the inevitable rather than excitement of a new rig.

 

[TrustyToyota]

I have to agree with the others. I don't know that I will ever get rid of my 80, but the 100 is a great option for a tough DD.

It has a lot of the same charm that makes me like the 80, but it is definitely more comfortable. The V8 is also a nice touch.

I don't plan on building my 100, so the 80 can keep that duty.

 

[jcardona1]

I've already told myself I'm never getting rid of the 80. When the engine goes, I'll look for the most economical replacement while still keeping it Nazi-legal (Commiefornia).

 

[SavGACruiser]

i should also mention that my wife has a 5th generation 4runner and i like it a lot. a 4wd limited would be an option for me as well.

 

[OGBeno]

You will be able to find parts for the 80 series easily from Toyota for at least the next 10-15 years.

Personally, I am in the same boat as you. I will never get rid of it and I will continue to rebuild every component of it as needed to keep her going forever.

 

[The Tank]

If you have the time and inclination, anything can be fixed up or restored. So keep driving the 80 and worry about it when it happens...

 

[SavGACruiser]

that's good to know about Mr. T's long term commitment to parts. thanks.

You will be able to find parts for the 80 series easily from Toyota for at least the next 10-15 years.

Personally, I am in the same boat as you. I will never get rid of it and I will continue to rebuild every component of it as needed to keep her going forever.

 

[SavGACruiser]

if Mr. T would just bring the 70 series to the US, my problem would be solved!!!

 

[The Tank]

Yeah mate, I hear that... My old 80 is staying until I can afford a vdj76...

 

[beachcomberspi]

Just keep rebuilding bits and pieces. Every 5 years it will be "like new"

 

[OGBeno]

if Mr. T would just bring the 70 series to the US, my problem would be solved!!!

NEVER HAPPENING....



Because I only know of maybe 5 people with the funds to buy a $70K base bones utility truck that is based on 1980's technology.

 

[Impreza]

NEVER HAPPENING....



Because I only know of maybe 5 people with the funds to buy a $70K base bones utility truck that is based on 1980's technology.

Somehow it works with the MB G-class except replace $70k with $100k. Maybe they can throw some nice leather seats and factory 22" wheels, upcharge like crazy, watch the celebrities line up for it.

 

[livinoffroad]

Nothin' else turns me on like the 80 either, and I've had the mini-truck, and the 4runner.

Two of my sons have 100's, and the younger one has an 80 alongside his 100. He also bought the 100, because he couldn't find a suitable 80.

The 100 is definitely more "driveable" (for his So. Cal. freeways) than the 80. I also intend to keep the 80 forever, and like Onur said, parts for it will be made long into my sunset.

What my plan for the future of my 80 is:

Back off the around town miles, buy a "more appropriate" DD, and use that for 75% of my road miles, keeping more of the wear off the 80's drive train.

The 80 has been my DD for 8 years now and I've loved every overpriced mile of it (so have the oil companies), until I buy that pregnant roller skate, but I would miss the vehicular protection I now enjoy.

Meanwhile, those "monthly payments" go to keeping the 80 running like new.

 

[BRKLYN1]

Hording is the key.... buy a second one now and store it for 15 years.... for the terrible day that you have to pull the plug on Elsie though she may "LFE" ( Live For Ever) if she knows you got something on the side....they can get motivated by jealousy

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Never getting rid of my rig

I've got way too much tied up into her and no way of possibly getting the value she's worth to me, so I'll just keep on driving

329,xxx miles on the original HG, runs like new and I still make routine 1200 mile trips back and forth from NYC to Orlando without thinking twice




I must say, not many modern vehicles appeal to me either

About the only one that does is a GX470 (LC Prado)

Not as a replacement for my 80, but I plan on replacing the wife's Camry and Sienna as soon as I find a good deal on one

She'd have to let me work it a bit though

 

[SavGACruiser]

Maybe a used Taco as a DD and Elsie gets to enjoy being shown off on weekends and making the camping / hunting / fishing trips.

 

[harrydunn]

@ 98 Snake Eater--

What did you get at the drive-thru at 0:27?

 

[YoterGuy]

I drive a 5 lug taco through the week (while at work)and then on the weekend it's back to my 80. Seems to be working pretty good. Keeps the miles off the 80 and saves on gas.