Is a BJ70 right for me?

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J

jsat

Joined
Mar 11, 2018
Threads
8
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30
Location
Seattle
I'm considering buying an 85 BJ70 locally, and I wanted to ask you guys if you think it'll fit my needs alright. I'm buying it as a weekend fun car. I would like to be able to drive around 2 people in the backseat; I hear the the BJ70 has decent legroom. I live in Seattle, so I'll be using it to go to the mountains a lot. I've read that the 3B engine has some speed issues, especially on steep inclines. I've also read that a Turbo charger might help with that. I'm not particularly engine savvy, so I'd like to avoid that if possible. Do I need to be a gear head to properly own a car like this? I know there are some good technicians in the Seattle area.

I also need to learn manual, but I figure that's easy enough :)

Thanks for any feedback.
 
You are mostly correct in your assumptions, but I would have a back up car. They are not fun to drive all the time. I think the Canadian models , like the Australians ones, have a bit more legroom in the rear.
I think the BJ73/74 which are 10 inches longer is a better vehicle.
You can turbo them for good effect, lots of info on this site.
A BJ71 or BJ74 is already turboed at the factory.
You might also consider a LJ78, similar but with coil suspension and 4 door.
Some are automatic.

Rust is the biggest downside to these, the Japanese imports are better for this. Don't let the hype get to you.
 
I had a Canadian BJ-70 that had a 13B-T swapped in. It was my daily driver for about 3yrs in Fairbanks, AK. I drove it all winter even down in -30’s F. I could maintain hwy (65mph) up just about any hills/mountains here. I intercooled it and turned up the boost a little. That being said, if you want to carry 4 people a lot, and not kids, I would recommend a 4 door, not saying it’s not doable. If you plan on climbing a lot of mountains a lot, then either be very patient or find a turbo’d one, which you would still probably have to be patient, but not as much. 4 doors, either an LJ78 or a HZJ77. LJ would need a lot of work to make it reliable, assuming it starts out reliable. The HZ you probably will want to turbo it. Read up on all the engine options and their plusses and negatives. Some have more negatives than plusses. So, as a daily driver I say have no fear.
 
My civics is down rn (need to do spark plugs) but for the last week I’ve been driving my BJ74 and as much fun as it is. I find myself exhausted after 2 hours of San Diego traffic balancing the clutch and putting that extra effort into getting home. Other than that I love it as my DD!
 
My 73 is a fun daily driver but it isn't my only vehicle. Legroom in a 70 is going to be a big issue for you unless they're children. My 73 is fine for smaller adults.

The 3b is very dependable if it's maintained. One of the great engines. But it's not fast. I cruise at 100 kph all day and let people pass me.

Rust rust rust.

It won't change your life but they're great vehicles. consider if a 4Runner might not be a simpler option for you.
 
As the current owner of both SWB 70 and MWB 73.... I would say the 73/74 rear legroom is more suited for adults and the 70/71 rear legroom is more suited for children.

You can move the rear seat back in the 70...but the downside of that is you lose the trunk space for storing groceries, camping gear, etc.
 
So you are saying the rear legroom in a 73/74 depends on the market it was intended for?
 
FJ73Texas said:
So you are saying the rear legroom in a 73/74 depends on the market it was intended for?
Click to expand...
I may be wrong (my wife says I often am) but I believe some versions have the rear seat positioned slightly aft of others which creates a little more legroom.
 
Thanks for the info guys... I think I'll probably try to find a longer wheelbase 70 series or just get an 80.
 
With 20+ year old vehicles you’d better be able to do at least a little mechanic work of your own, and best to have a backup option for that time you have to do a front axle service or a head gasket and it takes you more than a weekend to get it done. Sounds like a US market 80 or 100 or 4Runner would be a better fit.
 
jsat said:
Thanks for the info guys... I think I'll probably try to find a longer wheelbase 70 series or just get an 80.
Click to expand...
Troopy or 77 Series.
 
FJ73Texas said:
So you are saying the rear legroom in a 73/74 depends on the market it was intended for?
Click to expand...

Yes, about 100mm from memory. Westerners have longer legs than Japanese on average. The Australian and European models also got rear seatbelts and a flimsy roll cage from inception in 85 , I don't think the JDM models got those until 87-88.
 
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