Is a cruiser right for me?

[Jan-78FJ40]

I've been searching for a DD FJ60 since I joined this forum a few years ago. Through my search and various posts here, I've realized that a 60 simply isn't for me, not yet.

I needed something that can be my only vehicle, my primary vehicle for daily duties, something that I can fix quickly, but not have to worry about constantly.

Though these vehicles are super durable, they are all over 20yrs old. Even with a "low mileage" one, you would still need initial PM to get it to a level where you were comfortable with (at least I would).

I decided on a slightly modified '99 4Runner with a manual transmission. I have no regrets, as it fits my needs - but does not fullful my WANTS.

Therein lies the main difference. If you can afford the risk, and have another standby vehicle, go for it. If you need something you can forget about, go newer.

uberhahn

these are excellent comments, IMO.
To make a 60 a dependable DD it needs a lot, probably. I have a 60 as DD, and it is ompletely reliable. Just drove through from Bend/OR to San Diego, and there was no hickup, and no problem, and I expect none for years.
However, don't ask how much money was poured into the thing to get it where it is.
Yes, a 60 can be a dd, but it most likely won't be when you buy it, only after a lot of work and money.
j

 

[Pathfinder]

I second what most everyone else has been saying. Get a cruiser just have a backup ride till you get all the kinks that the PO did not take care of worked out. I bought mine 2 months ago and I am still doing brakes, clutch, front end and some other odds and ends. I have some rust issues however most of those can be worked out. Mainly with time and $$$.

I love driving my cruiser however I also love having a reliable 2nd car when I have the cruiser torn apart in the garage.

Go ahead get a cruiser but be prepared to spend some wrench time getting it to your liking. I purchased my cruiser on ebay flew up to Montana and drove it back 1500 miles back to TX with out any problems. I drove through the recent snow storm that socked CO and Kansas and the cruiser delivered me home w?o any problems. I got 15.5 - 16.2 MPG the whole trip. No buring oil or other stuff like that. This is one of the best vehicles I've ever owned and I do not regret getting one. Just do some research about common problems, read alot, and know what you are buying.

All this being said I am still a cruiser newb and this is just my .02

 

[Jan-78FJ40]

You could just get 2 cruisers. If one's down, the other will most likely work.

 

[hks3sgte]

Yeah, and if you're Jan, they'll both be diesels!

 

[bridges]

You could just get 2 cruisers. If one's down, the other will most likely work.

This is what I did, grand total of $4000 to buy both of them. Couldn't find anything in today's new/used car marketplace for that kind of a price that I feel like sitting in every day.

Granted - I have a few more $(s) into them since but I'm still in for less than $8K for both and that included a lift for one, tires/wheels for both and a new V8 engine in one of them (not the conversion, just an engine replacement). I thoroughly enjoy the beer drinking though... I meant to say, the wrench turning...

 

[sandcruiser]

asking that question here is about the same as asking Playboy if fake tits are a good idea....

 

[Dynosoar]

asking that question here is about the same as asking Playboy if fake tits are a good idea....

Those tits are not fake! I saw them with my own eyes!

If you have to ask if a 60 is right for you, I am afraid the answer in a resounding NO!

Just like the jerk who asks how much the Rolls Royce cost - if you gotta ask it's too much.

The 60 is a "different" kind of truck. Mine was a DD for 8-9 years but the gas expense got to be too much for me. Like a ferociuos animal the 60 can sniff out your weakness and strike at the most inopportune time. If you are prepared to deal with any and all eventualities then and only then is the 60 the RIGHT choice. The price of admision is steep, however the relationship I have with my 60 is extremly rewarding.

just my 2 cents

Dynosoar

 

[Toadhopper]

A 60 isn't always the best financial decision, but ofthen it's the best decision for your soul.

 

[ssgoods]

fj60 = worth it.

This is the best vehicle I could possibly have right now. It is slow and beautiful.

As far as gas goes.... I would much rather have the great style of my fj60 than the ugly Oldsmobile Bravada that my friend drives that doesn't get any better gas mileage. I just never really gas it unless I need to, like if I'm pulling something or something. I figure it's slow even when I do give it lots of gas, so why give it more than it needs just to cruise. I never pass anyone, and when I do I think, "my wife is never going to believe it!"


It sort of sends me to a different place in my head when I drive it. It's like a zen-zone or something, and I always seem to be smiling when I'm in it.

 

[Unques Prist]

First time poster and a new FJ62 owner. My experience is that I wished for one for several years because I liked how they looked. About a year ago I started looking more seriously and got smarter on the rigs and differences between the 60 and 62 models.

However and unfortunately I did not find this website until after I made the purchase. So you are ahead of me. I say unfortunately because I could have spent less for my 1988 FJ62. It had what I wanted, e.g. excellent condition inside and out, original owner, reasonable miles 150K, no rusk, well maintained and cared for. See below.



So I took the leap this past July, I was getting ready to turn 40 and I jumped in both feet. I love the rig, but as the previous posters have stated it finds a weakness and strikes. I took my second out of town trip and it broke down on the highway. Turns out the transfer case leaked into the transmission and both got too hot and were ruined. Cost me an overhaul of the transmission and transfer case $3500.00 That hurt, so I am trying to recover before pouring anymore $$ into it. I did get a recommendation from this forum on a cruiser guy in Houston for the tranny work so at least I got some benefit.

I use it as a daily driver, but I also have a Toyota van that my wife drives. I do not have to go far to work (<4 miles) so that is a relief. I have since driven it from near Galveston to the Texas Hill Country twice and it drove great. The engine runs strong and it is a very clean rig. I really love it and hope to keep it forever. The gas mileage is an issue, but one I knew about up front, and since I do not drive it all day or a long distance to work, I am okay with the cost. Overahll I am extremely happy, but since I am not a mechanic type I am a little worried about another major expense. I hope this helps.

 

[HighPlainsDrifter]

Where is the Scout, what condition is it in, and how much do you want for it?

x2 and and pm me I'm serious.

-Rob

 

[Volcanocruiser]

Welcome,

I'm new to the 60 series as well, bought my first a couple of months ago. Since I am still a newbie, I must say that what the grizzled veterans of the forum say are true. These things are great and driving them draws nothing but compliments no matter what condition (and in Hawaii everyone has a lifted 4WD "something" so that says a lot!!!). Unless you are shelling out big bucks, be prepared for some start-up costs to accommodate some PM and be prepared to spend some time sleuthing for where all the bones are hidden the PO didn't tell you about. The forum is great for information on what to do first and what most likely WILL need to be done. Follow that advice, it hasn't steered me wrong yet. Give yourself some time, these things can be DDs, but make sure you don't need it to be day 1.

If all else fails look at it this way: you can spend a whole day in the garage with a couple of 6 packs and walk away with a sense of satisfaction no matter what happens.

Aloha

 

[RAWHEAD REX]

I just got my 60 a couple months ago and I love it.It's not rough at all.Do what I did and look around for one that someone already put money into.The one I bought , the guy spent a lot of cash on as far as upgrades from SOR.They're out there.I didn't get mine for gas mileage.I don't even care what it gets.I've always wanted one and finally got one and it's been very reliable.I look for reasons to drive it.(LOL)If you want one get one and enjoy the Landcruiser experience.Sorry , that sounded geeky.I dig mine and that's all that matters to me.Later,Dave