Is older better?

[briank]

Hey everyone, new to the forum , but this has been a great source of info for me the last couple of weeks.

I'm looking to buy an 80 series LC, and have two that I'm seriously considering right now.

The first is a '91 with 213k miles. I got to check it out and test drive it yesterday. Everything works, looks and runs great. It has definitely been taken care of. Only problem is a reported accident on the carfax report that the current owner wasn't aware of. I'll definitely have it checked out by a mechanic before I put any money down if I decide to go this route.

The second is a '96 with 144k miles. Will be going to check it out this evening, but the carfax was clean and it looks awesome in all the pictures the seller has sent me.

The big question running through my mind is am I better off buying an older vehicle that may have already worked through all its kinks, or a newer one that might just be getting to a maintenance heavy phase?

Thanks in advance for any inputs!

 

[firetruck41]

Newer is better, IMHO, especially considering all of the upgrades of 93+, ie. new engine with significant power increase, 4 wheel disc brakes, ABS, full floater rear, optional front/rear diff locks, OBDII in 95/96+... Regardless of which year you get, unless it was maintained by a real enthusiast, it will probably need a good "baselining" like fluids/filters/spark plugs/wires, front axle maintenance, etc.

 

[Lka1988]

You'll get mixed opinions about all years. I, for one, prefer the simplicity of the early FJ80 (91-92). Less electronic controls, feels more utilitarian. Plus everyone has a later FZJ80. I like to be different. I'm one of maybe three FJ80 owners in the area, as opposed to the twenty or thirty FZJ80s.

All in all, it depends what you're going to do with it. If you're looking for a family vehicle, one generally prefers a later model with airbags, ABS, etc.

 

[e9999]

I'm older and I'm better...!


tech content: I like airbags very much and OBD2 mostly. Best 80 year: 97!

 

[Michael Hanson]

Im going to stick with my idea that its not the age but the condition and maintenance.I like books,records and reciepts,paper work. This is hard to fake and ignore. Mike

 

[-Spike-]

front axle maintenance, etc.

The truck actually has 2 axles, and they both require maintenance.

The improvements made in '93 are significant. The changes in '95 could be overlooked for the right price, and no vehicle over 10 years old is safe from wear and the preventive maintenance list is going to be long no matter what 80 you choose.

 

[Ebag333]

Let me put it to you this way. I wouldn't trade my '96 or '97 for anything older (except maybe a very late '95), and would (and did) pay a premium for the later years.

Plus everyone has a later FZJ80. I like to be different. I'm one of maybe three FJ80 owners in the area, as opposed to the twenty or thirty FZJ80s.

That's kinda interesting. We must have more than our fair share of the FJ80's, way larger ratio of 3FE's to 1FZ's (though still less, of course).

 

[firetruck41]

The truck actually has 2 axles, and they both require maintenance.

Yes, of course, that is where the "etc." comes in to play. I could have included PHH, starter contacts, oil galley plug on 3FE, possible HG, and many other things which may need to be taken care of, but I was just hitting the common things and front axle maintenance is known as a common and specific need, as well as a pretty good chunk of change...

 

[Lka1988]

That's kinda interesting. We must have more than our fair share of the FJ80's, way larger ratio of 3FE's to 1FZ's (though still less, of course).

Yeah, it is... As for 3FE's, there's mine, a guy down by where i used to live, and Eicca here on the board. Those are the ONLY 3FE's I know about in the entire area.

Oh, and Superrunner. He lives a few miles away from me, used to have a 3FE as well, but a 2UZ was put in it's place

Come to think of it, I may have worked on that particular 80 before it fell into his hands, when it still had a 3FE...