Looking at purchasing a LC from a buddy at work. It is a 91 and is in good mechanical shape. It has a few knicks and scratches on the exterior but nothing serious. No rust. It has 168k on it and from what he says is up to date on services. He is asking 5k but I imagine I can get it for 4500. Does that sound like a good deal? I would be using it for a daily driver and just a little light off road for 2 years probably. What should I look out for in a vehicle like this. Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Is this a good deal for a newbie?
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Also...what specific questions should I ask regarding what maintenance/upgrades have been done. What pitfalls does the 91 model face? Thanks again.
rgsiii
SILVER Star
This may help
This is a link to Slee's FAQ on the 80 series.
http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbie100.htm
This is a link to Slee's FAQ on the 80 series.
http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbie100.htm
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There is alot of good info in the FAQ as well. You should read up on the differences between the 91-92 FJ80 and the 93-97 FZJ80 if you are serious about having an 80. As a daily driver, the 91 is going to be a bit of a dog, and not easy on the gas, however, with proper maintenance it will very reliable and @ 165K thats just getting broken in. Price will vary from area to area, but 4k-4500 sounds like a reasonable deal. Bottom line, if you like it and feel good about it, jump on it and dont look back, this forum would love to help you out. Welcome 
(dont worry, thats our salute)
Here is a link to the FAQ;
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=11933
(dont worry, thats our salute)Here is a link to the FAQ;
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=11933
Your description sounds like what a 91/92 is good at. Driving around, mild wheeling. Not much to do to the maintainence wise different than any other vehicle except the front axle seals and probably a knuckle rebuild. They definitely aren't as nice as the 93-97 for power, mileage, braking, and even comfort. But you also probably won't find a 93-97 for $4500. You could have an issue with the EFI relay. But it isn't a huge deal. I just always carry a spare relay and so far I've never needed it.
Welcome 4500 is not bad at all. Jump on it and you will love it.
4500 is not bad at all. Jump on it and you will love it.
Welcome. The 91 is fine if you aren't doing any heavy offroading and don't mind the lack of power. The 93 and up ones are nice because they have the diff locks, which you don't really need it sounds like, and the power. I say go for it. Sounds nice. You will love the 80 series. Oh and welcome to the forum. The guys here are great. 
Im newbie too but dont have locker.... :whoops:
I (my son) have a 91 with 169000 and other than the difference in the pick out of the blocks and a bit of power increase it is perfect for mild wheeling and shots around town I have done all the tuneups I can and we get 13 on the highway and 11 around town. It is a gas sucker but the fun of having one offsets the payout at the pump. I was thinking of selling mine and up grading to a later model and I was looking at 5000 for an asking. I think your buddy is asking a fair price. JMHO.
gorister,
Sounds like a great deal to me. I had a guy offer me $6000 for my 91 w/155k, above average condition. If I would have had the cash I would have probably bought a 93 or newer. But I have never regretted it once. It drives great, no major problems (yet), goes anywhere I need it to go. Plus I can throw my dog in the back, camping gear, etc. and not worry about leather seats or keeping it spotless.
One other thing that helps me like this 80 is the fact that I have never driven a 93 or newer so I don't know what I am missing. It's all about how you look at it.
Sounds like a great deal to me. I had a guy offer me $6000 for my 91 w/155k, above average condition. If I would have had the cash I would have probably bought a 93 or newer. But I have never regretted it once. It drives great, no major problems (yet), goes anywhere I need it to go. Plus I can throw my dog in the back, camping gear, etc. and not worry about leather seats or keeping it spotless.
One other thing that helps me like this 80 is the fact that I have never driven a 93 or newer so I don't know what I am missing. It's all about how you look at it.
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- #13
Thanks so much for the tips. I will be test driving it on Friday. What should I look for? How is the ride in these big bastards? Thanks again guys.
-Brian
-Brian
Big? Hah...try stepping up(or down rather) from a F-250 w/ 36's and an 8" lift to an 80 w/ 35's and a 6". Whole nother story there... I love mine, power...eh, doesn't bother me, and it seems to have a little more than my pop's 99 Exploder v-6. Definatly one of the best stock-mildly modded off-roaders you can find, never seen anyone look back (unless they previously had a locked FZJ). they run forever and take a good beating, good luck and I hope it suits you.
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alkaline - I can see where that wouldnt be too big to you This Land Cruiser will be the first vehicle I own that would be able to go off road. Currently I have a C-class Mercedes and a S-2000, so for me a LC is going to feel like I am driving a small country 
This Land Cruiser will be the first vehicle I own that would be able to go off road. Currently I have a C-class Mercedes and a S-2000, so for me a LC is going to feel like I am driving a small country - Thread starter
- #16
Really dug into the LC today to find out what had been done. It has a clean Carfax and within the last 1000 miles has had new plugs, wires, and cap. Within the last 5000 it has had coolant flush, new tires, brakes, and a valve job. Had a starter put in roughly 10k ago. Mileage is just over 161k. One problem with it is that you have to jiggle the shifter a little in order to take the key out. Guy said it is a quick fix involving tighting up the shift cable next to the shifter. Anybody know anything about that? I also had the price wrong. The price is 5500 which is what he paid for it a couple of years ago and he was the one responsible for all the maintenance. Still feels like a good deal to me and I hope to buy it. Any comments about the shifter or anything else? Thanks alot guys...you are all a big help. 
good deal
I just bought a 91 cruiser a couple of weeks ago.
First 80 series I have owned & very happy so far.
I paid $5900 for mine w135k miles and center diff lock.
This thing does suck up the gas though and brakes from
what I understand. And it is slow but should help cut down
on the speeding tickets. Good luck w/ your cruiser.
I just bought a 91 cruiser a couple of weeks ago.
First 80 series I have owned & very happy so far.
I paid $5900 for mine w135k miles and center diff lock.
This thing does suck up the gas though and brakes from
what I understand. And it is slow but should help cut down
on the speeding tickets. Good luck w/ your cruiser.
