Locked ‘93 or stock 40th?

[MrGB]

G’day all,

I’ve got the opportunity to buy one of the three FZJ80 options below.
140000km ‘93 manual / ARB locked
OR
160000km ‘98 auto 40th anniversary in stock form
OR
200000km ‘93 auto Sahara with LPG

All reporting one owner, all very tidy.

I’m just getting into off-roading and want something that will last and be fixable as and when I learn the hard way.


Which would you choose, why?

 

[cbpeck]

Well, 40th anniversary was '97, so...

I would rule out the LPG unless you're familiar with those and are a proficient mechanic (no offense, but I suspect from your question that this isn't the case). This forum is very helpful, but there wont be as much info available as there is about the stock drivetrains.

I vote the '97 and add lockers into the build if necessary and when the budget allows.

 

[morganism]

93 w locker, it's the sweetest upgrade.

put the money into swing-away spare carrier, extended fuel tanks, roof rack, compressor etc.

 

[MrGB]

Well, 40th anniversary was '97, so...

I would rule out the LPG unless you're familiar with those and are a proficient mechanic (no offense, but I suspect from your question that this isn't the case). This forum is very helpful, but there wont be as much info available as there is about the stock drivetrains.

I vote the '97 and add lockers into the build if necessary and when the budget allows.

Thanks for the heads-up on LPG, they’re popular here in Australia but it is still a fail point. Cheers

 

[MrGB]

Funny you suggest those other upgrades, the 93 has them all.

Were there any technical improvements between ‘93 and ‘98?

 

[mudgudgeon]

Thanks for the heads-up on LPG, they’re popular here in Australia but it is still a fail point. Cheers

Definitely skip the LPG. Too much to go wrong.
It was popular in the 90s because the government subsidised the install cost, and heavily subsidised the fuel cost.
Even with subsidies, when LPG was 20cents/litre vs petrol at $1.00/litre, it was a 7-10year proposition to re-coupe the install cost IF nothing went wrong.

every ten years, tanks have to be replaced or re-certified.

 

[mudgudgeon]

Of the other two, carefully inspect them, and buy the one that's best maintained.
The one with lockers has likely been off-road, so look for damage underneath.

I have a strong preference for a manual, but auto is a lot easier to manage off-road.

I'm doubtful you have found three 20-25year old, one owner vehicles all at once.