Looking at buying HZJ76, living in land of Cruisers

[aowills]

As of November 2010, I live in Azerbaijan, working in the oil business. Canada born, loving the adventure here. Hate mutton, though.

I'm very seriously looking at getting an HZJ76 instead of the ubiquitous Prado (looks like Aztec to me). I love the 76, but wife hates the 'ugly, old' look of it. Also, my driver (who I'm about to turf because I hate being driven around) doesn't like to drive stick. Well fxxx him, then, cause I'm going to get an HZJ76 and row my way through rush-hour traffic, thanks. Snorkel, dif locks, inline 6 diesel, OEM winch in bumper, steel 16's, seating for wife and friends, power windows, power antenna, single CD, troop seats, ambulance doors...already planning weekend picnics exploring the Caucusus. What more could I want? Could do without the whacky decals on the side and the Toyota hood ornament, but whatever.

I've had 1976 FJ45, 1978 FJ45, 1991 FZJ80, and still own a 1984 BJ40 (at place in Costa Rica, near mint), and a minty minty black 1996 FZJ80 (80k miles) with 2.5 OME lift, stored in Canada for future use. I'm a cruiser fan, needless to say.

The LC 200 series and LX570 must be the most common big rig here, a few Patrols around, lots of G55's, and even 700hp Brabus versions of G-wagen with twin turbo V12's (for guys who still live with their moms). Nearly every third car is a Prado or 200 (or Lexus version), mostly gas engined. Mits Pajeros also very common (I am using a 2005 now, but it squeaks and rattles something fierce). They do sell VXR5.7L, VXR4.7L, GXR4.0L, and G9 4.5TD versions of the LC 200, so toying with one of those. Slowly they are growing on my looks-wise. Or a used 100 series LX470 Grand Edition (has a blowjob nozzle that comes out of the dash, Saudi version), just 'cause I could get one cheap and try it out off road.

Can buy the HZJ76's from Dubai, shipped in (most LC's here are from UAE)
TOYOTA HZJ76 LAND CRUISER HARDTOP LX10 4.2L - 2011 MODEL NEW CAR - Detailed info for TOYOTA HZJ76 LAND CRUISER HARDTOP LX10 4.2L - 2011 MODEL NEW CAR,NEW CAR,TOYOTA HZJ76 LAND CRUISER HARDTOP LX10 4.2L - 2011 MODEL NEW CAR, on Alibaba.com

or export from Brussels
Export TOYOTA Land Cruiser for sale

or export from Germany
CC STORE - Toyota Landcruiser HZJ 76 LX 15302

Here is a review with some nice picks on the stripped down Aussie version, but with v8
Toyota Landcruiser 76 Series Workmate Review | My RV

Wanted to see what others thought, particularly the inline 6 (I've driven the HZJ71 and 79 in Costa Rica, love the engine). I'm sort of in LC heaven, so many models to choose from, so cheap, just need to do some politickin with the wife...

AOW

 

[crushers]

i would take the HZJ76 in a heart beat.
the diesel V8 is not a proven engine in my books. 2 C block diesels siamesed together is not a great idea. the C had head issues. unless you have a s*** load of cash and don't mind the idea of potential down time i would let those with more do the testing for you.
remember the HDT, when it was first released, had a hidden flaw that didn't show up till much later and even then Toyota refused to warranty the disasterious failing. HUGE money.

the HZ platform is a tried and true setup. that would be my choice of course.

your money, your final decision.

 

[OGBeno]

HZJ76 all the way.

Hell, any 7X with a 1HZ would be an unstoppable vehicle (though you aren't going to break any land speed records).

I agree with Wayne on the 4.5 1VD engine though. If you read some of the Aussie forums, there have been a number of issues already cropping up with that engine.

I assume you are in Baku? My family is from Baku (hell, my last name is "Azeri")

Cheers.
-onur

 

[Clint79]

The main issues with the turbo v8 diesel in th 7x series is the altenator is down the bottom of the motor so mud and water crossings are stuffing them up bog time and the first bunch of the v8s with old style dash not all but a lot have oil burning problems , the later ones with newer dash model don't seem to burn oil ,

 

[aowills]

Yes, living in Baku. Great city, and this winter has been unusually mild.

I want to try out the lockers on some hills down in Gobustan desert.

The Toyota dealer here has a blue HZJ76 LX for $56k USD. I have seen listed in Europe for export for 23k Euros, or $29k USD. Got a quote from a wholesaler in Turkey for $36k delivered to Baku for HZJ79, still waiting on quote for HZJ76. The 200 series G9 (bare bones, manual, 4.5L v8 diesel, troop seats in back, no chrome, steel wheels) is $56k USD delivered to Baku. For my purposes, the HZJ76 is still a better fit, narrower for the sidestreets. Wouldn't mind getting some BFG's here, though, and OME kit if I can still fit into garage.

Thanks for replies. I will post some pics after next visit to dealer.