Looking for my first 80. Want some advice...

[jaxfl92]

I am in need of a new DD and am on a budget (under 15k), but after looking at a bunch of mediocre everyday cars, suv's, and trucks I looked into 80's. I have always been a huge fan of 80's since my friends dad had a brand new green 40th (sold a few years back ).... But I am not planning to do anything other than light wheeling, but want something well built , relatively nice inside, and capable for the occasional mild off road excursion... I found this 80 in town and wanted some feedback on it. Any questions I should ask when go to see it or anythings to look for on a test drive? And is there a way to buy replacement chrome emblems to replace the heinous gold ones?

Thanks for your help Guys!

 

[jhanley]

that's a nice 80, get a PPI done (leak down, compression test etc.) I'd pay 6k for it, not the best color and unlocked. you can get new emblems from american toyota, just tell em you're a mud member and get discounts. You can paint your emblems black too...

 

[jaxfl92]

that's a nice 80, get a PPI done (leak down, compression test etc.) I'd pay 6k for it, not the best color and unlocked. you can get new emblems from american toyota, just tell em you're a mud member and get discounts. You can paint your emblems black too...

Hey, thanks for the quick response! I am gonna go test her out Monday... Don't mind unlocked, but I personally really like the Green... Will a PPI detect impending gasket issues? And any other issues to check for? Good thought on the emblems in black!
Thanks!!!

 

[mot]

Have you driven any 80's already?

I love my 80 and would not trade it for a 100, but if I had a 15k budget, I would give it a serious thought, unless you're set on the 80.

LC's in stock form, 80 or 100 would handle any light offroad/expedition trips, even unlocked. If you are not in a hurry you can get something that's already mildly modified for not much more than unmolested one.

I'm sure you've done enough homework, but check the FAQ (I would go for '95-'97 with the bigger engine, airbags, OBD-II, over the '91-'92 80's.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[Anthony.L]

I'm on my second go around searching high and low for a good 80. From looking at that ad, the interior looks amazing for that year. Almost every 80 has significant wear on the left side of the driver seat, which that one does not.

However the exterior looks pretty beat up from the pictures (running board dented, rear tail gate dented, lots of scratches). Remember pictures on the net are like looking at it from 5-10ft so it will probably look even worse in person.

Good luck on your search, I am in the same boat right now!

 

[cody c]

I'm on my second go around searching high and low for a good 80. From looking at that ad, the interior looks amazing for that year. Almost every 80 has significant wear on the left side of the driver seat, which that one does not.

However the exterior looks pretty beat up from the pictures (running board dented, rear tail gate dented, lots of scratches). Remember pictures on the net are like looking at it from 5-10ft so it will probably look even worse in person.

Good luck on your search, I am in the same boat right now!

If the condition of the seats is important, there is a vendor on the site who sells replacement leather kits, and you can get new seat foam through cruiserdan. Have a look in the vendor section for more info or a look at this thread: https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/346232-97-looking-like-07-a.html

Don't mean to sidetrack you just saying, if you find a nicer one for less, with bad interior you can get the upholstery redone and maybe still find yourself in a comparable price range..

Actually it would also make a good opportunity to quiet crap or dynamat the interior to make it very quiet on the road...

 

[Bluetribal]

With that kind of budget and your current intent for the rig I would only consider two things.
1.) If you have a wife and family I would seriously consider a 100 series. It may be a little tougher search to find a good one in that price range as many are still going for $19-21K at least here in Cali.

2.) If you are single then I would definitely go with an 80 Series and my search would be right here on Mud in the Classifieds. Why you ask! Because you are going to have a hell of a time finding that Unicorn out their with the great interior, lockers & low mileage. So why not take advantage of a Mud member who is in the unfortunate advantage of needing to sell his rig or is having a momentary lapse in judgement and thinks that the 80 isn't right for him. In you price range you will find an 80 on here that is possibly built with lift, sliders, and/or bumpers. But you will most likely get a rig that has already had the Preventative Maintenance completed and all of the ticks of the rig discovered. You will also probably be dealing with a much more stand-up seller who will want his rig to find a good home and not be looking for a sucker to take a lemon off of his hands.

And no I don't have a rig for sale, I am NEVER selling my 80 if anything I will add another LC to my garage and when I do it will probably be found here on MUD. That's my 2 Cents that have given a couple times and maybe you will be the first to take it, it's FREE.

 

[ToothDr]

Looks like the seats have been redone. Also, the rear cargo carpet doesn't match the tailgate carpet in color.
I'd ask about possible water damage since the truck is in the SE USA.
I agree, for 15 grand take a look at the 100 series for an everyday driver. Newer truck, V8, better highway manners.

Pete

 

[ZPDFJ]

So why not take advantage of a Mud member who is in the unfortunate advantage of needing to sell his rig or is having a momentary lapse in judgement and thinks that the 80 isn't right for him. .

So true...some people do suffer from temporary insanity!

 

[Bluetribal]

Zach in no way was that directed toward you well at least not just you. Ha Ha

 

[ZPDFJ]

te he he

I am so glad to have an 80 again. But I miss my first one so much, I cant afford to re-create it at this point. Mark..

 

[spdwaver]

For a budget of ~$15K, and light to moderate wheeling, I would most definitely look at a 100 series. I found them all over the place in California for around $13K with ~70,000 miles on it. You get all of the creature comforts along with the aforementioned V8 power.

If you are going to do some serous wheeling, and want to go with bigger tires and a lot of after market parts, your best choice would be an 80 series.

Either way, awesome vehicles; you just can't go wrong with that budget.

 

[look 171]

For a budget of ~$15K, and light to moderate wheeling, I would most definitely look at a 100 series. I found them all over the place in California for around $13K with ~70,000 miles on it. You get all of the creature comforts along with the aforementioned V8 power.

If you are going to do some serous wheeling, and want to go with bigger tires and a lot of after market parts, your best choice would be an 80 series.

Either way, awesome vehicles; you just can't go wrong with that budget.

Where do you see them with that kind milage for around 13k? I am in LA near you. Let me know. I will sell my 80 in a heart beat. Wife and 2 young kids, well... You know the story.

 

[spdwaver]

Where do you see them with that kind milage for around 13k? I am in LA near you. Let me know. I will sell my 80 in a heart beat. Wife and 2 young kids, well... You know the story.

I was looking almost a month ago and found a couple in a 300 mile radius. I do not see them now, but here are some results currently found on Auto Trader.

Find Your Car: Toyota Land Cruiser Listings Near Canyon Country, CA 91351 - AutoTrader.com

 

[jaxfl92]

I've looked for a 100 but since it's just me and I'm going off to college soon, I feel like an 80 is fine for me because I don't have to use it as a family vehicle... Thanks for all th input guys, I am still (hopefully) going to go test it out this afternoon. I will let everyone know how it was and post any questions I have!