Looking to purchase first FZJ80

[gummycarbs]

this would for sure be a new skill to learn, which i would thoroughly enjoy, but also, perhaps, not atm in life... good advice all around

I've sunk thousands of hours over my life into wrenching on old vehicles. I *personally* find it rewarding because of my weird mindset. If anyone asked me today how to get into old vehicles, what old vehicle to buy, how to get started wrenching, I'd tell them not to waste their time. If you're asking, then you're not certain, and it's not worth the opportunity cost.

For all the time I've sunk into screwing around on old vehicles, I could've just worked and bought a newer, more reliable vehicle.

Besides, in 20 years virtually every daily driver will be electric. Even modern cars with CANBUS are a completely different beast. The only time the skillset truly pays off is when you successfully get yourself out of a bind in the middle of nowhere, at which point normal people (like, you know, angry wives and girlfriends) ask, "why don't you just get a new car and AAA?"

 

[Argonaut54]

I've sunk thousands of hours over my life into wrenching on old vehicles. I *personally* find it rewarding because of my weird mindset. If anyone asked me today how to get into old vehicles, what old vehicle to buy, how to get started wrenching, I'd tell them not to waste their time. If you're asking, then you're not certain, and it's not worth the opportunity cost.

For all the time I've sunk into screwing around on old vehicles, I could've just worked and bought a newer, more reliable vehicle.

Besides, in 20 years virtually every daily driver will be electric. Even modern cars with CANBUS are a completely different beast. The only time the skillset truly pays off is when you successfully get yourself out of a bind in the middle of nowhere, at which point normal people (like, you know, angry wives and girlfriends) ask, "why don't you just get a new car and AAA?"

this has been my number one concern - time. Already doing a ton of work at home with a house that needs attention and a young daughter who deserves the front spot in my life. I don't need another hobby rn.
Thanks Gummy - your advice has been poignant. I'm starting to look at later models, 2000's, since i really love the vehicle but can't justify the extra work.

 

[gummycarbs]

and a young daughter

Just buy a new vehicle with a service warranty. This was posted to Reddit the other day:

 

[Spruce]

You could always include your daughter too.

 

[NCFJ]

Buy the nicest, cleanest, rust free, well maintained, best driving version than you can afford.

 

[Argonaut54]

Buy the nicest, cleanest, rust free, well maintained, best driving version than you can afford.

most definitely - looking to include the daughter through it all. thanks

 

[Kernal]

Buy an 80 for fun, weekend trips,---, buy a truck for work..

If you dont' want to learn how to work on the 80 yourself then budget at least $5000 minimum to start (first year) paying someone else to do catch up maintenance alone (not counting tires, lifts, etc).

You might get lucky if you find an 80 where the previous owner has kept up on all the service/repairs, but more often than not most of these (other than MUD members with LC OCD) have been neglected. The amount you put into an 80 for repairs/service could easily triple if the vehicle had any major issues and you had to pay a mechanic to fix it.

 

[MickeyB]

this would for sure be a new skill to learn, which i would thoroughly enjoy, but also, perhaps, not atm in life... good advice

I've sunk thousands of hours over my life into wrenching on old vehicles. I *personally* find it rewarding because of my weird mindset. If anyone asked me today how to get into old vehicles, what old vehicle to buy, how to get started wrenching, I'd tell them not to waste their time. If you're asking, then you're not certain, and it's not worth the opportunity cost.

For all the time I've sunk into screwing around on old vehicles, I could've just worked and bought a newer, more reliable vehicle.

Besides, in 20 years virtually every daily driver will be electric. Even modern cars with CANBUS are a completely different beast. The only time the skillset truly pays off is when you successfully get yourself out of a bind in the middle of nowhere, at which point normal people (like, you know, angry wives and girlfriends) ask, "why don't you just get a new car and AAA?"

I pre ordered the new Nissan Aryia EV about a year ago. I preordered just for the fun of it, but after some research and seeing how EVs are starting to take off I ended up deciding I will buy it once it comes in. I love my 80, but at the same time I’m really excited about a newer car with better tech and that you have less maintenance and don’t have to put gas in. The older you get the more your start thinking strategically and long term about things.

Another item that gets overlooked is insurance. A normal auto policy will only cover what is listed in the Kelly blue book, unless you get an agreed upon value policy or classic car insurance. Those policies are pretty expansive and have extensive limitations. Depending on your risk tolerance and how much you buy the 80 you could end up in a situation where the insurance is not going to cover what you paid out.

 

[Somebodyelse5]

I absolutely love my 80 and working on cars in general. If it's something you want to get into, we are all here to help, but it shouldn't be your only vehicle... there is nothing worse than having to slap it back together, fighting the clock, so you can get to work tomorrow.

Over the past 10 years (and if you want to be serious, the past 25) neither my 80, nor my 100, nor my moms 100, nor my brothers 100 have ever left us stranded for something that a new(er) car would have prevented. I had a thermostat go bad. I had an alternator go bad. That stuff happens and it's part of older cars... but I believe strongly that newer doesn't always mean better... plenty of brand new tacomas have fuel pumps failing, for example. Statistics are against you with anything mass produced.

 

[DSRTRDR]

Really appreciate everyone's comments - you don't know what you don't know. I'm opening myself up to a whole world I didn't know existed and finding the right questions to ask prior to purchase.
This will be my DD - I'll be taking it to construction sites daily, possibly hauling material, and for longer road trips, camper or otherwise. Short daily commutes, long trips. I'm not intending to build a rig atm but might, and would learn along the way.
I'm okay spending a little more upfront with proper records and to know it's been well maintained. Again, reliability is key here; i don't want to purchase an LC if it can't be worked on at my leisure (but I know that's not always realistic). Thoughts?

if you don't have another vehicle as a DD, an 80 won't allow you to wrench "at your leisure" - when it's down it may take a week or so to get parts . . . what are you going to drive then ?

 

[canman]

Really appreciate everyone's comments - you don't know what you don't know. I'm opening myself up to a whole world I didn't know existed and finding the right questions to ask prior to purchase.
This will be my DD - I'll be taking it to construction sites daily, possibly hauling material, and for longer road trips, camper or otherwise. Short daily commutes, long trips. I'm not intending to build a rig atm but might, and would learn along the way.
I'm okay spending a little more upfront with proper records and to know it's been well maintained. Again, reliability is key here; i don't want to purchase an LC if it can't be worked on at my leisure (but I know that's not always realistic). Thoughts?

Seems you might now be looking at other vehicles which is good I would say. I would not recommend an 80 for what you describe as your intended use or where you are in your life. These vehicles are now technically antiques in some circles. They are not fuel efficient (for motor size/output), not that comfortable, not that roomy in the rear seats if you or your kids are/will be tall (had to get another vehicle with more rear leg room as my girls grew). Don’t get me wrong. I love my LX450. It always brings a smile to my face when I get in it, but it’s old, tired, and rusty. Needs a ton of TLC and $$$ to get it back in shape for long road trips which is what I intend to do with my buddy, but it has also taken a lot of time and money to kit it out for off-roading over my 15 years of owning her.

 

[desmocruiser]

I love my 80(s) but admit they aren’t for everyone, slow, expensive, not comfortable for some, limited space, needy, etc.

If you have the passion, I recommend 3 things:

A minimum of $25k invested to get a solid road worthy 80, with an extra $5000 budgeted for the next repair.

Access to a second car when needed.

Patience to endure the repairs, fuel costs, slow lane and all the nice people that tell you how Cool your truck is everywhere you go!

Good luck!

 

[Bludozer]

Every single one of these threads:

"Should I buy an 80 series?"

Endless replies from people who own 80s: "No."

 

[Argonaut54]

Every single one of these threads:

"Should I buy an 80 series?"

Endless replies from people who own 80s: "No."

i know, right!?

 

[Spruce]

Every single one of these threads:

"Should I buy an 80 series?"

Endless replies from people who own 80s: "No."

I'm a relatively new member and an even newer owner of an 80 and am always surprised by this. I actually kinda like the glass half empty approach because if you actually consider everything that's said and still want one, you know you actually want one. If you go on a Jeep forum you'll get 1,000 replies from people explaining why no other vehicle should even exist. Beyond that, the technical assistance here is really top notch as long as you make a stab at solving the problem first and have actually read the FSM guidelines for whatever you're doing. It's also good to remember that within a few years from now fueling these things is going to be a legit budget item, and considering the buy in cost, maintenance cost, and that they're not financially worth it for many people looking for a cool DD.

Someone start working on an EV (or hopefully hydrogen) swap for theirs so I don't have to crush mine in 3 years.

 

[canman]

i know, right!?

Usually from folks with lots of experience with them. I always wonder why anyone would want a 25 year old plus gas guzzler as a daily driver. These vehicles are probably the pinnacle of Toyota engineering for off-road use according to many experts. Why waste driving one on paved roads getting groceries or going to work? Now, if you were getting one to explore the roads less traveled, then 100% go for it.

 

[Somebodyelse5]

Usually from folks with lots of experience with them. I always wonder why anyone would want a 25 year old plus gas guzzler as a daily driver. These vehicles are probably the pinnacle of Toyota engineering for off-road use according to many experts. Why waste driving one on paved roads getting groceries or going to work? Now, if you were getting one to explore the roads less traveled, then 100% go for it.

yOu dOnT nEeD a LaNd CrUisEr.

I will drive my 80 on 37's to get groceries today and smile the whole way there.

 

[BILT4ME]

i know, right!?

I do exactly what you are talking about.

I travel all over the country driving my 80 some of the time, driving rentals some of the time.

I carry about 800 LB of tools and parts for industrial equipment and I am on job site from hot and sandy to muddy and wet to filled with snow.

I average 11.5 MPG.
I started with a truck that was minimally rusty in the MW. I threw a TON of maintenance at it because it was very poorly maintained. I drove it and worked on it for a few years as I baselined it. I have since put on over 140K miles.
I got it cheap, I love working on vehicles (It's my therapy as long as I'm not broke down somewhere), and overall it's great to drive because it's different. I get thumbs up a LOT when I'm driving. (I also get shown that I'm number one too!!!!)

Pros:
* I can get in it, turn the key, and go and not have to worry about something breaking while I'm on the road because these are very reliable.
* There are folks on this forum that if I were to break down on the road, I could get help within an hour or two from someone.
* These trucks can be limped for many miles with an issue so you can get back to civilization (steering, mechanical, brakes, some ignition stuff)
* Very little computer dependent items that will cause full disability.
* Toyota still makes most parts for the 95-97
* Heater works fantastic
* It's paid for.
* Annual maintenance costs are low.
* I get to drive slower so I can see the scenery.

Cons:
* There are those weird things that break that are not common, like an ignition barrel rod that took down the truck for a week.
* Factory power leather seats suck. I need something more, as I MUST stop every 4 hours to get out and pee, walk, try to straighten out, and get feeling back in my ass and back. Thank God it only gets 11.5 MPG.
* You need to use Toyota parts to insure the reliability that you need. There are some exceptions, but the big things are available and should be used.
* You must keep up on your maintenance: Oil changes, tires, drive train lubrication, coolant, cooling system.
* Gas mileage
* It takes longer to get everywhere.
* Heater works fantastic, even when it's 105°F.
* Cannot tow much due to low power and overheating
* Elevation and speed are inversely proportional.
* Preventive Maintenance costs are high, but only required every 100K.
* Insurance costs on these are much higher than others because of fewer imported and the "luxury vehicle" tax

A coworker of mine drives a 2008 Chevy Tahoe and his truck is infinitely more comfortable to drive. He does similar maintenance on his truck and does monthly oil changes. He's had a couple sensor failures that stopped him in his tracks, but the parts for a Chevy Tahoe are MUCH more available. He also gets about 17-18 MPG regularly, which REALLY adds up in fuel costs. He can also run 80+ MPH with no issues. If I go over 75 MPH, my oil consumption skyrockets, my gas mileage plummets, and I'll burn a quart of oil in 1000 miles or less, depending on how hard I'm pushing it. He averages 48,000 miles/year.

So, 75 MPH, I can get 14 MPG if there's no wind, but it takes me forever to get there. I can carry a lot of weight and look cool while doing it. I can go to any job site and go where I need to with no concern for getting stuck as long as I'm not being stupid.

I average 15K-20K miles per year.
That's 1304-1740 gallons of gas/year.
x $3.45/gallon = $4499 - $6003 per year just in gas.
The good news is I got 7 years and 95K miles out of my last set of GY Duratracs because on the highway they wear well and it doesn't have enough HP to smoke the tires......

After my trip last week, I need new seats. My back and ass hurt so much from two 12 hour drives from KC to San Antonio and back, than I was having trouble sleeping and walking.

Yeah, buy something newer and more comfortable unless you REALLY like older stuff.
My back-up vehicle to this truck is a 1959 Studebaker, so that tells you where my head is anyway (most will say up my ass).

 

[jpoole]

While this is beyond the scope of what it's like to own/drive an 80 I'd guess that a big factor in forum responses to "should I buy" is that many of the folks that take time to respond to "should I buy" are the same folks that help new hobbyist/owners as they have questions or run into problems.

If you work with older automobiles long enough you'll attract requests for help both on and off the forum and get front row seats to the dramas that can unfold. These dramas often lead to positive outcomes, even if they fail to achieve the original vision, but not always. Casualties can include the automobile being devalued, relationships strained, money lost, dreams turned to nightmares, etc. Fortunately the stakes are relatively low with the enthusiastic purchase of an older automobile like an 80. With other interests, where broader life changes are involved, the stakes grow which reminds me of more dramatic stories I've seen unfold in the sailboat cruising world and full-time traveling worlds where folks sometimes sell everything and dive in, only to find that it was a bad move!...

As one's experience of helping newbies grows I think it's decreasingly appealing to encourage anyone to take a plunge. If they've made their mind up they'll dive in anyway, but you won't be responsible if the wheels come off (literally or figuratively). I prefer to provide help and information and leave the decisions to them. This is exceedingly true when I know, and want to remain on good terms with the "significant other(s)".

To me the fact that responses on "should I buy" are so realistic and conservative is just another proof of how experienced and knowledgeable many of the forums members, and as a result this community as a whole, is.

 

[goingcamping]

To add to your process, spend some time on craigslist, FB marketplace and autotrader and look through how many first-timers are selling their 80...there are a lot. I spent about 2 hours yesterday cruising through CL for a potential 2nd 80 (it's a sickness, I'm afraid?). Many will have statements like "I bought as a project..." or "I intended to build an..." or "I purchased [a few weeks/months back] and just don't have the time..."

These challenges are nothing new in the world of old cars/trucks. I can appreciate your diligence in asking the questions and truly looking for good advice from the people in the know, I am not one of them. I am merely an eager apprentice trying to learn (and teach my son) the value of taking care of your things and how to fix them when they inevitably break. The amount of information gleaned off IH8MUD is incredible!

My $.02 if you have a family, career and responsibilities buy an 80 as your second vehicle or if you can swing it now, buy a DD and the 80 for all the previously mentioned reasons.

Anyway, I cannot wait to see your 80 when you get