Need Feedback: Trade 98 Taco for 93-FJ80

[88CltLC]

Have been a lurker and seldom poster for a about a year and a half at this point. For the past couple of months I have half-hearted looking for a mid-90s FJ80 (to go along with my 88-FJ62) and have just come back from agreeing in principle to a deal. The only item left that will seal this is a trip to our local Toyota dealer tomorrow to ensure the LC doesn't have any hidden $$$ issues. Here's the deal:

93-FJ80
Second owner vehicle
94K
Above average condition interior (no rips in cloth, pretty clean)
Michelins w/45% tread left
Aftermarket stereo (with two blown speakers)
Freon
Clean engine bay, but clearly an oil leak upfront (Number one item to have looked at by Toyota)
Drives tight and does not even appear to need an alignment
No other visible leaks than the oil leak upfront
No rust visible
From lack of scrapes on undercarriage and red clay residue, assume this has been off road little if any
No locking diffs

98-Taco (My current DD)
4wd X-cab
4cyl w/5spd
Fully loaded
112K
Meticulously maintained w/ all receipts since date of purchase - all work has been done at Toyota
Extremely clean
Taken off-road couple of times each year
Haven't changed the timing belt or even fan belts yet
Michelins w/55% tread left

Plus, I am giving the LC owner a $1000 in cash.

Do you think this is a reasonable deal?

Also, is there anything else I should be looking at?

Thanks!

Andrew
Charlotte, NC

 

[reffug]

This is just me personally, but no lockers no deal, I'm sure others w/o lockers who might have made a hasty purchase will chime in. Also you don't stipulate if the taco is TRD w/ rear locker. If so that would make a huge difference IMHO.

 

[reffug]

Oh sorry on second read you say its a 4 cyl. and I don't know if that even comes TRD so my bad :whoops: . Not an authority on taco's have a few friends with em and with a rear locker they kick ass...... so if you do have one w/ a rear locker then I return to my orignal statement if not that changes the equation .....................

 

[88CltLC]

Sorry I didn't clarify up front, my 98 Taco does not have the TRD package and does not have a locker.

 

[semlin]

Why does he want your truck? Most sellers want cash. Has he been having trouble selling it?

go to www.sleeoffroad.com and read up in the newbie section on how to check the head gasket. The dealer may not do that for you.

I would also run his LC by a body shop to see what they can spot.

 

[Bigshone]

Dude, lockers rule! Do you need it, or do you want it? If you want it, I would wait for lockers. I'm a new guy around here, but I got mine because I needed something that could haul 4 people, a load of crap, and do some wheeling at the same time. For me, that meant lockers. I could have paid to have some ARBs installed, but I didn't want to mess with it. What ever you decide I wish you good luck.

 

[sleeoffroad]

Not sure if that is such a good deal. What is the blue book on your truck vs the land cruiser. Also, your 98 Taco is way cheaper to maintain and a lot newer. Just be aware that any 93 (doesn't matter how low the miles) is 11 years old. Rubber hoses go, sensors go, it might look clean, but it is going to cost money. Hate to be a doomsday profit, but if you really want a 80, and you are used to a 98 vintage truck, I would add some money and buy a 97 if you can.

 

[miked]

traded '01 taco for '96 lc

well, the years arn't the same as your situation but, i recently traded my '01 taco TRD w/locker for a '96 LC with lockers. the only times i've regretted it are when i fill the tank. other than that, i haven't looked back. i feel that the LC is five times the truck. for me, it was'nt an even trade as the LC cost more than the taco was worth but i am happier now than i ever was with the taco. taco's are great unless you have friends or family. when i bought mine i was new to the area and only knew one person here. now its a few years later and i have a girl with three kids (only one is mine) and friends that like to go wheeling.

like someone said above though, you're looking at an older truck and hoses and things will be a pain. personally, i enjoy wrenching on the LC now and then because it's simply a better built truck.

 

[Rookie2]

well, the years arn't the same as your situation but, i recently traded my '01 taco TRD w/locker for a '96 LC with lockers. the only times i've regretted it are when i fill the tank. other than that, i haven't looked back.

A co-worker has a V8 taco. Says he only gets 16 to 18 mpg. Not much better than a well maitenanced 80. Does seems to be a significant difference in interior quality/creature comforts etc.. What's kind of gas mileage were you getting with your Taco?


Rookie2

 

[sleeoffroad]

Tundra with v8 or taco with v6?

 

[miked]

the best MPG i ever got in the '01 taco V6 was 25.sumtin on a flat road, no wind, cruize set to 55, right about sea level, snugtop camper shell. i was trying to get the best milage i could.

the average was about 20~21 depending on load and speed...

the best i've seen in the LC was about 16 but that was on the interstate at about 80 mph. seems about right. if i drove a bit slower it would be around 17 or so i guess.

most of the pain at fillup is from the larger tank. seems i fill up about as often but it takes 25 gallons to do it. in so-cal, we are paying about 2.50 for mid grade. still though, thats better than some parts of the world so i'm not really complaining per say...

 

[MoJ]

Sold my 98 Taco after buying a 91 FJ80. Sold my 91 FJ80 after buying a 94 FZJ80. Sometimes I miss the Taco as it had less miles on it and didn't require much of my time and the mpg was better. However, don't think I'd go back to it after having an 80.

 

[calamaridog]

If the cruiser checks out mechanically then go for it.

A fair trade is one that benifits both parties...

I will be getting rid of my 2001 Taco this year for an 80 series...

 

[Cruisin'Carolina]

I tried to do a comparison for you on Edmunds, but you did not provide enough info in your post to do a good analysis....

So give that a try, you are buying at the right time last day of the last month, etc....

Just be prepared to spend up to $2K in PM soon, you would have had to spend at least half that amount soon doing a clutch, timing belt, and other PM on your Taco anyway.

If the money is even close, and the truck checks out (LOOK AT THE BIRFS) , AND you plan on this being a keeper for a long time, don't worry so much about the money. If one without lockers will serve your needs, GO FOR IT!

 

[whodat]

A co-worker has a V8 taco.

this would be an interesting rig.

 

[calamaridog]

this would be an interesting rig.

I have a friend who is gearing up for a V8 swap in his SAS 96 Taco. When he finally starts cutting, I'll post some pictures