Need Suggestions

[Banger]

Hello all.

I have a FJ73 which I bought about 6 months ago (for $4000) as a cheapy entry into the 4WD world, and it has served me fairly well. Now, after selling my motorcycle I have additional funds available for some upgrades, and are after some advice.

My biggest concern with the FJ73 is the fact that it is 21 years old. It has been reliable but I have not pushed it very hard either. And have not taken it a long way from home yet as I am still a little unconvinced about its reliability.

So if I was happy to spend another $6000 - $7000, am I better of fixing the 73 up, or selling it and starting with something a bit newer? I do think the 73 is also a bit small inside when trying to fit all the camping gear inside along with the wife and 2 kids.

So to sell and buy again, my budget is around $11000. What does anyone recommend? Choices are probably a HJ75, or diesel 80 series (early one). Maybe a hilux or prado, but not sure about them.

Or to fix up, where should I start? Can I fit a later model driveline? The body is basically quite sound, but engine has 300,000 kms on it, aircon does not work, electics need a bit of a look at, and there is some vibration I think in the front drive shaft.

My main requirement is to build a reasonable camping rig that will take me and mine on camping trips around West Australia, and maybe the rest of Oz too.

Thanks in advance
Tim

 

[Island Moose]

Everything I've read about Australia's Outback tells me that you'd better not break down in the middle of it....especially with your family aboard. Spend 90% of the 11K on the rig itself....campers can be upgraded and freshened-up.

 

[roscoFJ73]

Hello all.

I have a FJ73 which I bought about 6 months ago (for $4000) as a cheapy entry into the 4WD world, and it has served me fairly well. Now, after selling my motorcycle I have additional funds available for some upgrades, and are after some advice.

My biggest concern with the FJ73 is the fact that it is 21 years old. It has been reliable but I have not pushed it very hard either. And have not taken it a long way from home yet as I am still a little unconvinced about its reliability.

So if I was happy to spend another $6000 - $7000, am I better of fixing the 73 up, or selling it and starting with something a bit newer? I do think the 73 is also a bit small inside when trying to fit all the camping gear inside along with the wife and 2 kids.

So to sell and buy again, my budget is around $11000. What does anyone recommend? Choices are probably a HJ75, or diesel 80 series (early one). Maybe a hilux or prado, but not sure about them.

Or to fix up, where should I start? Can I fit a later model driveline? The body is basically quite sound, but engine has 300,000 kms on it, aircon does not work, electics need a bit of a look at, and there is some vibration I think in the front drive shaft.

My main requirement is to build a reasonable camping rig that will take me and mine on camping trips around West Australia, and maybe the rest of Oz too.

Thanks in advance
Tim

Hi Tim How about a good 60 series? Buy one for a $6-7K and spend a few thousand on accessories.
Lots of cheap used parts and accessories available
Put a roof rack up top or get a 6x4 trailer and you will have plenty of room.
Take some time ,look at 10-15 vehicles if you have to ,there is good deals out there.

You could fit a later model driveline to the 73 like I did but the cost will out weigh upgrading.

I dont blame you being reluctant to take the 73 over space issues.
On trips like that 4 doors are a must and a LWB will be nicer to ride in also.

There are some HZJ80 STD in the $11K range and some of them are good but I bet they will still need a few thousand to prep them for a long trip.

 

[Banger]

Hi all,
thanks for the responses thus far. I had not really thought about a 60 series, but will look into it. Any thoughts petrol v diesel. I guess diesel is prob better, but given limited budget, maybe it is not worth the extra spend as the vehicle would be older/have more k's on it.

Tim

 

[roscoFJ73]

Hi all,
thanks for the responses thus far. I had not really thought about a 60 series, but will look into it. Any thoughts petrol v diesel. I guess diesel is prob better, but given limited budget, maybe it is not worth the extra spend as the vehicle would be older/have more k's on it.

Tim

The diesels are always a little dearer but the engines last longer
There is plenty of LPG converted landcruisers around but the LPG tank often infringes upon cabin space unless its replaced the old fuel tank.
If it has replaced the old fuel tank then it needs a small auxillary tank forward of the rear axle otherwise you are too reliant on LPG .

In your case I would also consider a Patrol. I looked a 90 model LWB one owner with 160000KMS full documentation for $9K at Big Rock Toyota a few months back. Its gone now but the big patrols with the non turbo 4.2 diesel are a good buy. They dont drive as nice but they are ok on the highway