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NCgx470

NCgx470

Toyota Addict
10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Apr 26, 2010
Threads
16
Messages
44
Location
Southeastern NC
Looking for a "new-to-me" Daily Driver and fun-mobile to replace my 2003 Tacoma Dobule Cab [@ 114K miles; title in hand; waiting for a buyer (maybe)]

On the radar. . . a 1995 80-series @ 157K miles (< $6000) or
a 2007 FJC @ <50K miles (~ $21000)

Anyone out there have experience with both?
 
NCgx470 said:
Looking for a "new-to-me" Daily Driver and fun-mobile to replace my 2003 Tacoma Dobule Cab [@ 114K miles; title in hand; waiting for a buyer (maybe)]

On the radar. . . a 1995 80-series @ 157K miles (< $6000) or
a 2007 FJC @ <50K miles (~ $21000)

Anyone out there have experience with both?
Click to expand...

Jerry (mtbcoach) and I know which one he would sell first if he had to.
 
NCgx470 said:
Not selling those on the "radar" -- trying to choose which to buy. . .
Click to expand...

No I was saying I know which one he would sell if he had to. Meaning I know which one he likes better, the 80 vs the FJ.

You really have to figure out what you want out of it. The price between an 80 and a FJ is huge. If I was you I would buy Alex's diesel powered 80.
 
Sounds nice, but unless it includes a divorce attorney I'll have to pass. . .

The price difference between the FJ and 80 is an obvious; however; it might be worth 4-5 yrs of payments not to have to tinker and toil with the vehicle. If I can reasonably expect that 80 to roll 200K with only minor/preventative maintenance, I could find other uses for those monthly payments. . .
 
Not to speak for Alex but this weekend he told me that he is going to take the mud for sale thread on his 80 off because it is currently not for sale anymore. But it's worth trying to reach him and asking him personally.
 
NCgx470 said:
Sounds nice, but unless it includes a divorce attorney I'll have to pass. . .

The price difference between the FJ and 80 is an obvious; however; it might be worth 4-5 yrs of payments not to have to tinker and toil with the vehicle. If I can reasonably expect that 80 to roll 200K with only minor/preventative maintenance, I could find other uses for those monthly payments. . .
Click to expand...

The 80 can easily do that.

I posted the 4bt 80 because it will go much longer than that and is cheaper car payments than the fj with more room to boot.
 
SFROMAN said:
Not to speak for Alex but this weekend he told me that he is going to take the mud for sale thread on his 80 off because it is currently not for sale anymore. But it's worth trying to reach him and asking him personally.
Click to expand...

hmm he must be saving it for me :D
 
As Al eluded to...if I had to choose between the two, I'd go with the 80.

I've put a lot of time and resources ($$$$) into my FJC and am verynpleased with the outcome. I drove it to Rubithon, hit SoCal, AZ, Moab and Ouray on the way home. Not many vehicles can do that, let alone be comfortable enough to keep my wife and daughters happy along the way.

I could go into the negatives of each and try to make some rational for one or the other and it will all come down to likes and dislikes for each. For me, comfort is better for grown-ups and visibility is dramatically better in the 80. The FJC is more responsive and slightly better on fuel.

For me, it's IFS vs live axles. I've re-geared my FJC, installed an ARB air locker and have RCV CV axles that cost as much as a set of Dana 60 axles complete and I'm still very wary with pushing the IFS too much/hard. With an 80 and factory lockers, one has what most consider a "stronger/more reliable" drive train.

Bumpers, sliders, suspension upgrades are very similar cost for each, the main difference being the upfront cost of the vehicle. I know I'm looking forward to my last payment on the FJC in the next couple months...
 
NCgx470 said:
Looking for a "new-to-me" Daily Driver and fun-mobile to replace my 2003 Tacoma Dobule Cab [@ 114K miles; title in hand; waiting for a buyer (maybe)]

On the radar. . . a 1995 80-series @ 157K miles (< $6000) or
a 2007 FJC @ <50K miles (~ $21000)

Anyone out there have experience with both?
Click to expand...

I would suggest coming out to one or two of our meetings (meet and greet this weekend) or trail rides (e.g. URE) and see some different trucks in action. Jerry's the expert on FJ Cruisers, but we have a lot of 80s in the club. In my opinion there is a big difference between an 80 and FJC, besides cost. Since you have such a big price range, why not also consider a 100 series? 100s are also quite capable and priced between what you are looking at. With a little suspension, 33s, and armor, the 100 can ride any trail in our area. Plus, the 100 gets slightly better gas mileage than the 80, has a smoother ride, is quieter, etc...

In the end though, it depends on what you really what to do with the truck.
 
Reply to PM in your box. . .

Thanks for all the input. I have considered the 100s, and looked into a couple, but they seem to be awfuly close to what I have in the 120/GX.
 
Don't get me wrong, I love my FJC. It's easy to look back and find things that one might do differently. I really don't have any regrets (well, maybe the yellow Wet Okole seat covers, not quite as yellow anymore), how could I, it has everything but a TRD supercharger.

It's a perfect set up for 2 plus the dog, bottom line is the clamshell doors. I've adapted and like it, being able to get out, get the dog out of the back from one spot. Some hate it, back seat passengers can't get out without having to have the front door being opened first. That means having to release my seat belt, open my door so the clamshell can be opened. They can't get out the passenger side without having that front door opened first.

Doing some relatively extreme sections, I had to have a "safety briefing" with a plan how to get out if we rolled or ... The back door or window can't be opened from the inside either, making for potential to have the back seat passengers being trapped in the back. Adding the dog barrier in the back makes a nice cage further trapping the rear seat passengers in the event the front doors become disabled or the front passenger can't open the door.

There is a way to make a rear door release as well as one for the rear window although I've not done them personally. In either event, I guess my paranoia and overly analytical brain makes me think this is a safety issue for back seat passengers. I'm not trying to be alarmist, just honest about my thoughts thru almost 5 yrs of ownership, having my daughters growing up in the back of it.

Obviously, anything can happen in an 80 also, there are simply more options of something "bad" happened. The weakest issue for the 80 is the power plant, particularly with 35's. I'm planning on a regear and I'd consider a supercharger to help it drive well at 70+ mph duties as a daily driver.

When I (really, we) look back at pure dollars and "sense", spending similar $$$ on a nice 80 as a base, it would be an over-the-top rig (just like my FJC) without the additional $15+k difference in initial vehicle cost.

Hope this all makes some sense...
 
While I don't dislike the FJC the only advantages i see it has over a 80 is a small gas mileage + and gearing options.
 
NCgx470 said:
Thanks for all the input. I have considered the 100s, and looked into a couple, but they seem to be awfuly close to what I have in the 120/GX.
Click to expand...

I thought the GX470 was similar chassis and drivetrain to the 4Runner and FJ Cruiser: similar frame, suspension, engine (4th gen 4R). I don't think the GX470 shares much with the LX470 or 100 LC other than the engine (and maybe transmission and transfer).

I like the safety of the VSC in the 2000+ LC, plus I prefer the full-time 4WD when the weather gets wet, snowy, or icy. I drove a 4Runner for 16 years and loved it, but the LC (80 or 100) is a much nicer (and little larger) truck for a family of four. If you don't have a family, or prefer a smaller truck, then the FJC may be a better choice for you. It's definitely more similar to your Tacoma. It all depends on what you want to do with it and where you want to spend the money.

At the end of the day, for me, it's easier to put a trail dent or scratch into a $5k or $10k truck than a $20k truck.
 
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Mtbcoach said:
Obviously, anything can happen in an 80 also, there are simply more options of something "bad" happened. The weakest issue for the 80 is the power plant, particularly with 35's. I'm planning on a regear and I'd consider a supercharger to help it drive well at 70+ mph duties as a daily driver.
Click to expand...

Running 35s on an 80 (FJZ80) with the stock power plant isn't really a big deal in most of NC in my experience / opinion. Sure you won't win any drag races but for around town driving and even highway speeds at 80MPH or below, it does OK. For the western section of NC the story is a bit different since severe elevation changes and altitude are more routine but I take the 80 from CLT to Hatteras and back routinely and re-gearing and supercharging are never immediate concerns. If fuel economy is important then look for alternatives however...
 
The GX is a differently-dressed 4Runner/Prado, and doesn't share much with the 100s. It is close enough in appearance and ability ;) to the 100s though, that I have pretty much decided against it as a second vehicle. . .

Keep the input coming. . .
 
You still haven't told us what you plan do do with this vehicle?
 
What is the intended purpose? We have a GX and 100. I prefer the 100, wife prefers her GX. 100 is more of a tank. I prefer the heavier feel. The GX is great and sporty but they are completely different to drive. An 03 or newer 100 maybe more like a GX. The 100 still weights 800lbs more without mods. You can lift a 100 2 inches pretty easliy and it is fun on some of the Uwharrie trails (it would be more fun if it was not my DD).

If it is a DD, get VW Golf TDI 6 speed and get 50 mpg. You have the GX for the fun stuff.
 
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