I wish regular was that cheap here. Unfortunately is $4.05/gal.
Should I buy an 80, costs of ownership?
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justbecause
perpetually lost.
On the other hand, there are some of us who bought their LC used and cheap with the idea to abuse her till she cries for mercy.
We change the oil whenever we think about it (once a year?) with the cheap generic oil (yes the engine started smoking at 120k miles-- darn), replace worn-out parts (brakes, plugs etc) with cheap auto-parts from the corner store, never change any fluids, let the front axle mix fluids and run dry till it clicks during turns AND STILL DON'T do anything, 'wheel the crap outta it, scratch and dent the exterior and interior, and after maybe 3-5 years, sell it cheap, and buy another babied LC... and start over with raping 'er yet again...
Being a fugly American, I feel entitled to complain loudly that this Jap Crap is too expensive. Should I feel ashamed?
Lorax
i think i died a little inside...
Unless you are very old, or in very poor health, begin rolling the idea of $10/gal around as something you'll see in your lifetime.
There was a day not that long ago (2007?) when we laughed (bitterly) at gas stations that were hand-painting a "2" in the dollar's place on their signs, because the idea of gas costing more than $1.xx per gallon hadn't seemed realistic.
By 2020 (give or take), we'll be feeling a sense of deja vu at gas stations struggling to deal with double-digit-dollar-per-gallon prices on their single-digit-dollar-per-gallon signs.
... and our descendants will gasp when we tell them of the days when a single individual, without passengers, actually drove a large, 13-mpg 4wd vehicle every day, on flat paved roads, back and forth to work...
This thread needs a quarterly bump just as a reminder to new and old alike.
One of the best threads around.
One of the best threads around.
Grench
SILVER Star
A little retrospect...
I've owned my Grey FZJ80 for about 8 years now. Rough estimate of total investment with maintenance and mods is somewhere in the $30K range.
For that I could have bought a brand new Ford Excursion 8 years ago andpaid it off over 6 years. In that case I would now have a broken down rusted 8 year old vehicle with no toys, no excitement, dying motor, etc...
Instead I have a crazy fun overbuilt Land Cruiser that I plan to drive for at least the next 10 years. Yes, it's starting to rust around me - but it's never been treated as a show car. It gets abused. So - in 10 years or so I'll be looking for a donor vehicle to swap out my rust with.
For me and my maintenance and modifications through time, the money is about the same owning two 1996 FZJ80s as it would be to purchase -one- new sport utility of similar size. So - long term there has been some savings for me. This is despite having an 'open wallet' policy on their upkeep.
It really isn't about the money though. The peace of mind, the great visibility, driving comfort - I haven't found anything else that compares.
Yes, parts are high dollar - but that is different from being expensive.
An alternator for the old 1991 Escort I used to drive long long ago was about 1/3 the price of one for a LandCruiser. The Escort ate an alternator every 30K miles. Between two FZJ80s with 150K miles ONE of them needed an alternator 20K miles ago - the other one got new brushes. So - even though the part cost 3X as much, it tends to last 10X as long.
If you change vehicles every year or two - this probably isn't the one for you. If you're looking at 5, 10 or more years from one vehicle - then it starts to make good sense.
Mine are not for sale.
I've owned my Grey FZJ80 for about 8 years now. Rough estimate of total investment with maintenance and mods is somewhere in the $30K range.
For that I could have bought a brand new Ford Excursion 8 years ago andpaid it off over 6 years. In that case I would now have a broken down rusted 8 year old vehicle with no toys, no excitement, dying motor, etc...
Instead I have a crazy fun overbuilt Land Cruiser that I plan to drive for at least the next 10 years. Yes, it's starting to rust around me - but it's never been treated as a show car. It gets abused. So - in 10 years or so I'll be looking for a donor vehicle to swap out my rust with.
For me and my maintenance and modifications through time, the money is about the same owning two 1996 FZJ80s as it would be to purchase -one- new sport utility of similar size. So - long term there has been some savings for me. This is despite having an 'open wallet' policy on their upkeep.
It really isn't about the money though. The peace of mind, the great visibility, driving comfort - I haven't found anything else that compares.
Yes, parts are high dollar - but that is different from being expensive.
An alternator for the old 1991 Escort I used to drive long long ago was about 1/3 the price of one for a LandCruiser. The Escort ate an alternator every 30K miles. Between two FZJ80s with 150K miles ONE of them needed an alternator 20K miles ago - the other one got new brushes. So - even though the part cost 3X as much, it tends to last 10X as long.
If you change vehicles every year or two - this probably isn't the one for you. If you're looking at 5, 10 or more years from one vehicle - then it starts to make good sense.
Mine are not for sale.
93yotasr5
Come and take it
the way i see it. i pay a lot for gas but it evens out in reliability. i have 284,000 miles and ive made quite a few long trips (100-400 miles) and never had any problems with my rig. ive done just the basic maintanance things. but nothing major and expensive. love my 80!!!
Interesting thread. Just got my 91 FJ 80 3 months ago for $ 3100....from a neighbor (all records)down the street. He bought it 10 years ago for $19,000 so he drove it for the 10 years for $16,000. that's $133.00 per month! You really can't beat it? Now I plan on having it for a long time it's got 163,000 is bone stock and just starting to make it my own. I was looking for a vehicle that could be kept running and was worthy of being on the road for 30 or 40 years. This is it. PS My 61 Chevy with 82,000 orig. miles drives like new.
What do you mean I have put thousands into my 80.
But it was not because of mechanical failures
But it was not because of mechanical failures
Love this thread. In 1994, I was looking at the 80 and the explorer. Bought the explorer because I could not swing the 80. Explorer was donated to charity a couple of years ago with less than 100k. Last year I bought a 1994 80 as my dd. I have driven about 20k since. Wish I would have bought the 80 in 1994. Just under 250k on the 80 and have taken multiple 500 to 1000 mile trips.
Yes it costs a bit to maintain, but almost everything on the 80 can be rebuilt. Still better than the explorer. And still cheaper then my gt3 to maintain.
Yes it costs a bit to maintain, but almost everything on the 80 can be rebuilt. Still better than the explorer. And still cheaper then my gt3 to maintain.
i think it is the best vehicle anyone can get nothing can replace them unless you choose to drive a MACK
Bump
In this day of twitters, just having a real 4x4 that can last almost forever gives me a real buzz.
Between the solid axles (can you believe it!) , mechanical diesel pump (can you believe it!), cheaper to fuel that my wife's 2.0litre Honda (can you believe it!), exhaust note from 3 incher and factory fridge with 'luxurious' interior, I don't need anything else.
Get a good one for starters and pm like mad is my way to happiness.
In this day of twitters, just having a real 4x4 that can last almost forever gives me a real buzz.
Between the solid axles (can you believe it!) , mechanical diesel pump (can you believe it!), cheaper to fuel that my wife's 2.0litre Honda (can you believe it!), exhaust note from 3 incher and factory fridge with 'luxurious' interior, I don't need anything else.
Get a good one for starters and pm like mad is my way to happiness.
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Ther isn't anything new that compares
When it became time to replace my 1fz I shopped for something new or newer that compared. My 93 is a poverty pack model by North American standards...Cloth seats and no rear spoiler. I like it that way so obviously my search was going to be tough. I was willing to give on the solid axle so that put the 100 series in play, but they are all loaded to the gills it seems. I thought of a new Tundra or Tacoma or any truck for that matter with 4x4 and vinyl everything, but 30 grand for a work truck (need 4 doors) wasnt gonna happen. I even shopped Jeep but all opinions of quality aside, they are overpriced. 5 grand and some work replaces the engine and anything rubber under the hood with OE Toyota parts. The 80 really is a unique vehicle. Really more industrial machine then truck.
When it became time to replace my 1fz I shopped for something new or newer that compared. My 93 is a poverty pack model by North American standards...Cloth seats and no rear spoiler. I like it that way so obviously my search was going to be tough. I was willing to give on the solid axle so that put the 100 series in play, but they are all loaded to the gills it seems. I thought of a new Tundra or Tacoma or any truck for that matter with 4x4 and vinyl everything, but 30 grand for a work truck (need 4 doors) wasnt gonna happen. I even shopped Jeep but all opinions of quality aside, they are overpriced. 5 grand and some work replaces the engine and anything rubber under the hood with OE Toyota parts. The 80 really is a unique vehicle. Really more industrial machine then truck.
It was a toss up between the 80 & ifs 100 for me.
Sure, the 100 ride 'smoother' etc. But the feeling of being cocooned and somewhat detached from the driving experience didn't appeal to me.
80 is a classic/unique package. If cost of ownership = $ / uniqueness+utility+longevity, the cost of ownership is very low in my books
Sure, the 100 ride 'smoother' etc. But the feeling of being cocooned and somewhat detached from the driving experience didn't appeal to me.
80 is a classic/unique package. If cost of ownership = $ / uniqueness+utility+longevity, the cost of ownership is very low in my books
Great thread.
I'm picking up my dad's 92 LC..later today..
It's been a reliable beast in my family for as log as I can remember..(I'm 21 now)
Use to haul me around as a kid and now I'll haul my kid and family
Been lurking for the past few days and man... I'm a
I'm picking up my dad's 92 LC..later today..
It's been a reliable beast in my family for as log as I can remember..(I'm 21 now)
Use to haul me around as a kid and now I'll haul my kid and family
Been lurking for the past few days and man... I'm a
I must admit that I came upon my 96 locked cruiser by complete accident but have some ideas about cost of ownership. I bought the truck for 1000k purchase price, have changed all fluids,rebuilt the right side of the front axle, replaced the windshield, fixed the ac, installed a 1 inch body lift, 1 and a half inch spring lift on the front, OME 863 springs on the back, sliders which have already proven themselves to be invaluable, new front bumper which is winch compatible, roof rack, swing down rear bumper mounted spare tire carrier, new BFG 35" KM2's, reworked exhaust with new muffler, new paint job which helps it blend in to it's outdoor surrounding's, small items like window motor,etc. I now have a total of 3,650.00 in it! it runs perfectly, leaks nothing, uses nothing and everything works. I have done and will continue to do everything myself not just because of limited finances which is the case but also the enjoyment! I like having nice things at a fraction of the cost that others pay.
My point is dont let reports of high expenses discourage anyone from owning what I have found to be an unbelievably capable vehicle! In my opinion DIY is the way to go on this truck to truly realize it's potential for the age of the vehicle.
My point is dont let reports of high expenses discourage anyone from owning what I have found to be an unbelievably capable vehicle! In my opinion DIY is the way to go on this truck to truly realize it's potential for the age of the vehicle.
my 2 cents. I paid 2200 for my FJ on a whim before doing any real research into 80s. I have owned 40s and 60s a plenty but this is my first endeavor. I am luckily mechanically inclined. Since I have owned mine I have done: Brakes all around, valve cover gasket, plugs, wires, oil change, and topped off the moly grease. That's it in one years ownership. I have also hauled 4 cars 500 miles with it on a heavy trailer. I love my FJ and have turned down substantial profit for it. I just can't replace it for what I can sell it for. Best bang for the buck I have owned.
RiverCityDave
SILVER Star
I got back from Afghanistan in January 2010 and had decided to get a new Tundra while I was there. I was at the dealer pen in hand about to sign away 500.00 per month for 5 years, and I just paused, I thought, if I do this, I will never buy the cruiser, I've always wanted a cruiser, if I buy it, I will probably still buy the Tundra later, so thats what I did.
I bought the Cruiser with 140,000 well maintained miles on it, I just rolled 210,000 and have replaced the oil and filter a few times, plugs once, and just this weekend, the alternator. In the next few weeks, before the spring camping season, I'm going to do the front axle, and brakes just for good measure.
Speaking just of cost, it has cost me more to own this Cruiser than it would have to buy the Tundra, and thats primarily an issue of fuel. I get a SOLID ten miles per gallon, no matter what I do, roof rack or no rack, etc. I live 12 miles from my base, and I usually fill up 1.5 times a week. Fuel costs alone exceed my agreed upon payment on the Tundra, and the several friends I have with them get at LEAST twice the mileage I get in the same commute. So all things considered, its about a break even, to drive an 18 year old vehicle instead of a Brand New one. I'm not sure it makes ANY financial sense, because I'm staring down a head gasket soon, leaking hoses, need tires, lift, etc.
Take that financial bottom line out, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I may be picking up something to supplement it soon, though that will likely not be a Tundra, I have taken the truck on numerous camping trips to the State Parks, and we have gone camping at SPI three times since we bought it. The kids love it more than I do, and I will not sell it. I'll keep dropping cash on it, and making memories with it, but its not going to stay my DD. It has encouraged me back onto my bicycle, as that little 12 mile each way commute actually takes less time on the bike than in the truck most of the time, and that is a net gain.
All in all i still think it was a positive purchase, every time I walk out and see her, roof rack visible over the rest of the parking lot, I smile, and I love owning it, and really, thats what its all about. I have a buddy with well over 60K in an old 911, that would be handily outperformed by any number of modern zoom zoom cars, and are FAR more reliable and useful, but just try prying the keys to that little Stuttgart gem away from him.
If you're in it to try to make financial sense, look elsewhere, if you're in it to make memories, you can't do better.
I bought the Cruiser with 140,000 well maintained miles on it, I just rolled 210,000 and have replaced the oil and filter a few times, plugs once, and just this weekend, the alternator. In the next few weeks, before the spring camping season, I'm going to do the front axle, and brakes just for good measure.
Speaking just of cost, it has cost me more to own this Cruiser than it would have to buy the Tundra, and thats primarily an issue of fuel. I get a SOLID ten miles per gallon, no matter what I do, roof rack or no rack, etc. I live 12 miles from my base, and I usually fill up 1.5 times a week. Fuel costs alone exceed my agreed upon payment on the Tundra, and the several friends I have with them get at LEAST twice the mileage I get in the same commute. So all things considered, its about a break even, to drive an 18 year old vehicle instead of a Brand New one. I'm not sure it makes ANY financial sense, because I'm staring down a head gasket soon, leaking hoses, need tires, lift, etc.
Take that financial bottom line out, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I may be picking up something to supplement it soon, though that will likely not be a Tundra, I have taken the truck on numerous camping trips to the State Parks, and we have gone camping at SPI three times since we bought it. The kids love it more than I do, and I will not sell it. I'll keep dropping cash on it, and making memories with it, but its not going to stay my DD. It has encouraged me back onto my bicycle, as that little 12 mile each way commute actually takes less time on the bike than in the truck most of the time, and that is a net gain.
All in all i still think it was a positive purchase, every time I walk out and see her, roof rack visible over the rest of the parking lot, I smile, and I love owning it, and really, thats what its all about. I have a buddy with well over 60K in an old 911, that would be handily outperformed by any number of modern zoom zoom cars, and are FAR more reliable and useful, but just try prying the keys to that little Stuttgart gem away from him.
If you're in it to try to make financial sense, look elsewhere, if you're in it to make memories, you can't do better.
