Should I buy an 80, costs of ownership?

[OGBeno]

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.

Great sig line. Very, very well said mellowdave.

 

[Liftman]

I have had my landcruiser for over four years and it is the best truck i have ever owned,i have had lots of Landrovers but wont get rid of my landcruiser.
Only expensive part of it is the cost of fuel.
my daughter can even do the work on it..

fitting cv joints 010.avi - YouTube

 

[Impreza]

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.

While I applaud you for driving the 80 day in day out, but I think it would make a lot of financial sense if you got yourself a fuel efficient beater. This would not only save you on fuel cost but preserve the 80 from being high mileage very quickly. A beater would pay for itself quickly (assuming you drive the 35k a year), I'd say even within a year if you get something that can muster 30mpg average.

 

[justbecause]

While I applaud you for driving the 80 day in day out, but I think it would make a lot of financial sense if you got yourself a fuel efficient beater. This would not only save you on fuel cost but preserve the 80 from being high mileage very quickly. A beater would pay for itself quickly, I'd say even within a year if you get something that can muster 30mpg average.

I dd my 94 roughly 250 miles a week. I have been doing it for 10k miles now. I started looking for a sub $2k 4cyl this morning. Fuel prices are one thing, but racking up miles on the motor is really starting to concern me.

posted with my thumbs.

 

[97FZJ80]

i drive about 30k a year...im trying to find another cruiser or eco car to split the mileage so i can preserve her.

 

[Impreza]

And really after driving something different for a change (beater or not), you really tend to appreciate the 80 more and more on what it offers.

 

[half k cruiser]

I love my 94 cruiser, driving it at least. I think that some of the packaging is bull**** and they have a lot of common issues that are a pain. Definately a learning curve every time you tackle a new project. Am getting better at working on it though, you just have to alot twice the amount of time you think the job will take. Its a big, slow, and gets terrible gas mileage, but as mentioned a lot of fun to drive. Downright confidence inspiring when your bullying people for parking spaces at the local Walmart !

Definately wouldn't suggest it to somebody on a budget. Now, if you were looking for a solid and cheap 4x4 to drive and wheel about I would suggest an XJ Cherokee. I have had two of these, the current one has 214k on the clock and it just now has started leaking oil. Found a few drops on the drive last week.

Pro's
1. incredibly reliable drivetrain
2. excellent power to weight ratio
3. solid axles
4. cheap parts, available anywhere
5. huge aftermarket

Con's
1. weak cooling system
2. axles leave a bit to be desired if you want to run 33's and up
3. leaf sprung rear

 

[Atticus]

I love my 94 cruiser, driving it at least. I think that some of the packaging is bull**** and they have a lot of common issues that are a pain. Definately a learning curve every time you tackle a new project. Am getting better at working on it though, you just have to alot twice the amount of time you think the job will take. Its a big, slow, and gets terrible gas mileage, but as mentioned a lot of fun to drive. Downright confidence inspiring when your bullying people for parking spaces at the local Walmart !

Definately wouldn't suggest it to somebody on a budget. Now, if you were looking for a solid and cheap 4x4 to drive and wheel about I would suggest an XJ Cherokee. I have had two of these, the current one has 214k on the clock and it just now has started leaking oil. Found a few drops on the drive last week.

Pro's
1. incredibly reliable drivetrain
2. excellent power to weight ratio
3. solid axles
4. cheap parts, available anywhere
5. huge aftermarket

Con's
1. weak cooling system
2. axles leave a bit to be desired if you want to run 33's and up
3. leaf sprung rear

I don't know what model of Land Cruiser you own, but the axles are pretty good for stock axles and the suspension is coil springs at all four wheels in the 94 80 series that came to the United States. I also don't think that the parts are all that cheap.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

He was talking about the jeep.

 

[Atticus]

He was talking about the jeep.

Totally. My bad. I misread the post.

 

[ERockAllDay]

Hello Everyone!
I've been lurking around here for a while and decided I need to finally ask some question and get some opinions. I come from the Jeep world (i know....boooooo!). I've always loved Toyota and especially Land Cruisers and I have a lot of respect for anything built for off road right out of the box (especially nowadays), but I've always had jeeps (2 grand cherokees and a 4 door wrangler currently). Basically I'm sick of paying $400 a month for a car payment and I'm looking to get into something a little cheaper that I won't cry if I scratch up a little bit. I love my wrangler but I think it's time to move on. As far as cost of ownership, I understand the toyotas can get pricey, but I'm wondering how much more to expect going from a Jeep to a LC. While Jeep parts are probably cheaper, in most cases you don't want to get the OEM parts because of the shotty quality Chrysler started putting into these vehicles. Let me give you an example...My ball joints went out at 70K miles. They're plastic and not greasable. Of course I'm not going to replace those with the same ones. So, spend $250 on greasable heavy duty ball joints from poly performance. So, while it might seem pretty cheap to maintain, the cost of the parts go up drammatically if you don't want the OEM crap they put in there. Maybe I'm just grabbing at nothing here and I'm just looking for excuses to get rid of the Jeep and get a LC. idk, what do you guys think.

 

[justbecause]

Hello Everyone!
I've been lurking around here for a while and decided I need to finally ask some question and get some opinions. I come from the Jeep world (i know....boooooo!). I've always loved Toyota and especially Land Cruisers and I have a lot of respect for anything built for off road right out of the box (especially nowadays), but I've always had jeeps (2 grand cherokees and a 4 door wrangler currently). Basically I'm sick of paying $400 a month for a car payment and I'm looking to get into something a little cheaper that I won't cry if I scratch up a little bit. I love my wrangler but I think it's time to move on. As far as cost of ownership, I understand the toyotas can get pricey, but I'm wondering how much more to expect going from a Jeep to a LC. While Jeep parts are probably cheaper, in most cases you don't want to get the OEM parts because of the shotty quality Chrysler started putting into these vehicles. Let me give you an example...My ball joints went out at 70K miles. They're plastic and not greasable. Of course I'm not going to replace those with the same ones. So, spend $250 on greasable heavy duty ball joints from poly performance. So, while it might seem pretty cheap to maintain, the cost of the parts go up drammatically if you don't want the OEM crap they put in there. Maybe I'm just grabbing at nothing here and I'm just looking for excuses to get rid of the Jeep and get a LC. idk, what do you guys think.

my wrangler was the most expensive POS I have ever owned. Yes 80 parts are much much more expensive than jeep parts, but you replace them a lot less often.

I cant imagine any 80 that an average mildly intelligent person would consider purchasing would need $200 a month regular maintenance. That can start saving right there compared to a 400 a month car payment. When I was looking for mine I planed to budget 2k for a front axle rebuilt and other PM things that have been discussed in this thread and all over mud. luckily I found one cheap modded and maintained.
someone just introduced themselves that found a so cal truck locked around 200k miles for less than 4k. prices on these things right now are incredible find one snatch it up and never look back.

 

[ERockAllDay]

my wrangler was the most expensive POS I have ever owned. Yes 80 parts are much much more expensive than jeep parts, but you replace them a lot less often.

I cant imagine any 80 that an average mildly intelligent person would consider purchasing would need $200 a month regular maintenance. That can start saving right there compared to a 400 a month car payment. When I was looking for mine I planed to budget 2k for a front axle rebuilt and other PM things that have been discussed in this thread and all over mud. luckily I found one cheap modded and maintained. ************
someone just introduced themselves that found a so cal truck locked around 200k miles for less than 4k. prices on these things right now are incredible find one snatch it up and never look back.

Thanks for the reply. I was thinking the same thing. Another issue would be the gas mileage, but I did some math and it would probably be about $100 more per month. I definitely have the same basis for purchasing my LC that you had...Good maintenance and mildly built. I'll probably go up to around $8,000. Sounds like you got a hell of a deal on yours

 

[anson]

I’m obviously following a path many of you have gone down before: spending days absorbing all the information that resides on this site in order to be better prepared to buy a good Land Cruiser.

Don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that the FJ80 is probably the ultimate vehicle for my intended purposes. (On a side note, I have had the privilege of owning a 1975 FJ45 for a couple of years while I was with the Forest Service in Idaho back in the mid-80‘s and currently have a very useful 1996 4Runner SR5, so at least I’m familiar with these machines to some extent).

Recognizing the capabilities of the 80, my lifestyle doesn’t run to climbing over rocks, etc, a least to this point. About as tough a task as I’d ask is hauling my bride and camping gear along Forest Service roads in search of trout...but that’s another story.

Mostly I’m looking for a daily driver, unlocked version in decent overall condition with a reasonable maintenance background. I’m probably mechanically capable enough to at least consider going through all PM procedures up to and including the front axles or attempting a head gasket replacement, so I’m comfortable with the concept of self-maintenance. With all the guidance available in this forum, it’s pretty hard to go wrong.

Don’t mean to ramble on, but just want to thank everyone for their thoughtful input and providing a base of knowledge for prospective purchasers like me. Looking forward to joining the club.

Anson

PS - If anybody has a decent 95-97 for sale within a day’s drive of Santa Fe, I’d like to hear from you. Thanks!

 

[gtfour43]

This should be made into a introduction post
BTW..welcometo mud. This has to be the best automotive forum ever. Pretty much anything you need to upgrade or repair can be found in the many many pages here. I've found that the advanced search feature is my best friend.
Also as you probably already have seen, once you get your cruiser and are looking to do PM or repairs we have a lot of helpful vendors here with great prices on OEM parts. Beno,CDan and Sam(Lowe).
Good luck on your search. Check out the classifieds here. IIRC there was a locked 94 for sale recently for $4800.Hey doesnt hurt to have lockers too

I’m obviously following a path many of you have gone down before: spending days absorbing all the information that resides on this site in order to be better prepared to buy a good Land Cruiser.

Don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that the FJ80 is probably the ultimate vehicle for my intended purposes. (On a side note, I have had the privilege of owning a 1975 FJ45 for a couple of years while I was with the Forest Service in Idaho back in the mid-80‘s and currently have a very useful 1996 4Runner SR5, so at least I’m familiar with these machines to some extent).

Recognizing the capabilities of the 80, my lifestyle doesn’t run to climbing over rocks, etc, a least to this point. About as tough a task as I’d ask is hauling my bride and camping gear along Forest Service roads in search of trout...but that’s another story.

Mostly I’m looking for a daily driver, unlocked version in decent overall condition with a reasonable maintenance background. I’m probably mechanically capable enough to at least consider going through all PM procedures up to and including the front axles or attempting a head gasket replacement, so I’m comfortable with the concept of self-maintenance. With all the guidance available in this forum, it’s pretty hard to go wrong.

Don’t mean to ramble on, but just want to thank everyone for their thoughtful input and providing a base of knowledge for prospective purchasers like me. Looking forward to joining the club.

Anson

PS - If anybody has a decent 95-97 for sale within a day’s drive of Santa Fe, I’d like to hear from you. Thanks!

 

[VacMan]

I’m obviously following a path many of you have gone down before: spending days absorbing all the information that resides on this site in order to be better prepared to buy a good Land Cruiser.

Don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that the FJ80 is probably the ultimate vehicle for my intended purposes. (On a side note, I have had the privilege of owning a 1975 FJ45 for a couple of years while I was with the Forest Service in Idaho back in the mid-80‘s and currently have a very useful 1996 4Runner SR5, so at least I’m familiar with these machines to some extent).

Recognizing the capabilities of the 80, my lifestyle doesn’t run to climbing over rocks, etc, a least to this point. About as tough a task as I’d ask is hauling my bride and camping gear along Forest Service roads in search of trout...but that’s another story.

Mostly I’m looking for a daily driver, unlocked version in decent overall condition with a reasonable maintenance background. I’m probably mechanically capable enough to at least consider going through all PM procedures up to and including the front axles or attempting a head gasket replacement, so I’m comfortable with the concept of self-maintenance. With all the guidance available in this forum, it’s pretty hard to go wrong.

Don’t mean to ramble on, but just want to thank everyone for their thoughtful input and providing a base of knowledge for prospective purchasers like me. Looking forward to joining the club.

Anson

PS - If anybody has a decent 95-97 for sale within a day’s drive of Santa Fe, I’d like to hear from you. Thanks!

From one rookie to another welcome! One thing I would say is to hold out for one with the magic lockers. Even on fire trails the lockers can make the difference between getting stuck or not.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using IH8MUD

 

[GXO]

Or get a later model (100, 120 series) with ATRAC

I miss my 80 sometimes. I love my 120 series all the time.

 

[taterbug]

Having already stuck in a good deal more than i started with... i freakin' love my 97' cruiser ! Right off the bat had me put in a DVD player for the kids and they love it... from the rear seats it's like a movie theatre, remarked Garrett, my youngest boy and an aspiring future owner...

next it was a rack, cause i couldn't wait ... then HD relay and tie rods (shot)... next front axle rebuild (CDan is very cool)... and one day the ultimate slee trip !!! I talk of it too much really, as thinks i am obsessed. Probably true, but i wanted a cruiser at 16 and didn't finally go for it until 41 !!

I love this truck... and they all cost money. My dad and i were talking the other day and he was ragging me about getting it, even after having owned many toyota's himself, but after we compared costs, his new every year thing is really more expensive...

Be happy... drive a cruiser

 

[80inOR]

I researched truck thoroughly before purchasing my 80. I knew going into this that I would be sinking a lot of money getting it set up the way I wanted.

My bit of advice for any potential buyer, if you know what you are doing, perform a VERY thorough inspection of the vehicle, and if you dont, have someone who does look at it. I had my brother in law look at mine (I was out of country) and told him what to look for and what would make me run away. I think he misunderstood what I said and made sure the cruiser had all those things wrong before buying it (bad birfs, several oil leaks, bubbling clear coat...). Despite all of the repairs the truck needed, I love it. Even though she was in an abusive relationship before me finding her, she has never done me wrong by stranding me.

My son recently asked me if he could have the cruiser as a gift if he got a full ride to OSU....not sure what I will do if he does. Good side to that is that his college fund is already done, so I could take part of that and build another 80 and we could go cruising together.

 

[maclarentc]

I bought my most recent 80, a 96' for $5800 even with 250k knowing that even with the miles and potential upcoming issues it would be worth it. 3 weeks into driving it the HG blew... Sad but still no regrets. This is my 3rd LC. First was an 83' fj60 then a 91' fj80 and now my fzj80 who may be parked for a while till I can afford the HG job. And as I said, no regrets. Well except for the car payment on a parked rig but what do you do except feed the obsession and keep eating top rammen...