Should I sell my 200 for an 80?
- Thread starter duganrec
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This may be one of those cases of nastalgia or romantacized thoughts of the past, where it maybe better left in memory? The reality of an 80-series against a 200-series is vast. Unless the desire is so strong as to see past a lot of trade-offs 3 decades of progress brings?
There's other threads that talk about the real off-road capability differences between the 80 and 200. The reality is that there's a small niche of extreme rock-crawling where an 80-series will do better. Most other off-roading situations will favor a well built 200-series. In those extreme rock-crawling situations, it's probably better suited to a trailered 80-series.
There's other threads that talk about the real off-road capability differences between the 80 and 200. The reality is that there's a small niche of extreme rock-crawling where an 80-series will do better. Most other off-roading situations will favor a well built 200-series. In those extreme rock-crawling situations, it's probably better suited to a trailered 80-series.
yup my 60 is my mistress
my 62 is my gf
my 100 is my wife
my 200 is my sister wife that takes care of the kids
I can’t speak on the 80 series, but can on a retro bmw. I picked up a low mileage 1M a year ago to scratch the itch of owning a dream car from my younger days. I wanted an E46 zcp with cinnamon interior with a 6MT but everyone I found was way over priced and needs subframe work and more. Found a low mileage 1M and jumped on it. I told myself I would sell the 200 and get into a 62 or an 80. The 1M is for sale and the 200 is staying and to be honest I no longer have a desire to part with the 200. The 1M is an absolute dream to drive. It puts a grin on my face every time I’m behind the wheel but with a family, work and other hobbies she sits in the garage for months at a time. I am 100% happy I got to experience the 1M but it’s a solo experience vs camping and fishing with my family.
Get an 80!!!
I had a built 200. ARB bumpers front and rear, BP-51 suspension…it just didn’t do it for me, so I sold it. I now have a 97 40th anniversary and it’s hands down my favorite vehicle.
To be fair, I also have a 2021 tundra on 35’s, a gladiator on 38’s, and a few other Toyotas in there. The 80 is my worst performing vehicle, but it makes me the happiest. I removed the tow hitch, because it should never tow, it really is just a cool nostalgia machine, so get something else for distance travel or towing.
But get an 80
I had a built 200. ARB bumpers front and rear, BP-51 suspension…it just didn’t do it for me, so I sold it. I now have a 97 40th anniversary and it’s hands down my favorite vehicle.
To be fair, I also have a 2021 tundra on 35’s, a gladiator on 38’s, and a few other Toyotas in there. The 80 is my worst performing vehicle, but it makes me the happiest. I removed the tow hitch, because it should never tow, it really is just a cool nostalgia machine, so get something else for distance travel or towing.
But get an 80
Fj80oregon
GOLD Star
I’ll trade ya!
bloc
SILVER Star
One other thought: will you be hauling family around in this vehicle?
If so the safety differences are huge.
If so the safety differences are huge.
I’m in the same boat on the 1993 80 I had from 1995 until 2008. When I see an 80 (which is often in my parts) I somewhat regret selling my 80 >15 years ago. However every time I drive an 80, think if I still owned it it would rarely be driven.
On a side note I have 3 friends that have sold their 80’s in the last 3 years due to them reporting a large amount of upkeep, all said they felt like the 80 was now a “vintage car” and even though they all wrenched themselves required repairs and “tinkering” almost constantly.
Picked up my 80 this morning from getting re-geared. My opinion has not changed. I mean the re-gear has made me love my 80 more, it's awesome. And there is nostalgia for me as my dad had a new one when I was in my teens. I love it, my kids love it. I will probably keep it forever. For long trips, speed, safety, posh quiet ride, tech, power, my 200 wins hands down. It's pretty built though. I think it will take me almost anywhere I would take my 80. Maybe that'll change as I keep building out my 80 a little more.
I compared the two once. I think the 200 was 4" longer overhang in the rear and 6-8" longer in the front (with aftermarket bumpers). My 80 has about 2" more height at the bumpers front and rear. 3" BP51 on my 200 with 34s and Dobinsons MRR 2.5" (which netted closer to 3.5) lift with 35s' on my 80.
this thread could use some pics.
Your 80 is gorgeous.
Your 200 looks like it has a nasty overbite.
I am sure this is true for your 80, as I know its true for my 60/62, they never get mistaken for Sequoia or Highlander, as my 200 often does
This was the deciding reason for my migration to the 200 series platform and AWAY from my much loved 90s off-roaders.
Individually I was willing to give up the safety and luxury for style and raw capability, however I was NOT willing to risk 10+ hour road trips with my entire family onboard given the lack of safety. For that reason the 200 series is the vehicle for me.
A great point for consideration.
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bloc
SILVER Star
And yet another thought: Toyota is discontinuing a fair number of 80-series parts.
There have been posts in this section with very impressive results from 200s protecting their occupants.
- Thread starter
- #33
@bloc i agree! This thread (and the sister thread on the 80 forum) has been awesome. I really appreciate the opinions and feedback (well, most of it).
Being honest with myself, I think a lot of my motivation has to do more with the nostalgia and charm of the 80. I love the analog feel. But, I know the practical decision is to keep the 200 for all the reasons people have stated. I get a little frustrated with the complication of newer tech (that’s way out of date), and the simplicity of the older gen is enticing. And some of them look AMAZING. But, in the end, I also know that the neediness of an 80 will likely wear on me, and comes with its own set of complications. I wish I could have all 3, but it’s just not in the cards.
You guys have been helpful. I’m still conflicted, but this has been a good mental exercise for me. I’d tag everyone to say thanks, but that’s a little too tedious for me tonight. So thank you all!
Being honest with myself, I think a lot of my motivation has to do more with the nostalgia and charm of the 80. I love the analog feel. But, I know the practical decision is to keep the 200 for all the reasons people have stated. I get a little frustrated with the complication of newer tech (that’s way out of date), and the simplicity of the older gen is enticing. And some of them look AMAZING. But, in the end, I also know that the neediness of an 80 will likely wear on me, and comes with its own set of complications. I wish I could have all 3, but it’s just not in the cards.
You guys have been helpful. I’m still conflicted, but this has been a good mental exercise for me. I’d tag everyone to say thanks, but that’s a little too tedious for me tonight. So thank you all!
- Thread starter
- #34
Great looking rigs! Thanks for sharing the feedback.
bloc
SILVER Star
Look into what parts are no longer available for an 80-series. Might give some more thought.
Yes, the 200 has a big nose, though that pic accentuates it for sure. Living in the boonies I wanted the protection from deer as we have hit several over the years - a couple causing a lot of damage. I wish it didn't protrude so much out front but oh well.
But yes, no one has mistaken my 80 for a highlander. Most people it seems can tell that something is different about my 200 and can't really figure out what it is. Even the guy I bought my 60 from (who called himself and LC enthusiast) asked if it was some kind of special edition 4runner.
Pass on the 80.
I don’t know how it is where you live, but around here I want my family in the safest vehicle possible. Everyone is driving 80+ while scrolling on their phones around here. Think about when the 80 series was built—highway speed limits were mostly 55-60mph. Think of the far superior airbags, crumple zones, bigger brakes, and overall mass of the vehicle in the 200.
I would love a built 80 as well, but only to tow to the trailhead with my Tundra or 200. It sounds like the kind of wheeling you do is mild enough, you're doing just fine in a 200.
In which case I’d get an off-road side by side instead — lighter to tow, better angles, better ground clearance, better wheel travel, etc.
no deer here but i want bumpers and snorkel on my 200 because all cool kids have them
however the over bite look is too much for me
wish there was better integrated designs that dont cost $7000 for front and back
