Thinking of purchasing another Cruiser, newb questions

[Joey Link]

Hello everyone. I sold my FJ40 at the end of last summer to purchase a '97 BMW 540i 6spd for work. I tell ya, the difference between the two is amazing I didn't mind much cause I still had my 1980 4x4 pickup. A few months ago I sold that and now I'm without a 4x4. My girlfriend has a '95 Integra that really doesn't suit her. She wants to buy either a 4-runner, a Tacoma, or an FZJ80. We're leaning toward the Land Cruiser over the other two for a few reasons:

- She doesn't really need the bed of the Taco and everyone would be asking for help moving
- Capacity - it'd be nice to be able to transport more than two adults in the Taco and five in the 4-runner.
- Comfort/Luxury - It seems with the leather trim they're pretty plush.
- Factory lockers - Duh Not like she'll be using them a whole lot but definately nice to have.
- They look WAY better than the Taco and 4-runner.
- Power - 275ft lbs sounds good to me

She currently has around $6k to spend but could probably get another couple thousand. I've seen quite a few clean ones around here in that price range, '91-'95 with around 150k.

Questions:

- How reliable are these when they get around 150k+? Are they like any other Toyota with that sort of mileage (just broken in)
- What sort of gas mileage are you guys getting? I see they're rated at around 12 city 15 highway, is that true?
- When we go to look at them, are there any FZJ80 specific things I need to look for? Common problems that should've been addressed?

I'd appreciate any other comments or suggestions you guys have.

Thanks!

 

[Beowulf]

- How reliable are these when they get around 150k+? Are they like any other Toyota with that sort of mileage (just broken in)

Most of us find all of the 80s reliable; FJ80 and FZJ80. However, they require maintenance and how much you will need to do right away depends a lot on how the PO kept up with the maintenance and what kind of documentation you have.

- What sort of gas mileage are you guys getting? I see they're rated at around 12 city 15 highway, is that true?

12-13 city. 16 hwy. Stock. I am happy with 12 hwy after mods.

- When we go to look at them, are there any FZJ80 specific things I need to look for? Common problems that should've been addressed?

Check the FAQ. There is a "How to buy" thread. There is also a link to the newbie guide on Slee's web site.

I'd appreciate any other comments or suggestions you guys have.

You should know the F&R lockers are a relatively rare option and only available 93-97. You listed 91-92 in your post but those don't have the 275 ft/lb engine (the 1FZ-FE.)

Please spend time reading the well done FAQ before you rush out to purchase a Land Cruiser. You have a lot to learn to become a wise shopper.

-B-

 

[Joey Link]

Oh my god how did I miss that FAQ? I swear I looked for one, lol. I'll definately read up, I wanted to know the differences in the years. About 50% of the ones I'm finding here in the NW have factory lockers.

 

[Beowulf]

About 50% of the ones I'm finding here in the NW have factory lockers.

Be sure you know what you're looking for. Overall, about 7% of the North American 80s had the F&R diff lock option.

-B-