I foolishly sold an 80 series about six years ago. Different time of my life, however, I regret selling it. Ever since then I’ve been looking at the 60 series that I see on the road and I’ve considered going through the process of buying one. Love the way they look and I’ve just gone through 100 pages of FAQ’s about the 60. Knowing what all of you know is it worth the effort to purchase and own a 60 series? I live in Idaho and my intention is just to do some easy over landing with it.Thanks
To “60” or not?
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As someone who has spent over 5 years and a not inconsiderable sum of money restoring a 60, I will happily say that the 80 Series (or 105) is 'peak' Land Cruiser. For me personally however, I find the 80 Series a bit big and ugly and have never looked at a single 80 (early or late model, high or low spec, 2 or 4 headlight etc) and wanted to own it. I love the boxy 1980s styling of the 60 Series and will put up with its more primitive suspension and interior comfort.
A 35 to 45 year old vehicle is going to need some money spent on it for trouble free turn-key motoring, especially if you don't do your own mechanical work.
A 35 to 45 year old vehicle is going to need some money spent on it for trouble free turn-key motoring, especially if you don't do your own mechanical work.
60, fo sure.
If you are used to the 80, the fj60 won’t be as comfortable. You can make it ride pretty smooth for a leaf sprung vehicle though. It also won’t be as powerful either, but neither is a powerhouse when it comes to today’s cars.
Just be prepared to work on it or spend a ton of money to have someone else do the work. Even if it’s drivable now. Not saying they aren’t reliable, they totally can be, just have to put in the work or spend the money.
Just be prepared to work on it or spend a ton of money to have someone else do the work. Even if it’s drivable now. Not saying they aren’t reliable, they totally can be, just have to put in the work or spend the money.
Plan to spend time to find the least rusty one you can find
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- #8
We don’t have emission testing in Idaho right now, so I’m not concerned there. I currently do some light overlanding with a 97 Ford F150, but that doesn’t come close to the capabilities of my old Land Cruiser. I always like the way the 60 series looked, but I don’t know if the “cool factor” is worth the expense and the maintenance.
Skreddy
SILVER Star
Are you ok with manual windows, locks and transmission? If no, then narrow it to the 62.
Then; yes, they are slower and require maintenance but they aren’t the constant broke down money pit everyone seems to make them out to be.
I’m in Spokane, I daily drive a 60 and I wouldn’t trade it. I can go as fast or faster than traffic. Hills (mountain passes) are its weakness but I’m not chugging up lookout pass at 10 mph, more like 45 if I didn’t get a good run at the bottom.
It did take work getting it to where it is, but I also bought it with a blown head gasket and had been parked 10+ years.
You aren’t going to have all the conveniences and comforts of an 80+ series, but you’ll look way cooler.
Oh, and with the back seat folded flat, 2 people can sleep in the back comfortably. Maybe less comfortably if you’re over 6’ tall. But that’s not a problem I am faced with.
Then; yes, they are slower and require maintenance but they aren’t the constant broke down money pit everyone seems to make them out to be.
I’m in Spokane, I daily drive a 60 and I wouldn’t trade it. I can go as fast or faster than traffic. Hills (mountain passes) are its weakness but I’m not chugging up lookout pass at 10 mph, more like 45 if I didn’t get a good run at the bottom.
It did take work getting it to where it is, but I also bought it with a blown head gasket and had been parked 10+ years.
You aren’t going to have all the conveniences and comforts of an 80+ series, but you’ll look way cooler.
Oh, and with the back seat folded flat, 2 people can sleep in the back comfortably. Maybe less comfortably if you’re over 6’ tall. But that’s not a problem I am faced with.
@cabbey The Tilda Bogue-Red 60 just went up for sale, if you got the scratch it's about as turnkey as you'll get. And lots of documentation on it. There's a thread on this first page right next to this thread.
Do you plan on using this year round? If so, do they salt in your area? If yes to both of these questions, I would consider a newer Land Cruiser. My 60 sits in the garage once the salt flies and still rusts just hearing the salt truck go down my street. I know I’m exaggerating a bit but corrosion is a consideration with these trucks.
Best of luck with the search, as others have said, they are a joy to drive as long as you set your expectations; going slow, enjoying the scenery and having minimal creature comforts. For me personally, I love this aspect of these but always good to ask yourself what you really want from a vehicle.
Cheers, James
Best of luck with the search, as others have said, they are a joy to drive as long as you set your expectations; going slow, enjoying the scenery and having minimal creature comforts. For me personally, I love this aspect of these but always good to ask yourself what you really want from a vehicle.
Cheers, James
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I would buy this. In a heartbeat. You will spend this much over the years getting whatever you buy into this condition.
I would buy this. In a heartbeat. You will spend this much over the years getting whatever you buy into this condition.
This! ^ Hell, I’m not even in the market for another 60 and I’m tempted to grab this truck! Turn key and would serve a buyer well for a long time to come.
Expense and maintenance as compared to what? You're going to make your monthly payment with any vehicle. A carbureted 2F and manual tranny are not demanding at all, very low maintenance, IMNSHO. Older LandCruisers (the older the better) are justly famous for their simplicity, longevity and repairability. I rebuilt my 2F 21 years ago, bought it a valve job last year, in between it's just oil & filters. Maybe new spark plugs but usually just clean up and regap the old ones. Maybe rebuild the carb every 5 or 7 years. Cheap oil is just fine. Still, pretty much, "Too stupid to die."
A de-smogged bare-naked 2F is a thing of beauty and a joy to work on, everything important is easy to reach. My biggest complaint with the 60 (besides it being the first step down the slippery slope of too big, fat and heavy) is the smog equipment. Not Toyota's finest but not their fault. If you don't need to smog it, no problem.
Then again, if a 60 isn't cool enough maybe look at the 55s...
- Thread starter
- #16
I spent very little on upkeep of my 80 series. I thought about doing some work on an older pick up. I had to make it more Overland worthy, but I think I’m just gonna go in the market for a 60 series that I can find nearby.
Thank you for the advice and opinions.
Thank you for the advice and opinions.
IF i wasn't north of the 49th i would seriously persue the Tilda Bogue-Red60 that Nolan is peddling off for his client. Hell, the fly n drive could be an epic saga
I find the fzj80 way harder to work on than a 2f. Lots of possible electrical gremlins and tight spaces make it a chore. Having said that a stock 60 with all the vacuum lines can be a pain too. The best scenario for old school looks and good powertrain would be a 60 with a 350. That would solve the power issue and get better mpg. I do miss my 60’s but my 80 is more like a luxury ride in comparison. Its just for date nights.
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marshcat
SILVER Star
60s are awesome! I wanted one for years and am so glad I bought one.
It's a totally different ownership experience than my 100-series, though. Rust prevention requires consistent effort even if you don't drive your rig in the winter. Noise/vibration/harshness are manageable but noticeably more than cars post-1990. Part availability is inconsistent and can require sourcing from Japan or UAE, or finding local tradespeople for rebuilds.
With a more modern car, if you buy a nice one it's not that much effort to keep it nice. With a 60, keeping a nice one nice means managing a neverending to-do list. But of course, that's the case for any 40+ year old car.
It's a totally different ownership experience than my 100-series, though. Rust prevention requires consistent effort even if you don't drive your rig in the winter. Noise/vibration/harshness are manageable but noticeably more than cars post-1990. Part availability is inconsistent and can require sourcing from Japan or UAE, or finding local tradespeople for rebuilds.
With a more modern car, if you buy a nice one it's not that much effort to keep it nice. With a 60, keeping a nice one nice means managing a neverending to-do list. But of course, that's the case for any 40+ year old car.
Through a lot of luck and doing all of my own work on my vehicles, I've ended up with a 60, and 80 and a 100. The 80 I got super cheap about 6 yrs ago and it need a lot of work. Spend about 2 years working on it and turning it into my camping truck. The 100 I got about 10 yrs ago and it's been my daily since. And the 60 I got 5 years ago and restored it myself. The 60 needed a lot of interior and body work, but otherwise was fine. I did all the body and paint and interior work myself, and absolutely love just looking at that joker. Now, here's the reality of each of them from my perspective.
The 60; the 2F with the 5 speed isn't all that bad. The 2F is all torque no HP, but it can maintain 65+ unless you get to some decent inclines. Just know you are going to be giving it all it's got to just keep up with traffic, basically all the time. It's very roomy and is easily the best looking of the 3, not even close. If you want to 'be in touch' with the road, this is the one for you. Leaf springs front and rear and you get the sensation of every bump and the overall bouncy nature of a horse drawn buggy. Not uncomfortable, but you probably aren't going to fall asleep at the wheel either. With a few updates; radio, seats, center armrest, and a refreshed interior, it's actually a comfortable ride, if a little bouncy.
The 80; rides like a Cadillac compared to the 60. I have the Ironman Pro Foam shocks and a 2.5" lift, which I think helped the overall ride. Not plush, but real comfortable. The 1fz is worlds better than the 2F in the power department, but the slush box hinders it a fair bit. I do feel more cramped in the 80 than in the 60, fwiw. With some decent sound deadening, the 80 is a nice comfortable long distance cruiser. Cruise control, for example, really helps in that regard.
The 100; basically the best vehicle I've ever owned. Rides like a Bentley and can still get down some trails. The 2uz is fabulous, while not being a powerhouse, but good useable torque all over the place. AHC is awesome. But arguably the ugliest of the three.
I can fix the 60 on the side of the road with hand tools. It's bulletproof, just do the basics. It's only going to appreciate at this point, and it's always going to look fantastic. However, you are still looking at a 30 years old truck at a minimum. That implies a fair bit to get a neglected truck to baseline.
The 60; the 2F with the 5 speed isn't all that bad. The 2F is all torque no HP, but it can maintain 65+ unless you get to some decent inclines. Just know you are going to be giving it all it's got to just keep up with traffic, basically all the time. It's very roomy and is easily the best looking of the 3, not even close. If you want to 'be in touch' with the road, this is the one for you. Leaf springs front and rear and you get the sensation of every bump and the overall bouncy nature of a horse drawn buggy. Not uncomfortable, but you probably aren't going to fall asleep at the wheel either. With a few updates; radio, seats, center armrest, and a refreshed interior, it's actually a comfortable ride, if a little bouncy.
The 80; rides like a Cadillac compared to the 60. I have the Ironman Pro Foam shocks and a 2.5" lift, which I think helped the overall ride. Not plush, but real comfortable. The 1fz is worlds better than the 2F in the power department, but the slush box hinders it a fair bit. I do feel more cramped in the 80 than in the 60, fwiw. With some decent sound deadening, the 80 is a nice comfortable long distance cruiser. Cruise control, for example, really helps in that regard.
The 100; basically the best vehicle I've ever owned. Rides like a Bentley and can still get down some trails. The 2uz is fabulous, while not being a powerhouse, but good useable torque all over the place. AHC is awesome. But arguably the ugliest of the three.
I can fix the 60 on the side of the road with hand tools. It's bulletproof, just do the basics. It's only going to appreciate at this point, and it's always going to look fantastic. However, you are still looking at a 30 years old truck at a minimum. That implies a fair bit to get a neglected truck to baseline.