Trade my 2008 LC200 for a Stage 2+ FY62 as daily driver? (1 Viewer)

[sparky96]

This should be an interesting thread. In short, I am considering the purchase of a FJ62 as a replacement to my ’08 LC200 (150K miles, stock except for Ironman Foamcell Pro 2” lift kit). Why? I just love the FJ62 looks and nostalgic feel. I also believe the 62 is a great ‘platform’ that can be modified and updated with new drivetrain components, tech, etc. Finally, I believe the market price for this wagon is going to go up and UP!

I know I will lose the full-time 4WD of the LC200 but I live in TX and don’t have a lot of need for it on a daily basis.

So, am I nuts for considering this possible switch? Does anyone have experience with both models. If so, what is your impression?

Thanks in advance for the feedback and thoughts.

 

[Seth S]

Have you been out for a drive in a Fj62? Like gone for a good 4 hour drive?

 

[gbogh]

Is this your DD/only vehicle?

 

[Major Nelson]

I have a 60 as my DD (about 40 miles per day). Lot of upgrades to it (vortec and GM trans), OME with 33" tires. Driving a modern car every day would definitely be an easier thing (like on the days I've taken my daughter's Jetta when the LC has been out of commission for work)....but definitely doable.

 

[sparky96]

Have you been out for a drive in a Fj62? Like gone for a good 4 hour drive?

I have not yet done that.

 

[sparky96]

Is this your DD/only vehicle?

Correct.

 

[Major Nelson]

if you are going to do it I'd highly recommend switching out the stock seats....they get super uncomfortable. I put bmw seats in mine.

 

[cps432]

Don’t do it. Find a way to own both of them. As much as I love my 60, I’m seriously considering a newer vehicle that is more sustainable in terms of gas mileage and parts availability. I doubt I’ll ever get rid of my 60 but it’s getting tougher and tougher to drive daily. It’s getting some rust spots and I know I need to take care of that soon. Having a rusty DD is not fun when it starts leaking into the cabin in multiple places. I live in an area where they salt the roads for winter and it’s killing me to put my truck through that. I also really hate having to walk everywhere or catch a ride when I have the 60 down for repairs. It’s much more costly than you expect, but it’s also more fun than you expect… so there’s that.

 

[OSS]

Have you been out for a drive in a Fj62? Like gone for a good 4 hour drive?

I have not yet done that.

Once you do, your plans will change - and likely the 62 won’t be part of them.
Yeah - the 200 doesn’t have a soul, but geezus — a 62? That’s a pretty hard core downgrade

 

[dbleon]

Once you do, your plans will change - and likely the 62 won’t be part of them.
Yeah - the 200 doesn’t have a soul, but geezus — a 62? That’s a pretty hard core downgrade

Whoa now... thems fight’n words right there

 

[dbleon]

200 = soccer mom
60/62 = wild animal

 

[JayDoc]

I hate to add my voice to talking you out of this, but if this is your only vehicle I wouldn't do it. It would have to be nicely upgraded and squared away before I'd bet my livelihood on it. I love my 60 and even with the V8 transplant and the comfort upgrades I've made to the interior, I still drive my boring 4runner to work everyday. There's just a handful of things that hold me back like the gas mileage, I have a 30min commute, the steering is sloppy by modern standards, the brakes aren't as good as modern cars, the heat/defrost/AC take longer to kick in, etc... These are small things when I'm driving around my small town or in a field somewhere but if I had to spend an hour + per day in traffic in it, these things would suck the joy out of driving it.
Plus, the 60 isn't meant for such mundane tasks as driving me to work.
Sell the 200, buy the 62 + a s***box corolla and dd that.

 

[bhsdriller]

What is a Stage 2 62

 

[Godwin]

This should be an interesting thread. In short, I am considering the purchase of a FJ62 as a replacement to my ’08 LC200 (150K miles, stock except for Ironman Foamcell Pro 2” lift kit). Why? I just love the FJ62 looks and nostalgic feel. I also believe the 62 is a great ‘platform’ that can be modified and updated with new drivetrain components, tech, etc. Finally, I believe the market price for this wagon is going to go up and UP!

I know I will lose the full-time 4WD of the LC200 but I live in TX and don’t have a lot of need for it on a daily basis.

So, am I nuts for considering this possible switch? Does anyone have experience with both models. If so, what is your impression?

Thanks in advance for the feedback and thoughts.

Cross post this question in the 200 series forum and compare the answers.

 

[gbogh]

Sell the 200, buy the 62 + a s***box corolla and dd that.

And by s***box corolla, he doesn't mean a cool 80's corolla. I can tell you from personal experience how that's NOT a good idea.

 

[sparky96]

What is a Stage 2 62

Full restoration without taking the body off the frame.

 

[cps432]

And by s***box corolla, he doesn't mean a cool 80's corolla. I can tell you from personal experience how that's NOT a good idea.

This makes me miss my 89 Celica GT a lot. That thing had 6 oil leaks and would run for weeks without oil…

 

[HemiAlex]

Where in Texas are you ?

 

[sparky96]

Where in Texas are you ?

Austin

 

[bentonrover]

I own both. A 08 LC with 210k and a 90 fj62 with 124k. Both rigs are up to date on maintenance. I baby the 62 alot more. I tried driving the 62 for a week straight. Was impossible to do. It is a fun rig to drive. Just on a comfort level alone. I could do 4 days straight. Its pretty much a weekend/ home depot runner. Kinda sad actually. Ill never get rid of it though. Good luck on your decision. Can't go wrong with either honestly. So have them both