Trading a 99 Land cruiser with 100k miles for a 1971 fj40

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That '71s entire rear driver quarter and driver hardtop side is at least a thin sheet of bondo, no spotwelds in the reflection?
 
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Can I drive a stock fj40 on the freeway without dying?

You won't die, but it takes some getting used to. You won't be going the same speed as in your 100-series, and it will be a lot louder, and hotter (or colder), depending on the season. You will think you are over-revving the engine at first. I've driven mine all over the western US, but they're not everyone's cup of tea for a freeway commuter. You have to want to drive one, and you have to be willing to make some concessions in comfort and safety to drive a 48-year-old vehicle on modern highways.
 
I never liked driving my 40's or 55's too much on the freeway/interstate, mainly because of other people. These were never designed to be run on highways at those speeds. They will do it, but the 100 will do it WAAAY better. If it's only so often, then I wouldn't worry about it, but personally if I HAD to drive the freeway everyday, I wouldn't choose a 40. Dealing with semi's wasn't fun at all.

For years I daily drove 40's/55s.
Heat/cold/noise will be an issue. Mileage isn't great. They aren't as safe as a 100 by a long shot....but I loved every minute of it!


Just make sure it's mechanically safe and sound as possible. brakes, drivetrain etc and you'll be fine as long as you understand what you are getting in to.
 
Thanks to everyone for their feedback! What a great community! I don’t plan on daily driving it but it would be nice to take it to Lake Tahoe once in a while (about 3 hours away) and taking the family out on the weekends. I’m sure I’ll be relying on all of your expertise in the future.
 
I use aviation headsets when I drive long distance.

I even have had young women (I am 67) stop me and tell me how cool it is....

it is a lot of fun.
 
Thanks to everyone for their feedback! What a great community! I don’t plan on daily driving it but it would be nice to take it to Lake Tahoe once in a while (about 3 hours away) and taking the family out on the weekends. I’m sure I’ll be relying on all of your expertise in the future.
If its 3 hours by 100 series its 4.5 hours by 40.

Its a phenomenon I like to call Cruiser Time.
 
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I’m trading an excellent condtion stock 99 Land cruiser with 100k miles for a 95% stock 1971 fj40. I’ve never owned a 40 but have always wanted one to tool around town in and maybe hit some local hills. The owner claims to replaced the old engine with a 1974 i6 F with 64k original miles. There are a few small patches of rust. Seems fine otherwise. Does this seem like a good trade?

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Thanks to everyone for their feedback! What a great community! I don’t plan on daily driving it but it would be nice to take it to Lake Tahoe once in a while (about 3 hours away) and taking the family out on the weekends. I’m sure I’ll be relying on all of your expertise in the future.

If its 3 hours by 100 series its 4.5 hours by 40.

Its a phenomenon I like to call Cruiser Time.

Ha, the Cruiser factor. I normally take whatever google maps estimates and double it, that usually gives me a pretty accurate estimate. When I take mine up to the mountains, I max out at about 30-40mph, sometimes less if it's high altitude. Getting up to Tahoe with a full load of family or gear is gonna be an exercise in patience.

Get used to going slow and taking a lot of breaks. It's fun to drive but after that first long trip you may be reconsidering the trade.
 
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When was this license plate registration sticker put on? That looks ancient. Look at the title as well. Is it titled to the same name as the seller? Is the title address the same as the seller address? Does the front frame rail VIN (under the hook on the passenger side facing outwards) match the title and door jamb VIN?

Wow, look at that thin sheet under the bard door hinge of the rear quarter.
 
I've done the trip to Tahoe several times in both. If you go to Tahoe regularly with family in the long run you will probably end up wanting the 100 or something more highway friendly, safer and less fatiguing.

The 40 is great for around town or the highway when you are by yourself.
 
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