Your thoughts on buying a 80 series in 2025 (5 Viewers)

[Willard]

So 2025. What are the thoughts on buying a used 80 series at 275-310K? Ones have I have looked at had some work done (like general maintenance, engine top end, transmission etc. but no full engine rebuilds)

My concerns are parts availability, aftermarket parts (not modifications but maintenance). I am not opposed to an engine rebuild or recondition, but I do not want a full money pit. For the price of a fairly clean 80 in the Northern Virginia area (most are not originally from here that are clean) we are looking at over 12K these days.
I am not afraid of working on my own vehicle, this would be a DD for me at about 11K per year + a number of weekend trips.
most concerned about the EFI components, fuel pump, electrics on the engine, odd small sensors that are no longer available from Toyota etc. maybe the transmission?

Comfort and speediness of the vehicle is not a concern of mine. I currently drive a '15 Jeep JKU with a 6-speed manual and it is not fast by any means, it will go to my soon to be 16 yo son.
I had a '19 Land Rover Discovery which I drove a fair bit off road (yes like real trials not just fire roads). It was the most BORING vehicle off road I have ever driven. So I feel the 100 series up will be about the same with the electronics they all have.

Something about the refined utilitarian aspect of the 80 series I like. So, what are the biggest concerns as these get older? They are not as simple as the FJ60 (maybe closer to a FJ62).

 

[FJBen]

Well, the newest US model is 28 years. That’s a lot of years of wear and tear and neglect.

Personally love them, but I would try to find one someone has done a lot of work to and maintenance before trying to get a cheaper one with high miles.

They will pretty much all need a ton of baselining and a chunk of work. Money, time…both?

As for modern, they drive pretty good imo with all the progress in suspension, however the power will really leave you wanting.

Enter cruisers and co turbo kit. That will get you a more modern feel for $7kish plus install.

So once you dump that into baseline, mods and upgrades you’ll have an overpriced classic SUV with not many creature comforts that happens to be slightly more powerful than a KIA, gets 10mpg but happens to be
the best SUV ever made.

 

[80t0ylc]

To keep this short, If you’ve never owned one, wheeled with somebody who has one to see the capabilities, and you intend to use it as a DD, I’d have to say you’d be foolish. Those of us that have owned an 80 already know the pluses and minuses. Some research on your part through the threads on this forum is what I would suggest. Then maybe you can appreciate what you’re getting into. If you have deep pockets with a money tree in the backyard, and a lot of fertilizer, what the hell – go for it!

 

[Devils Paw 80]

...Something about the refined utilitarian aspect of the 80 series I like. So, what are the biggest concerns as these get older? They are not as simple as the FJ60 (maybe closer to a FJ62).

They're superior in every way, except perhaps aesthetics. More power, far better suspension, safer, better ride, less problematic, less rust prone, the list goes on.

If your fuel pump fails, as mine did, you don't have to drop the tank like you would with a 60 series. The auto transmission is much better than found in the FJ62.
I bought mine 4 years ago after owning a 62 for 20 years. Mine gets about 2K miles a year as my only vehicle in JNU. One concern for putting 11K miles a year on an 80 is of course MPG. 12-13 is about it around town. Another is that the engine has a well deserved reputation for oil leaks.

Blowing the HG is my only concern since it seems quite common. Lack of parts hasn't been a problem, but then I'm not married to the idea of buying only Toyota parts. However, so far genuine OEM parts have been available for the few things I've needed.

You probably know that later year models are considered more desirable because of full floating axles, OBDII, etc.

I wouldn't rule out a 100 series either. Probably better deals are available with this model and they have some advantages.

 

[WiscoPat]

I absolutely adore my 80 series, as do many on this forum - it's taught me a lot over the lasy 4 years of ownership. Though, it's indeed a labor of love.

There is a good amount of OEM and aftermarket support still. If you want to do things "right" and go through a full mechanical refresh of one of these, plan on spending a lot of time, a lot of money, or both.

I would, however, suggest that an 80 be a fun vehicle, not a daily driver. When things break or need repair/replacement, it might be a little while to source parts.

 

[voodu3]

If you’re in northern Virginia reach out to @OTRAMM his shop is up there and they would be a great resource for you. He might even know of an 80 that they’ve worked on that’s looking for a new home.

 

[TXMeatball]

Not recommended at all if it'll be your only vehicle. Too many repairs turn into multi-day events. Most parts are special ordered from dealers. That said, OEM parts availability is pretty great considering these are pushing 30 years old. On my new one I discovered that the AC hard line that runs along the top drivers fender had some shade-tree hackery. Was worried until I found out it's still available. A part like that is long discontinued for a similarly aged SC400 or MR2. Forgot to mention, stick to a 95+. A lot of the 91-92 3FE parts and 93-94 FZ stuff is discontinued/way harder to find.

I daily my LX with 351k on it now; bought it in 2023 with 330k. Been across the country. Replaced/serviced everything you can on it with OE/OEM parts. For what I'm into it I could've had a nice 200 series. But I want an 80. I recently bought a 97 LC that I'm doing more budget-minded stuff (Budget 80 series activities - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/budget-80-series-activities.1360202). I bought it for 4k, currently have a little over 3k into it after ordering everything to sort out the engine. I don't foresee this one giving me issues either after the initial baseline.

 

[Broski]

IMO one of the best vehicles ever built

 

[Willard]

Ok first of all thank you all for the comments.
@voodu3, Ya Ryan rebuilt the 3rd members in my FJ60 when I had it. Great guy. No issues going to him, a little far but well worth it.
For you 80 guys, a little on me.
I have had many unique vehicles over the years and I am crazy.
2 FJ60 (drove both across the country a few times and rebuilt one of them)
2 BJ42's (when I was in Canada)
2 Land Rover LR3 (gluten for punishment)
1 newish Discovery
1 LR 109 Series 3
2 CJ's (a 7 and a 5)
1 FJ Cruiser
Couple of Jaguars, Austins, etc. (why oh why the British vehicles?)
Few trucks
Lots of cars (1960's to 2000's....so many of them).
Currently restoring a 1968 Mustang and have another '79 CJ5 sitting in pieces waiting its turn. North Eastern......rust and I know each other very well, rust normaly looses our battles, but there have been a few times......
Vehicles are a hobby and all in all I am over 70 owned at one point in time and all were insured and registered (add another 20 for the ones I have stripped down).

Yes I am crazy, I drive my wife up the wall.

Fuel economy is not something I have ever thought about. For the most part the vehicles are ones I like or enjoy. If I was worried about fuel efficiency I would buy a soulless Honda of some sort. That is not me. When fuel hits $6 a gallon maybe, but not now. My '07 F150 took like 40 gallons on a long range tank, I never got more than 15MPG with that and it would tow all day at 10MPG.

I am more worried about being stranded on the side of the highway. Land Rovers and most British vehicles suck for that, and any vehicle that has limp mode needs to be crushed. My LR3 left me stranded 3 times, I bought the '19 Discovery at the time for some unknown reason (i was out of it I swear) and my older son wanted the Jeep, he now drives a '09 Mustang GT. Hated the Discovery and will never own another British car....Ever.
My wife has a fancy Cadillac Escalade for our daily use, while she can drive manual, she prefers not to any more. Just a little thing, never buy a newer Cadillac they are garbage, she loves it (happy wife......) had we not had a warrany, it would have been over 16K in repairs starting with the typical GM dropped lifter.

What I am looking for is something enjoyable to work on, something that will always get me home (ya nothing is bulletproof and I have AAA but still) something that is not to modern but still modern enough. (Modern Utilitarian I guess). Something that is not a massive computer controlled nightmare and you need to be a Electrical Engineer to figure it out. I like buy spares so I do not have to wait for parts (like waterpumps, seem head gaskets will need to be purchased and I am guessing a spare fuel pump will be in order). Rock Auto is fun to shop.

I am less worried about the age of the vehicle, I can sort any issues it may have out. Hell worse case I can get the engine redone and have a great vehicle to drive. I am more concerned with parts avalibility. Nothing like having to wait 6 months for a part from Japan (or in many of my cases the UK).

Speed may be a factor, but I am slowing down these days on my driving, it seems not on my vehicles, I am only 56 so I guess I should at some point.
Sorry for any typos.


So back to the question. 2025, buying an 80 series as a DD/ camping/ any rig. Concerns, issues, worries, am I completely crazy for even considering this. Should I be institutionalized??

 

[Azca]

Echo much of the information as above. I love mine, it will die with me and then my son has dibs on it. Awesome vehicle, that said, go into this with your eyes wide open. Parts availability for critical items is still good considering the age. IMO it is not the parts to worry about but the cost. These are not inexpensive. Not many were sold, and fewer modified. As a result, this is a niche market, not many aftermarket parts are available and more expensive as they just won't move the volume that the new models will. I don't recommend for a DD, keep the miles off it so you can enjoy it later if you intend to buy one.

 

[Willard]

Forgot to mention, stick to a 95+. A lot of the 91-92 3FE parts and 93-94 FZ stuff is discontinued/way harder to find.

I daily my LX with 351k on it now; bought it in 2023 with 330k. Been across the country. Replaced/serviced everything you can on it with OE/OEM parts. For what I'm into it I could've had a nice 200 series. But I want an 80. I recently bought a 97 LC that I'm doing more budget-minded stuff (Budget 80 series activities - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/budget-80-series-activities.1360202). I bought it for 4k, currently have a little over 3k into it after ordering everything to sort out the engine. I don't foresee this one giving me issues either after the initial baseline.

Thank you 95+, Not interested in the 3FE at all. I thought the 1FZ–FE was '93-97 (North America)

 

[405]

Thank you 95+, Not interested in the 3FE at all. I thought the 1FZ–FE was '93-97 (North America)

You have it correct, 1FZ-FE was 1993-1997. 3FE for the 80 series was 1991-1992.

 

[reklund5]

Theres two ways to get into a nice 80 these days:

1) buy a cheap one and hemmorage money making it decent (I've spent nearly 3 years doing this to my pile)

2) spend a s***load of money on a nice built one that someone else hemmoraged money into and hope they hemmoraged money into the right things.

You can basically either spend a lot of money or spend lot of money. It'll be even more money if you cant do your own work. The number of shops that I’d trust to work on an 80 the right way in this country is getting smaller every day, and their labor rates are (rightly so) going up. I've got a customer that has paid me handsomely to re-do work he paid a fortune for in California. And I haven't found ANY of it that was done right. Use caution.

All that said, I have many vehicles to choose from in my stable, and the 80 is by far my favorite to drive. I've put in a TON of work and money making it the way I want it and it's a joy to drive- albeit in real bad need of some forced induction.

I'd try to stick to 95-97 if you can, and make sure it has a complete, intact and functional EGR/Evap Canister/Catalytic converter system. There is NO reason to delete those and it drives down the value in my opinion.

 

[captainva]

Talk to the folks over in the Capital Land Cruiser Club if you're looking for one. They will have better feelers out in the area. Plenty of super knowledgeable guys and several with 80s

VA/DC/MD- Capital Land Cruiser Club

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Aloha Jen]

So back to the question. 2025, buying an 80 series as a DD/ camping/ any rig. Concerns, issues, worries, am I completely crazy for even considering this. Should I be institutionalized??

Definitely not crazy for considering this, although you may have biased opinions in this forum section, but an 80 is a great series to have. Super comfortable to drive (especially when compared to my 40 or 60) and feels super safe to drive in like a tank! MPG isn’t great, but still not terrible…and if MPG doesn’t really matter to you, then they are great as a DD!
We are on our second 80 series restoration. And finding/getting parts for it has never been a problem (and I live on an island in the middle of the ocean!). Since your thread doesn’t have any photos, here’s a few from my current ‘94 80 series, purchased with a blown head gasket that is undergoing a full interior/exterior and mechanical restoration. All the work is being done in my garage, which will be a tiny fraction of what it would cost a shop to do.

 

[Outsane]

Find a nicely maintained local one to drive for 30 min.

Then make your decision.

 

[lumbee1]

ONSC is an active club in roughly central NC. We consider Uwharrie National Forest our home base.

NC- Olde North State Cruisers

forum.ih8mud.com

I've had my Land Cruiser for coming up on 13 years and LOVE it. I could DD my 80 even though it has front rear bumpers, 35's, a supercharger, fridge, and gets 11.5 to 13mpg. It is fun to drive and only left me stranded twice due to a short in the wire harness and a blown radiator. I love my 80 so much that I've considered selling my daily driver VW GTI to get another LHD diesel 80.

 

[Tachycardic]

I daily my ‘94. It’s been around the US and UK (going to mainland Europe soon). I average 10k miles a year since 2019 and just hit 314k miles. I love the thing and have a Honda Civic as a backup vehicle just in case. However, I never needed to use the Honda and just let my better half drive it. The cruiser died on me once last year while I was in Wales and it turned out to be a blown fuse. I replaced it (and my aging and bulging battery) and it hasn’t missed a beat since.

My only complaint is gas mileage. I average 12.5 mpg in town and 15.5 mpg highway (close to factory spec I get it). I’m running stock height suspension and factory wheels with 275 Michelin LTXs. I have some 285 KO2s if I want to get dirty. Power is fine for what it is—I’m not one of those who drive it 85mph and say the engine is gutless. If I want to break the law and feel good doing it, I’ll break out the AMG C63. But dang, that Benz costs more to maintain than the FZJ80.

 

[OrangeCrusher]

Seems like you've thought about this and choosing it for the right reason! The joy of owning, driving and maintaining a classic / exotic vehicle.

In general I would be cautious recommending a 80series as a reliable / cost efficient DD. If that is the main motivation, I think it will end up in disappointment. Something 10-20years younger makes more sense for this.

Regarding your price point of "over 12k these days", unless you're super sure about the recent maintenance history of the one you're going to buy, I would budget another at least $5k over the first year just in random things that break and you will need, or parts you buy just in case you will need them etc, or for overnight express shipping for parts you need for the long planned trip next weekend but didn't buy ahead of time
This is in addition to any explicit modifications you are planning.

 

[Kernal]

All the above, but if you're asking the question you've probably already decided you want to buy an 80.

If you can do most of the work yourself, you'll love it. If you can't work on it yourself you'll hate it (or get frustrated and sell it in a few years).

Or, if you don't mind spending 10's of thousands on a mechanic (assuming you can find a good one who knows how to work on this model)
you'll enjoy driving it.

Helps to buy one in good condition to start, keeping in mind that a trashed interior, body damage, or rust, can be more expensive to fix
than mechanical issues.