Opinions needed from the TLC Guru's

[Streakerfreak]

Hey guys,

I am looking for a higher mileage, low cost 80 series here in New England that is not rusted through....yeah, that's like trying to find a needle in a pile if needles.

Since I have only driven trucks I have limited knowledge on TLC's. This is the only one in my area.

What do you guys think about this? Any helpful tips?

Here it is!

1991 TLC $4,995
Mileage-207,146
Exterior Color- White
Interior Color- Grey
Engine- 6 Cylinder Gasoline


Transmission- 4 Speed Automatic with Overdrive

• Rear Window Defogger
• Air Conditioning
• AM/FM Radio
• Cassette Player
• CD/DVD player
• Tow Package
• Cruise Control
• Intermittent Wipers
• Sunroof
• Power Door Locks
• Power Mirrors
• Power Windows
• Power Steering
• Roof Luggage Rack
• Tachometer
• Tinted Glass
• Tilt Wheel

It has a few small minor dents and a bit of rust in places that should be able to be removed, but it is remarkably clean for a New England TLC. The interior is almost spot less.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Much better deals available

Some of the bad -
Drum rear brakes
15" wheels
Lockers not available
Underpower - big time

 

[Streakerfreak]

Much better deals available

Some of the bad -
Drum rear brakes
15" wheels
Lockers not available
Underpower - big time

You are right there are better deals available, unfortunately they are too far away.

Yes, you are right about being underpowered. I did notice that.

Lockers- I would like them, but I highly doubt I will find that here.

15" wheel's don't bother me.

Drum rear brakes- Thanks for the heads up. Did not think to look at that, nor did I know.

 

[hoser]

This one might be worth a call... and for the same price...

1995 Toyota Land Cruiser - $4,950
Mileage: 157,991
Body Style: SUV
Exterior Color: Green
Interior Color: beige
Stock #: 100029
VIN: JT3DJ81W8S0100029
Engine: 4.5L I-6 EFI
Transmission: 4 speed automatic
Drivetrain: 4X4
Doors: 4
Wheelbase: 112"
Dealer: Phil & Al's Service Center
225-229 South St Newark NJ
Call: 877-642-0054

 

[Streakerfreak]

This one might be worth a call... and for the same price...

1995 Toyota Land Cruiser - $4,950
Mileage: 157,991
Body Style: SUV
Exterior Color: Green
Interior Color: beige
Stock #: 100029
VIN: JT3DJ81W8S0100029
Engine: 4.5L I-6 EFI
Transmission: 4 speed automatic
Drivetrain: 4X4
Doors: 4
Wheelbase: 112"
Dealer: Phil & Al's Service Center
225-229 South St Newark NJ
Call: 877-642-0054

Hmm, not bad. Not the color I was looking for, but I am not going to be picky about that. Too bad there are no pics. I'll give them a call tomorrow.

Thanks!

I have been scouring ads all weekend, but if anyone stumbles onto anything, go ahead and let me know. Jenn and I are trying to get rid of medical debt so this is the price range we are looking for.

 

[Hedge]

I'd suggest adding money to the vehicle purchase budget for a one-way plane/train/bus ticket. That opens up access to non-salt states. AZ, CO, MT, WY, CA, TX, OK, LA, AL, MS, GA, etc... It's nice to buy a 13+ year old vehicle without a single solitary spot of rust on the undercarriage. Makes for more sane wrenching sessions and reduces the need to replace the parts that become rust-prone when exposed to highly corrosive salts.

For more education on the vagaries among the model's years of production, the 80 series FAQ on ih8mud.com goes a long way.

 

[Christian P.]

Don't do it.

 

[Streakerfreak]

I'd suggest adding money to the vehicle purchase budget for a one-way plane/train/bus ticket. That opens up access to non-salt states. AZ, CO, MT, WY, CA, TX, OK, LA, AL, MI, GA, etc... It's nice to buy a 13+ year old vehicle without a single solitary spot of rust on the undercarriage. Makes for more sane wrenching sessions.

I've thought of it. Still thinking of it.

For more education on the vagaries among the model's years of production, the 80 series FAQ on ih8mud.com goes a long way.

Thanks, I was looking all over the place for something like that.

 

[Pskhaat]

Don't do it.

Why?

 

[Pskhaat]

Some of the bad -

Some of the good: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5246&postcount=16

 

[Streakerfreak]

Thanks guys. The input is really helpful.

 

[Christian P.]

Why?

All the reasons above. I had a FJ62 with the same engine and it was underpowered in it, so I can't imagine it's better in a FJ80.

If you go through the hassle of shopping for an used car, paying taxes, spend a day at the DMV, fix a few things - you may as well do your homework and start with the best platform.

Life is too short...I think that's my new motto.

 

[Streakerfreak]

All the reasons above. I had a FJ62 with the same engine and it was underpowered in it, so I can't imagine it's better in a FJ80.

If you go through the hassle of shopping for an used car, paying taxes, spend a day at the DMV, fix a few things - you may as well do your homework and start with the best platform.

Life is too short...I think that's my new motto.

So it seems the only major issue with this FJ80 is that it is under powered. . . and that it is a New England vehicle.


Man do I hate used car shopping.

 

[Fergie]

Coming from someone that owns a 1991...

I won't trade my 3FE for a finicky 4.5. Sure, it is slow, but with the way I drive, I don't care. Gas mileage is bad with either engine; on long trips though, I've been able to get 18mpg with a fully loaded cruiser at 60mph.

The drum brake thing isnt an issue to me either. Again, I drive very conservatively in the 80, so I have plenty of time to stop.

Check my build thread if you want the long story, but here is the short. Bought the GWB for $2,500 after seeing it at Green Burrito. Bad AC, Bad heater core, and needed a freshening up. AC was done for free by Toyota the first time, and then by me and MoGas the second time. Did the heater core myself, and the front axle rebuild with MoGas.

For less than $5000, including my new bumper and winch, I'm damn happy.

I followed a lot of vehicles through a decent trail in Prescott with EW and crew in stock form with no problems. This was with street tires and the CDL. I went to MX with no issues. I took the GWB through Sequoia and Yosemite and back and forth from L.A. to AZ without issue.

Bottom line, if you want a dead reliable work horse of a vehicle, get a 1991 or 1992. If you want to fancy it up a bit, go for the other ones.

And seriously, look in the rust free states. I bet, with as many good people as there are here, you could get help looking around.

Gavin

PS - I searched for months, and stumbled upon the GWB.

 

[Fergie]

And try this for CL searches:
http://www.themccumbers.com/States.htm