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I like the new Bronco too, at least in theory. Especially with the 7 speed manual and short wheelbase. But they've been having a lot of issues with the electronics and off-road driver aids. Hopefully they'll work out the bugs in the later model years, but it's questionable whether new models...

Who's charging you 4200 for that? Parts should be like 1500 at the most and you can do the work in a weekend. A full baselining should be 5-10k unless you're dropping it off at a shop and/or having to rebuild the engine. I agree they might be overvalued at the moment, but what car isn't? And...

Yeah but with the V8 you have to worry about cracked manifolds and timing belts. And I’d tend to agree that you should fix what’s broken and just budget for an eventual top end rebuild, but what happens if the HG decides to pop during a random hill climb on some trail in the bush?

I think @nickw was making that point in the context of the US, where Cruisers were sold as luxury vehicles despite their working-class underpinnings. I doubt the faux-plush leather interiors on the later 80s would hold up to much forestry work. But I think the better analogy to the work trucks...

Personally I regret not going with a GX-470. The V8 seems like a more reliable motor without the HG concerns. The 80 series has the 90s cool factor and the solid axle, but I’d be hesitant to say it’s “worth it” anymore, at least in the U.S. it’s hard to find one for under 10k, even on rough shape.

I know Toyota's are popular overseas but I've always wondered how much of that is Toyota's marketing of the 70 series workhorse to developing countries. I don't see a reason why an old Ford with the 300 ci engine or even an old IDI diesel with stronger axles than the Toyota wouldn't do the same...

The S/C models were known for that I think. And I agree the 80 series drives like kind of a pig. My first gen Tacoma felt way lighter on its feet and perhaps more capable on the trail as a result, like it could just hop over obstacles. I feel like the 80 will just get bogged down, but then I...

I think another reason they're still sought after is how many other vehicles have the same combination of solid axles in a relatively compact package (compared to American full-size), and also relative simplicity and trail-serviceability. The only analogue I can think of for the U.S. is the...

Speaking of durability, it's too bad we never got the GU Patrols in the U.S. Apparently their drivelines makes the 80 look like a Subaru Forester by comparison.

The interior on mine is junk. Full of tacky fake wood and crappy leather. And it handles like a pig and shakes on the highway while pulling to the left. Yes I’m aware these are likely affected by the POs maintenance, but even my rust bucket Tacoma wasn’t this rough. They were great trucks when...

I know a lot of forums go crazy over "baselining" and PM, but I'm not convinced it's a requirement to dump thousands of dollars into a tough older 4x4 like the 80 series. Keeping an eye on temps and topping it off with reasonably fresh fluids will go a long way. I know it's a cliche, but...

A lot of 80s got abused and neglected when they tanked in value in the Obama era though. The PO of mine just did an occasional quick lube oil change and let everything else just pile up.

I was thinking about this earlier. Speaking as a Toyota fan, here's plenty of Suburbans with the 5.3l Vortec still going strong with over 300k with no major repairs and no one really cares, but when the LC does it, everyone's in awe it made it that far on the original top end. And everyone...

20k?? At that rate I'd just get the new Bronco, or look for a pristine garaged LC online. What'd you do, like a full frame-off restoration?

Right, but that's assuming two rebuilds at the 300k km interval. And then some claim a new top end is needed every 150k or so, as was stated earlier in this thread. Then there's the whole "25 year service life" mantra. It can get pretty confusing. I mean, for the 70 series used in Canadian salt...

A lot of good info here, thanks for the input. I'm working on the VCG/plugs and wires/hoses now. Between Partsouq, McGeorge, and specialty outlets like Witsend, I haven't found OEM parts very hard to come by at all. I ordered NGK for the plugs. Also @MOAK where did you get that they need a...

How was the FJ80 giving you grief? And yea the S/C Xterras are best avoided from what I've researched.

Why would you say they're unreliable, or at least any more so than any other 25 year old vehicle? The only major drama I know of is the head gasket, and that's usually the result of a neglected cooling system.

Why would you have to tear down the motor? Did you buy one with a blown head gasket?

Yeah I reckon first gen Xterras are still pretty underrated if you want a budget weekend warrior type rig. the main issues are very weak steering racks, lack of flex with the stock suspension (can be remedied somewhat by removing rear sway bars), exhaust manifolds that almost 100% will be...