1997 Cruiser or 1999 4Runner ?

[JayBlack]

While out this weekend I found a used lot with a 1997 Cruiser with 217K and a 1998 4Runner with 90K ... Delima I want the Cruiser ,spouse is scared of the mileage we are supposed to drive both today , What should I look for Problem or maintenance wise or look to replace immediately on the cruiser ?

Will be a DD with some EXPO on holiday .. I am new to the Expo scene & will be going out with only my son so space isnt a real issue ( yet ) so low mileage 4runner or the cruiser ?
Any help is appreciated !!

Jay

 

[BIGdaddy]

always buy the newest car you can afford. The 4runner is going to be perfectly robust for anything you want to use it for.

My dad is selling his 80 right now cuz its too much truck to drive everyday. He's gettin' either a double cab taco, or a 4runner.

if they're around the same price, of course get the lower mileage one.

 

[Christian P.]

4Runner for sure.

217K is a lot of miles, even on a Land Cruiser.

And the 4Runner gets a much better fuel economy.

You'll be tankfull when gas go back to 4$/gallon in a few months...

 

[Rallyroo]

How strange, when I was deciding between the 80 Series Land Cruiser or the 3rd Gen 4Runner, it was easier for me to find a low mileage Land Cruiser than a 4Runner. It was also cheaper for me to get a lower mileage Land Cruiser than a higher mileage 4Runner.

 

[JayBlack]

Pricing in my area is weired , I have seen LC's for $8800.00 with 200K on them and 4runners with 150K for the same ... 4runner is a good deal & gas & maintenance on the LC would probably kill me , I'm sold 4runner it is ... I will get pics as soon as I grab it , I plan on doing some mild stuff immediately ........

thanks Jay

 

[CA-RJ]

The 4runner will get at least 3-4 mpg's more than the LC. It will aslo be cheaper to modify and maintain. 90k on a 99 4Runner is nothing. Mine is at 195k and still runs like a champ!

 

[BIGdaddy]

The 4runner will get at least 3-4 mpg's more than the LC. It will aslo be cheaper to modify and maintain. 90k on a 99 4Runner is nothing. Mine is at 195k and still runs like a champ!

this is my thought, too. While my dad is by no means strapped for cash, he does wince everytime he does something to his landcruiser.

for my XJ a winch bumper is $300.00, for his 80, its 1200.

For my truck a 2" lift is around $200-300, for him its $800-900.00.

-Sliders? $180.00 for me, $1000.00 for him.

CRAZY, right? I'd assume the 4runner would have the same type of relationship to the 80 as far as mods. Just a more economical (yet no less
functional) rig to operate.

I think a wisely-modded 4runner "looks" nicer, too. pretty stealthy.

 

[Cackalak Han]

Make sure that 4Runner has the timing belt/water pump changed out. It is recommended for every 90k miles. Also, is it a 98 or 99? 99 model years had some interior and exterior changes (favorable). Also, SR5? Limited? Highlander?

 

[gfiero]

80 for Sale?

Where is he has he posted it? I am thinking of purchasing a 80.

 

[Schattenjager]

Don't read too much into this, but EVERYONE knows that real men have rigs with solid front axles and global reputations for durability and capability.

All kidding aside, and with no offense to my IFS friends, but there really isn't an easy way for an IFS rig to do as much as well and as comfortably as a solid front. Been there, done that. Had a few Landy's and loved the ability - went to an 05 Tacoma (current version) and HATED the performance off the road. Bobbed and tossed around like every other IFS rigs I've ridden in unless you have $10K suspension under it. I had the Tacoma for four years and did a lot in Alaska and Colorado with it. Now I have a Land Cruiser - there is no way in the world to make a comparison aside from the number of wheels.

Just my opionion forged from experience, so take it with a grain of salt. But remember - I AM a Schattenjager!

:ylsmoke:

 

[JayBlack]

LC is located in Quakertown PA if interested the # is 215-538-3522 or 267-733-8524 .
1997 LC white ,leather with a sunroof ,he also has a 4runner not sure of year or model, there is another LC in Morristown NJ for $7,400 with 114K he is at 407-234-0945

 

[cruisertoy]

I bought my 93 LC with 200k on it. I drove it for another 80k miles before I sold it. People thought I was nuts for buying a rig with that many miles, but I knew the previous owner and for the most part it had been taken care of. I could have kept driving it, but little things like the AC compressor and powersteering pump were going out on it. A 97 40th came up for sale locally and it was exactly what we really wanted so the 93 had to go. Given that, not all LCs with 200k are a good deal. Check the compression on the engine and pull the front and rear dif plugs to check the oil. Look for clean dif oil instead of green or creamy oil. This could be a sign of axle and bearing work being needed.

 

[Skim]

80 Series.

 

[Topmounter]

Drive them both and see what you think. Obviously this is an LC forum, so I'm of the LC or bust mindset. I'm sure the guys in the 4R forums think the choice is just as obvious in favor of the 4R.

 

[BIGdaddy]

Drive them both and see what you think. Obviously this is an LC forum, so I'm of the LC or bust mindset. I'm sure the guys in the 4R forums think the choice is just as obvious in favor of the 4R.

yup, thats the truth there. I'm a Jeeper, so I get to be the unbias'd party...

haha!:elkgrin: