Advice please!!

[wake]

After reading the Expo guide to Land Rovers my decision for my future vehicle has been made. A Land Cruiser.
I know I want a *80 series but should I be looking for a certain year? What are some issues that i should look for when I inspect a vehicle. I already have a 1996 2wd runner that I am very happy with but I would like something bigger but not to big. the cruiser fits the bill. if you know of a link that will answer my questions please provide it. thanks in advance.

 

[Driver-Navigator]

Check out this recent thread for a link to Slee's 80-series page & other advice/comments. http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/84238-learning-about-80-series-before-purchase

 

[Containerized]

Two tips:

1) Buy the best V8 truck you can afford, which means condition, not mileage.
2) Fewer owners and more maintenance records beats five owners and ten "mystery years"...

 

[KC Cruiser]

You first need to ask yourself "what am I going to use this rig for". I built up a 97 4runner that could almost compete offroad with my 80 but had better road manners. I LOVE my 80 for what it is, a beast! It hauls everything, 3 rows if I need it with kids, gas sucks, maint. and build up is $$$. If I had to do it again I would buy a 100 series because I do not really rock crawl anymore and tend to tow our trailer a lot more.

I know people hate this answer but SLEE's website is very informative as well as MUD. That is what I did before my purchase.

GL!

 

[wake]

your replies are all very helpful and appreciated.
I would use it for highway travel, some use on graded forest road particularly in the north georgia mountains, very possible long trips to the Keys, Maine and even Alaska if our plans work out. I like longevity, durability out of my vehicles. We do go to Pa. during the winter months for the holidays and the 4wd would be nice to have in case of snow.
I know the gas mileage is a killer but I would rather drive something that I know will go 500,000 miles when it is maintained correctly. No rock crawling.

 

[MANUCHAO]

If you are interested on an 80's series.. then I would be looking at the 96-97 years....
No 80 series came with a V8.... but you could always drop a v8 into it...
Do look at slee and MUD for more information.....

 

[MarcFJ60]

All (US) 80s came with inline 6 cylinder engines. Yes, DO read the Slee guides and there is also great info over at IH8MUD.com.

91-92 used the 3FE engine. These are called FJ80s. By and large, it is the same set up as the FJ62. However, the suspension is upgraded versus the FJ62. My personal opinion, however, would be to get a 93 or newer to get the more powerful engine. These are called FZJ80s.

95 and newer are OBDII compliant. I think it's a slight benefit, but it wouldn't be a deal breaker. I think 95 was when the dual airbags came, but I'm not sure. There aren't huge differences between 93-97. Buy based on condition/maintenance more so than mileage.

 

[Rot Box]

EDIT: Marc beat me to it

The engine is the major difference between the 91-92's and the 93-97's. The 3FE (91-92) is nothing short of legendary however given its power output combined with the weight of the 80 most consider it horribly underpowered on the highway and a pig on fuel. Not trying to downplay the 3FE 80s they definitely have their place as an incredibly reliable and capable outfit.

Most opt for the newest 80 they can afford due to interior refinements, the 4.5L 24v engine and the optional locking differentials amongst other things. I agree with what was posted above buy the best one you can afford based on condition not mileage. Don't rule out a 100 series either :ylsmoke:

 

[Flagster]

so what did Toyota do that makes the post 95 models better?

In fairness, I don't want to put words in the mouth of my mechanic, it was my impression that the later 80 series started coming with a V8 engine.

Yeah whats wrong with my 95..???

 

[KC Cruiser]

This being said I would probably chose a 100 series. Great reliability, better highway manners an still very capable if you need to go off road as well as great aftermarket support. Gas would probably be the same in the 100 as the 80, at least close!

Good luck.

your replies are all very helpful and appreciated.
I would use it for highway travel, some use on graded forest road particularly in the north georgia mountains, very possible long trips to the Keys, Maine and even Alaska if our plans work out. I like longevity, durability out of my vehicles. We do go to Pa. during the winter months for the holidays and the 4wd would be nice to have in case of snow.
I know the gas mileage is a killer but I would rather drive something that I know will go 500,000 miles when it is maintained correctly. No rock crawling.

 

[RMP&O]

You first need to ask yourself "what am I going to use this rig for".

GL!

Exactly! Best advice you will get anywhere right there.

 

[ChuckB]

Based on your stated use I would recommend a 100 series. 98-2000 model years are close in price to good 80s. HTH.

 

[MarcFJ60]

I have to admit, even being an 80 owner, I'd be better served with a 100 series. If you aren't going to need the benefits of a solid front axle, which most probably don't need, then the only thing keeping somebody from a 100 series is money. Mine is a family hauler and camping vehicle. I don't even approach the 80's capabilities, and wouldn't come close to maxing out a 100 series either. Although I'm not certain, I think the 100 series actually gets slightly better mileage.

With the 100 series, there are many more subtleties between the years (rear locker, ATRAC, front diff issues, adjustable height control, 5 speed auto). If I ever replace the 80, it will certainly be with a 100. But going from a 1995 to a 2002ish will be significant increase in price.

 

[ajnabi]

90-92 came with smaller brakes and wheels, stick to 93-97.

IQ

 

[General Automag]

After reading the Expo guide to Land Rovers my decision for my future vehicle has been made. A Land Cruiser.
I know I want a *80 series but should I be looking for a certain year? What are some issues that i should look for when I inspect a vehicle. I already have a 1996 2wd runner that I am very happy with but I would like something bigger but not to big. the cruiser fits the bill. if you know of a link that will answer my questions please provide it. thanks in advance.

Go to IH8mud.com and look at http://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/84888-faq-80-lx450-aug-2012-added-carys-battery-info.html. Click on the "Thinking of Buying" link. IH8mud should have all of the information you need.