Any previous Land Cruiser owners here?

[All-Terrain]

I have a '97 SR, and love it.

Now I have a shot at a '97 FZJ80 with front and rear lockers...

... any thoughts? Experiences? Amusing anecdotes?

Definitely would love to hear from anyone who has had a Land Cruiser 80-series!

 

[Fergie]

I had an 80 series...3FE powered though.

Different beasts, each with strong points, and weak ones as well.

As long as the TLC is not beat to snot and the price is right, you won't be displeased.

Parts are definitely more plentiful and knowledge abounds on IH8MUD.

 

[All-Terrain]

Why did you sell the 80? And did you replace it with a Montero? What kind?

 

[Fergie]

Why did you sell the 80? And did you replace it with a Montero? What kind?

I sold the 80 because the 91 and 92 are the most anemic vehicles I can imagine. The 3FE is reliable, but not a strong motor in the least. Also, we wanted something a bit more refined as we take long road trips that aren't necessarily on dirt...mainly pavement. Creature comforts are nice.

It was replaced with a Montero...eventually. It took going through a Suby powered vanagon westfalia, and a Jeep Cherokee before we settled on the Montero, a 2001. Honestly, while the Monty may not have the ruggedness of the TLC and go anywhere capability, it is a nicer ride, quieter vehicle, and meets our needs.

If I were to get a TLC again, it would be a well-maintained 80 series from 96 or 97, or I would just move on to a 100 series. The UZJ100s are more in line with the fit and finish or a Montero, at least the 3rd Gens.

 

[Clem]

My buddy has a '94 LC and when his head gasket blew, he wished he had a Montero.:elkgrin:

YMMV,

Clem

 

[All-Terrain]

My buddy has a '94 LC and when his head gasket blew, he wished he had a Montero.:elkgrin:

YMMV,

Clem

Haha! True that.

Of course, Montero's have HG's too. Although I have no idea what the typical longevity of one is...?

 

[Fergie]

With all of what I said, consider the fact that I bought my 91 for $2500 in CA, did virtually nothing to it aside from an oil and fluid change, and proceeded to take it up through Yosemite and Sequoia and back down the coast. I took it to MX a few times too.

We're about to hit the road in our 01 Monty for 3 weeks, all the way from AZ to Jasper, AB, so we'll see how my opinion is after the trip.

 

[4D55 Performance]

I have had two very nice 1996 LX450's. I had one with lockers and one without lockers. Personally I prefer the Montero and here is why. The Montero has a better drivetrain. The Montero has a better trans and it shifts way smoother. While the engine make less HP and TQ it does a much better job moving the vehicle. The gearing may be the reason the Montero feals like it has more power. The Tcase allows for 2wd high which greatly improves mpgs. The Montero has significantly more legroom in the second row and 3rd row. The Montero has a much nicer interior and actually has cup holders and heated seats. It's true, the FZJ80 does not have cup holders. The biggest difference you will see is in MPG's and road manners. The Cruiser has a bit more body roll, shifts more harsh, lacks power and breaks like a pig. Personally I liked my 2000 Montero much better than either of my LX450's. It also returned 24 mpg on the freeway and the best I ever got out of either LX450 was 13 mpg. Personally I think a SFA is overrated. With all this being said, the FZJ80/LX450 are very good vehicles but I think many owners overlook all of their short comings and convince themselves that is the perfect 4x4 because it has solid axles, lockers and a Toyota badge. Take away that badge and they would be seen much more differently. Personally if I was looking at getting a Landcruiser I would get a 1999 with a rear locker. It's a better vehicle in nearly every way.

 

[4D55 Performance]

Haha! True that.

Of course, Montero's have HG's too. Although I have no idea what the typical longevity of one is...?

This is a much more common issue with Cruisers than Monteros. The main trouble spots for Cruiser are the headgaskets, pesky heater hose(PHH), front birfs, transmission (both of mine had issues), Locker solenoids, and brakes. I know I am probably missing a few but it has been 5 years since I owned my last LX450.

 

[1morebike]

i had 97 triple locked fzj80, i loved it but i think Toyota parts are soo overpriced. look at how much it is to replace the suspension on the the 80 vs a Montero. i went for the 80 to 1990 Montero and love the Montero. as the guy who i sold the 80 to says "it likes to eat $50.00 at the gas station A lot" they are how ever built solid thats for sure.

 

[Arktikos]

Personally I think a SFA is overrated. With all this being said, the FZJ80/LX450 are very good vehicles but I think many owners overlook all of their short comings and convince themselves that is the perfect 4x4 because it has solid axles, lockers and a Toyota badge.

Spot on!