Could I be happy with an 80 ???
- Thread starter timh
- Start date
timh
Explorer
Yes, yes it would...j/k. Previous to the Xterra I had a 2001 XJ Sport with a 3.5" lift and 32's. I hated that Jeep, drove like crap on the road. It worked great offroad but neither my wife or I ever enjoyed driving it on the road. Since the suspension is essentially the same on the Grand than I would quickly decline that option.
Trump- my current Xterra is worth somewhere in the $7-8K range. On a newer one I don't think I could swing anything more than $10k right now, things are just a little bit tight and I have too many other hobbies that are occupying some cash. I have seen some 05's going for around $11k but I never seem to see them in time enough to consider it. I may just have to deal with this one for now and wait until the values come down a little more.
brushogger
Explorer
Try driving the WJ. I've had an xj and WJ. The WJ is night and day difference on the road. They definitely don't ride the same.
spressomon
Expedition Leader
The big trick, if you decide an 80 is for you, is finding one with lower miles that's been taken care of/maintained. Even early 100's are getting difficult to find with <100k miles.
trump
Adventurist
Got it. I hope you can figure something out then.
That's what I was thinking as well. We all know they're reliable and have many good miles ahead of them at that point, but there are always the little things that need to be done on an older cruiser that can "nickle and dime you." Part of why I think just getting a newer vehicle for the right price would be the better investment. However, if you just want to have a piece of the legacy... get the 80.
AeroSynch
Adventurer
Actually they are not the same suspension. The XJ was coils front and leafs rear. The WJ is coils all around like the FZJ80.
I too have an XJ with 3.5" of lift and 32s and it is super uncomfortable to daily drive. Too bumpy, I feel cramped, etc.
Guess what I am replacing it with? A WJ, yes, because I drove one and it was definitely a night and day difference. I have looked at LCs but they are so expensive, so I figured I might as well get a WJ since it is cheaper and newer, plus V8.
I too have an XJ with 3.5" of lift and 32s and it is super uncomfortable to daily drive. Too bumpy, I feel cramped, etc.
Guess what I am replacing it with? A WJ, yes, because I drove one and it was definitely a night and day difference. I have looked at LCs but they are so expensive, so I figured I might as well get a WJ since it is cheaper and newer, plus V8.
ShottsCruisers
Explorer
Huh? There's no comparison in ride and/or comfort between the 80 and 100. No matter where you ride, on or off, the 100 excels by leaps and bounds over the 80.
timh
Explorer
Actually they are not the same suspension. The XJ was coils front and leafs rear. The WJ is coils all around like the FZJ80.
I too have an XJ with 3.5" of lift and 32s and it is super uncomfortable to daily drive. Too bumpy, I feel cramped, etc.
Guess what I am replacing it with? A WJ, yes, because I drove one and it was definitely a night and day difference. I have looked at LCs but they are so expensive, so I figured I might as well get a WJ since it is cheaper and newer, plus V8.
I stand corrected. I guess I should have researched that a little more. Either way maybe I do need to look a a WJ. I definitely like the looks of them and the V8 is very enticing. Time to start looking around...thanks.
ShottsCruisers
Explorer
Based on your experience, your current ride, what you're asking for upgrade-wise....you are asking for a 100-Series...no doubt in my mind.
The 80 is a step up in EVERY way over your xTerra...a tie in power as both are dogs.
The 100 is another step up in EVERY way over the 80 except on extreme trails. You say you don't need to run those so the one thing the 80 has going for it is discounted.
Yes...a 100-Series is YOUR answer.
ShottsCruisers
Explorer
I thought you said reliability is important? The unibody WJ is a big step back in durability and reliability compared to your current ride let alone a Land Cruiser. I've seen those things break fans and rediators when flexed out!
AeroSynch
Adventurer
Nothing beats a chassis of course, but you might be referring to an XJ unibody because the WJ unibody is way stronger.
As long as you don't open all doors and rear hatch while flexed out you'll be fine. :sombrero:
ShottsCruisers
Explorer
Nope. All Grand's compared to all Cruisers. This guy wanted heavy duty and no GC fills that bill.
ssssnake529
Explorer
I love my 80 Series, but I really can't see towing anything with it. It has barely enough power for highway driving without towing stuff. If towing was part of my plan, I'd get a 100 series with the V8.
redthies
Renaissance Redneck
I don't know what you guys expect from your suvs, but they are NOT sports cars, and never will be. That said, the few people who have driven my LX450 say it is waaay fast for an 80. I have ZERO issues with the amount of power, and have used it to tow a 7000 lb trailer in the mountains. It was a bit slow with the 7k behind, but it pulled it off. As far as comparisons to an older Xterra, the 80 is hands down a better rig. I have only driven 5 spd X's, and it wasn't bad, but the 80 does have more power. I LOVE mine and the wife won't let me sell it for anything else. Maybe look at early V8 'Frunners if you need something that feels really fast! Either way, shopping for cars is fun! Drive as many as you can until you find the right fit:smiley_drive:
Chuy
New member
It’s interesting one of the guys in our group drives an X-Terra and they are great off road but if you want a Landcruiser. I would say test drive an 80 and a 100 series and see what works best for you. The 100’s are about the same price as an 80 and sometimes even less. It just depends where you are shopping. If the 100 is what you want I say go for it. Personally I didn’t like the 100’s they look feel and drive like a minivan to me. Some people love and need the extra comfort to enjoy the outdoors. Some of us prefer a little more of that rugged outdoor feel in moderation. I couldn’t find a clean 80 for the price of a clean 100. The 100’s were plentiful for around the same price and many times cheaper. What you wheel and drive IMHO is personal choice what works for me may not work for someone else. Go with your gut feeling after you test drive them, both are more than capable stock and once modified the playing field can go in any direction. The 100’s will offer more power but my stock 97’ 80 on 35’s pulls my little 8 x 10 trailer just fine fully loaded through any AZ mountain range. You are going to get just as many opinions as you are recommendations. It all depends on hundreds of factors that only you can answer. Most of the opinions you will get here are biased to personal preference/experience so it will be hard to judge what will fit you best on that advice alone. If you are looking for more power and it looks like you don’t plan to do any heavy mods based on your current rig. I would also recommend a 100 series as an 80 series DD driver owner. It will come with everything you expect and need stock for the same price as an unlocked 80 series or less. Like I mentioned 100’s are plentiful compared to trying to find a locked 80, super charged, turbo charged, or diesel swapped 80. Either way I think you will be happy with your purchase if you go with a Landcruiser.