Could I be happy with an 80 ???

[timh]

Here is my dilemma. I currently own a 2004 Nissan Xterra. I don't do much serious 4 wheeling, mostly exploring backcountry, bit I do like a little capability when needed though. I don't mind the open diffs.

Pro's
--Very comfortable off road ride. I have had many 4x4's and the Xterra rides soooo much better than anything else I have owned or driven.
--setup exactly how I like it and performs very well for the way I use it for.
--mileage isn't horrible, I usually get 14city/17hwy.
--very reliable.
--NO RATTLES, I hate rattles and this rig is nice and quiet.
--I haven't yet but I can mount a winch inside the stock front bumper.
--good highway manners, even without swaybars.

con's
--3.3L V6 180hp 202ft pnds torque = gutless pig. I tow a 4x5 offroad trailer and it feels it. Occasionaly I tow a small trailer with a quad and dirtbike on it, you can imagine how that feels.:Wow1:
--a little small inside, would be nice to have some more room.

I really want a 100srs but I just can't afford one right now. I am wondering if I could like an 80 instead. I have to daily drive this vehicle and I really don't want to sacrifice the pro's about the Xterra. I know the gas mileage sucks and I know the 80 is rated at 212hp and 275 ft. pnds of torque. How will it do towing a light trailer? How do they handle on the highway with 2-3" lift? Rattles?

So let's hear it, and be honest. Can I be happy with an 80 or should I just wait until I can get a uzj100?

 

[SSF556]

I am sort of in the same boat...I have a 2008 Grand Cherokee Diesel that is similar to the Pros you listed above. I could sell the Grand Cherokee and buy a $5000 LC 80 and put some money in the bank.

Personally I am going to wait until the 100 comes down in price...maybe a year or so. Or wait for the 2004 Tacoma to come down in price.

You need to be realistic which sucks...but if you think the Xterra is a gutless pig you will not have words to describe the 80 on the highway.

But hey you only live once. I think the 80 would be a great dedicated 2nd vehicle. And I am trying to make that work.

 

[1911]

I know the gas mileage sucks and I know the 80 is rated at 212hp and 275 ft. pnds of torque. How will it do towing a light trailer? How do they handle on the highway with 2-3" lift? Rattles?

So let's hear it, and be honest. Can I be happy with an 80 or should I just wait until I can get a uzj100?

I loved my 80-series and it is one of my favorite vehicles of all time, and still on the road with about 300,000 miles and no major repairs - but they are heavy trucks (built like a tank) and underpowered on the highway for sure, especially for towing. It will tow a light trailer just fine, but you won't be passing anyone or going up any mountain passes at anything close to the speed limit. They handle great, even with a (properly-installed) lift. The only rattle mine had even after 250,000 miles was the sun roof mechanism; I didn't want the sun roof in the first place and would never have another one if it were my choice.

You would definitely want an FZJ80 as opposed to an FJ80 for towing, but really IMO for your stated purposes I think you would be better off in the long run saving up/waiting for a 100-series.

 

[timh]

It sounds like I would be in exaclty the same boat I am now if I got an 80. I guess the horsepower gain is eaten up by the added weight then. I get so impatient when looking for something I want. There are very few if any 100's for sale, if any, in Tucson at any given time, but I see 80's all the time so it makes me start to think...

Given the info thus far I think I will definitely hold out for a while longer and get a 100 when I can.

Thanks guys

 

[Schattenjager]

Keep in mind that the 80 has a solid front axel and it's dependability and capability are legendary. Nothing against my 100 brethren, but having spent some time with one, I much prefer the 80. The FZJ-80 has a modern feel to the interior, drives wonderfully, and many people do not believe it is an old 1997. To my eye, the 80 has a more timeless, classic look and function while the 100 fits the mold of the rounded, bubble cars (interior and exterior) that were in vogue in the late 90's. I think 100's already look dated.

The 100 is a good setup and for fun exploring will be a great compromise between road and trail manners. IFS can be mod'd, but only slightly. It will go most places a solid front will go, but will do it less comfortably, hence the popularity of the solid front. On the road, the IFS will shine. Where are you realistically going to spend most of your time?

Also, if you shop around, you will find the LEXUS versions of the 80 (LX450) and the 100 (LX470) depreciate a bit more than the Land Cruiser name plates. Market forces are the reason, but I picked up a cherry LX450 for less than I though possible.

 

[kenmoto]

Check out my 4runner tomorrow night at camp fire. I have owned 97 LC80, 07 FJC, 98 tacoma, 92 4runner, and everything in between. I can tell you what I think about all of them. Good bad and ugly, not much ugly.

 

[timh]

Keep in mind that the 80 has a solid front axel and it's dependability and capability are legendary. Nothing against my 100 brethren, but having spent some time with one, I much prefer the 80. The FZJ-80 has a modern feel to the interior, drives wonderfully, and many people do not believe it is an old 1997. To my eye, the 80 has a more timeless, classic look and function while the 100 fits the mold of the rounded, bubble cars (interior and exterior) that were in vogue in the late 90's. I think 100's already look dated.

The 100 is a good setup and for fun exploring will be a great compromise between road and trail manners. IFS can be mod'd, but only slightly. It will go most places a solid front will go, but will do it less comfortably, hence the popularity of the solid front. On the road, the IFS will shine. Where are you realistically going to spend most of your time?

Also, if you shop around, you will find the LEXUS versions of the 80 (LX450) and the 100 (LX470) depreciate a bit more than the Land Cruiser name plates. Market forces are the reason, but I picked up a cherry LX450 for less than I though possible.

Other than power the 80 seems like it would be great rig for me. I also really don't mind the IFS at all. My Xterra has a 1 1/2" lift and does everything I demand of it offroad.

I must say that I am partial to the styling of the 100's though. I used to hate them but now I really like the look.

 

[KC Cruiser]

If you ever want to stop by and check out my 80 you are welcome to. It is a vehicle I love but it comes at a price as stated above, SLOW, struggles pulling our camp trailer. Built like a tank and the kids love it! Offroad it comes alive and will eat up difficult trails.

We also have an 08 X-terra which is great offroad, pulls a trailer with ease and is comfortable with no rattles.

Steve

 

[FJR Colorado]

Are you a big guy?

I'm 6'6" and my 80 was always very tight.

Other than that they are built like tanks, have the Toyota DNA for consummate reliability, have SFA and some even have factory lockers.

Have you considered a Sequoia? I have one and LOVE it. And it could tow like a bear if I needed it to.

I also have an FJ Cruiser and love it to death too. Lots of power too but the short wheel base would make it impractical for towing anything large.

 

[355spider]

Wait for a 100. I had an 80 that I towed around my Ferrari on an enclosed trailer and it was awful. Way underpowered but extremely capable offroad.

 

[trump]

If the current Xterra meets with your approval, why not a 2nd gen? It checks all the boxes on what you're trying to improve.

 

[tacollie]

Have you had a chance to drive an 80? That may make a difference. I was set on getting an 80 until I drove one. Personally I like lighter vehicles and an FZJ80 actually makes my 4Runner seem fast.

On a different note a buddy was going to keep his 60 and do a motor swap. He went and test drove one FZJ80 that was in less than stellar condition. He drove to the bank and then home. He sold his 60 2 days later.

I like the 100s better.

 

[mph]

I think you would like a 100 series if you like driving a tank...We have a 100 series and a 06 4runner....Night and day difference in terms of handling. The 100 series feels like you can drive over anything while the 4runner feels quick; that you could swerve and miss it...

If the 100 series was my daily driver; then I would think twice. MPG sticks...

 

[timh]

I have definitely considered the 2nd gen Xterra's. Problem is mine is an 04, to get an 05 I have to spend nearly twice as much. The value of every vehicle that does fit my needs perfectly is just a little higher than I can afford right now. After hearing more about the 100's I am reluctant to even go that route now. Maybe the 2nd gen Xterra is my best choice...

 

[trump]

I have definitely considered the 2nd gen Xterra's. Problem is mine is an 04, to get an 05 I have to spend nearly twice as much. The value of every vehicle that does fit my needs perfectly is just a little higher than I can afford right now. After hearing more about the 100's I am reluctant to even go that route now. Maybe the 2nd gen Xterra is my best choice...

If you don't mind me asking, what price range are you looking at? I don't know much about 100's pricing, but for an example, we got my wifes Xterra (The '06 listed below) for $19k out the door with ~20k miles in 2008. If you went that route you'd still have a pretty familar platform and being able to get out of its own way is a bit of an understatement :Wow1:. That said, I'm not hating on the crusiers... would love to own an 80! Problem will always be the age/milage for me, and for you the power would be a marginal improvement.

Edit: Forgot to add that we normally get ~18-19 mpg with the X (6 spd manual and 265/75/16's)