First time Cruiser buyer? Tips?

[Navman]

Shhhh... Don't tell the guys on the Rover forum, but I'm thinking of buying a Cruiser.

As I long time Rover guy I've always ignored Cruisers the best I could but everywhere I go it seems I see a 60 that looks to be in great shape and I love the body style. I've been all over the map as to what I want. I think my new vehicle plans have been scuttled for now so I am either going to throw a lot of money into my Disco, or get another used rig (or both?). I have a soft spot for classic rigs, especially compared to today plastic fantastics.

So, I am thinking of picking up a 60 series to use a dedicated soft-core expo rig.

Yes? No? Maybe? Why? Any major problems with particular years, any years better than others, etc?

I am doing reseach but it's sometimes good to get fresh opinions. Thanks.

 

[ChuckB]

DO IT! You won't regret it. The later years late '85-87 are "easier" to swap a 5-spd into, it is a bolt in affair. The earlier years you will have to change DS lengths. But, that is relatively minor.

I'm sure some more 60 owners will chime in. Don't worry the Rover will soon be a distant memory

 

[sundaypunch]

I've been all over the map as to what I want.......
I am doing reseach but it's sometimes good to get fresh opinions. Thanks.

Keep doing research until you are sure what you want. A 60 is nothing like a Disco. I have had 3 different 62's and love them. I switched to the more modern 80 series when I started putting some serious miles on them.

 

[TroutBear]

A move you will not regret - go to www.IH8MUD.com specifically to http://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-t...ing-buying-80-follow-link-helpful-advice.html

60's are totally cool vehicles - an 80 is just a better overall one

 

[eleblanc]

Try to get a BJ or HJ and budget a turbo. I would simply recommand to not buy sight unseen unless you can have someone reliable from ih8mud to go see it.

Be sure the frame is in fair/good condition.

But it really depends what kind of budget you have.

 

[cumminscruiser]

Fj60

The 62 is a little more robust, if you decided on a 60 check the oil in the transfercase, you want clean oil no aluminum filings. Nothing else ever goes bad.

 

[sprocket3]

Be sure to look that the 80 series as well. You can get factory lockers if you can find one with that option. Very nice ride on the road yet tough enough off road.

check out www.ih8mud.com and the 80 series!

 

[Navman]

Thanks guys. I am looking at the 80 series as well.

My wife would really like to see me bring home an LR3, but then, I would never get to drive it. She won't want anything to do with an old weekend/trip rig, and then she won't notice all the money I put into it.

 

[Powdaze]

Both great rigs but I would take a 80 over a 60 as an expo vehicle. The improved ride and handling is worth it alone.

 

[ginericLC]

For me the bad thing about buying a 60 versus 80 thread is $$. I don't have an unlimited Cruiser budget. 80s are cheap to lift, if you do your homework you can find one with front and rear lockers. If you do the math that could save you about $3k in mods in buying an 80 versus a 60 so the money saved could justify the higher asking price of the 80. However, I think good 80s are getting harder and harder to find yet i still see quite a few nice 60s and 62s popping up. 60s really don't have many flaws, other than being an old design. Maybe aging emissions systems? But they are robust vehicles without many electronics. 80s can have head gasket problems, the front axle seals will need attention as the fulltime 4wd takes out the seals quicker than a part time rig, and they have a pesky heater hose that will most likely need to be replaced. I love them both, I've drove them both for many years. I'm actually building a 60/80 hybrid right now, a 60 body on an 80 chassis. Then I'll have the best of both worlds.

 

[redthies]

I have had 6 cruisers now and driven my share of rovers. I don't think you will regret the move to a Landcruiser. I have never had more fun than in one of my TLCs. Whether you choose a 60 or 80 you will have a great expo rig. I took one of my BJ60s on a 15,000 km trip through central america (from Canada) and aside from an enlarged right thigh from trying to put the pedal through the floor, I had no issues at all. Great rigs. Good luck!

 

[Hltoppr]

Two tips for Cruisers:

1. Buy OEM Toyota parts. Yes, they're more expensive...but they fit and likely you will never have to replace that part again.

2. For any cruiser-related issue, go to IH8MUD.com and search...there is really no problem that a fellow cruiser owner hasn't had before. The wealth of knowledge there is amazing.

-H-

 

[Ducks]

You'll love the move to a 60. Just don't get one with rust. There are plenty of good rigs in the northwest, southwest, or California that don't have rust. Have someone from 'MUD check it out for you if it isn't local. They're great vehicles. I've only had mine for two years but it is more endearing the longer I have it. Everything is mechanical so there is usually plenty of warning before something truly fails. Toyota parts are still available and there is plenty of aftermarket support of course. There is also a strong cruiser community. I had a Birfield party at my place this last weekend and had three people that I had met on 'MUD come over and help me out on my cruiser.

The 80s are nice but I love the 60s. Good luck on your search.

EDIT: Just saw that you are in San Jose. Lot of good cruiser folks in the Bay Area. Check out -

http://www.tlcwagons.org/

http://forum.ih8mud.com/ca-mountain-transit-authority/ (I don't know anyone from this group but they are close to you.)

Usually some good cruisers on craigslist. If you find any interesting ones in the Sacramento area, I could check on them for you.

 

[Mike S]

I owned a 40, a 60, and now an 80. I iked them all. The 80 WILL have a more demanding maintenance schedule than a 60... 60s just run. For long distance driving, towing, etc. the 80 is better. The 60 and the 80 are close in off road performance with the edge to an 80 with lockers. That said, I drove my 80 a lot and really liked it.

The later vehicles in each model series are better in subtle ways... learn the nuances before you buy.

 

[Navman]

Thanks for the input guys. Well, I test drove a 60 an after thinking it through for a while, I decided it's not what I want at this time. I really liked it and would be perfect in some situations.

I decided that my litmus test would be...Would I take it from where I live on a two week surf trip to Baja?

This covers a lot of the key points in what I need - in addition to the basic Overland vehicle requirements (I could easily take a RAV4 through Baja as I did through Costa Rica in the rainy season but it is not on my list).

A Baja trip for me means hours of freeway time just to get to the border (where the 60 may be lacking). In addition it needs to be roomy enough for driver and gear, and interior surfboard storage (all areas where my disco is lacking). The vehicle should also be relatively low-key but reliable.

Next up - a closer look at the 80s.