landcruiser advice for a newbie

[D.C. Benny]

Hey guys. Long time Land Rover guy, new to Toyotas, thinking about an LC as I am looking for classic truck for weekly 200 mile highway trips to country but need it to be reliable. Looked at a bunch of threads but there's so much conflicting info out there about which is best etc, so maybe you can sound in with some thoughts on basics.

I was thinking of an 80 as while I love the 60's, I imagine at their age, for what I need (more highway miles), an 80 might be better fit? A good choice for this kind of use?

So budget would probably be around 12-14k max. Is that realistic for a well sorted, minimal rust 80 and are they rust prone in any unusual areas?

Are parts hard to find and are they pretty basic to work on compared to say, a Range Rover classic or Disco 1?

Most important, is it realistic that if I found a well maintained, low mileage one, it would be pretty reliable at that age and how much to budget yearly for upkeep barring major repairs?

Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[calicamper]

$7000-$10000 for a clean maintained axle seals done, valve cover, pesky water hose no rust fo an 80. Your budget I would go early low mileage 100series better power, better cooling system and slightly improved mileage, and I would go find a Lexus 470 with lockers still a bunch out there with the original owners and full dealer records, but many are starting to show up for sale.

 

[calicamper]

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/5006834767.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/5008803306.html

Vs http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/4969829299.html

Ca cars are about as rust free as it gets. Our smog preserves old cars.

 

[D.C. Benny]

thanks guys. so 100 series over 80's?

 

[calicamper]

thanks guys. so 100 series over 80's?

For hauling family on road trips the 100 is a better rig. I had a 93 80 series for 7yrs. Great truck but not great for hauling family on the highway for long distances. The 80 requires more attention to front axle seals and knuckle maint and they all need the seals done by now if not done correctly $600 deal at a dealer and my dealer didnt do it right the first time.

Valve cover is a $700 dealer job

Most 80s by now need the cooling system gone through to avoid over heat issues

The pesky water hose for sure...

The 100 you have a 90,000 mile tb, and water pump service its about $1200 dealer gig. Many sellers try to avoid doing it, unless they official paperwork with vin showing the TB job assume it needs to be done.

 

[D.C. Benny]

ok thanks. So 100 is basically same to work on as 80 for shadetree mechanic, or really have to go to the dealer? I always had the earlier rovers as the later models electronics were often beyond the capacity of basic mechanical skills but the earlier trucks were pretty basic. Same on cruisers?

 

[calicamper]

The 100 is probably easier to work on than the 80 in my view. I did some stuff on my 80 and consider my 07 sequoia to be far less demanding regarding that aspect. You will rarely work on them as long as you use stock parts. The 100 lacks the things the 80 will need replaced so I'd say 100 you wont need to do much other than the tb/water pump service and typical plugs and wires. Toyotas are not like rovers;-) you just drive them and they work ;-)

 

[D.C. Benny]

thanks cali camper. You just drive them and they work. Lol.

 

[SmoothLC]

Hey guys. Long time Land Rover guy, new to Toyotas, thinking about an LC as I am looking for classic truck for weekly 200 mile highway trips to country but need it to be reliable. Looked at a bunch of threads but there's so much conflicting info out there about which is best etc, so maybe you can sound in with some thoughts on basics.

I was thinking of an 80 as while I love the 60's, I imagine at their age, for what I need (more highway miles), an 80 might be better fit? A good choice for this kind of use?

So budget would probably be around 12-14k max. Is that realistic for a well sorted, minimal rust 80 and are they rust prone in any unusual areas?

Are parts hard to find and are they pretty basic to work on compared to say, a Range Rover classic or Disco 1?

Most important, is it realistic that if I found a well maintained, low mileage one, it would be pretty reliable at that age and how much to budget yearly for upkeep barring major repairs?

Thanks in advance for any info.

1) 100 series will be more comfortable for highway use, especially if you live near or drive in the mountains or canyons.

2) You can find 100 series in that price range depending on model year and mileage.

3) Toyota has a large parts distribution network worldwide. Plus, the U.N. has standardized on the Land Cruiser platform for a number of years.

4) Yes, it's realistic that they are reliable. Here's a link to Toyota Trade-in Quality Index. Budget for upkeep is based on where the vehicle is at in terms of scheduled maintenance.

 

[D.C. Benny]

Thanks smoothlc. Very helpful.

 

[RMP&O]

Test drive them and decide what you like. I avoided the 80 for a long while because I wanted the least amount of electrics possible. So I had an FJ60 for awhile. Then I got an 80 and yes it has more electricals but really not much to it compared to say the 100. If you want comfort and mostly a haul the family around type of truck on say 31-33" tires, go the 100. If you want 35" rubber and the ability to go through rougher terrain, go the 80.

Personally a 100 is to posh for me with its electric rear windows, heated seats and wood (fake) trim interior. Much better engine in the 100 but you also get IFS which I do not care for. Both are good trucks but myself, a Chevy v8 in my old 80 is the only way to go. You can listen to people all day long on forums go on about keeping it stock, how reliable things are and how you should never have what I have which is a Cruiser with a Chevy v8. Every single person who has ever been in my truck or driven it loves it to death. All the things about a 20+yr old Cruiser that suck are gone with the Chevy v8. In fact I know a few people converted to my style once they ride in or drive my truck. I have had stock trucks, modified stock trucks and several trucks with v8's swapped in. By far (like 1,000,000 miles far) the v8 swapped trucks are the best. It is one of those things where people not in the know say it is bad but once you try it you never go back! It is most certainly not for everyone and it helps a lot if you know how to work on your truck rather then take it in every time you need an oil change. I have been in trips in an 80 with the stock engine, while not horrible it is not my cup of tea. Been in trips in a 100 too, while comfy, it is not bare bones enough for me and I need 35" rubber. As soon as I tried out the v8 Cruiser, swapped trucks, I never looked back and have been smiling ear to ear ever since. Not saying you need or should go with a Cruiser that has a v8 in it but I am saying if all you do is drink the Toyota kool-aid you are missing out on a wide world of pleasure!

Cheers

 

[D.C. Benny]

a lot to think about there. thanks for that. Also, I like the minimal electrics aspect of 80 but seems like not too much difference between 80 and 100 in that respect.

 

[Upland80]

It really comes down to what you want out of your rig. I have a very clean low mileage 80 that I do not DD. It takes me to the places my Prius can't and has been absolutely reliable and trouble-free the entire time I've owned it. I personally wouldn't own a 100 or a 200. IMO the 80 has good looks, reliability, and capability all in one package that isn't too loaded with "tech". The 200 is especially annoying to me because it's waay too big and plasticy for what I'm looking for. The 100 is decent, but I'm not a fan of the looks or the IFS. I also like to occasionally fix/modify and the 80 is pretty simple to work on with very basic tools. Either way you go, you'll be a way better off in a Toyota vs. a Rover, but for me it's an 80 or nothing!

 

[D.C. Benny]

thanks upland 80. i do love the look of the 80 and the simpler the better