Landcruiser n00b question

[\\'anderer]

My wife has decided she likes landcruisers. I always liked the older models, but she wants a newer Daily driver. I found 2 for sale locally one is a 96 with a 6 cylinder. The other is a 2000 with a v8. Are there any major "things to avoid" or any "things to look for". Any prefrences on which would make a better future expedition vehicle. The 2000 looks nicer colorwise, the 96 is an ugly "band-aid" color. Any thoughts?

 

[spressomon]

Really depends how you plan to use the LC. The 80-series ('96) is going to be easier and less expensive to lift more than 2.5" if that's important. However the 100-series (2000+) has TRAC (traction control) and VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) which makes it a more (safety) desirable family rig. The 100-series V8 has more power and gets a little better fuel mileage than most 80's (but still not "good" fuel mileage).

I went back and forth between 80 and 100 when I was in your shoes. But the V8 and slightly newer/fewer miles finally won out in the decision making dilemma. And for my use my 100 has been a great choice.

 

[arcteryx]

Check out Slees guides for noobies. 80 and 100 (yeah, the URLs dont make sense.) Also, head over to IH8MUD for more info than you ever realized.

I owned an 80 and loved it, except for the 11MPG. I'd get a 100 instead. Unless you want to through a 4BT in it, then get an 80.

 

[adventureduo]

Mike, that's cool to hear!

Can't really add to much to what they said.. but i lean towards the 80 series.

The 80 series has a solid axle upfront and the 100 series is IFS. I've always favored solid axle rigs... but for what we do it's not that big of a deal.

 

[Pskhaat]

The 80 is a great machine. The problem with the 6cyl 1993+ is that there is a known headgasket issue with a non-trivial amount of them. It was IMO a design flaw in the gasket itself. Once fixed is a non-issue (as currently known). If you are looking at an 80, look for seeping coolant between head and block in the later years; it's no big issue if you see it, just adjust price accordingly and get it done. It's live front axle but it drives like a dream. 91-92 FJ80s are the bastard LandCruiser children but in my opinion are well worth the effort to look at the right one.

The 100 is a very refined machine. The V8 is powerful and suprisingly does well in the heavy beast. It does not have the steep torque curve nor apex at a low enough RPM in my opinion for being a full-time trail rig; I'd prefer the 80 for that. The 100 is more highway friendly though, and has rear AC! It is IFS. I'll let you guess where Toyota decided to mount the starter on the V8. There's a known exhaust manifold cracking issue, listen for a ticking noise during a cold start.

You can't go wrong with either. We have both and love both.

 

[CodyLX450]

Chicks dig 80s more...

 

[spressomon]

The 80 is a great machine. The problem with the 6cyl 1993+ is that there is a known headgasket issue with a non-trivial amount of them. It was IMO a design flaw in the gasket itself. Once fixed is a non-issue (as currently known). If you are looking at an 80, look for seeping coolant between head and block in the later years; it's no big issue if you see it, just adjust price accordingly and get it done. It's live front axle but it drives like a dream. 91-92 FJ80s are the bastard LandCruiser children but in my opinion are well worth the effort to look at the right one.

The 100 is a very refined machine. The V8 is powerful and suprisingly does well in the heavy beast. It does not have the steep torque curve nor apex at a low enough RPM in my opinion for being a full-time trail rig; I'd prefer the 80 for that. The 100 is more highway friendly though, and has rear AC! It is IFS. I'll let you guess where Toyota decided to mount the starter on the V8. There's a known exhaust manifold cracking issue, listen for a ticking noise during a cold start.

You can't go wrong with either. We have both and love both.

And to add: If you get a 100...do yourself a favor and install the ARB locker up front...that's the design flaw/weak link on 100's (any year).

 

[Mlachica]

I just traded my fitted tacoma for an 80 back in february. It's a great vehicle, I love it. The live axle, SOLID build, comfier seats. It guzzles gas so that might be a concern for a daily driver. Here's a link to a Costs of Ownership thread so you're not surprised when your going through maintenance.

 

[\\'anderer]

Thanks for all the great info and links. Dual A/C on the 100 is a strong selling point out here. The ugly metallic "Band-Aid" color is clouding my judgement of the 80's potential. I have some studying to do before making any decisions :coffeedrink:

 

[upcruiser]

The 100 is a pretty damn appealing vehicle on a whole lot of levels. In your case and for your use I think the only that would make me choose the 80 over the 100 would be $$ assuming that the 80 doesn't have alot of neglected upkeep. That gets spendy quick as others here have mentioned.

 

[adventureduo]

Mike, if the 'bandaid' color is bugging you... go find another one, that's not the only color they came in.