Thanks. My taco, M5 and wife's 4runner can't break 20 MPG either...only my wife's convertible can. I'm not in it solely for the MPG, but was curious what the payback and range would be.
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My Comparo: Old Taco vs. LC vs. 4Runner
- Thread starter bnapier
- Start date
Thanks. My taco, M5 and wife's 4runner can't break 20 MPG either...only my wife's convertible can. I'm not in it solely for the MPG, but was curious what the payback and range would be.
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NCFJ
Adventurer
Actually not really comparing to anything. Just a general statement that an 80 series is not a rig that you will see stellar MPG out of. I am right there with you that a V8 is the way to go and if I got a constant 18 MPG on the highway I'd be very impressed. This is my wife's 95 80 series with stock motor.............
ducktapeguy
Adventurer
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Sometime in the future I will eventually need to get a new vehicle, and your post really answered a lot of questions I've been thinking. I've kinda narrowed my choices down to a new 4runner or Jeep Rubicon Unlimited, but for some reason I keep thinking about getting a 100 or even 80 series. The main thing holding me back is the fuel mileage, it seems like a 4runner would accomplish 95% of what I want to do, so I'm very hesitant to take the hit on fuel unless there's a very good reason too. I even compared the older 80 series to the new 4runner, and it looks like interior space and overall size is very similar, but the 4runner gets almost double the mileage. Aside from a solid axle on the 80, which I really don't need, I don't see a huge advantage that would outweigh the dismal fuel economy.
In terms of upgrades, how is the aftermarket for the different models land cruisers? Since the 80's have been around for a long time I assume they'd probably have a bigger aftermarket than a 100 or 200 series. Approximately how much more would something like a lift kit, or bumpers, cost vs. a 4 runner?
In terms of upgrades, how is the aftermarket for the different models land cruisers? Since the 80's have been around for a long time I assume they'd probably have a bigger aftermarket than a 100 or 200 series. Approximately how much more would something like a lift kit, or bumpers, cost vs. a 4 runner?
My experience was only with the 80 series as my 100 series is essentially unmodded. Also note that I built my 80-Series a few years ago and I compare it to a 3rd gen 4runner/1st gen Tacoma (not a new 5th gen 4runner you mention).
LC80 ARB bumper was about $300-400 (~40%) more expensive than the 4runner/taco. The winch was more expensive because I needed a 12,000lb winch instead of an 8,000lb for the Taco/4runner (probably about 20-30% more expensive). In general, everything seemed about 30% more expensive. I don't know, but I imagine 5th gen 4runner stuff is nearly equivalent in price to LC100/80 stuff.
One last note. A new 4runner is very expensive. A good 100-series is way less expensive. Do the math--it would likely take many, many years of driving to make up the difference in gas. Plus the LC100 is likely cheaper to register, insure etc.
My comparo was for cheap, old vehicles. Things are very different when comparing a LC100 to a 5th-gen 4runner. Personally, I would likely take the LC100 in this scenario and save a ton of money.
calicamper
Expedition Leader
My big issue with the 4runner I had was its horrid handling its narrow track had me up on two wheels more than a few times while avoiding accidents in progress on the highway. Every big tippy truck fiber of knowledge I had was required to keep me right side up and out of the ditch and still manage to avoid getting caught in a bad accident. Not a vehicle I would have my wife driving my kids in or a vehicle I would put a teen driver in. Great off road vehicle!!! Just not my favorite vehicle for those long stretches of pavement getting to and from desired off road locations. I have never been in an accident but have come DAMN close many times and the 4runner years had several events that were near change the shorts events mainly due to the handling and narrow track of the 4runner.
Few years later after dumping the 4runner I bought a really nice 93 LC light years more stable on the highway but mileage in the 80 is not something your going to get. I always saw 12-13mpg averages all the years I had it. The 100 got very very slightly better mileage couple of good friends had them 14-15mpg which I thought was GREAT compared to my 12-13. Today I have an 07 Sequoia which we run 16-17mpg and occasionally see 18mpg in rare cases. I would actually go with a Sequoia over a 4runner. #1 I see far nicer Sequoias used with really fair prices than I see 4runners. The Sequoia is just a wider longer far superior highway vehicle than the 4runner. Off road I have found that the Sequoia is very good basically just a Tundra with a wagon body and a better rear axle suspension with better articulation. A locking rear diff would make the Sequoia just as good as the LC only with improved mileage and slightly more space - floor space difference between the LC and the Sequoia is about 7inches tacked to the back end behind the 2nd row. Surprisingly exterior size is not dramatically that much different.
I loved my 80 but other than being a really cool specialty hobby vehicle today I don't see its value for every day type use.
NCFJ
Adventurer
Would V8 power and selectable 2WD 4WD be a game changer on your opinion of an 80?
I long go stopped letting MPG be the deciding factor in my preference in an off road capable SUV base vehicle. That and my wife loves her 80 and has driven more vehicles in the last 8 years managing a used car lot than any other person I know. Her 80's name is Dexter
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RMP&O
Expedition Leader
Myself, it definitely was. Right around the time I went from a taco to an FJ60 my buddy got an 80 and built it up. Loved his truck but just could not stand the engine. We took a couple of trips in his 80, the stock motor is not terrible just not for me. At the time I got the 60 I was looking at some 80's but decided if I am getting a Cruiser it is going to have a v8. Got the 60, it had the ramjet, really enjoyed it. The 60 got sold and I was without a truck. My goal was to get another 60 with a v8 or a TD. But I ended up with the 80 instead. Only reason I even considered the 80 was it had the v8. When I first got the 80 the plan was to just DD it a year or two and then sell it when I got the v8 60 or TD 60 I wanted. Well now that I have been driving the v8 80 for over a year I am sold on it and scrapped any plans for a 60. My v8 is the older 5.7L vortec and I would like to upgrade to at least a 5.3L but this old vortec runs so incredibly well I got to hold off until it starts having problems.
I think you have three types of people when it comes to the v8 swapped crowds. One type will never do it because they are way to die hard Toyota fans. They can't imagine anything other than Toyota. The other crowd is all about the v8's but either can't tackle the swap themselves or can't afford to pay somebody to do it. The third type is already driving a v8 swapped truck and loving every minute of it! And on that note, the only people I ever seen complain about a v8 is either a big block or a swap that was done poorly and is way old school, like the TBI 350 or older, carb'ed! I never seen anybody with a modern v8 swapped into a 60 or 80 complain about the engine.
As far as the original comparison. One thing the 80 (and probably 100 too) have over the other trucks is GVW. The other trucks are simply not build as heavy duty as the LC. When you start adding overland gear things get heavy fast. Something to consider when comparing and or buying.
Cheers
kletzenklueffer
Adventurer
What kind of cost does the V8 swap run? Assume with a 5.3L Vortec, accompanying transmission and adapter to factory TC? Are you talking $3-5K, or $8K+? I recently made a 15 hour trip in my 80 (stock I6, 315's and 4.88 gears). The highway power was just adequate. I wasn't having to draft (like the Jeeps in the convoy, following big rigs for 300 miles) and wasn't having to plan hills like I did with a 22R 5 speed.
calicamper
Expedition Leader
V8 is a big deal. The inline 6 in the 80 is a great engine, just a very slow one that will need to work hard on built up rigs. Had a few big trips with heavy head winds the 6 was sweating the haul the whole time having a tough go at holding 60mph, in stock form with 285 BFGs on the stock wheels. No heavy roof racks, or beefy draggy bumpers or lifts etc. You just hunker down in the right lane and do your 55-60 mph and try not to make the 6 sweat it. The HG failures no doubt had contributing factors like a driver driving it like a V8 domestic with the hammer down not paying attention to running temps.
calicamper
Expedition Leader
The V8 in the 100 was a big deal and smart step. Its tuned very mild mannered compared to the Sequoia which is interesting. The Sequoia is tuned and set up with a very responsive throttle probably to compete with the Yukon and your soccer mom drivers. The Sequoia is set up as a stop light dragster the LC and 470 have a very mild mannered V8 tune and throttle response.
Just my .02 cents:
My expectations are realistic for my 80 series but it took a while to get to this point. Yup, they're gutless at altitude, especially mine coming in at 7,000lbs. Still, I flog the absolute piss out of this 80 and she begs for more. Hoping my current girlfriend will be like the 80 but we shall see I guess. I yearn for a V8 while towing the Kamparoo but it passes. I rule the right hand lane, LOL!!
Last weekend I drove my buddy's '03 4Runner 2wd with the V8 in Fremont, CA (sea level). Holy smokes, think I had a woody the entire time I drove that biotch. What a fun rig to drive and so comfy. I accidentally took an Audi S8 at the light but he whipped my ******** shortly there after! Now, I'm having bad thoughts about a V8 4Runner.....
My expectations are realistic for my 80 series but it took a while to get to this point. Yup, they're gutless at altitude, especially mine coming in at 7,000lbs. Still, I flog the absolute piss out of this 80 and she begs for more. Hoping my current girlfriend will be like the 80 but we shall see I guess. I yearn for a V8 while towing the Kamparoo but it passes. I rule the right hand lane, LOL!!
Last weekend I drove my buddy's '03 4Runner 2wd with the V8 in Fremont, CA (sea level). Holy smokes, think I had a woody the entire time I drove that biotch. What a fun rig to drive and so comfy. I accidentally took an Audi S8 at the light but he whipped my ******** shortly there after! Now, I'm having bad thoughts about a V8 4Runner.....
calicamper
Expedition Leader
Lol yes the V8 4runner is a beast. Neighbor buddy has one. The Sequoia is very similar very sharp throttle response and tempts you to drag strip races, sequoia will break the rear loose. Its just a whole new level in seat comfort and 2nd row seat room over the 4runner. Id suggest snagging a Sequoia drive if you ever get a chance, basically just a larger 4runner sporting a very healthy V8.
Great comparison. I've debated all of the above pros and cons as well between the same type of vehicles.
I currently use my "toy" as a weekend warrior and occasional Home Depot "stuff getter" when my wife won't let me dirty her minivan.
I just replaced my 1993 Toyota pickup as the standard cab just doesn't allow for my wife and little kid to be comfortable. We're in San Diego and getting to the mountains or desert for fun requires long drives and cramped quarters. I finally found the ultimate solution in the form of a 1989 HJ61 DIESEL landcruiser. It seems to be the perfect blend of the BIG 80series, lux 100series, nimble 4Runner and pickup. CA makes it deliberately hard to import one and costs are very high, but compared to insane taco prices here, its relative. I'm in 15k and I seat 5 with room to spare, high roof for camping inside, excellent 4x4 ability, medium size and best of all DIESEL range and grunt. There are no issues with steep grades or stop n go driving. It's a crime that they weren't marketed in North America. Seriously a shame!! If you combines everything you mentioned and added the pros and removed the cons, it equals an HJ61!
Happy motoring!
I currently use my "toy" as a weekend warrior and occasional Home Depot "stuff getter" when my wife won't let me dirty her minivan.
I just replaced my 1993 Toyota pickup as the standard cab just doesn't allow for my wife and little kid to be comfortable. We're in San Diego and getting to the mountains or desert for fun requires long drives and cramped quarters. I finally found the ultimate solution in the form of a 1989 HJ61 DIESEL landcruiser. It seems to be the perfect blend of the BIG 80series, lux 100series, nimble 4Runner and pickup. CA makes it deliberately hard to import one and costs are very high, but compared to insane taco prices here, its relative. I'm in 15k and I seat 5 with room to spare, high roof for camping inside, excellent 4x4 ability, medium size and best of all DIESEL range and grunt. There are no issues with steep grades or stop n go driving. It's a crime that they weren't marketed in North America. Seriously a shame!! If you combines everything you mentioned and added the pros and removed the cons, it equals an HJ61!
Happy motoring!
AK.xplorer
Observer
We have to run around in 4wd almost six months of the year up here in AK. Except this year, not much snow. Anyhow, lock a tacoma or 4runner into 4wd, and tow something in the mountains during the winter time. Track your fuel economy, it'll never be better, if much at all than a cruiser.
Around town fuel economy in the winter months in 4wd in my old tacoma: 13 mpg.
I often wonder if guys who pass all this judgment on the 80 series, even regeared after throwing on oversized tires? None of these toyotas are great on fuel economy BTW.
Around town fuel economy in the winter months in 4wd in my old tacoma: 13 mpg.
I often wonder if guys who pass all this judgment on the 80 series, even regeared after throwing on oversized tires? None of these toyotas are great on fuel economy BTW.