I suddenly find myself 4Runner-less... FZJ80 or 3rd Gen?

Ardent · 08-11-2009, 06:32 AM

Hey Friends,

So this past week has been quite the week... I sold both of my 4Runners and now am looking for a replacement.

I sold the '87 to a guy I met at the CO4RJ (can't remember if he's on Yotatech). Then I listed my '93 on Craigslist on Thursday thinking it would take at least a month to sell, but it sold on Friday for almost my full asking price. It was kind of sad watching it drive away...

Now comes where I need your help! Talk me through your experiences with 3rd Gen 4Runners, 3.4L, and the FZJ80s. I'm looking to spend around $5-6k. (less is always nice unless there's major problems.)

Right now I have 2 that I'm considering. '97 4Runner with 155,XXX miles on the 3.4. PO was meticulous about maintenance. Sounds very clean, but I haven't seen it yet. They said it will need tires soon (i have a set of 32x11.50s sitting around, but of course they're for 15in wheels...) They say they get about 19mpg around town- does that sound high for the 3.4? $5800 firm.

1994 FJ80 with around 160,XXX. Factory lockers, 4.0L. I'm not sure of the condition of the interior, but the outside looks pretty good. Being sold by a reputable toyota offroad shop in Denver. Everything I've read says about 13mpg. $5500. I've read a lot about the 80's on IH8MUD.com. One thread talks about the cost of ownership, and it was pretty much common ground that they are spending at least $1000/yr on maintenance. I know my 3.0's haven't cost me that much in the entire 2yrs I've had both...

So walk me through this. What are your thoughts or opinions of each? This will be DD and weekend wheeler. Major reason for selling the 2nd Gen was to go bigger for when we have kids. I'd love the capability of a locked 80, but it sounds like they're a lot of work.

Links to threads I might have missed would be helpful too. Thanks all!!!

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Lumpy · 08-11-2009, 07:28 AM

I would prefer the LC I suppose but being a DD at 13 mpg is a bit low for a DD...the runner gets better mileage and probably less maintenance cost as well. But it would be nice to have a locker...Hmmmm you have quite the dilemma here. If you are alright with the lower gas mileage I'd go with the LC...

Ardent · 08-11-2009, 07:50 AM

Well, I've been used to getting 13-14 mpg, so the mileage isn't a huge deal. After all, the LC is full time 4wd...

Lumpy · 08-11-2009, 07:58 AM

Then I'd go with the LC...

Ardent · 08-11-2009, 09:35 AM

Thanks Lumpy.

Does anyone else have experience with the Landcruisers?

Ardent · 08-12-2009, 09:38 PM

Well, I took the plunge...

Looks like I might have to get to know the guys over on IH8MUD.com...

toyota4x4907 · 08-12-2009, 10:01 PM

Maaaaaan. I love FZJ-80s. If there were more around here for sale and if they got better hwy mileage I would be driving one now. I could deal with 13 city (get 15 with my 22re 4runner) but I would prefer mid 20s hwy with these gas prices (over $3) since seeing my family involves driving 4+ hours. I got 24 mpg hwy doing 65-70 on my last trip.
You need to take pics of the 1FZ-FE and post 'em!

Sweeeet ride, man.

Lumpy · 08-13-2009, 07:49 AM

YEAH!!!! for you!!!! Good choice man!!!

08-11-2009, 07:50 AM	#3 (permalink)
Ardent Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 391	Well, I've been used to getting 13-14 mpg, so the mileage isn't a huge deal. After all, the LC is full time 4wd... __________________ Nate 1993 3.0 Pickup - 4" lift, 33x10.50s BFG KM1s. 1995 4.5L FZJ80 - OME springs, Locked. Nitto Terra Graplers. Sold: 1993 3.0 4Runner - Fj80 Coils, 1.5" BJ Spacers 1987 2.4 4Runner / SAS'd / Got it Running!/ Project truck... Just bought my FZJ80...

08-11-2009, 09:35 AM	#5 (permalink)
Ardent Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 391	Thanks Lumpy. Does anyone else have experience with the Landcruisers? __________________ Nate 1993 3.0 Pickup - 4" lift, 33x10.50s BFG KM1s. 1995 4.5L FZJ80 - OME springs, Locked. Nitto Terra Graplers. Sold: 1993 3.0 4Runner - Fj80 Coils, 1.5" BJ Spacers 1987 2.4 4Runner / SAS'd / Got it Running!/ Project truck... Just bought my FZJ80...

08-12-2009, 09:38 PM	#6 (permalink)
Ardent Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 391	Well, I took the plunge... Looks like I might have to get to know the guys over on IH8MUD.com... __________________ Nate 1993 3.0 Pickup - 4" lift, 33x10.50s BFG KM1s. 1995 4.5L FZJ80 - OME springs, Locked. Nitto Terra Graplers. Sold: 1993 3.0 4Runner - Fj80 Coils, 1.5" BJ Spacers 1987 2.4 4Runner / SAS'd / Got it Running!/ Project truck... Just bought my FZJ80...

08-12-2009, 10:01 PM	#7 (permalink)
toyota4x4907 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Fairbanks, Alaska Posts: 2,335	Maaaaaan. I love FZJ-80s. If there were more around here for sale and if they got better hwy mileage I would be driving one now. I could deal with 13 city (get 15 with my 22re 4runner) but I would prefer mid 20s hwy with these gas prices (over $3) since seeing my family involves driving 4+ hours. I got 24 mpg hwy doing 65-70 on my last trip. You need to take pics of the 1FZ-FE and post 'em! Sweeeet ride, man. __________________ '95 4runner\|22re\|5spd\|130K miles\|ISR\| 2" BL\| 31x10.5 \| CompuStar Auto-start\| two 170mm LightForce\|anti-sway bars removed f/r\|Warn manual hubs\|ADD bypassed\|Diff breather extensions\|XLPerformance muffler '88 4runner\|22re\|5spd\|206K miles\|Sold '93 single cab\|22re\|5spd\|150K miles\|Sold\| Pro IFS

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