so im looking right now at a suv that will do what i need, but i wont be purchasing till next spring, in any case, i need to know what engines the early 90's had in them, and the reliablity and mileage, i also need to know about small things that can add up to big repairs, ie headgasket, and what all should i look for when buying one, im gonna hold out and try to find one with electric lockers front and rear, but i need to know some other info first,

thanks
wade

 

i own a 93 FJ-80. It was the first year they released the bigger 4.5 liter engine. i bought it from the original owner, and i must say a few things about this monstrous beast. the mileage on the thing is pushing 185,000 miles, but it's still smooth as ever. I've been driving about 150 miles a week lately, and thing still rocks.

 

how about mpg? that is my big concern, cause ive read a few places people saying under 15.

how is the 4x4 capability stock on those to?

thanks
wade

 

Out of the box stock, they're one of the most capable 4x4's you can buy. Get one w/ lockers, and you're unstoppable.

Don't buy one if you're concerned about gas mileage. I'm barely pushing 15mpg if I'm light on the gas. I've heard tales of 17mpg, but I'd have to see it to believe it.

Reliability? UBER-reliable.... I've got over 200k on my 95 and it's going strong... only needs normal maintainance.

 

since i've got no need for the third row seats, i've gotten them removed. with those removed...the car can push up to 20-21 mpg on the freeways/highways this of course goes along with the fact that i live in california...the state with the most stringent gasoline requirements. On the streets...it's not too bad. i'd say around 15-17 mpg depending on how i drive. But lest we forget...the FJ80 is not a car made for high-speed racing--it's got quite a stiff accelerator on mine. As far as the 4x4 capabilities go...i think mine has LSDs for the front, center as well as the rear...i've come to regard that as quite a helping factor. i'd say go for it. gas prices aside, i'm paying $2.49 for a gallon of 87 octane fuel (the lowest in Southern Cali) but i still love my car.

 

cool,i can live with anything over 15, i was getting 16 in the taco for quite a while before i did the fuel filter and whatnot. im curiouse though on how bad it will become if i put on 33's and regear it?

wade

 

This guy talking about getting 17 and 20...that is not the norm. I get 12 in town if I baby it. That is the norm.

 

the_whoster...

I am curious who your mechanic is, b/c I need to take my cruiser there. 20 mpg!!! So you actually get to see the odometer reach 350 or so before refueling. I have only heard of people getting 17 mpg max. That's usually east coast, not dealing with hills and mountains like us here in Cali.

I run 285's on mine, which is a 33" tire. You don't need to re-gear. Only if you go up to 35's. Like WolfPack said, I am happy when I get 14 mpg. On average 12-14 mpg. Don't buy a 80 series expecting good gas mileage. The 80 is a tank with decent power and no aerodynamic qualities.

Get one b/c they are great stock, go anywhere, and get you back again rigs.

 

I've gotten 17mpg on a number of trips and 14+ in town average. I'm running 295's and synthetic in everything. I haven't figured the mileage with the S/C yet cuz I have been on travel and haven't had time to drive it.

Scott

 

I get 11-13 mpg- goes down to 8 mpg when I go wheelin. Best suv I have purchased.

 

J - did you ever figure out how to use paypal???