FJ Cruisers of Northern California
Buying another Vehicle.
So... here I am once more, at a point where my life is about to change and must change my vehicle to accommodate this.. I sold my FJ about a year ago and miss it like crazy. But even if I would have kept it, I would still be looking for a change.
I currently own a 86 Chevy Blazer 1/2 ton 4x4 w/ a 5.7L V8... When I bought the vehicle I was stoked.. All metal, front manual locking hubs big V8, solid axle, tons of mod options.. But to tell you the truth I have not done anything to it. Any money that I would want to spend on mods goes to gas. I pay about $120 to fill up the tank, which then is used in one week with minor commuting.. this thing guzzles gas. Besides it guzzling gas... I have also learned that 86 was a bad year for Chevy. They had just made the transition from carburetor to fuel injection and only half ass'd it in 86... so they made an electronic controlled carburetor. This sucks because it is not full carburetor nor is it fuel injected... which also runs like shit.
With a baby on the way, and it being a girl, I need a 4 door ride that is not ridiculous on gas but is 4x4. I need to get out again. I need to wheel again... but more than that, I need to show the outdoors to my coming child. Now I know that majority of 4x4 are nor fuel economy vehicles... so no need to school me on this. But decency would be nice.
Before I continue, let me explain, while some of you show preference to Toyota (FJ Cruiser Group...DUH) I have always been an auto enthusiast. I have always seen the good and the bad in each maker and love all vehicles in general. The reason I post here is because the aboundance of knowledge and experience. So please keep an open mind. Also keep in mind that this would be a Daily Driver, Precious Cargo Hauler and Weekend Wheeler.
Some vehicle that I am looking into are:
-80 Series LC - I have always liked these, but from doing some research it appears that the earlier models are lacking in power while also being gas hogs. The FT 4WD is a a killer and is the only reason I am looking at other things.
-4Runner - I like them... but I am not sold on them, Pitts is extremely nice but that with about 15Grand of aftermarket parts. I am not sold on them. Plus they have always seemed small, especially for a guy as big as I.
-Range Rover County (1989-1991) - I think those were the years. I have always loved these things an they look beastly.. but I have not done enough research on them and honestly may be too old to consider as a DD.
-Discovery II (99-2004) - Though I have been trying to read up on them, it appears that there is a lot of mixed info. You either love them or hate them. I have always loved the styling and comfort level but know nothing about their mechanics. From what I hear, maintenance is Key. If maintained properly, they will run forever but bad maintenance is disaster waiting to happen. While other vehicle can go with out strict maintenance, these things cannot.
-Jeep Commander - I never looked at these before because I was under the impression that they were extremely top heavy and that they sucked at off road, but as I began to explore expedition forums, I also began to see these pop up. Not crazy rock crawling but expo efficient. Mild 2-4" lifts are available. Or a 2" lift with a 2" body lift with some 35s and better gear ratio while still having room and comfort.
I know that hearing about Land Rover and Jeeps in a Toyota Forum is rare but I know that a lot of you have owned different types of vehicles and I also know that all BS aside, this is the place to get the best advice.Once thing to keep in mind is that I need this vehicle to be comfortable to keep the wife happy, safe for my precious cargo and roomy for my fat ass.
Thanks, -Suecyde
Views: 112
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by opg4759 on
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Pretty much everything on your list is going to suck gas, no way around it.
I really like the Land Rovers but they do require Premium Fuel, they really don't like being feed regular and it can cause issues. There is a huge community behind them and they do their jobs well. I personally like the Range Rover Country I looked at getting one in the past. The other big thing with Land Rover is there are a few different transition years so some of the same model are better or worse then others. Tim is a great resource if you decide to go the LR route.
I've rented the Jeep Commander in the past for about month and I wasn't all that thrilled with it it. It was kinda of a gutless wonder. There is some potential with it, but I remember it being a gas hog as well I think I was getting around 14 mpg in it.
It's all going to come down to your budget and what you are willing to spend weekly on gas and upkeep and mods.
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Permalink Reply by PBn'FJ on
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The LC80 is a great truck and am happy with mine but they are gas hogs. Not sure what your Blazer gets but expect max of 14 city and 16 mpg highway for a stock 80. With mods mine is now in the range of 12 city and 14 highway. Most 80's are high mileage, they are all at least 14 years old, and ones that aren't go for a premium here in CA.There are some deals coming along now but that is due to the high gas prices.
I do have a preference for Toyota's after working for them for 12 years and having great experiences with the reliability of their trucks. If I had a kid on the way, I'd be looking at used 4runners, they are on the same platform as the FJC and have 4 real doors or I'd also consider a Taco 4 door. Keeping either of those near stock will get you most places we go and keep the mpg around 18.
Land Rovers are good looking to me but admit little experience and have heard too many bad stories about them to buy one without tons of research.
I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2003 but did not trust their long term reliability. Also, when I owned mine there was not much aftermarket for them so everything was custom and expensive.
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Permalink Reply by Philly on
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Get a 4th gen runner. 80 would be sick, but they arent that good on gas. If you get manual hubs, you can save some gas but still not that great. I have a 9month old and 2 big Dobbies.... the runner is perfect.
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Permalink Reply by Boss73 on
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Just got my FZJ80 3 weeks ago and I must say I love the thing. Its everything that I want. Does it get good gas milage, no, nor will it ever. But with my family (Now three kids ) I needed a third row. The wife was not going to drive a mini van and I do not want to make any more car payment. So since I want to make a family wheeling truck (mostly camping and easy stuff ) the 80 was a great choice, in fact I love this 80 so much that I am thinking about getting another. Talk about comfort !!I love My Toyotas and I am now and all Land Cruiser Family. FJ40 , FZJ80, FJC.. Not saying that the Land cruiser is the greatest thing that there ever was, but for me I have some to respect their truck
The 80's are so over built and most have never been off highway. I have found lots of resources for mine and I have already fixed several minor things (floppy driver side sun visor). My goal for this truck is to keep it a stock as possible for my wife to drive. Maybe do some fire trails or some other minor stuff. then after the wife is done I have a fantastic platform to build something really cool.
I do not know much about Land rovers. One thing about all english cars I have always known to be true is that they need constant maintance. Not saying anything major but they do like their required PM's. Miss those and like Josh said you will start to have problems. But this does not mean they are not a good trucks. just that they need a little more lovin. IMO
Never been a Chevy person. But I do like Blazers. Bummer about the gas and the cross over year.
Jeeps are jeeps. Some people think they are great, other not so much. Not sure abotu that one either but if good things are being said on the forums, they cannot be all that bad.
Gas $$ Suck right now and I feel ya cuz I have to spend $80 to fill up the 80.
Some times the way I look at this is, I am either going to make a car payment or spend more every month in gas. Either way its leaving my wallet no matter what I do.
Good luck bro let me know if you wan to look at trucks..
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Permalink Reply by pkelly72 on
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The LC 80 is a gas hog and compared to the FJC and it feels under powered. They all have high miles and will require maintenance ($) to get them to be reliable DD's if not cared for by the PO. I just spent $400 trying to stop oil leaks. I still have a PS leak and a transfer case leak (another $250-350). My LC has about 144K miles. Keep in mind that the LC 80 head gaskets need to be replaced at around 150-250k miles ($1500). My point is that everything has a cost. The FJC is expensive because it's relatively new. I'm not unhappy with my LC but there are many things I miss about the FJC.
I've owned Chevy's and have been happy with them throughout the years. I thrashed a rental Jeep commander on a fire in Oregon in 07'. It held up well given the conditions and was comfortable to sleep in.
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Permalink Reply by Suecyde on
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Thanks to everyone for their input. It is valued greatly.. It helps to think about things that I may have missed of perspectives I overlooked. Here are some vehicles that I am looking into. For those that may just be checking into this thread, pls post thoughts and opinions. I look forward to hearing from you.
Though I wont be purchasing either vehicle, It can give everyone the idea of the vehicles that have caught my eye. I plan on this being my last vehicle purchase for a long long while and want to be happy with it. So research mandatory! Plus.. I still need to sell my Blazer.
Anyone want a Zero Rust 86 K5? Asking $2500.
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Jeez, the depreciation on that Disco is crazy. It says something when a Toyota had a lower initial purchase price but has higher resale value even with 160K on the clock.
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Permalink Reply by MoabFJ on
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Ok,
A few locals to consider..
1) http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/2351965357.html
You have to keep that plate!
2) http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/2341156809.html
We have rented Explorers and a Grand Cherokee for wheeling/camping in Moab pre-FJ, and I have to say the Grand Cherokee was a pretty decent wheeler and comfy to sleep in for 2.
I mean, it's a jeep and all, but hell, your driving a chebby now so it's probably a wash.
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I would not offer the guy with the 80 more than $6K. He has lockers on it but does not mention if they work, many do not work and owners don't know it. For an 80 of that mileage, I would consider a HG and axle service as something needing to be done soon.
60's are cool. Stock with the 2F they are slow but very reliable. Lot's of guys dropping Vortec V8's in them these days.
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Permalink Reply by daPitbull on
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Whats up hector. What is your price point? The 4th gen runners are great for the fam. Very similar to the fj but its got.two more doors. You can find some high mileage ones for descent prices. The V6 version is the same as the Fj.
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My Budget is below $10000. So that boots the 4Runner. Most that I have seen have been above 10....
The Commander is out because the wife thinks its FUGLY and because of the price too. The only 3 left are the Disco, RRC and LC80.... Unfortunately the more I look the less I want an RRC.. Big, heavy and out of date. Though I love the 80... it being FT 4WD is a killer... all 80s are ft4wd right?.... So the only apparent choice I have left is the Disco...
But maybe you guys can steer me a different direction.
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