Hey guys
i'm looking to maybe buy a Land Cruiser for my next car.
so far this is what I'v been looking at:
either an FJ60, 85-87
or a FJ80 91-94

any recomendations as what to look for, ie problem areas and such, and other thoughts are welcome.
thanks in advanced

The Fj80s are dogs due to the 3FE engine and weight ('91 - '92). The FZJ80 is better but it's no race car.

Thnaks for the info, I'll keep that in mind. Is there anything I should look for? rust, oil leaking, etc... that would make me not want to get a piticular one?

In a 60 look for rust in the rear qtrs and wheel wells, frame also. For a 80, since they are fulltime 4wd check when the front axle service was last done. Also there is an annoying little coolant hose hidden on the back side of the engine that likes to let go and it is a ***** to replace. Try to find if that hose has already been replaced.

For an 80 I would try to find a "soccer mom" truck that never left the pavement and always had routine dealer service. If they don't have the records the dealer can pull them up for you.

I suggest you drive both. The 60s and 80s are night and day different. 80's are more refined than the more utility 60 series.

Let us know what you end up with.

Hey thanks for the tips!!!!

I was kinda leaning more towrds a 80, just because I'd like something a little bit newer. As to the thing about finding one from a soccer mom, thats pretty much what I had planned, find one that only had highway miles on and never been offroad.

It still may be a couple months before I make my decision and get a vehicle, but when I do i'll let yall know <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

You should really figure out what you are going to use it for before making a decision. The 60 series are awesome, but with the 4speed tranny they don't really like to go much over 65mph. The 80's have an auto with overdrive, so they'll cruise on the highway at 80-90 with no problem. You also don't get power mirrors or locks on the 60's, and the ride like tanks. BUT, if you need/want something that will go anywhere anytime, the 60 is bomber.

Nearly every 60 I have seen has leaked a little oil. In some cases it was just a gasket, in one the oil pan had to be replaced. They all like to rust in the rear and front quarter panels and especially the tailgate. On higher mileage ones try to find out what accessories have been replaced, since they can be expensive later on, especially the radiator.

On my FJ62 I have had to rebuild the tranny twice over the course of its life (original owner) and since the 62 and the 80 share the same drive train I would check that out.

John Smith is right though, the 80 and 60 series really don't compare, so try to drive them both before making a decision. Good Luck!