If this is going to be a daily driver and he will put a lot of miles on it, the trooper may do a lot better on gas mileage.

In my opinion, the Land cruiser is superior to everything else in every catagory...except gas mileage. Of course, I'm bias.

Check to see if the '97 has had it's headgasket replaced. If not, that's a weak point thanks to toyota's across the board head gasket issues in the 1990s. It may never go out. It may go out the 2nd day after he buys it. Seems to be a crap shoot.

Use of the vehicle would play a major role in the decision making process. If this was going to daily driver with long commutes, I'd probably not recommend any of them. Get a cheap Civic or Corolla or Impreza instead. If this is for weekend duty and playing off road, I think the Land Cruiser is a better choice for a variety of reasons. Not the least of which, you have better after market support, it's got solid axles front and rear and will be superior off road, especially when modified, but still drives wonderfully on the highway.

I wouldn't trade my 95 FZJ80 for anything...even if I won the lottery tomorrow. Although I'd probably add a supercharger to it so I can cruise at 90 going up hills. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

My Land Cruiser page if he needs research material.....

http://www.brian894x4.com/ExpeditionLandCruiserFZJ80.html