My brother is looking to buy a vehicle ASAP, and they've found 3 in his price range locally. Out of those 3, do you know any issues specific to that model year he should worry about? Any personal experience with those 3 vehicles would be appreciated too. Obviously if everything was even between the 3, he'd want the LC, but it has higher mileage and wasn't as well maintained. Thanks brothers (and sista).

Discovery is beautiful until you have your first repair, which happens about every other day.

I say it's a toss up between the Cruiser and the Trooper. The Cruiser is a 6000 lbs tank, Full Time 4WD and about 11 mpg around town. The build quality is amazing and the 4.5 six is smooth and easy to work on. Lots of room in the engine bay. Has a bus transmission <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mrt.gif" alt="" /> Cruiser are known to go forever. A friend has one with 340K on it. Mine has 145K.

Never owned a Trooper, nice looking truck. The only issue i've heard is there made with some GM parts.

Go for the LC.

The Discovery is a noted maintenance headache.

Now, the Trooper...

Check with some of the guys in the Isuzu section. They could give some pointers on the Trooper.

And, I am sure some of the guys in the Toyota section will give a lot of info about the Cruiser...

If the Trooper is with manual transmission, then this is also a "tank" as it was said about LC; I'd take the Trooper if it has lower mileage. But if this is about auto, then I'd personally go for LC.

Auto transmission is the only weak part of the Trooper. Everything else is indestructible.

Landcruiser

My +$.02 on the LandCruiser, not like I know, 'cause I don't. LRJ knows what's up, though.

Discovery = "discover what can possibly go wrong next..."

John B.

Ford - Fix Or Repair Daily

Jeep - Just Empty Every Pocket and you will have Just Enough Extra Parts to say Fix It Again Tony (FIAT)

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

The LC transmission is fairly common. This is the same Aisin A340 antique transmission that was/being installed on many vehicles of different brands over the years. It has different modifications. For example, A340E was used on the following vehicles:

Toyota Cressida 1987-95
Supra Non Turbo 1986-88
Toyota Pick Ups 1985-94
4-Runner 1989-7/00
T-100 (V6) 1993-02
Tacoma 1995-02
Landcruiser 4X4 1995-98
Lexus LX450 1996-97
Lexus LX470 1998
Isuzu Trooper ll 4 cyl 7/87-1991

(the list is not complete !)

So, you can buy an old Trooper, and you will have the same transmission as on LC97 <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Most Mitsu Monteros have A340, too (of slightly different model). My Isuzu Axiom 2004 has an A340, too (the only new modern feature is the improved friction materials and electric motor for mode changing).

There may be a concern because LC is much a heavier vehicle that anything else in the list - Supra, old Trooper, Montero, new Axiom. I do not know how well A340 works in LC, but I have not heard many complains.

If I'd want to spend some money and get a great vehicle, I'd get LC in 80 body (1990s); although, it is a little too big for some trails which I like. If I'd be money-limited and I'd tolerate a manual transmission, I'd find a Trooper 1998-1999 with manual transmission. If I'd absolutely need an auto, I'd get a Trooper 1988-1991.

Not the full story. My Cruiser has the A343F but I do have to concede the "bus tranny" is a term of endearment not factual. However they are "bullet proof" but literal and figure of speech wise ! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />