Fj cruiser or Fj 80?

[madtiger]

Financed or owned? New fj or a 94-97' 80 that i'd probably buy out tight thus saving $$ on insurance and stuff. Plans are to sell the (dont throw rocks) H2.
I usually make bad choices. I need some fresh ideas lol thanks

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c120/tigereric2006/grill.jpg

[cruiserman]

They are very different rigs. What's your intended use?

[madtiger]

offroad and family hauler. Ive done my read ups on the 80's and imho would be a fun rig and still pretty nice inside with luxo features. FJC just is brand new and just cool. BUT would mean more $$ on my back then a $12g fj80.
I guess I already answered my own question sort of. 97'fj locked and on 35's or a spanking new cruiser with parts to be out soon and a nice monthly.

[Bobzooki]

The parts are mostly out on the FJC, and frankly, if I were choosing, I would definitely go with the FJC. They tore it up at CruiseMoab 06, last week. VERY capable. Plus, they have the clam-shell doors that make access really great.

[Slowerthanu]

Fj Cruiser.

I have fallen in love

[greenfox]

I drove a fjc and I would have to tell you an 80 would kick its ass. Although a fjc is nice and can hang with the big boys.

[FJBen]

Don't know how tall you are or how old your kids (if you have any) are...but those are two HUGE reasons I would look at the 80. Not much rear seat room at All....

you won't find me squeezing in back there...I'm 6'4"

[cruiserman]

Would or would not look at the 80? There's no back seat room in an 80.

[orangefj45]

there's less back seat room in the FJC> and the view from the rear seats is pathetic.
i guess it all depends on what you plan on doing with it and how big your family is. 2 parents and 2 kids->FJ80 anyday.

[TiredIronGRB]

Go with the 80 for a few years and see if the FJC holds up anywhere near as good as the 80.

[madtiger]

thanks for the tips. Wife and 1 kid for now. The fact that there milking the fjc's price and that they ALL come with the upgrades I dont really want make me lean towards the fj80. :confused:

[madtiger]

btw- I thought you cruzr guys would like the late model cruzr grill on my 84' x-cab. It was a b*tch to do but was fun to learn how. Also turning changing the interior over from doo doo brown to black.

[CherokeeTerrorist]

just got back from cruise moab 2006 and i would get the fj cruiser and get the trd package with the A-trac traction system as well as the rear locker, these rigs stock were out wheelin the 80's that were geared and on 35's. i spent 30 min in one and climbed a 3 foot ledge no problem stock. THEY R SWEET MACHINES!

[orangefj45]

if you decide to go with the FJC you could always buy the stock version and then buy the TRD upgrade parts with your T:CA discount to save a few bucks!:)

[greenfox]

I would have to guess the 80s at moab had all their gear plus some. An 80 with all its gear would weigh around 7,000 pounds and they handle it well. Take a week long trip in fjc and see how much gear you can put in it then go hit the trail. For a ten year old rig I can say I would trust an 80 over a fjc. Don't get me wrong fjc will prove itself in good time, Just because it has a traction system and good departure angles does not make it a true off road rig. I could keep on going but you get the point.

[60seriesguy]

For me the argument is $$$-based, not capability-based. By the time you buy an FJ Cruiser, add some armor, a lift kit and some decent tires, you're going to be past the $30K mark.

$30K buys you an FZJ80 in great shape, plus *everything* you need to make it a sweet wheeling rig, including the Engel fridge/freezer!

Not cutting on the FJC, these things are growing on me quickly and it's clear from the CM pictures that they are very capable. But IMHO, there's no comparison, I'll take a well-setup FZJ80 anytime.

[FJBen]

again, I still, and have fit comfortably in the back of the FZJ-80....not like TONS of room...but compared to the FJCruiser...leagues better. Comes down to get what you really like..A decked out FJ is way over 30K (lift/tires/etc)...

I think if you bought a decent 80 you could damn near buy everything Slee Offroad is selling and have a trans-world rig....and not have to deal with that embarassing condition called IFS :flipoff2:

and if you want to *really* ask someone in the know about the capability..."robbie" on the FJ Cruiser trail team has a sweetly decked out 80 series and is currently wheeling the FJ Cruiser...I'm sure he'd be more than happy to let you know his impressions on both road and off road.


he is "robbie" on ih8mud not sure if he is on here.

I think the FJ Cruiser is a great rig, but they are kinda two different usages.

[Bobzooki]

...and not have to deal with that embarassing condition called IFS :flipoff2:

My IFS rig out-wheels the 80's. :flipoff2:

[ginericfj80]

I'd definitely go with the 80 with any amount of kids. The rear window situation in the FJ sucks. I was really disappointed in that part of it. At CM I was impressed with how they wheeled. Remember these guys are paid drivers who are spending a lot of time behind the wheel and have had professional training. So they can do some pretty amazing stuff. The video of it on Double Whammy was impressive. But it is Slickrock, Traction is definitely higher there than in my home wheeling spots. And I didn't see any FJ Cruisers on Rusty Nail or Pritchett! In their defense though, they were wheeling stock rigs right down to BFG Mall Terrain tires. Only thing they had that you couldn't purchase off the showroom was the skid plates. A stock 80 isn't going through Pritchett without out getting F'd up big time either. Still, the big point for me is the windows. I wheel my rig to get my family to scenic places, I'd like the little people in the back seat to be able to see the scenery!

[docroh]

80....for the above mentioned reasons.

FJC are sweet rigs but for a family wheeler you can't beat a locked 97 FZJ80 that has been dipped in Slee-sauce:smokin:

Plus you won't have to worry about :flipoff2: - up a $35K truck to keep up with everyone on the trail.

[docroh]

80....for the above mentioned reasons.

FJC are sweet rigs but for a family wheeler you can't beat a locked 97 FZJ80 that has been dipped in Slee-sauce:smokin:

Plus you won't have to worry about :flipoff2: - up a $35K truck to keep up with everyone on the trail.

oh yea, I have a stock 80 and I definately bought it to turn into a family wheeler.

[madtiger]

Great advice. Any tips on used 80's? I was looking for an 96' 97' with the fact lockers low miles and good paint.

[cruiserman]

Funny how not long ago people were saying it was crazy to wheel an expensive rig like an 80 . . .

Look at the 80 FAQ on mud. Check the head gasket.

[madtiger]

edit for retardation

[ginericfj80]

Funny how not long ago people were saying it was crazy to wheel an expensive rig like an 80 . . .
.

I think it is crazy to wheel those rare and expensive 40s! Spending all that time and money to fix them up only to tear them up on the trail. Pure sillyness!:D

[Fo-runna]

How big a family we talking about?

[madtiger]

3.


South coast toyota emailed yesterday on a fj. $4k OVER msr:shaking: I wanted to shit myself. Guess I better keep looking.

[Fo-runna]

3.


South coast toyota emailed yesterday on a fj. $4k OVER msr:shaking: I wanted to shit myself. Guess I better keep looking.

Just you the wife and kid? I'd buy the Fj. It's a hell of a lot cooler than the 80. Be ready to get stared at all the time. People stare at us like we're driving some sort of spaceship. Leave early to where ever you're going to also, because people are always stopping you to ask what the hell you're driving.

[madtiger]

Have/has anyone stuffed 35's under a fj yet?

If and when i'd like to run a wide(13.50ish) 33" tall tire. I possible. But STILL no way im paying $4g over msrp:rolleyes:

[Fo-runna]

I've got the revtek 3" and 33's on mine and it wouldn't take too much more to get a 35 under there.

Try to remember these are built in limited quantities right now. It's all in how bad you want one. I'm a huge FJ fan and to me it was a no-brainer. I had to have one.

Here I lightened this up a little so you could see all your hard work.

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/2023/grill2xr.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[madtiger]

Yeah pretty bored and saving the penny's so I gotta mess with what I can. I also re painted the whole interior in black minus the doors.

I hear you on the supply and demand thing. They are sweet...

[ginericfj80]

Sheridan Toyota in Sheridan, Wyoming is dealing on FJs. All of their preorders cancelled. I don't know where you are at but the mountains are beautiful this time of year. I still think it is a mistake granted you have a little one. The rear windows suck.

[madtiger]

Well odds favor the 80. Just trying to keep an eye out for a clean one somewhere in socal w/diff's,clean paint and low miles.

[docroh]

I got a 97 locked with perfect paint and 65K miles I'll sell for 25K:D

[FJBen]

It's a hell of a lot cooler than the 80.


That would be the first time I've heard that...:shaking: Must be that group of non-ifs haters ;) :flipoff2:

[Fo-runna]

That would be the first time I've heard that...:shaking: Must be that group of non-ifs haters ;) :flipoff2:

C'mon dude.:rolleyes: People stare at it all the time when I'm driving. People ask me about it at stoplights. I was at Chevron yesterday and four seperate customers walked up to ask about it and told me how much they liked it. I've watched people turn and walk a different way just so they can "get a better look at it". It happens ALL THE TIME!!

How often does that happen with your 80?:shaking:

Granted, it's not exactly the Pirate4x4 poster rig. But as far as the general public goes the FJ's got the 80 beat for coolness.

[FJBen]

Granted, it's not exactly the Pirate4x4 poster rig. But as far as the general public goes the FJ's got the 80 beat for coolness.

That sums up a lot right there...gee I wish the public thought I was cool :shaking:

I heard someother cruiser got the same response from the public when it was first released....what was that one... PB Cruiser??? DC Cruiser??? Hmm...can't seem to remember but I heard it's held it's value great from the initial year of people paying over MSRP...:flipoff2:


Put a snorkle on a vehicle...you'll get way more responses...bottom line, buy what you want regardless of how cool it is....:D we'll see ya on the trails...

[ginericfj80]

C'mon dude.:rolleyes: People stare at it all the time when I'm driving. People ask me about it at stoplights. I was at Chevron yesterday and four seperate customers walked up to ask about it and told me how much they liked it. I've watched people turn and walk a different way just so they can "get a better look at it". It happens ALL THE TIME!!

How often does that happen with your 80?:shaking:

Granted, it's not exactly the Pirate4x4 poster rig. But as far as the general public goes the FJ's got the 80 beat for coolness.

Every day it happens to me in my 80. Not that I always like it. But it happens every day. When I had an 80 with a snorkel it was even more annoying.

[Josh83]

Every day it happens to me in my 80. Not that I always like it. But it happens every day. When I had an 80 with a snorkel it was even more annoying.

Same with my 80. Ofcourse, you don't see many "luxury trucks" on 36" bias TSL's either:D

[Slowerthanu]

That sums up a lot right there...gee I wish the public thought I was cool :shaking:

I heard someother cruiser got the same response from the public when it was first released....what was that one... PB Cruiser??? DC Cruiser??? Hmm...can't seem to remember but I heard it's held it's value great from the initial year of people paying over MSRP...:flipoff2:


Put a snorkle on a vehicle...you'll get way more responses...bottom line, buy what you want regardless of how cool it is....:D we'll see ya on the trails...



Right........ Nobody bought an FJ-40, 45, 55 etc. because they thought it was cool.

The FJC is the same way only with modern underpinnings, make mine Titanium.

[redrangie]

C'mon dude.:rolleyes: People stare at it all the time when I'm driving. People ask me about it at stoplights. I was at Chevron yesterday and four seperate customers walked up to ask about it and told me how much they liked it. I've watched people turn and walk a different way just so they can "get a better look at it". It happens ALL THE TIME!!

How often does that happen with your 80?:shaking:

Granted, it's not exactly the Pirate4x4 poster rig. But as far as the general public goes the FJ's got the 80 beat for coolness.


all the fawking time. especially when my wife is driving/wheeling it... seriously, alll the time. and I am only on 35's.

[Fo-runna]

C'mon dude.:rolleyes: People stare at it all the time when I'm driving. People ask me about it at stoplights. I was at Chevron yesterday and four seperate customers walked up to ask about it and told me how much they liked it. I've watched people turn and walk a different way just so they can "get a better look at it". It happens ALL THE TIME!!

How often does that happen with your 80?:shaking:

Granted, it's not exactly the Pirate4x4 poster rig. But as far as the general public goes the FJ's got the 80 beat for coolness.



I said "GENERAL PUBLIC" . NOT the people you see on the trail. Also, I hate to break it too you but if you're idea of luxury is an 80, I think you need to seek counseling.:shaking:

[ginericfj80]

The "GENERAL PUBLIC" is where I get the response. People on the trail basically ignore it. They've probably seen an 80 on the trail or a built 4Runner or a Cherokee or some other 4 door sport ute. But people in the parking lots or at the gas station stare a lot. No matter what I think it is pretty lame to buy any vehicle just to have people look at it. It has to suit your needs. The idea of purchasing an FJ over an 80 because people stare at you has to be one of the stupidest reasons to buy a vehicle. And to tell you the truth the FJs are sort of blending in with all the H3s running around.

I agree the 80 is not a luxo vehicle. Maybe compared to some of the other SUVs but it is still a truck. If you want a luxo vehicle by an Lexus LS.

[Josh83]

I said "GENERAL PUBLIC" . NOT the people you see on the trail. Also, I hate to break it too you but if you're idea of luxury is an 80, I think you need to seek counseling.:shaking:
You should just buy a jeep like the rest of the tools.

[Westy]

I said "GENERAL PUBLIC" . NOT the people you see on the trail. Also, I hate to break it too you but if you're idea of luxury is an 80, I think you need to seek counseling.:shaking:

I'd have to say an 80 is quite a luxury ride on the trail and in the mid 90s they were THE luxury Toyota SUV.

[FJBen]

I'd have to say an 80 is quite a luxury ride on the trail and in the mid 90s they were THE luxury Toyota SUV.


Exactly...you are comparing a vehicle that at the newest is almost 10 years old...it was/is a luxury vehicle with awesome capabilities...mine with 195K still drove/rode nicer stock than most SUV's with way less than half them mileage.


anyways...to add I get PLENTY of looks and compliments on my 80 as well everyday...but I guess since Paris Hilton and the Gerneral public thinks the FJC's are "hot" or "cool" then well...I guess we have the definitive answer now. :shaking: :flipoff2:

[e-hills4x4]

you shall only buy an fj cruiser if it looks like this within 2 weeks of delivery

http://allprooffroad.com/images/stories/ult_adv_fj.jpg

[TiredIronGRB]

Wouldn't be bad with Portals...
http://www.4x4grace.com/Coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/normal_Evarts040106_76.jpg

[Fo-runna]

The "GENERAL PUBLIC" is where I get the response. People on the trail basically ignore it. They've probably seen an 80 on the trail or a built 4Runner or a Cherokee or some other 4 door sport ute. But people in the parking lots or at the gas station stare a lot. No matter what I think it is pretty lame to buy any vehicle just to have people look at it. It has to suit your needs. The idea of purchasing an FJ over an 80 because people stare at you has to be one of the stupidest reasons to buy a vehicle. And to tell you the truth the FJs are sort of blending in with all the H3s running around.

I agree the 80 is not a luxo vehicle. Maybe compared to some of the other SUVs but it is still a truck. If you want a luxo vehicle by an Lexus LS.

When did I say I bought it just so people could look at it? "It has to suit your needs" is exactly right, and it suits my wifes needs perfectly. Did you read the whole reason for this thread? The guy has a wife and child, I said it would be fine for him to buy an FJC for his needs. I also stated my opinion that the FJC is cooler than an 80. I'm sorry for all the hurt feelings over that statement. I didn't realize you 80 guys are so sensitive.

I'm with you as far as the 80 being nicer than say, the mitsubishi or mazda or honda SUV's, but to define it as a luxury vehicle is wrong.

[Fo-runna]

You should just buy a jeep like the rest of the tools.

Simmer down, Stud. Pull your panties out,wipe the sand from your puss, and dry your eye. It's going to be okay, e-toughguy.

I'll stick with my 4runner.

E-hills4x4, I'd be interested to know what's happening to that FjC. SAS? Lift? Post more pics.

[FJBen]

I'm with you as far as the 80 being nicer than say, the mitsubishi or mazda or honda SUV's, but to define it as a luxury vehicle is wrong.


Ok big-dawg...:shaking: what were the "luxury" SUV's from 93-97? Apparently $50,000 rigs don't constitute luxury? Sooo...this means the 100 series Land Cruisers today are Luxury but in a few years...nope? :confused:

hmmm...absolutely nothing wrong with the FJ Cruiser (cough, IFS, cough cough blind spot, cough cough glory hounding name) but to say it's Semi-roomy would be wrong. most Cars even, small ones have more person room than the FJ Cruiser. I've been in a few and a friend at work has one...not roomy...cool in other area's...good wheelers...spacious is definitely not the word I would use nor would I want anything more than a small child, oompa-loompah's or Ige :flipoff2: (j/k ige) to ride back there...

rant off...taking my 80 series back to Starbucks in hopes to be cooler...:flipoff2:

[madtiger]

Great thread very enlightening! Ill be back to post my 2 cents. Seems like you cant go wrong with EITHER rig.:beer:

[Fo-runna]

Ok big-dawg...:shaking: what were the "luxury" SUV's from 93-97? Apparently $50,000 rigs don't constitute luxury? Sooo...this means the 100 series Land Cruisers today are Luxury but in a few years...nope? :confused:

Luxury Vehicles= Cadillac, Mercedes, Lincoln, BMW 5s thru 7s, Lexus, infinti, etc. I've seen Hyundai's with leather and woodgrain, I guess that makes it luxury, huh?:shaking: Shiat, I've see some 3/4 ton trucks that are over 50,000. I guess we'll lump them in there, too.

hmmm...absolutely nothing wrong with the FJ Cruiser (cough, IFS, cough cough blind spot, cough cough glory hounding name) but to say it's Semi-roomy would be wrong. most Cars even, small ones have more person room than the FJ Cruiser. I've been in a few and a friend at work has one...not roomy...cool in other area's...good wheelers...spacious is definitely not the word I would use nor would I want anything more than a small child, oompa-loompah's or Ige :flipoff2: (j/k ige) to ride back there...

I own an FJC. 5'10" tall, 195 lbs I sit comfortably in the back of it. Granted if there was a 6 footer sitting in front of me it might get a little cramped but I do not remember using the word spacious. I do however remember saying it would be fine for a small child back there.

rant off...taking my 80 series back to Starbucks in hopes to be cooler...:flipoff2:

That shit'll give you cancer!:flipoff2:




That is all.

[e-hills4x4]

E-hills4x4, I'd be interested to know what's happening to that FjC. SAS? Lift? Post more pics.

dynatrac prorock 60's, 39" Krawlers, and a 4 speed atlas

no more pics

[ginericfj80]

Really it depends what you want your small child to do in the back seat of the FJ Cruiser. Do you want them to watch a DVD or do you want them to be able to actually see out the windows and watch the scenery? Since my son (3) likes to go in the Cruiser for adventures and to be able to see nature the FJ would not be the best choice. Being able to fit, and being happy on trip and how the happiness is achieved are two completely different things.

And this isn't an 80 versus FJ Cruiser clash. I don't hate the FJ Cruisers but they aren't in the same category of vehicles: Age, Price, or Use. For me, if I were to walk into a Toyota showroom I'd easily pass up a FJ Cruiser for a 4 Door Tacoma or a 4Runner. Windows and Visibility for not only the driver but the kid in the back seat are the primary reasons. No other! That is something that is important to my family at this time. 4 years ago maybe I wouldn't have been concerned about the rear seat visibility. 10 years from now maybe it won't be that big a deal. But right now it is for my family.

[madtiger]

Honestly until this thread I wouldnt have thought much of the view from out back. I love new stuff. Cant beat a new rig, the smell/aura what ever lol
BUT this point in time im financially favoring the 80 as I can have it built and with a mos payment for LOT less after trade in. Its definately got the "cool" factor which is one of the reasons I bought my *gulp H2.
The "finance" factor and how that swings in the next few weeks/mos will determine the way I go. Like I said before ill be stoked to get in on either of these rigs. Until then I'll keep researching and getting my 84' ready for some summer wheelin!
Hows the prices for next years Fj's looking? Are they making anymore #'s then this year?

[Fo-runna]

dynatrac prorock 60's, 39" Krawlers, and a 4 speed atlas

no more pics

That is going to be fawking awesome. I wish I was clever enough to come up with a way to convince my wife the SAS is a necessity.:grinpimp:

I don't understand why everyone thinks you can't see out of the FJC. I have yet to get into this thing and say "Damn! I wish I could see better." It has huge mirrors. My wife sees out of it just fine also. I guess we'll have to wait for the baby to be born then able to talk so I can see if she complains or not. Hopefully by that time they'll have come out with a convertible.:grinpimp:

Gineric, I agree with you about wanting the kids to see nature, that's why I have the 4runner. I really don't plan on wheelin the FJC. It's a grocery-getter.

[ginericfj80]

I never said you couldn't see out of it from the Driver's seat. Although, the visibility from the driver's seat is different than other vehicles I drive I think it is adequate.

My entire problem with the FJ Cruiser is the backseat. When you are in the backseat visibility is not the greatest. The side pillars block a lot of the view. The short windshield comes into play from the backseat as far as visibility. And the side windows are very small in the backseat and in my opinion positioned awkwardly. Really my whole beef with the FJ Cruiser is completely about being a passenger in the backseat. If you don't carry people in the backseat I think it is a great vehicle. And I'm quite impressed with it off road after seeing them in action at Cruise Moab.

An H2, ARGHHHH! I'm not knocking the H1s at all but the H2s are terrible for off road vehicles. The very first time my friend went wheeling with me he broke the front diff, rear diff, and transfer case. Everything literally exploded on the trail. And I use trail lightly, it was a forest service road with about 6" of snow on it. The rig had less than 1600 miles. From then on it was a constant battle for him to keep it on the road. A steering knuckle broke on one of the H2 guided runs from the dealer. My opinion of the H2 is that they put too heavy of a vehicle on too light of a drivetrain. And I've never felt anything like that on the end of my tow strap. That thing is a Beast!

[madtiger]

lol I agree. We all make mistakes. But it is a tank and ive been rear ended 2x and both times not a scratch. Ford ranger behind had a new smile though :D
Its big a little luxo and MOST important the wife can drvie it and she's got some armor around her and the kid. Besides gas and the tank part ive had my fun with it. THe 80's interior "kind" of reminds of the H2 in the luxo dept. Nice but not quite Lexus or Infinity "luxury" if that makes sense.
But in the end. Stock sux and both of these rigs would/will get the treatment! "Hey honey bigger tires mean you can see further down the road!"

[madtiger]

Alright still here. OK so after weighing in everything ive decided to go new school as I already have my ol school 84 x cab to play with.

So next Q. Where to BUY in socal. And what to expect. South coast toyota was retarded last time I spoke with them. ANy tips and or advice from people who have bought?

[1990k5]

how about best of both worlds? how about an almost NEW FJ80? im new to this site but was looking at you conversation, i can see both sides. but the tried and true fj80 is a legend aready. and no ifs :) i have for sale a near mint 1995 80 series with 50K ORIGINAL MILES! its white and all stock. if you interested call me and we can talk. 303-816-1108 colorado.