Been lurking here for a while. I've always wanted a Toyota and now I'm torn between two.
Candidate #1 is a '97 4Runner with 115,000 miles for about 8300-8500.



The good: It's a black auto V6 4x4 with SAW coil-overs in the front for a 3" lift and something in the back (I forgot). The engine is running synthetic (could be a con too). He's taking out his stereo (I have my own) and taking off 1500 for the stereo (originally listed at 10k). Doesn't seem to break the bank.

The bad: It’s still set up for ADD. He says that he got some "high angle CV boots" put up front. Personally I've only heard high angle CVs for the main axles going from the xfer case to the diffs. This kinda worries me. Also, of low concern, there is a small dent just behind the driver side signal in the fender/bumper. It's small and the only paint scratch looks to be where the bumper touched the fender. Also, about a week ago (after he posted the ad) someone keyed the passenger side of his truck. I still have yet to get it checked out professionally, but the CV thing worries me.


Candidate #2 is a '95 Land Cruiser with 150,000 miles for about 10,000.



The good: This is a damn fine truck. Most of the miles are highway miles. He's replaced the radiator and the water pump (at separate times). Leather int, clean, nice paint, blah blah. Key point: It has the factory front and rear lockers. I had trouble getting the lockers to engage, but I've never done it before and didn't have room to move the truck around at the time.

The bad: It's a little more than I'd like to spend. I don't know if the factory head gasket has been replaced yet (which as I understand can die easily). It'll get total crap for mileage, which matters a bit in SoCal.

I'm pretty torn between the two and figured this may be a good way to get something to lean me one way or another, although I'm leaning a little to the LC right now. I'll be taking both trucks to a local place called ProTrux for an inspection as I understand they are pretty good. I’m also posting this at IH8Mud because I couldn’t find a good General Toyota truck forum and I figured 2 biased forums would balance each other out.

 

I love Land Cruisers!
Get the 4Runner.

Gas isn't going to get cheaper. The LC will get about 15 mpg and the 4Runner will get about 20. You also don't know when (or if) the birfield joints have been serviced (in the LC,about every 100K miles)which run about a grand or take a weekend.

Have your mechanic check out the CV joints, get the owner to knock a little more off for the keying and be glad you have a vehicle that can get a minumum of another 100K miles for about 8 grand.

 

sounds like two good choices. if you hadnt mentioned gas mileage and not wanting to spend that much I would say get the LC. Since those are concerns (gas, $) get the 4runner. Negociate the price down a little since its been keyed, get the dent put in the bodywork quote too. The cv issue I am in the dark on, but I am sure some other members on here can help out.

 

the 4runner is more practical...

 

. . . and people won't think you're made of money.

 

I like the Land Cruiser! But, since you indicated that you are trying to stay within a budget, and probably want to spend less for maintenance/parts. You should probably go for the 4Runner.

 

Landcruiser definetly man - those things are bulletproof - plus the FJ-80s are very capable offroad machines - then you also have the AWD which is great for snow etc.....plus can you really argue with F and R lockers?

Get the FJ-80 - you wont be dissapointed.

 

I had a 2003 LandCruiser and I have to tell you I prefer the 4Runner. The LC is nice, but it's a beast. The handling/acceleration of a 4Runner is more crisp. One thing about the LC though, it has status.

One more thing... between the two of those.. the LC looks better IMHO.

 

Land cruiser's are very sweet but look out when it comes to the costs of operation (gas, parts, etc)
I'd go with the 4runner if you are budget conscious in the least.

 

BTW - that 4runner does look a bit sketchy - much better to start out w/ a stock rig like that FJ-80.

 

One reason I chose 4Runner over Highlander is, 4Runner is for me. I am always thinking of driveing a truck (pickup, ...). Glad that 4Runner is less expensive than LC.
I can find tons of MDX, RX330, and Highlander in my area. People just don't pay attention on any of them.

 

Wow the 4runner does look kinda bunk (pics wouldnt load when i posted earlier) , mostly the wheels i think though. It certainly doesnt look very lifted. Damn that LC looks nice. They are two different beasts, if I had the loot. I'd go LC

 

I live in San Diego, and there are tons of 4runners on the road, so you should have more to choose from in the used lots also. I would rather buy a stock rig and not something that someone has tinkered to too much with (CV boots might go). I would have liked the size of the LC sometimes but I also cannot see only getting 15mpg when everything is 20miles apart here in North county.
I say go with a 4runner but look at more of them (maybe you will find a lower milage with a rear locker).
good luck

 

I'd like to buy a stock rig, but you'd be supprised at how few 4x4 runners there are aroudn here for sale. Theres another 4runner around that for sale from a stealership on the coast. It's a 97' Limited 4x4 and I havn't had a chence to see it in person (they didn't have it on the lot at the time). Thing is they want like 14k. I could probably bring them down, but I don't think I could get it below 10k.

 

If you can afford it, go Cruiser. Period.

If you can't, find a stock "something else"

 

It did take me a bit to find a 4x4 and 5sp was even harder but they do exist. I also talked to the credit union and dealer who was willing to go to an auction and buy a vehicle if I could specify price range, options etc. There are several places in Kearny Mesa that sells 4runners and LCs you could try also.

 

Get the 4Runner and send me the info on the Land Cruiser...

 

Too funny.

 

I have both. Get the 4Runner. The only drawback of having (3rd gen)4Runner here in San Diego is everyone's got one.

If I were to get rid of one of mine, I'd get rid of the LC(40th Anniv.) For something newer and better ofcourse. Wife doesn't want to part with it so it's not going anywhere soon.

 

Right now I'm worried about the SAWs and CV's on the 4Runner and the required maintenance and costly repair cost of the LC. I'm going on this desert trip to Death Valley for 4 days in the spring. If anyone is familiar with that area, that's probably the type of wheeling i'd be doing most of the time. Lots of sand and lots of canyons. I'm not what you'd call a Baja guy, so doing 80 over sand doesn't seem like I'd be doing that a lot. I wish I could just buy both, but college students that live on their own don't have lots of money.