Best Off Road Gen 3? Help me decide my next purchase.

[JC_ez]

Actually the button on the 4wd shifter on models with the multi-mode auto engages the AWD but you still need to pull the lever back for 4hi and then to to the right and forward for 4lo.

Yes this is true for 1999-2002 4Runners with multi-mode. In other words, pressing the shift on the fly button engages AWD (all 4 wheels driven with all differentials open) and moving the level to 4HI drives all 4 wheels with the center differential locked.

For the 1996-1998, there is no "AWD" there is no center differential so it behaves like the 1999-2002 4Runners with multi-mode that have the center differential locked all the time.

 

[p nut]

Yes this is true for 1999-2002 4Runners with multi-mode. In other words, pressing the shift on the fly button engages AWD (all 4 wheels driven with all differentials open) and moving the level to 4HI drives all 4 wheels with the center differential locked.

Not quite. For 99-00 LIMITED models only, what you said above is true. The 01-02 models (all), you push the button for the AWD, then push the center lock button to the left of the steering wheel to lock the center diff (in 4LO only). This also disables the VSC.

 

[cobra2top]

Thanks all for your help and advice. I have been lurking over at IH8Mud.com the past few days and slightly leaning towards the J80 over the Runner. The only major issues is finding one in good condition in the price I want to pay ($5-7K). I am looking but they are tough to find.

So, I am still keeping the 4 runner option open as there are alot more to choose, One truck keeps coming up locally as I seach and it is a 91 4 Runner with 35K miles. It is red and the worst part it has red interior. I have not looked at it as that body style was not on my list but a 17 year old truck with only 35K? The inside looks new.

What should I expect from a 91? I know they are built on the pcik up truck platform and from what I read they are slow, but how is the reliability? Again, the key here is the miles. Should I have any worries about a truck with such low miles?

Is it a good platform to turn into a trail rig as some point? How is the highway ride on a stock 91?

 

[p nut]

Thanks all for your help and advice. I have been lurking over at IH8Mud.com the past few days and slightly leaning towards the J80 over the Runner. The only major issues is finding one in good condition in the price I want to pay ($5-7K). I am looking but they are tough to find.

So, I am still keeping the 4 runner option open as there are alot more to choose, One truck keeps coming up locally as I seach and it is a 91 4 Runner with 35K miles. It is red and the worst part it has red interior. I have not looked at it as that body style was not on my list but a 17 year old truck with only 35K? The inside looks new.

What should I expect from a 91? I know they are built on the pcik up truck platform and from what I read they are slow, but how is the reliability? Again, the key here is the miles. Should I have any worries about a truck with such low miles?

Is it a good platform to turn into a trail rig as some point? How is the highway ride on a stock 91?

Is it a V6? If so, pass on it. The 3.0L V6 is known to have many problems and was the black sheep of the Toyota motors. Many 3.0 (or 3.slo) owners say that they get the power of a 4-cyl with the gas mileage of a V8. Yes, they are that bad. But if it's a 22RE (4-cyl), then it might be worth a look. But at 35k, I think you need to check everything out, as seals and such might be rotted out by now.

Really, I'd pass on it and keep on the lookout for a FZJ80 or a 3rd Gen 4Runner.

 

[cobra2top]

Really, I'd pass on it and keep on the lookout for a FZJ80 or a 3rd Gen 4Runner. [/B]

Great insight. It is a V6 and I have read that they are slow. In this area I need a little get up and go just to get onto the highways around here!

I will pass on it and keep on looking for a J80 or 3gen. With the prices of these rigs lately, I could get into something pretty nice. I have a friend that owns a dealership and he said business has been so off that he has never seen anything like this in his 20 years of selling cars. 2 major dealerships have closed down around here and he said more are to come.

The window is open now to finding something at a great price.

 

[hulk311]

I was looking at the LC as well but the gas mileage (13 city, 16 highway) really turned me off. Makes me feel a little better about owning a 4runner lol.:awais:

 

[cobra2top]

I was looking at the LC as well but the gas mileage (13 city, 16 highway) really turned me off. Makes me feel a little better about owning a 4runner lol.:awais:

True, but isnt the difference only a few miles? In the end it what would that increase on a 20 gallon fill up, 40 miles?

The bonus for me is this would not be a daily driver. It will make the trips to the airport (30 miles each way) a few times per month and to run errands around town from time to time. It would be a 3rd car/toy that I could take off road here in S jersey. I see all of these trucks on the weekends driving by with a ton of mud on them and it looks like they are having a great time at the parks near by. I would like to head out there and dirty up my future truck.

My list has been shortened to just the Runner and J80. If I get a 80 I want the 95-97 with the dual airbags, that is a sales job for the wife to gain more acceptance. I also am leaning towards the LX as it is a Lexus and we have a 98 GS400 that runs like a new car with 90K. That too is a wife move as we all know they are just dolled up LC's. I think she would be more on board with the purchase with that Lexus "L" on the front grill. Sure it's a little "vanity" but I have been getting pushback to make a Toy purchase in these economic times. My thought is that the cost can not get any lower then they are now. Worst case is I sell it down the road if I dont use it like I want and not take much of a loss.

How much lower can they actually go then where they are today?

 

[p nut]

The bonus for me is this would not be a daily driver. It will make the trips to the airport (30 miles each way) a few times per month and to run errands around town from time to time. It would be a 3rd car/toy that I could take off road here in S jersey. I see all of these trucks on the weekends driving by with a ton of mud on them and it looks like they are having a great time at the parks near by. I would like to head out there and dirty up my future truck.

My list has been shortened to just the Runner and J80. If I get a 80 I want the 95-97 with the dual airbags, that is a sales job for the wife to gain more acceptance. I also am leaning towards the LX as it is a Lexus and we have a 98 GS400 that runs like a new car with 90K. That too is a wife move as we all know they are just dolled up LC's. I think she would be more on board with the purchase with that Lexus "L" on the front grill. Sure it's a little "vanity" but I have been getting pushback to make a Toy purchase in these economic times. My thought is that the cost can not get any lower then they are now. Worst case is I sell it down the road if I dont use it like I want and not take much of a loss.

How much lower can they actually go then where they are today?

Yeah, the only reason why I suggested the 80 to you is, because it will not be your daily driver. To please your wife, you should then look for a LX450. It comes with everything that the Land Cruiser does with all of the options. Auto climate control was an option on the LC, but standard on the Lexus. I believe heated seats, leather, etc. were all standard (AFAIK).

IMO, the Land Cruiser will not go down in value as much as the 4Runner. Comparing the initial prices, yes, the 80 has gone down much more ($30k vs. $50k), but with the rarity of the 80's, I doubt that it will go down any more than what it currently is at right now.

If you can find a nice 80, get it. 4Runner should be plan B.

 

[cobra2top]

Yeah, the only reason why I suggested the 80 to you is, because it will not be your daily driver. To please your wife, you should then look for a LX450. It comes with everything that the Land Cruiser does with all of the options. Auto climate control was an option on the LC, but standard on the Lexus. I believe heated seats, leather, etc. were all standard (AFAIK).

IMO, the Land Cruiser will not go down in value as much as the 4Runner. Comparing the initial prices, yes, the 80 has gone down much more ($30k vs. $50k), but with the rarity of the 80's, I doubt that it will go down any more than what it currently is at right now.

If you can find a nice 80, get it. 4Runner should be plan B.

Thanks. I think you are right. I can not see the 80's going much further south in price so I hope to see my money back it I ever sell. TO be honest though, the same could be said about a 4 Runner. The ones i am looking at are Limiteds with Rear locker and priced $5-$7K with around 100K. I drive it over the next few years and add maybe 20K, I could sell it for around the same price. I am reading the Gen4's are not as good a off road platform, so I would assume as the Gen 3's get older, they will have a larger following for off roading like the 80's now.

Still a tough decision!! The 80 is rarer and it seems a nice following if I find one with lockers, but the same holds true for the Runner and their parts are less $$ because there are more on the road.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I think a 4Runner is your best bet for your needs and less to payout for getting pretty much the same from each vehicle and yes,4Runners are cheaper to repair and maintain.

 

[p nut]

Thanks. I think you are right. I can not see the 80's going much further south in price so I hope to see my money back it I ever sell. TO be honest though, the same could be said about a 4 Runner. The ones i am looking at are Limiteds with Rear locker and priced $5-$7K with around 100K. I drive it over the next few years and add maybe 20K, I could sell it for around the same price. I am reading the Gen4's are not as good a off road platform, so I would assume as the Gen 3's get older, they will have a larger following for off roading like the 80's now.

Still a tough decision!! The 80 is rarer and it seems a nice following if I find one with lockers, but the same holds true for the Runner and their parts are less $$ because there are more on the road.

I'll just say that your wife will be more comfortable (READ: Happy) in the LX450. :bigok:

 

[cobra2top]

I'll just say that your wife will be more comfortable (READ: Happy) in the LX450. :bigok:

Great point! You know what they say, Happy wife........uh, well, I am not sure what "they" say but all I know if you have one it's makes things like a "toy" purchase easier if they are happy with it!!

 

[p nut]

Great point! You know what they say, Happy wife........uh, well, I am not sure what "they" say but all I know if you have one it's makes things like a "toy" purchase easier if they are happy with it!!

Exactly. Doesn't it say in the Bible; Proverbs 21:19 - It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. It's a good thing my wife loves Tacoma's and Toyota's in general.

 

[cobra2top]

Exactly. Doesn't it say in the Bible; Proverbs 21:19 - It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman. It's a good thing my wife loves Tacoma's and Toyota's in general.

Good one! Yeah, my wife loves the Lexus GS400 we have so putting another Lexus in the stable would be a sound choice. Too bad the 3rd gen did not come with a "L" on the grill, that would have been a good option to get around the misses!

 

[The Dude]

Not sure what your budget is, but just throwing out a possible suggestion...Instead of keeping the GS400 and getting an LX450 as a second vehicle, why not sell the GS and get yourself a 99 n up LX470?

 

[cobra2top]

Not sure what your budget is, but just throwing out a possible suggestion...Instead of keeping the GS400 and getting an LX450 as a second vehicle, why not sell the GS and get yourself a 99 n up LX470?

I was initially thinking of going down that road. The GS is just such a great ride though and with 90K on the clock I am not going to get alot of $ for it. The previous owner was litterally the little old lady and lost her license when she could not drive anymore. I bought it from a Lexus dealer friend who told me about the history of the car and it's amazing maintenence. All service done at Lexus even for tires!! It just runs too well to trade out of. It seems it will become that car that I will keep forever and drive the wheels off. Knowing the way they built the GS, that will be a long time form now.

That is why the J80 or 4Runner is now on the short purchase list. There are priced right I want to take something into the woods and not worry to much about it. Then take it to the airport and let it get dinged (the GS beleive it or not have not one door ding on it! The lady must have never drove it to the mall which I think is a impossible statement!!)

Decisions decisions!!

 

[The Dude]

Sounds to me like that one's a keeper....i wouldn't sell it either!

 

[cobra2top]

Sounds to me like that one's a keeper....i wouldn't sell it either!

That is why I bought it. It was just too clean and a classic "little old lady" history to pass up. I have drove the thing 15K miles now and not a single issue. The only upgrade I made was buying the chrome Lexus 17" wheels off a Lexus forum guy. I still have the original 16" rims and tires but they just dont have that sporty look. Now if I can find another little old lady driving a LX450 with the locker or a Limited with the RR locker, I will be all set!!

One note, a J80 just showed up locally on the internet at a dealer. It is a 94 LC which is not what I really want (95-97 LC or LX) but basically the same car so I can test out the ride. Friday seems like a good day to take it out and see what the deal is with them. Worst case is I dont like it and focus back the the Runner.

 

[Thai]

Wow, i miss this discussion until today!

A few points:

1. If you're going to get FJ80, then i would find one with front and rear lockers. Unfortunately, only about 10-15% of FJ80 (and LX450)that came to the US had them...so, they are extremely hard to find since most of them are bought already by enthusiasts. Otherwise, a FJ80 withOUT lockers is OK, but may not be worth the money.

2. 4Runners are excellent value vehicles. However, they are more of a daily all-around vehicle.

3. For YOUR needs, i would get something that is capable, yet easily modifiable in the future with lifts and winches and big tires. For this, i would recommend a Jeep Wrangler. It is cheap, cheap to maintain, and it's aftermarket support is unrivaled, bar none.

4. Discovery Series II is junk IMHO. My brother had one...a pure maintainence nightmare. Off-road, it was good with A-TRAC (4-wheel traction control). However, to fit lockers, you need to UPGRADE axles and CV joints!! Stock axles are relatively weak and canNOT handle the stress of lockers. Thus, most LR owners who install lockers also upgrade their axles. If it doesn't leak, then there is something wrong with the LR! Rust is also a major issue with LR, even with all their aluminum parts...don't ask me why, but it is a common problem. I think that their aluminum parts are of the low quality impure variety...not the aluminum found in Jaguar vehicles.

Again, a 4runner is a good vehicle...but it seems like you need something that can be modded easily and cheaply. If you can find a FJ80 with lockers, then buy one immediately...but make damn sure that it has not been "abused" by a fellow enthusiast.

Good luck in your search.

 

[cobra2top]

Great info Thai.

I am now focusing on a J80 but watching for the LX450. As stated above I have a Lexus GS400 and to add another Lexus would be nice. The other thing I am noticing about the J80 when comparing the LC and LX, is the LX seem to be the most well kept. It kind of makes sense as many Lexus buyers tend to have a few more $$'s and seem to maintain their cars at Lexus. (my GS is proof of that ). Lexus will for free provide you with all of the maintainence records they have on record which is nice option over the LC. Also I am thinking LX owners were not wheeling their rigs as much as a LC owner.

As for the lockers, that is a must only because I know if I ever sell that is such a huge option for off roaders. And to be honest a few years down the road more are going to by the J80 for off roading then a daily driver. All of the trucks I have been looking at on line, the first thing I look for are the pics of the steering wheel to see if that "magic knob" is sitting there on the left. It is the same technique I am using for the 4runner, looking for that orange labled switch in that same area. What is pretty interesting is some who dont have the "knob" IMO snap pictures of the interior and go out of their way not to show that part of the interior. It makes phone discussions interesting as you dont want to mention you know what that is as many dealers dont know that is a important feature and I dont want then to be too informed.

The Jeep is a nice off road option and they can be bought cheap, but I want something with a little nicer ride. And if I ever have to take anyone out in it (my 2 little ones, friends, etc) the jeep is a little rough around the edges for me (no offense to any Jeep people here. I rented one in the Outerbanks, NC and it was great on the beach but not so great on the road).

The search continues. Wish it was spring because I keep reading, buy my J80/4Runner with Winter driving approaching! Now is the time to by a convertible not a 4x4!!!