If you had a choice based on desire,
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thennen
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If you're saying that you have the option to pick one, since it seems you already have a nice 5th Gen, I would go for the Cruiser if I were in your shoes.
As for me, the LC is much more unique, so I would lean that way. But if I was looking for a daily driver, I'd leave the Land Cruiser for someone else who could care for it. I'd hate to run the wheels off that classic.
As for me, the LC is much more unique, so I would lean that way. But if I was looking for a daily driver, I'd leave the Land Cruiser for someone else who could care for it. I'd hate to run the wheels off that classic.
Thrasher_S
New member
I've been on the look out for an FJ40 for a while now, and the availability out there is frustrating. It seems like anything priced reasonable for a "toy" is a rustbucket beyond my skills to save. The vast majority of the rest have been "built" by lunatics or restored to the point it would be a shame to get it dirty.
If you want a "restomod" with a small block Chevy motor or want to spend $30k+ for one that's already restored, there are many available. More so than solid axle 4Runners around here. Finding one with a Toyota motor that is unmolested but not perfect (one that could use a little work but I could use for it's intended purpose without crying over a scratch) has been difficult.
If you want a "restomod" with a small block Chevy motor or want to spend $30k+ for one that's already restored, there are many available. More so than solid axle 4Runners around here. Finding one with a Toyota motor that is unmolested but not perfect (one that could use a little work but I could use for it's intended purpose without crying over a scratch) has been difficult.
jrandom
New member
Pfft FJ, already have a frumpy 5g 
Cus there is a couple small shops/companies out there buying them all up regardless of condition and charging a bazillion bucks for full restos. So yeah, I hear ya, availability null, frustrating and who the fk has $80-150K for a full resto? Because, you know, I would love to drive it an not worry soo much about it.
Cus there is a couple small shops/companies out there buying them all up regardless of condition and charging a bazillion bucks for full restos. So yeah, I hear ya, availability null, frustrating and who the fk has $80-150K for a full resto? Because, you know, I would love to drive it an not worry soo much about it.
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I also vote the FJ43 (unless you can find a FJ45 for a similar price - 82 FJ45 Toyota Land cruiser pickup - cars & trucks - by owner -... )
You've got a great looking 4R - the tan is great, but the old FJ's are awesome!
You've got a great looking 4R - the tan is great, but the old FJ's are awesome!
RichinRidgewood
New member
That is a very cool looking FJ and if you have the time, money and motivation to buy and maintain one then you should buy one.
For me If I could have one I would take the new 4R. I've had many vintage vehicles and I just don't want to work on old stuff anymore.
For me If I could have one I would take the new 4R. I've had many vintage vehicles and I just don't want to work on old stuff anymore.
Jernik
New member
While the LC is cool, I wonder how enjoyable it really would be to drive on a regular basis (totally stock). I say this because my in-laws bough a '54 Ford a few years back - mechanically it is original and in good working condition. It had a recent paint job and refreshed interior. I bet they haven't put 100 miles on it, and about 10 of those was from when I took it out for a drive. It looks cool, but when you drive it the lack of power steering and the lack of power brakes (it has drums all the way around) make it a real chore to drive. You have to really be on top of it, and it turns out to be not such a relaxing cruiser, especially if you're in traffic than can easily outmaneuver you in every way - someone cutting you off to jam the brakes and make a turn is a much more dangerous situation in a car like that.
So for $35k I'd pass and let a collector have it. But for $15k I'd consider a quality resto-modded one with components upgraded for an easier/safer or more reliable ride (although a 350 V8 is a bit much IMO). I'd probably give up to $7500 for a relatively clean original if I was going to do the resto-mod to make it a driver. And this is because I have other newer vehicles to rely on daily and the LC would be a toy.
Otherwise, the easy choice for daily living is the 4R, especially if it's the only vehicle you will have.
So for $35k I'd pass and let a collector have it. But for $15k I'd consider a quality resto-modded one with components upgraded for an easier/safer or more reliable ride (although a 350 V8 is a bit much IMO). I'd probably give up to $7500 for a relatively clean original if I was going to do the resto-mod to make it a driver. And this is because I have other newer vehicles to rely on daily and the LC would be a toy.
Otherwise, the easy choice for daily living is the 4R, especially if it's the only vehicle you will have.
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16RedRunner
New member
Hands down the LC.
Thrasher_S
New member
Pfft FJ, already have a frumpy 5g
Cus there is a couple small shops/companies out there buying them all up regardless of condition and charging a bazillion bucks for full restos. So yeah, I hear ya, availability null, frustrating and who the fk has $80-150K for a full resto? Because, you know, I would love to drive it an not worry soo much about it.
I wish I had the money, and lack of sense, to buy one of these and actually drive it offroad. People who buy one of these should be placed on some sort of registry for "FJ Offenders".
jrandom
New member
lol right! That is exactly to whom I was referring to in my last post. If you click on "Pre-restoration inventory" at the bottom of the page - Land Cruisers for restoration - The FJ Company it takes you to the catalog of their "rust" buckets of which you can choose from. Great business model, I love the concept, I just depletes what little available field stock there is for home garage mechanics to hobby on.
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bamma
New member
I have a 5th Gen 4Runner (wife's), a 2016 200 series Land Cruiser, an 84 Toyota LB pickup and an 82 FJ40.
I don't drive the restored 40 in the winter, but it is my favorite rig to drive, but you actually have to drive it. It is a lot more work, it is loud, lots of wind noise, etc.
If I only had one car it wouldn't be an 40 series. But as a whenever/fun car, it is a blast. I love driving it with the top off in spring-fall. The pickup is a lot of fun too. Keep in mind that the 4 speed on most 40's doesn't like highway speeds. I don't push her beyond 60 mph.
The 43 will increase in value, the 5th Gen will depreciate. The 43 will also require more repairs due to its age.
I don't drive the restored 40 in the winter, but it is my favorite rig to drive, but you actually have to drive it. It is a lot more work, it is loud, lots of wind noise, etc.
If I only had one car it wouldn't be an 40 series. But as a whenever/fun car, it is a blast. I love driving it with the top off in spring-fall. The pickup is a lot of fun too. Keep in mind that the 4 speed on most 40's doesn't like highway speeds. I don't push her beyond 60 mph.
The 43 will increase in value, the 5th Gen will depreciate. The 43 will also require more repairs due to its age.
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RichinRidgewood
New member
There are so any other vehicles you could buy with $180,000 - $220,000 that are better.
You could build a 4 car garage with a bar and kitchen and buy 2 ex-Paris to Dakar or Rally cars with racing history and have money left over.
Rally Raid Cars Archives - RCFS
WRC / Group A Archives - RCFS
Toyota Hilux Dakar Rally 2020 vehicle profile
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00Sebby
Senior Member
My local dealer has a FJ45 in the showroom. I couldn't live with it on a daily basis but it would be cool to play around with on the weekends.
Jetboy
New member
I have both - almost. I drive the FJ40 a few times a year. I drive the 4runner almost every day. The idea of the FJ is great. It's fun to drive around town with the top down. But having it as an only vehicle is a younger man's game. It's a perfect 2nd or 3rd car. Not a very good daily.
So... buy the 43!
So... buy the 43!
Thrasher_S
New member
If I was going to spend that much I'd much rather build it "myself" (with a lot of help from a shop), and the goal wouldn't be a modern luxury vehicle that looks like an FJ. It would be a much more capable toy, for way less money.
Having owned and loved each of my multiple FJ40s and FJ60s, I would say that "under the right conditions" they are great, but "right conditions" are few and far between and definitely not a daily driver when compared to the utilitarian 4Runners we drive today.
They have lots of flaws, but the good ole days seem "good".
The 2F engine made like 105 HP new, so if you think your 4Runner is a dog, buy an FJ60 and drive it for a while. Your 4Runner will seem like a race car.
I sold my rust free 1986 FJ60 and bought a 2019 4Runner TRD ORP and haven't looked back.
To each their own.
They have lots of flaws, but the good ole days seem "good".
The 2F engine made like 105 HP new, so if you think your 4Runner is a dog, buy an FJ60 and drive it for a while. Your 4Runner will seem like a race car.
I sold my rust free 1986 FJ60 and bought a 2019 4Runner TRD ORP and haven't looked back.
To each their own.
a_j_ramirez
New member
I convinced myself to get a newer 5th gen for a better peace of mind. Don’t get me wrong I love rebuilt older cars, but due to work and life in general at this very moment, if I were to spend on something, it needs to be something I generally won’t have to worry about for a few more years. Maybe down the road, cause that FJ looks beautiful, but I’m happy with my mall crawling trd pro
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
jrandom
New member
As I eluded to earlier, I certainly would want it to be my only car, unless I were 20-something again, either 
IMHO the 5g 4runner is not a great a commute daily driver, either (oddly my 3g '99 4tr was more comfortable seat-wise, especially on long commutes, better mileage too)
There are a fk-ton better DD's out there for 95% of the driving most do.
IMHO the 5g 4runner is not a great a commute daily driver, either (oddly my 3g '99 4tr was more comfortable seat-wise, especially on long commutes, better mileage too)
There are a fk-ton better DD's out there for 95% of the driving most do.
Thank you, could you update the prices please ?
I have some race cars for sale, I would like to know what is the price of the market
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