Opinions about Gen1's and daily life

[norville]

Hello folks, I have a 96 landcruiser. that I love it's well maintained and I guess it's worth about 6k depending on the market. I may be looking to trade for a gen 1 4runner with a 5spd for my main daily driven vehicle. I have 3 kids and the wife, but mostly the vehicle would be for me and the kids. Wifey-poo has a mini-van. I got a criuser a few years back thinking double duty for me and the wife plenty of room for the kiddos and such. But, she does not like it , too big. even if I point out the cruiser is smaller than the van?? I will in the near future be doing a lot more city driving. My thinking was a 4runner was just about the right thing for my needs. I live in the north east so snow is an issue and getting to my hunting grounds 4x4 is a must. My other thought is if it's not to wild the wife will drive it if needed.

My question to gen 1 owners is how is it in daily life. The most I drive is 2hrs if I'm on a parts run. and I have a small trailer for yard work. I'm sure I'll miss the luxury of the cruiser. And I know the runners are a bit tighter. Is my plan reasonable? did I think this out right? I'm fairly handy and I comfortable around toyotas. I'd be looking far a fairly stock setup with air and a 5spd.

thoughts?

thanks,
bob

 

[Alabama4Runner]

Keep the Landcruiser. You will get better mileage with the 4Runner but only slightly. I have both an 85 4Runner and a 97 Land Cruiser (and a 100 series daily driver). After driving your Land Cruiser you will kick yourself if you sell it and buy a Gen1 4Runner.

 

[norville]

Keep the Landcruiser. You will get better mileage with the 4Runner but only slightly. I have both an 85 4Runner and a 97 Land Cruiser (and a 100 series daily driver). After driving your Land Cruiser you will kick yourself if you sell it and buy a Gen1 4Runner.

Thanks for the input, I've been hesitant to follow up cause I had a feeling your are correct. Big problem being I don't want to sell the cruiser and end up in a subaru... Regardless the cruiser may have to go. I have two other toys both are 1963's one is a sunbeam the other is a FJ40 like vehicle. I won't part with either. Most of my new driving route will be back roads and a few miles of highway. The cruiser is OK on the highway around +16 but city/country driving is only 10-11. Even after full tuneup.

thanks.

bob

 

[Big Norm]

i drive mine 1hr to work and 1hr home 5 days a week......runs great and love it