I bought one last year. It needed a lot of work - but the price was right. I won't get into what I've done to fix it up :) I've driven it to Yellowstone and a bunch of other places, it's really fun for camping out of and it goes pretty much anywhere. It drives pretty well for what it is, although it's SLOW. I think if you're willing to work on it yourself it's worth getting one, they are a classic and will probably keep going up in value. Given the choice, I'd consider a 60 series but they are getting expensive for ones that aren't rusted out. Anyway This is my hooptie. Everyone seems to really enjoy it and I get lots of comments about it. Right now it's on 35x12.5's. You can get newer, more refined cars but that's not the point of these IMO
Thanks.
I think if you want one you should just get one. Every drive feels like an adventure - in a good way. I really doubt you'd regret getting one and it never gets old looking at it either. They're perfectly DD-able too if you don't try to drive it like a sports car. YMMV.
Houston,
Get this one!
1985 Toyota Land Cruiser Diesel 4x4 7-Series (BJ7) - cars & trucks - by owner - vehicle automotive sale
Cool vintage decals and right side drive!
1997 Lexus LX45 / Land Cruiser FZJ8 - cars & trucks - by owner - vehicle automotive sale
Just add LSx
My brother looked at an LX470 in the east bay for me. Too many red flags.
A true off-road, go across Africa vehicle, as a daily driver on paved American roads? Are you really feeling that inadequate? Don't you don spandex and ride a plastic bicycle hither and yon?
Why spend gobs of money on a vehicle whose capabilities will never be tested nor realized by your efforts when you could buy two far more capable and effective vehicles for your stated purpose?
On the other hand, it's your money, why give a monkey's rear about what others think or common sense. Get that bad boy and drive during rush hour traffic like you want to be there, going all slow and stuff with an eye on the gas gauge; that's what 4-low is for.
It's easy to talk you out of this given the paucity of defensive data you've supplied yourself. I'm tilting at windmills now so maybe I'll read the pages of posts talking you out of this purchase and then see if I can add anything to the pile.
I worked with a guy who took one of these down to the frame. He sandblasted, primed and painted the frame, then proceeded to add parts back as he refurbished/rebuilt them. Imported a turbodiesel from the Netherlands. Redid the upholstery, electrical stuff, everything. Added a snorkel, just in case. Painted it a beautiful sky blue. A true beauty befitting the president of the local Landcruiser club.
Speaking of volvo...
1979 Volvo C22 Laplander 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - ending April 4 (Lot #17 ,655) | Bring a Trailer
I'm surprised it went for $45k. People spend significantly more than that for the most boring new pickups. I would have guessed there'd be a bigger/deeper market with lodges, guides, tours, etcetera.
Here's another cool FJ: 1972 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ55 for sale on BaT Auctions - ending April 16 (Lot #17 ,958) | Bring a Trailer
Being an owner and devoted follower of many things related to the 80 series Land Cruisers; claiming the LX is superior to the LC is absurdly incorrect. Statements like this only serve to justify the price paid. They are identical vehicles with the Lexus version adding minor 'creature comforts'. LX came standard with climate control, subwoofer, body cladding, and different color choices.
differences between LC vs LX | IH8MUD Forum
Besides the badge, they're the same. They both suffer from the same problems (head gasket, PHH, shaky side mirrors, shit leather for seats, clogged sunroof drains, 'D' light on the dash burns out, etc). But after these things are addressed and regular maintenance is done, they're unstoppable.
Rick
If the process is more important than the result, you play. If the result is more important than the process, you work.
I am down the rabbit hole comparing the FJ80 (LX450) and the UZJ100 (LX470).
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