Everything to Know: Toyota 80 Series Land Cruiser - Review/Buyer's Guide

[@Darkstar22177]

My family has owned our non-locked '94 FZJ80 since 1996. The first owner was my uncle who crashed it into a light pole during a heavy rainstorm before bringing it to my father who owned an auto shop at the time. Instead of getting it fixed, my uncle just gave it to him for free and it has been in my family ever since my father completely repaired it. My mother has been daily driving it to and from work which is pretty close to our hose, so it still has relatively low miles at ~160k miles. Her co-workers and some strangers are always asking to buy it from her, but our LC is a keeper

[@Ghostrider-71]

1990 HDJ81 owner here. Bought it back in January of this year (2023), great vehicle and I have enjoyed working on it as well.

[@paulschofield985]

I’ve got one of them same year, factory triple locked totally love it..

[@6thGearGarage]

I would love a diesel, but they were out of my price range. Depending on the price of gas, it costs me about $15 to $20 an hr in gas to drive my 80.

[@jorritkoperdraad5611]

@@6thGearGaragewhat’s the consumption of a LC 1995 VX 4.2 diesel? I’m thinking of buying one (in South Africa) but I’m a little worried about the consumption

[@6thGearGarage]

I'n not sure how the diesels do, as I have only driven the gas 1fzfe@@jorritkoperdraad5611

[@paultrend]

@@jorritkoperdraad5611 the 1HD-FT does 11l/100km on highway (120km/h@2600rpm)

[@edwardpeters4700]

1997 LX450. It's been a labor of love like most classic cars. She's looking good these days with a fresh re-spray, lockers, bumpers, and sliders.

[@6thGearGarage]

Fresh paint makes such a difference. The clear coat on many of these 80's did hot hold up well, including mine.

[@daviddenley3512]

I'm in the very early stages of looking at Toyota Land cruisers but what I can tell you is this...your video has been very good at pointing out pitfalls and things to look for for the potential buyer. I've learned more after watching this video you've made than from any other so called experts! They casually discuss rust as it it's a mear blemish on the body work! Wow, I'm now forewarned, thank you.

[@yyyyyyyyzzzzzzzz1997]

I'm in Vietnam and I'm using a Land Cruiser VXR manufactured in February 1995 in Japan. I really love this car so I was very interested in your podcast. Thank you very much!

[@paultrend]

1996 HDJ80 (1HD-FT) 3ple locked @155.000km. I love it. We use it for mild "Overlanding" in Europe. RTT+Fridge+Inverter makes it perfect for vacations abroad the beaten track.

[@igorv4631]

I've had the same one and sold it, worst decision I ever made

[@mr.skeltal3730]

Do you still have it? Just got one in the us and was wondering long term reliability

[@1992Yotaman]

Thanks for the 80s series content. I have a 92 fj80 and your videos help me out a lot and make maintenance a little less intimidating. Keep it up!

[@gerardgunhouse397]

Great 80 series review. I have owned three 96/97 80 series over the past twenty plus years along with a 2003 100 series. I much prefer the 80 due to it simplicity and amazing build quality. This vehicle was overbuilt and designed to last indefinitely providing one keep up with proper maintenance and avoids the rust belt. I still own a 96 LX450 with 85k original miles. I purchased the truck from the original owner in 2001. It has always been garaged and has never been off-road. Spent it's entire life in the southern US (Alabama, Texas and Georgia). It has been meticulously maintained and is in like new condition. I currently own a number of other vehicles including two GX460s and a 200 series but the 80 series is very special from a different era. Cheers

[@6thGearGarage]

This is my first Land Cruiser and I love it! I had saved up for a pretty nice 1st Gen 4runner, but When I saw the opportunity to own a decent 80 for under $10k, I couldn't pass it up. I've owned about 10 80's Toyota Pickups over the years and like you said, the 80 is an entire different league when it comes to build quality. The 80 feels like a tank compared to an 80's 4wd Pickup, and those trucks are tough to begin with!

[@IAm1InTheIAm]

'96 LX450 for 7 years in Alaska. Did all the top end stuff at 200K and it is just a pleasure to drive year-round. Rock-solid dependable on long trips across some pretty desolate country- always gets me home comfortably, too. Love that 1FZ-FE just purrs, what a masterpeice!

[@Gonzobbq]

[@CaseyOrchard-he1hf]

1996 manual petrol 80 its the best thing ive ever bought

[@6thGearGarage]

I wish we had manuals here in North America.

[@michaelconlin2532]

Just got a 92 Land Cruiser. So far I absolutely love it

[@6thGearGarage]

Just got back from a camping trip with mine. I love this vehicle more and more. I don't think there's one vehicle that can do this much in this price range, with Toyota reliability and build quality.

[@johanburger4096]

I'm from South Africa and own a 1997 4500GX carburettor model with a manual transmission. It has done around 250 000 miles. I drive it daily. Unfortunately no front or rear lockers but it has part-time 4wd, with a semi-floating rear axle, as at the time these were deemed simpler to maintain in African conditions. It's an awesome machine from a time long past.

[@6thGearGarage]

I wish mine had a manual transmission. North America only had automatics.

[@davidp130]

I've got a 96 with 185k on it. I bought it as an "overlander" but quickly realized no vehicle that gets 10mph can ever be an overlander. So it's a Rock lander. 4" lift "3x"😅 locked and 37s. Love the thing. I'll never get rid of it even though it's super impractical and demands all my time and money.

[@tedbastwock3810]

Was always confused by all the model numbers under the model name "Land Cruiser", with their wildly different looks. This was a fantastic video, I enjoyed it very much. Thanks!!

[@weingump2602]

2003 lc100 owner here, thank you

[@6thGearGarage]

It' a great time to buy/own a 100 Series. Just as 80 prices have skyrocketed, 100 prices will be next.

[@volvosfromjapan8448]

1991 FJ80 4.0 3FE 8 seater VX Limited imported to UK from Japan, rust free, I love it

[@6thGearGarage]

Nice, the 3fe is a tough motor

[@homewithj1]

I have a 1994 . Fairly clean no mods . 188k when I got . I dont drive much because I live in NYC . But camping and road trips are a blast .

[@6thGearGarage]

Camping and road trips are my favorite thing to do with my 80. Such a great family vehicle!

[@Queensizemusic]

Two things: The FJ60 did NOT usher in an automatic gearbox; it was the FJ62. The FJ80 landed at the end of 1989 for the model year 1990, and was refreshed with a slightly bored out engine in 1993, and rebranded as the FZJ80 through 1997.

[@ASRCivicFerio]

I have 97 collector’s edition since 2005 with 130k miles and picked up a 96 3 years ago with 230k miles both 3 locked!

[@6thGearGarage]

I really wish mine was 3x locked, but they fetch a premium price and I don't do any serious off roading in my 80.

[@alfredobrown]

Interesting fact about the fj80 in Venezuela. People down there know it as Toyota Burbuja (bubble)

[@danbusey]

Official name Autana.

[@Christpheer]

There 2 version , Autana and Burbuja

[@vang1203]

Glad your posting up more videos frequently!!

[@6thGearGarage]

I'm really trying to make this a full time gig!

[@vang1203]

That’s good to hear!! A lot of your videos helped with my 86 4Runner as well! Can’t wait to see whats more to come!

[@6thGearGarage]

@@vang1203 actually, next to come is a 1985 4runner restoration! I just need to get this 1980 long bed together and running first to make room in the garage.

[@vang1203]

@@6thGearGarage right on! That’s gonna be useful for my 84!

[@tractorguy1994]

The way you talk about the Land Cruiser being raw just sounds like what the 70 series still is these days

[@6thGearGarage]

I wish they sold the 70 in the USA.

[@bwarrior6340]

⁠it's OK the 80 series is beter than the 70 series. If that makes you feel better 😂.

[@danbusey]

Corrections... FJ60s were manual transmission only. The FJ62 was the first automatic. The FJ80 arrived in the spring of 1990 as a 1991 model year. The A343 was only sold in the US market. The rest of the world still received the A442 through the end of production. Venezuelan assembly of the 80 series ended in November of 2006. 1991-92 FJ80s had 31x10.50-15 tires. On 93-97 305/70/16 tires will clear at stock ride height. The Prado has been sold in the US, badged as a Lexus GX470 and GX460.

[@christopherrodriguez6254]

Good detailed video. I have a triple locked 93 and unlocked 94. Both over 300k miles and run great! Enjoy your HDJ!

[@phendrix9476]

Got a ‘97 CE with 315K myself and she runs great too. Slight seeping from the valve cover gasket is the only issue

[@phillipthomas5000]

1994 FZJ80 here thankfully with the white paint that didn't have the pealing clear coat like all other toyota colors and AZ truck so no rust just the excessive plastic wear due to heat.

[@6thGearGarage]

The white ones have aged so well. I think the dark metallic green clear coat peels/fades the worst.

[@blackdiamondoffthegrid8703]

Love my 97 LX450 and Land Cruiser. They vary dependable when basic maintenance kept. My 95 1HDT-FT Turbo Diesel is a fun vehicle to drive.

[@pochunlee]

Best comprehensive video, ever! loved the part about the possible problems, you should do a series about that, starting with pesky problems like shaking mirrors, I guess the fix version of the 15 common problems video.

[@6thGearGarage]

Yes! I'll slowly be doing most of those repairs over time and making videos. The problem though, is that I keep buying more project Toyotas!

[@electrikoptik]

The 1FZ in the 105-series was updated. It produced 240hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. About 10 hp more than the non VVT-i 2UZ V8.

[@rossouwlambrechts129]

1996 4,2td VX owner here. Bought last year as a project. Brilliant overlander and so easy to work on. Parts availibility in South Africa is an issue though👎

[@geoffodger]

1994 GXL 5 speed manual 2022 I removed the 1fz-fe and installed a LS 6 litre V8

[@6thGearGarage]

That's absolutely the way to go and if my 1fzfe ever kicks the bucket, I plan on going that route.

[@juskoman2337]

1996 FZJ80 VXR 1FZ-FE 400,000 miles. Its on high Idle and I can't figure it out, is it the vacuum hose, or the valve cover. My grandfather just gave it to me I'm 25.

[@6thGearGarage]

Wow that's high miles, congrats! The valve cover shouldn't be able to cause a high idle. It could definitely be a vacuum leak. I'd start by checking/replacing the hoses, especially if they're the original ones.

[@seanadcock1935]

I daily my 96 LX 450. I absolutely love it! Yeah, I have to work on it a bit, but I wouldn't trade it for anything other than another 80!

[@6thGearGarage]

Being able to work on it yourself is the best part that makes it so affordable.

[@seanadcock1935]

@@6thGearGarage absolutely! Your videos have been awesome! From the valve cover gasket to the front axle rebuild. Definitely made it a whole lot easier! Thank you!

[@alinethomas909]

i *think* i like my 80…i mean i love her, i just got it a couple days ago, it’s triple locked and dressed to the nines for off-roading, sitting on 35’s. the 80 is my dream car but now that i have it, i realize i have no idea how it’s supposed to sound, how do the rpm’s react when merging on the highway? what’s normal? i’m searching youtube for answers but im coming up so short. it was VERY well taken care of but i still have the intrusive thought of..if you spent this much money on it (it looks like a pinterest post) why would you sell it? PHH has been down, head gasket seems fine, lol im just anxious about over working the engine…is that even a thing i can do on a 1FZ-FE?

[@6thGearGarage]

As long as all the rubber hoses have been replaced, the 1fz-fe will only need simple maintenance (fluids/belts/plugs/wires etc) The head gasket issues don't start to pop up until around 200k miles, some sooner and some much later. Merging a loaded 80 with 35's is always going to push the engine hard. You'll be able to drive anywhere, just not fast. Keep the ECT button on all the time and the shift points will be better for accelerating with 35's. I've used my 80 for towing a lot and the 1fz-fe has never given me any problems except slow acceleration and going up big hills.

[@kateotoole6690]

Best 4WD Ever Built!

[@darrenhili6623]

Love your video mate,👍 i have an early 90s 80 which is not triple lock that I'm keeping as standard BUT 6 months after we go it I bought a late 91modle wich has all the features (triple locked, fridge, heated seats....) That I use for overlanding in Europe 😅 simply love these beast!! They are with just around 150k Miles. The only doen side here in Malta is the parts availability 😔 we have to import most of them from other countries and shipping costs more than the actual product 😅 unfortunately in the early 2000s most of the land cruisers that where purchased from Toyota Malta got scrapped and sold for metal!! Very few are left on the roads that are not imported. The Maltese market didn't have all the extras that the Japanese market had to offer also! Thank you for your videos mate

[@6thGearGarage]

Why did they scrap so many land cruisers in Malta in the early 2000's? That's tragic! I searched on google and didn't find an answer.

[@RaymondWetzbarger]

I've owned my '93 80 since 2003. Changed the birfields, and had the head gasket changed out due to the pesky heater hose failure. The truck has 164,000 on it. It's been a Great, rust free vehicle that needs a paint job. Reckon it's time to let it go. Plan on replacing it with a 2024 4-Runner.

[@6thGearGarage]

Yeah, my 85 has the 22r/5speed original drivetrain (rear axle is from a 1988 because it's 3" wider, not any stronger) and it has been regeared to 5.29's for the 35" tires. I've had it offroad plenty of times and never broken anything but I'm not pegging it at WOT bouncing off rocks either. Mostly just exploring trails and a little rock crawling.

[@zrwz66]

I had that exact model Land Cruiser in red. It was great. And as far as passing other cars? It passed everyone in the pouring rain. Never had a single problem with it.

[@6thGearGarage]

Red is a great color... I don't see many in the red.

[@zrwz66]

@@6thGearGarage I really miss that Land Cruiser. It made my otherwise meek azz feel like some conquering road warrior.

[@6thGearGarage]

@@zrwz66 Same... it's not even giant compared to modern vehicle standards, but it feels so huge and indestructible when I'm driving it.

[@zrwz66]

@@6thGearGarage Solid, solid, solid truck.

[@drewfleming7065]

Thanks for the history tour....I had a 70 FJ40 way back and loved the simplicity...even down the the copy of the Chevy straight 6....How do you like the right hand drive?? Dont know if Id ever get use to it....

[@6thGearGarage]

The right hand drive was pretty easy to get used to. Aside from drive thrus and passing big trucks (I don't do much passing in an 80) there is really no disadvantage to RHD. It's actually nice when parallel parking and I don't have to step out into traffic.

[@jraddd3477]

Bought a 97 lx540 in pretty mint condition for 1k, it was at a pick and pull yard (got towed in as an abandoned vehicle from Aspen.) Only thing missing was cd player. The yard got me a title, got a key made for it and fired right up. They wanted $700 but I felt bad so gave them 1k. Paint and interior was literally mint.

[@6thGearGarage]

Wow that is the exact definition of the deal of a life time.... congrats!

[@jraddd3477]

@@6thGearGarage Thanks!

[@jeanneblackwell5123]

Is there a quick check to see if my water pump is working properly? 1982 toyota pickup. seems to be heating up on short trips. needs water. no leaks. new radiator 2 years ago. thanks.

[@6thGearGarage]

If it's loosing coolant and there are zero leaks anywhere, it could be a leaking headgasket allowing coolant to enter the cylinder while driving. I'd do a compression check: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGiolYWteLxsfNU

[@jeanneblackwell5123]

thank you for the quick reply and video to show me how to check the compression. However, I am not loosing coolant. I have added water to the radiator and the coolant level stayed the same. @@6thGearGarage

[@6thGearGarage]

@@jeanneblackwell5123 Sorry, I misread that! Well that's good news then. I'd start with the simple things first. You already have a new rad, so that'd good. How old is the thermostat, and is it an OEM part? I''ve had bad luck with cheap ones and only use OEM Aisin thermostats on my toyotas now.

[@jeanneblackwell5123]

He charged me for a new thermostat but I will check it out at any rate. Thanks. @@6thGearGarage

[@Youtube304s]

damn that profile at 1:18, i'm gonna need a clean up on aisle six.

[@jakeodonovan2864]

I own the exact same (color too) JDM, 100k klm. Use it as a daily currently, I don't notice the gas-guzzling nature as a former American V8 driver. Thanks for posting great videos, we use the others for our 94 hilux as well!

[@6thGearGarage]

I did the math once and depending on current gas prices, I pay $15 to $20 an hour just in gas to drive this beast.

[@fergalshevlin6920]

@@6thGearGarage Oh dear, I've just realized that it won't fit yours either! Duh!

[@delportbotma930]

Thank you for this great video, very informative!

[@6thGearGarage]

You're very welcome!

[@jamiegreenwood7996]

your north Amercian 80 series Landcruiser is totally different to ours here in Australia......yours only petrol models ours diesel and turbo diesel variants plus manual gear boxes part time four wheel system with locking front hubs with some having rear barn doors

[@6thGearGarage]

Imported turbo diesels with manual trans sell for top dollar here. We love them!

[@austinyang3253]

Great video. What do you think of the '24 LC coming to NA?

[@6thGearGarage]

I like it. The 200 appeared more luxury/Lexus than an tough Toyota and they weren't selling many. Although smaller than the old Land Cruisers, this reset should breathe a lot of life back into the nameplate.

[@AngelDlamini-g3k]

Nice marvelous art of work by Toyota

[@6thGearGarage]

We agree!

[@shanevonharten3100]

Full time 4wd was the biggest mistake on the 80's, fine as an option but for general use the ability to run rear only improves drivability and economy along with reduced wear. The differences here in Australia are super obvious

[@6thGearGarage]

I agree 100%. I love the part time/ locking hubs on my 1985 Pickup (Hilux) The problem is that most Americans only drove their 80 Series to the mall to go shopping, so Toyota knew that a soccer mom didn't want to step out of the vehicle to lock the hubs in a snow storm and built every North American 80 that way. We never had manual transmission for the same reason :(

[@bossomar7062]

I have 1997 40th Anerversty Landcurier with 315k+. And yes it will pass cars very quickly. My biggest concern is my interior and front end clicking when I do tight turns. Woul love another one.

[@6thGearGarage]

That clicking is the birfield. Mine did the exact same thing and I made a video showing how to replace it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqmwcnajnb5gadk it’s a long messy job but I saved a lot of $ doing it myself.

[@landcruiserscotland]

Great video. I learned a lot from all the little details!

[@bobmariano3731]

Awesome video & great details & info . Have a 1995 LC with 250,000 & going strong . 💪 thx so much again . 👍⚾️

[@UpulRanjana-sq1tz]

cute cat yo ❤😅

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks! He's my garage buddy

[@davidmilledge221]

I wish Toyota brought back the 80series would sell like hot cakes , must still have the coils and solid front diff and bugger all electronics 😊are you listening Toyota

[@AngelDlamini-g3k]

It's a complete Master piece

[@bossomar7062]

Great video

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks!

[@DanielinLaTuna]

Can I get a Venezuelan series 80 after 25 years in California? Thanks in advance, Daniel I have an FJ40 and a 55 (with the expected body rust 😢). Both running fuel injection, though I should have kept them carburete

[@6thGearGarage]

I'm unsure on how imports work in cali due to the state's strict emissions. I know they still apply to vehicles older than 25 years.

[@AverageOverlander]

Pretty solid video.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks!

[@Christpheer]

I get a version 2007 Venezuela manual

[@6thGearGarage]

Very nice... LHD right?

[@Christpheer]

@ yes

[@richardmac65]

1997 HDJ80 Triple locked 270 000km

[@timwilde4200]

Great video - thanks

[@ricardoarmas001]

97 LX 450 boy do I have a lot of work a head of me.

[@andrewshinabery8039]

Good video.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks!

[@NigelNaughton]

Awesome vid!

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks!

[@heribertohernandez1320]

​@6thGearGarage If I'm in the market for a rock crawler/murder which year landcruiser would you choose from 93-97?

[@NigelNaughton]

@@heribertohernandez1320 93 and up had the better 24v engine and 95 and up were OBD2 and better interior (updated dash) . The newer the better.

[@rezamansoor14]

1997 - 40th anniversary Triple locked

[@6thGearGarage]

Nice, that's the best of the best!

[@RM_Garage]

YUP. The last of its kind for sure!! My 1FZ might be removed in the near future even though it's a fresh rebuild... yes they are *thirsty*. LS in the future.

[@6thGearGarage]

I am moving the body to a clean frame with no rust. Long restoration, more videos to come!

[@6thGearGarage]

That reply was meant for a comment on one of my 1980 pickup videos… not sure how I replied that to yours. My 80 frame is good to go!

[@احبوطني-ق1ق]

Yes, I own a Land Cruiser 80 from 1997, but unfortunately, the market has run out of spare parts, such as the body kit and some accessories. Japan will have a bad reputation.

[@linomartinez9505]

I thought the Land Cruiser was an actual 4x4 and not an AWD vehicle

[@6thGearGarage]

Some have part time 4wd, but not any that were sold in North America.

[@wbrown9476]

80 series was from 1990 to 1997 not 1991

[@6thGearGarage]

I should have said North America got the 80 in 1991. We're usually a year behind.

[@AA-vr8ez]

A G wagon can do all of that, and pass a vehicle on the highway. Up till 2018, they had solid front axles. And they are reliable, but they’re not Land Cruiser reliable lol.

[@6thGearGarage]

I've seen the abuse they can take in the WD videos... pretty impressive.