The Legendary 60 Series Land Cruiser (FJ 60 PROS & CONS!)

A review of the Legendary Toyota 60 Series Land Cruiser including Pros, Cons, Pricing, and an overview of my personal FJ60!
Specter Off-road (Land Cruiser Parts):
www.sor.com
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📌 Timestamps:
00:00 - INTRO
01:12 - BEST LAND CRUISER EVER?
02:41 - BAT LAND CRUISER MANIA RECAP
03:04 - 60 SERIES PROS
04:10 - 60 SERIES CONS
05:15 - PICTURES OF MY FJ60
10:53 - PRICING ANALYSIS
12:14 - OUTTRO

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

Welcome to the Vintage 4WD Auctions channel! Hope you enjoy the content, would love to hear your thoughts on the Legendary 60 Series Land Cruiser 🚙🚙

[@moparyou]

I've had a diesel 40 series, a diesel 80 series, and I recently got my first 60 series... a 1987 diesel with factory AC and Power windows, door locks and mirrors. I share your passion for these trucks.

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

Thanks for your comment @moparyou absolutely share your enthusiasm for these rigs and I wish we got the factory diesels in the US

[@paulboon1100]

I own a "86 FJ62series highroof, or as they are called here in Australia a "SAHARA" its a carburetted 3F with auto box. Owned it for 24 years, and is still original apart from rebuild auto tranny. Its done 700.000km still running the same as when i bought it. Only the peripheral parts have been replaced, alternator, starter, radiator etc. Engine has never been apart at all. And its again ready to tackle the outback, my favorite car that has served me the best of all that ive had, im 62 years old now. Own a 100 series as well, yes its smoother, drives well, more power etc etc, but its not the same, nor as strong and too complicated, not good for reliabillity in the outback. Give me a sixty anytime, change oil and grease in time, never a problem.

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@paulboon1100 Thanks for watching the video all the way from Australia and for your comment! I agree with your sentiment about the 100 vs. the 60. It's just not the same experience to drive...and nowhere near as fun!

[@kylebryner3468]

Great video! I’ve always wanted a 60-series, and FINALLY ended up getting my dream rig…a super clean 87’ HJ61! Super sweet, right hand drive, 5-speed, and the might 12H-T turbo diesel! My son’s 80-series is cool…but the 60-series is just something special. I look forward to more videos!

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@kylebryner3468 Thanks for watching and for your comment! Totally agree, I love the 80 as well but there is just something about the vintage coolness and utility of a 60. Your HJ61 sounds awesome by the way, enjoy!

[@Photoboy1948]

I bought my silver ‘87 LandCruiser station wagon that spring for $3K under MSRP and shipped it to Munich, Germany, where ironically my boss had an ‘83 in tan. He was Army and I was Air Force so it figures in the color choices. 😉 I drove in dense urban traffic, on the autobahn and all over Europe with no issues with size or speed. I was the vehicle for choice with my weekend golfing buddies as it would hold our clubs and our pull carts for up to as many as five of us. I taught my daughter how to drive it. My neighbor bugged the hell out of me to sell it to him so after three and a half years I gave in. With only 27,000 miles I sold it for only $2K less than I paid for it as this was when off roading and four wheel drive station wagons were becoming popular. To this day I regret ever getting rid of it.

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@Photoboy1948 Awesome story and thanks for sharing about your '87 Land Cruiser! I think about selling mine from time to time, but I worry about the same thing with future regret!

[@adamsfly6212]

I have a 1985 that I have owned since 1992. It was stolen in 2017, recovered in 2018 and I have spent the last 5 years restoring it back to its original condition. I wouldn't have done that if I didn't love the machine. The only thing that is a real problem is that it is SLOW, especially at 6000 ft. Personally, I like the fact that the market is going soft. It's a utility vehicle which is what I use it for and I can't wrap my head around as to why these types of machines can fetch so much money. Besides, something of value just becomes more desirable to thieves, which I've been through that once. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@adamsfly6212 That's awesome that you've been working on the restoration for 5 years, I bet it looks terrific. I can see where you are coming from with why these would fetch so much money. I do think to your point the market is cooling a bit, I am currently watching this one and surprised just how little activity there is and the low current bid bringatrailer.com/listing/1987-toyota-land-cruiser-fj60-142/ . Thanks for tuning in to the channel!

[@blackdiamondoffthegrid8703]

Its a beauty! I had 85 red with less then 100k, and my buddy happily took off my hand. I'm vary fond of the 60 and 80.

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@blackdiamondoffthegrid8703 Nice! I would have GLADLY taken that off your hands too LOL. Yes, I love both the 60 Series and 80, both absolutely awesome rigs. Thanks for tuning in to the channel and make sure to subscribe to get our KZbin Shorts Daily!

[@nkmatopycide4179]

❤❤❤❤❤ I can’t live without my 88 FJ62. This video made me cry happy tears as I’m currently away from my truck and unable to drive it. I love it in Red so much!

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

Hi @nkmatopycide4179 Glad the video could bring you some happiness and memories of your FJ62, hopefully you'll be driving it soon! Thanks for tuning in to the channel!

[@jasondante313]

I'm the unlucky guy who sold the bronze metallic 60 on your video. It was cool to see it on your well done video. I agree that the timing was horrible to sell, but your not given the option for when your vehicle goes live. Oh Well, I have a few more going up for auction this summer. Hopefully those well restored trucks will do better. I love the 60 series and thoroughly enjoy keeping them on the road! Again, great video 👍

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@jasondante313 You just got a new sub from me on your channel. ✅ Like I said your Bronze Metallic 60 was in great shape and I've personally always loved that unique color, look forward to seeing your upcoming restored 60s this summer👍

[@RonaldChapman-jg5xu]

I had the 62, and loved it!! Now days iv got a 80. Love it too!

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@RonaldChapman-jg5xu Thanks for the comment and thanks for tuning in to the channel! Nice that you had a 62, they are great rigs. I also LOVED my 80. Hold on to the 80, they are becoming increasingly desirable for good reason! 🚙🚙

[@ivorscruton5121]

Having had BJ 40, FJ 45, FJ 60, BJ 70, BJ 71, HJ 61and a BJ 42, my favourite was the HJ 61 JDM The 1987 HJ 61 was a raised roof, 6 cylinder direct injection turbo diesel, 5 speed, cable lockers, PTO winch, floating rear axle with other luxury items including suspension seats. Close second wasmthe BJ 71, which had all the items of the 61 but with a 13 BT 4 cylinder direct injection turbo diesel. Being the best off road, due to it's size, that also tipped thw scale to the 61, at least for the travelling i us4d it for. The FJ 60 is a great rig, but slow and thirsty, the diesel HJ 61 is good for 1150 km (700 miles) on its 90 litre (23 US gallon) tank. The 5 speed makes for comfortable cruising, but to be realistic these vehicles although capable of higher speeds are not safe nuch above 60 mph, given their weight, primitive suspension and weak brakes. None the less I accepted the compromises and drove accordingly.

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@ivorscruton5121 This is awesome! I've been seeing a lot of Rest of World (ROW) Series Land Cruisers posting on BaT recently. There is a guy out of the Pacific Northwest (Cascade) that is importing these RHD 60 and 70 series. Let me tell you...I am more and more tempted to pick one up. That raised roof HJ 61 is literally AWESOME. Thanks for tuning in and for weighing in with your comment! 🚙🚙

[@ivorscruton5121]

@Vintage4WDAuctions The JDM Cruisers were inexpensive before they became popular, I imported quite a few to Canada. The HJ 61 was $4500 with 65 k miles and $1100 for shipping and documentation. Sold it to someone in the US for $30k in 2012 when it became eligible to enter the states. The same truck in Japan now is selling for $40k. When the JDM market in Canada became saturated, I stopped importing. The last one was a 1996 SWB Land Cruiser Prado 5 speed turbo diesel with 16k miles in showroom condition, which I got for $2500 FOB.

[@kylebryner3468]

I just purchased an HJ61…I couldn’t be happier! Great rig!

[@flyingmulerider7166]

I am the one that bought the FJ40 you have featured at 2:02 on this video. I have also since bought an 1989 FJ62. Love them both, the the FJ62 is a bit more practical to enjoy. Like your channel.

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@flyingmulerider7166 That is awesome, absolutely beautiful '78 FJ 40. The Mustard Yellow is probably my favorite color. Congrats on an awesome BaT win and Land Cruiser. Also, thanks for tuning in to the channel!

[@flyingmulerider7166]

@@Vintage4WDAuctions There were three vehicles that you recently featured that sent me over the top .. 1st the 1984 Jeep Custom Wagoneer that sold for $41k that was probably a very good deal, 2nd the 1967 Chev Suburban that sold for $75k -very cool truck and then to top of the pile who can forget the 1967 International Harvestor out of Durango, Colorado that sold for $67k --- epic truck for sure. You are costing me money!! Ha! Love it

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@@flyingmulerider7166 100% Agreed, those were some seriously bad@$$ rigs! I would say that IH Travelall in Durango single-handedly set off my obsession with all things IH, ha!

[@mizeadventure9438]

Well thought out video and flowed really well. Got a sub from me.

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@mizeadventure9438 Thank you for the feedback and the sub! Just gave your channel a look...I'm sold, looks awesome! New sub from me

[@arnaudjouffreau6146]

Bonjour, from France 🗼!your FJ 60 is beautiful 👍 I have a 84 HJ 60 ,diesel 4.0 since 1994, 500000 kms , and 99 HDJ 100 ,T diesel since 2007, 500000 so! in the 60 you enter is another world each time 🏜🏞, and alwways ready to help the j100!!!

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@arnaudjouffreau6146 Very nice! 👍You've got quite the Land Cruiser collection over there, LOVE the diesel power with yours! Thank you for you tuning in from beautiful France and for your comment!

[@MissionOffRoad]

I have an '84 with 260k miles. It's not showroom quality but has zero rust.

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

Nice! 260K and still going strong with zero rust even better. Thanks for your comment and for tuning in to the channel @MissionOffRoad

[@stephenflowers4892]

Beautiful 60, I love the red ones and yours looks to be in amazing shape. I have an 84 FJ60 in the classic beige. It’s original paint (in excellent condition), rust free and has an H55 conversion. You mentioned Houston, is that where you live? If so, I’m in Memorial.

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@stephenflowers4892 It's only original once as they say, that is awesome that your '84 is in such amazing original condition. Mine was a glass out repaint and I've done some light "refurbishment" like I mentioned in the video (grill, OME suspension, etc.) but is also mostly original. I did live in Houston for a while and it would be common to see me getting passed on I-10, probably passed by you in Memorial at some point! Cheers! 🚙🚙

[@chadwickestey]

Love this video! I have a 85 FJ60 that I'm needing to restore (needs a new frame, any ideas?). Super excited to eventually get it back on the road!

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

Thanks for tuning in @chadwickestey glad you liked the video. I’d recommend starting a thread on the forum ih8mud.com a lot of active members over there. I recall seeing a post for an FJ 60 frame but it was some years ago. Awesome you are going to do the restore! 🚗🚗

[@RP-nc5ev]

TLC north Carolina

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@RP-nc5ev Thanks for tuning in! Yes, TLC owned by Jonathan Ward is in NC, I confused it with Icon which is his other company out of the Los Angeles area icon4x4.com/about-icon/our_story. I would love to get my hands on either a TLC or an Icon, can't go wrong either way! 🚙🚙

[@derekbryant6137]

I'm actually going to be looking for one I'm after Simplicity and ease of operation and very little Electronics in this particular type of vehicle checks all those boxes

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@derekbryant6137 Couldn't agree more, that was one of the major draws for me when I got mine. Thanks for watching and for your comment!

[@justinhollingsworth120]

Love my '85 FJ60, got it for $5k 12 years ago!

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@justinhollingsworth120 Man I was LITERALLY just talking about this with a buddy. You used to be able to pick these 60-62s up on the cheap. Not anymore! Thanks for watching and your comment! 🚙🚙

[@andrewevans9557]

Hey thanks for the detailed video. I've just bought one. It needs ALOT of work on it. Infact I've decided to not go original at all. It needs to be my main wagon doing a monthly 700km trip on a nasty tar road, so will be installing a 1UZ, Toyota's own 1 000 000 mile V8 motor. I'll end up modifying it for comfort but also for off road capability. You have a very good looking wagon there.

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

Hey @andrewevans9557 thanks for watching the channel! Keep me posted with how it goes with your 1UZ install. I’ve heard very good things and of course the 100 Series ran off the Legendary 2UZ so great company! 🚗🚗

[@dronetrucker]

1UZ FE was my swap planning also.

[@vanillathunder988]

Very nice 60 series. I owned a red 62 for 20 years. 60 series are rust prone, unfortunately, though not nearly so much as a 40 or 55. Another negative with the 60 according to Jonathan Ward of TLC is that they're prone to exhaust leaks at the manifold. I also consider the carbureted engine a con. Best combo is the FJ62 3FE engine with a 4 or 5 speed manual transmission. Automatics are OK I guess. The 80 series has a much better one than the automatic offered in the FJ62.

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@vanillathunder988 Thanks for the comment and sharing your experience. I know what you mean about the 40's and 55's. I've been looking for a clean rust-free "Iron Pig" 55 for a while, has proven to be a challenge. FJ 62 with a 5 Speed manual swap and the stock EFI is the way to go.

[@timwilliams2035]

1983 Bj60 3b diesel 5 speed is my favourite

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

Very nice @timwilliams2035 love the Toyota diesel BJ series

[@timwilliams2035]

@@Vintage4WDAuctions Here in Canada the Eastern 60s rotted due to snow and to our South the United States had gas automatics. Then the 40 fans stole the 3bs and now you don’t get them as much

[@chrisdudley6583]

Have you seen any foreign diesel versions sell on BAT? How'd they do?

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@chrisdudley6583 Not too many. Limited sales, but the last one was an imported BJ60 from Costa Rica in March '22. Sold for $48,500 and left hand drive! Thanks for tuning in!

[@edwinthomas618]

I love my 84 Fj60 with 179K. Back i. 2017 I got mine for only $5200. To all new owners, its vital to check the Galley Plug. 😊

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

Hi @edwinthomas618 thank you for your comment and thank you for watching the channel!

[@Rays_Bad_Decisions]

What is the galley plug?? Please explain

[@mattallengroupatREAL]

I have a 77 fj40, it doesn’t drive like a tractor. More like a high powered lawnmower!

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@mattallengroupatcompassale7762 I stand corrected, LOL. Hilarious! Thanks for tuning in!

[@mustangsky24]

Hi all, guys i need your help about 2 options to buy, first 84 Cruiser with engine 15bft 4.100cc turbo diésel and 5° manual and the second option another cruiser i dont know the year between 1984-86 but with F2 engine, what option it is better? the 15bft engine its good too? or bad option. please help.

[@ephjay6t87]

I daily my '87. I'll keep it alive because there are no substitutes.

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

Love this comment @ephjay6t87 as you can tell I LOVE my 60 and can def. relate!

[@toyotadiesel4970]

Well, I disagree with pros/cons a bit. Why on earth 3-pedals-only is a "pro"? There is always a manual stick option available if you want that, for all the other land cruisers. 4-speed manual is not good, honestly. 5-speeed is so much better on a highway(if you've got 4, replace it with 5 you will be amazed). And automatic trumps them all, I've made 5speed to original auto from JDM HJ61 conversion on my 60 series, rebuilt it completely and this was the best mod i've done to my 12H-T 60. My pros and cons over the 80 are: Pros: 1) HIGH ROOF, the 60 series can come with a high roof, which is fantastic for travels and living inside the car, 80 can not be high roof, this was actually the main reason why I chose the 60 over 80 for my latest project. 2) 12H-T is a more powerful that 1HZ and more robust than 1HD, this is the best engine toyota ever made for a rugged offroader. With moderate tuning you can get quite a decent power off of it too. 3) 60 series is much LIGHTER than 80, we're speaking of like 300 kg difference here on actual measurement i've had. 4) Front diff is MUCH stronger 9.5" whereas 80 is 8" only and is prone to breaking under heavy load and oversized tires 5) Both diffs are on the same line whereas 80's diffs pumpkins each dig their own line 6) Failproof mechanical cable front and rear diff lockers whereas 80 got electric lockers. Yes, 60 series have got factory lockers!!! Haven't you seen them? Google it up you will be amazed. Not every 80 on the market has got lockers either, and pray they're still working after all these years or you're in for a big cash investment. 7) PTO winch with reverse gear is available 8) Simple suspension with a lot less parts to worry about(this is also a con) Cons: 1) Passive safety - no airbags or ABS(not all the 80s are equipped with those either) 2) Longer rear overhang 3) Leaf springs may(or may not!!!) be more harsh ride and less articulation 4) Leaf springs low hanging attachment points, can be fixed in a few ways though 5) Part time 4wd whereas 80 got fulltime with torsen, on the other hand you can disconnect front wheels with wheel hubs, these are cases when you might want or need that.. 6) Some parts are becoming hard to find and expensive to buy.. 7) Narrow wheel track, can be fixed to a degree with offset wheels ...and that's about it. Speaking of "luxury" I don't know what are you talking about mate, maybe in the US, but it's all accessible worldwide for retrofit, i'm not a japan or US citizen myself, 60 CAN be quite luxurious too, electric power windows and locks and sunroof, 3-zone air con with ice maker in center console box, velour seats which are considered more luxury in japan than leather, with electric lumbar support, heating and even shock-absorber seat suspension! It can also have 3rd row seats. Also power mirrors. You see It's all options. You can get bone-basic 80 series which rides stiff and slow on a naturally aspirated diesel, which got no airbags or abs as well, only manual window rollers and no electric locks, which got manual transmission and the horrible 3-passenger front row seats..

[@thunderlovelights6746]

my favorite

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@thunderlovelights6746 Thank you! Couldn’t agree more! 🚗🚗

[@richardkraft6046]

I bought a 87 fj60 on Bring a trailer Turns out it needs new engine Is it worth it to put in LS engine Truck needs every thing They quoted me 15.5 for a rebuilt fs

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@richardkraft6046 I am sorry to hear about your experience on Bring a Trailer. That’s very frustrating. I have heard very good things about the LS swap. I think Joe Rogan did that in his 80 Series. A lot of great info on this topic on the forum ih8mud.com . Hopefully that helps! Thanks for watching! 🚗🚗

[@dronetrucker]

I bought mine 7 years ago for cheap.

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@dronetrucker Nice buy, especially ahead of these climbing prices! Thanks for watching the channel!

[@stefan7285]

I got an HJ60-82 2H with turbo, 2" lift. Loud as fuck, rides like shit, can´t take your eyes off of the road for more than half a second, if you hit a grain of sand you bounce through the roof........and i can´t wait til next time i drive it :) :)

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@stefan7285 LOL, now THAT is one hell of a comment! Almost knocked me out of my chair literally laughing out loud. Thanks for tuning in to the channel and enjoy that HJ-60!

[@peterjanke4791]

If its not a hj 60 its not a 4x4

[@MR-hu1bx]

Definitely not the best Landcruiser 😂

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@RM-hu1bx I’m with you 😂 Can we please get the 70 Series in the US?! 🚗🚗 Thanks for watching the channel!

[@nboris31]

@@Vintage4WDAuctions The best body styling, still! :)

[@bogotstogoskiing]

@@nboris31 Definitely! Love my FJ62. We all know the best cruiser is a triple locked 80 in the US.

[@nboris31]

Sure!@@bogotstogoskiing

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

⁠@@nboris31 Agreed, I love it! Its seriously classic styling. Thanks for your comment and tuning in to the channel! 🚗🚗

[@dameianjones6641]

You have a awesome truck. What year is this truck and how much do they go for?

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@dameianjones6641 Thank you, I love it! These 60s generally go from a range of $20k to $40k on BaT.

[@dameianjones6641]

@@Vintage4WDAuctions Thanks for that. Where could I find these awesome trucks

[@Vintage4WDAuctions]

@@dameianjones6641 I’d recommend viewing the websites bringatrailer.com carsandbids.com or corsetticruisers.com Good luck, let me know if you end up buying one, they are awesome! 🚗🚗