Utemad replied:

I have never seen one without rust. They are old and you would have to be doing pretty bloody well to find one that hasn't seen a beach or hard off roading.
I'd get a hardtop for your big trip. Although a friend of mine did a Brisbane - Melbourne trip in a soft top petrol Cruiser. Another mate had a hard top shorty dual fuel and it wasn't economical on petrol or gas.

fateddie54 replied:

Gday casilly,
Rust is very common in these older landcruisers, expecially around the rear corners, and the bottom of the doors-theyre a double skin production which is prone to rusting out. You'll be luck to find one without rust! Its just a matter of how much your willing to put up with or remove...
As for fuel efficiency-well youre looking in the wrong place if $$$ are of concern-theyre very thirsty. My 2f (standard petrol motor) was getting about 5 k's per litre on petrol, and a little worse on gas. If youre planning on doing a longer trip, I think you should really take this into consideration...Definitlely try and find one with a five speed box for the freeways..
As for soft top or hard, its a personal preference, the soft top is quieter for passengers, and assuming its fitted correctly will shelter from the elements. Obviously security becomes and issue, especially with no lockable glove box etc.
It sounds like I'm condemming the old L.C's but thats hardly the case-I drive one myself! and i love it. Theyre basically indestructalbe, and with the correct maintenance very reliable. They are a very competent off road vehicle, and are tolerable in the city. With the right setup ie. five speed box, disc brakes, and some comfy seats, possibly a V8?? the old girl should treat you pretty well.
Hope this has helped!

Phil G replied:

Get the 1981-1984 models because they have power steering, disk brakes and 5 speed box.

Old diesels are expensive to fix; old petrol motors are not.
Old petrol motors use a fair bit of fuel, so its six of one.............

Cheers
Phil

casilly replied:

Thanks very much everyone, your information has been very helpful!

Cheers,
matt.