Buying a Landcruiser

Muzz, the 80 is by far the better choice if only for the fact that all 60 series are at least over 17 years old so finding one in good condition that will be reliable for desert travel could be difficult. The coil suspention too is far superior for both a comfortable ride & long wheel travel. For good range outback the 4.2 diesel is hard to beat with the post 96 update model being the pick of the range whether it be in the base model or GXL. Some of the earlier models had gearbox syncro issues, leaked in the power steering & cracked around the body mounts (amoung other problems). For a heap of detailed information about the 80 series landcruiser(or 75, 90, 100, 120 series) go to Landcruiser owners online .
Cheers Craig.......
HZJ105 Vic

Depends on how much you got to spend. Myself if I had the $$$$ I would go an 80 series auto factory turbo diesel. In my opinion they ride better than a 60 series as they have coil spring over leaf spring, quiter inside and if looking for a weekend worrier they have better articulation, but once again it depends on how much you have to spend. Dont get me wrong I have seen heaps of 60 series running about and are a bloody strong vehicle but petrol in one of the 60 series are a thirsty bugger and are carby only. These also did come in auto petrol or turbo diesel as well. The turbo auto were bloody great I reckon. The 60 series only come auto in turbo diesel form but can get in manual in either straight diesel or petrol. The 80 series in petrol auto form are great as my mate has one but as to be expected when your pushing 2 tonne plus are thirsty roughly 20L plus around town 17/18 on a long run these are his figures. Some one on this forum that actually has one may give you a better figure. Very thirsty on the sand but what petrol isnt, cant have it all. My ideal vehicle if I had the $$$$ is an 80 series turbo diesl auto in sahara form. Factory diff locks front and back all the goodies but are rare as rocking horse sh@t. This is all just my thoughts, I am sure you will get some more answers you are looking for. Good luck hunting. Oh yeah and if talking about doing desert runs I would defiantely go diesel. Regards Steve M

Muzz as the other guys have mentioned if you want to do desert touring I'd definately go the Diesel. Also if you can afford it, go for the 80 series, the ride difference is amazing. But you could get a factory TD 60 series (top of the range) for the same price as a standard 80 series with just a straight N/A diesel. Hard decission mate, but I'm sure you'll be happy what ever way you go - just get out there ;))

Most 60's will need a decent going over mechanically and may cost a bit in replacing bits and pieces if you want to take it to remote locations unless the previous owner was very meticulous. Finding one without rust is becoming harder also. If you can factor this in then they can be a good buy. If you want more comfort then definitely the 80.

Easy Choice Muzza , if money isn't a consideration go the 80 series they are almost as good as a GU.

However sometimes money is the deciding factor , but there is another factor which depends on the person and that is that of working with and on the car.

A 60 series is inexpensive and stuff is cheap for them.

My brother runs one , with a chev V8 in it , runs 120lt gas and 120lt petrol with coil assisted leafs all round. Has a great range, cheap to run , suspension is "passable" now, and is a quite capable 4wd.

His dream is to get and 80 series but not quite what you may think.
He wants one of the first out , think 1990 with the old 3F motor in it and before the constant 4wd came in.

Of course he will throw the engine out and chuck in his chev , but will gain better suspension and body intregrity.

Robin Miller