If I was shopping for a Land Cruiser...what else should I also be looking at.

[g60rabbit]

This may be a silly question but what else would be considered a capable offroader family hauler?

I have been back and fourth on swapping out the jump seats in the defender with a bench seat so I can haul around my 2 kids in it. But even then it seems like a pian to get a 2 year old and 6 year old in and out of the truck.

So I have always been drawn to the mid 90ish Cruiser. What else should I be looking at in that class. Is there much even in that class? Family hauler with offroad capabilty?

LR Discovery??

Repair cost ect arent a huge concern at this point in my search. Just looking for comparable vehicles.

[mike_A3]

http://www.grandwagoneer.net/

[g60rabbit]

http://www.grandwagoneer.net/

Link didnt work...but no jeeps.

[CreeperSleeper]

The 80-series Land Cruiser is a lot better of a rig than a Disco. Perhaps a Range Rover Country would be something to look at. I would also look at the 4th Generation 4Runner. They are built off of the Land Cruiser Prado chassis and are very well built. Hope that helps!

[PoorHouse]

RR or Disco, not much else is solid axle.

If your comfortable with LR's you could check them out.

I have a 97 LC (well the Lexus version), last year of the I6 and solid axle. I'm happy with it.

Check out IH8MUD forums for more LC info.

[g60rabbit]

The 80-series Land Cruiser is a lot better of a rig than a Disco. Perhaps a Range Rover Country would be something to look at. I would also look at the 4th Generation 4Runner. They are built off of the Land Cruiser Prado chassis and are very well built. Hope that helps!

Thanks for the responses guys

I had a 3rd Gen 4runner.. One of the best Vehicles I ever had. Sold it to get a 4th GEN CPO V8 Sport 4runner. Truck was in the shop every 3 weeks or so. Sunroof seal problems,Radiator let go, 4 lo stopped working. Chrome muffler tip [not a big issue] fell off while driving down the road, and some more crap.

The truck was beautiful and I know doesnt represent Toyota. But being that I have had 2 Runners already I just want something different.

[AnAgentOrange]

If your against the Jeeps, looking at an FJ60/62 or even at a FJ80 would be my preference.

[schwein]

if your not TOO worried about gas millage (probably average less than 15 in the winter and only slightly over in the summer) but want a dead nutz reliable SUV that looks the part and will go anywhere find your self a 1995-1997 FZJ80 land cruiser. if you only need 2 rows of seats (although you can find one with a 3rd row sometimes) and want slightly better gas millage (less than 20 averaged with the V8) buy a 2003+ Toyota 4Runner Limited with the V8. either way your getting a sweet ride!

[g60rabbit]

if your not TOO worried about gas millage (probably average less than 15 in the winter and only slightly over in the summer) but want a dead nutz reliable SUV that looks the part and will go anywhere find your self a 1995-1997 FZJ80 land cruiser. if you only need 2 rows of seats (although you can find one with a 3rd row sometimes) and want slightly better gas millage (less than 20 averaged with the V8) buy a 2003+ Toyota 4Runner Limited with the V8. either way your getting a sweet ride!

MPG isnt an issue. My defender isnt exactly a TDI

As I mentioned before. I had a V8 sport Runner [and a 3rd gen V6]. Want something different.

I dont "need" the 3rd row, but with 4 nieces and nephews it would be a nice option.

So I will probably look into the 95-97 Cruiser

[boostmonster]

Yup, people that own LC 80's love them. I bought my FZJ80 for the same reason you are looking at them. I am by no means a hardcore off roader. I do take it out on club rides and it's primary duties are family hauler. I have the third row seats, and with 1994 seatbelt configuration, I have seating for 8. Since they are heavy solid axle trucks, that's how they ride, like trucks.

Sorry, I'm not more objective, but I love my truck. For the size, cargo room, seating(3rd row), reliability, and solid axle off road worthiness... I couldn't find anything that compared when I was looking.

My sugestions:

Keep your existing truck, add jump seats
Look at Gelandewagens
Look at UZJ120's

Pretty much what others have suggested.

[MCTB]

How much room do you need? A D1/2 is tiny compared to an 80 series. You already have a D90 so you would be used to the drivetrain since its basically the same. Youll just be taking on more electronics.

[g60rabbit]

Keep your existing truck, add jump seats
Look at Gelandewagens
Look at UZJ120's

G]

My D90 has Jump seats. But they cant be used for kids [5 year old and 2 year old].

I was considering putting in a bench seat but I still think loading them in and out of it could be a pain.

Idealy I want minimum seating for 4 and trunk space for the dog.

Thats what I "need".

But I would like a little extra space if I want to take a couple of nieces or nephews with me [or any other family member].

Which rules out the only Jeep I like, the Cherokee.

[schwein]

from what you have been saying you are the perfect candidate for an FZJ80. i bought mine last September in Florida for 7,200 bucks, shipped it up for 299 dollars on an open trailer and have not been happier. Had 90,000 miles on it and was mint inside and out. was owned by a transmission shop owners daughter (who didn't use it lol) have had it for over a year now and done nothing but change the oil and put gas into it (shes a thirsty girl). put on some 305 760 R16's and leave it be!

options people like on them (again look at IH8MUD.com under their FAQ section)
- front and rear lockers, only came on about 10-20% of rigs between 95-97
- CE and 40th anniversary packages, what in the end of the day are just color combinations and tri packages, no real benefit other than potential resale value.
- having the Head Gasket and the front and rear axles serviced are a huge bonus as its a costly repair if not done your self.

besides that get a good PPI and read the FAQ and you'll have years of enjoyment with it!

[AnAgentOrange]

Can't fo wrong with an 80 series. I know guys that have 3 and 400k on them and they run great.

[boostmonster]

My D90 has Jump seats. But they cant be used for kids [5 year old and 2 year old].

I was considering putting in a bench seat but I still think loading them in and out of it could be a pain.

Idealy I want minimum seating for 4 and trunk space for the dog.

Thats what I "need".

But I would like a little extra space if I want to take a couple of nieces or nephews with me [or any other family member].

Which rules out the only Jeep I like, the Cherokee.

Right now on trips our 80 is hauling two adults, two kids in car seats(4 yr old - front facing, 2 yr old -rear facing), two 85lb. Dogs(German Shepherd mix), and gear. We can regularly haul enough bags/gear for a one week trip(beach, mountains, etc.). I always have the third row seats installed in case we have family or friends to cart around when we are visiting somewhere. I have found the third row very useful for my situation. Several times I've had 7 passengers on board, 5 adults and 2 kids in car seats.

Good Luck.

[MCTB]

This may be a silly question but what else would be considered a capable offroader family hauler?

So, if youre just going to hit a fire road or something like that, why not a Tahoe? With the right tires, it can go off road pretty well, parts are available and cheap as chips, they last a very long time with great drivetrains and, in my opinion, look better than the bulbous 80 series. Youll have plenty of room and probably get the same fuel mileage with the SBC V8 as you would with the 3FE/ 1FZ I6 in the Toyota.

If youre not going far off road, I dont see why it couldnt be something like a Tahoe.

[Sporin]

Add me to the chorus of 80-series backers. Buy the cleanest, lowest miles one you can afford.

[alleghenyman]

I'm looking for the exact same thing as the op and also considering a Ford Expedition. Anyone know how good these are off road? I'm thinking fire roads, not rock crawling.

I really want a 3rd gen 4runner but I'd like the third row seat. A 4th gen is too much bread.

[g60rabbit]

How does the 80 series handle towing duty [small camper]

[CBJ]

So, if youre just going to hit a fire road or something like that, why not a Tahoe? With the right tires, it can go off road pretty well, parts are available and cheap as chips, they last a very long time with great drivetrains and, in my opinion, look better than the bulbous 80 series. Youll have plenty of room and probably get the same fuel mileage with the SBC V8 as you would with the 3FE/ 1FZ I6 in the Toyota.

If youre not going far off road, I dont see why it couldnt be something like a Tahoe.

I'm one of the LC80 faithful here but I'm going to agree with 'brains here. I'd be looking long and hard at Tahoes/Suburbans. In fact I wouldn't look at 80 series trucks at all anymore if I wanted another LC. I'd look at the best 100 series you can afford. More so if you don't expect to rock crawl the thing.

[Sporin]

How does the 80 series handle towing duty [small camper]

Small trailer? not terrible, but I've never heard anyone brag about what a great tow vehicle the 80-series is.

[MyBlueR32Turbo]

dont be silly
LC .

[deucestudios]

Suburban 2500HD

[AnAgentOrange]

Suburban 2500HD

Diesel is always a nice way to go...