Guys, I am in a bit of a dilemma here. I am a Landcruiser fan through and through and have owned a few over the years. I currently own a stock bi-fuel (Petrol/lpg) 100 series V8 and am getting the urge to get a diesel and add some light modifications and introduce the family to the joys of overlanding. The aim is to start with short trips around the UK and Europe and then venture into North Africa. I am not looking to do anything extreme, just [strike:39s612i7]gentle[/strike:39s612i7] moderate off roading, camping, fishing etc. The car will also be used to do a 20 mile daily commute during the winter months. I could just pick any cruiser and it will probably suit my needs but there lies my dilemma, which one do I commit to? I am looking for a 3-5 year relationship
Here is my brainstorming so far:
If money was no object I would get a 60 series and have it restored. I learned to drive properly in an HJ60 and have very fond memories through school and college. Unfortunately a good 60 is hard to come by in the UK and parts are becoming harder and harder to source. A few of them pop up on eBay but although I could get away with light mechanics I don't have the skills to carry out any bodywork. I bought one last year but then realised the restoration was beyond me and sold it to an exporter. I guess I should just hold on to the memories and move on.
After the 60 series I love the looks and butchness of a LWB 70 series cruiser. It has to be LWB because I need the 5 doors and space and I guess it also has to be the more robust 3.0L engine. This also means that it has to be an import and being a rare one will I have problems getting parts for it? There is one for sale near me, its got the right engine, it's manual, already has a 2inch Ironman lift and a full length roof rack. The guy wants £4k which I think is way too much. What is it worth ? I have always had automatic cruisers and a manual might annoy me on long trips
The 80 series may be the sensible choice but finding a good one and adding the mods within budget maybe difficult. Running costs are also a concern.
I have never paid much attention to the 90 series but after doing some research over the past few months it appears to be a very capable vehicle. It ticks a lot of my boxes. On the plus side it is smaller than the 80 and parts are more readily available than the 70. I'm not too sure about the stock looks but once it has some subtle mods it looks butch enough.
Well now maybe you understand my dilemma, I know it is mostly down to personal preference but why did you choose the vehicle you drive over the others? If you could go back to the day you bought your current vehicle and started spending money on upgrades would you chose a different model?
Here is my brainstorming so far:
If money was no object I would get a 60 series and have it restored. I learned to drive properly in an HJ60 and have very fond memories through school and college. Unfortunately a good 60 is hard to come by in the UK and parts are becoming harder and harder to source. A few of them pop up on eBay but although I could get away with light mechanics I don't have the skills to carry out any bodywork. I bought one last year but then realised the restoration was beyond me and sold it to an exporter. I guess I should just hold on to the memories and move on.
After the 60 series I love the looks and butchness of a LWB 70 series cruiser. It has to be LWB because I need the 5 doors and space and I guess it also has to be the more robust 3.0L engine. This also means that it has to be an import and being a rare one will I have problems getting parts for it? There is one for sale near me, its got the right engine, it's manual, already has a 2inch Ironman lift and a full length roof rack. The guy wants £4k which I think is way too much. What is it worth ? I have always had automatic cruisers and a manual might annoy me on long trips
The 80 series may be the sensible choice but finding a good one and adding the mods within budget maybe difficult. Running costs are also a concern.
I have never paid much attention to the 90 series but after doing some research over the past few months it appears to be a very capable vehicle. It ticks a lot of my boxes. On the plus side it is smaller than the 80 and parts are more readily available than the 70. I'm not too sure about the stock looks but once it has some subtle mods it looks butch enough.
Well now maybe you understand my dilemma, I know it is mostly down to personal preference but why did you choose the vehicle you drive over the others? If you could go back to the day you bought your current vehicle and started spending money on upgrades would you chose a different model?