landcruiser 80

[tjtfaulkner]

I would love to get a rust free 80 series it must be manual, can anyone point me towards one. i am outside belfast.

 

[Dave2000]

I have only seen such rare beasts (completely rust free) outside of the UK. Don't get me wrong there are some lovely examples there but the British weather has invariably left most with at least surface rust. The chassis tends to be more resilient against rust but wheel arches/wings/bumpers tend to suffer in particular if they have had a few scrapes, the size of the vehicle tends to ensure this has happened on the odd occasion. No doubt like every vehicle made there will be one or two pristine examples and of course (assuming they are for sale) will be wearing a hefty price tag. I would add that the words 'immaculate' and 'rust free' has a different meaning to many sellers, I wish you luck with your quest.

regards

Dave

 

[Chris]

And I'd like a Holy Grail please. Plus a Unicorn and a left handed Haggis. Oh and just to be complete, a divorce too.

We'll do all we can do to help you but rust free is unrealistic. You have to know what you are looking for here and these are 20 year old vehicles. Must be a manual? Why? I have both and frankly there's little to choose between them. Your best bet is probably an import 24valve auto if condition is your highest priority. If you want generally overall better condition due to age and UK spec then they are ALL manuals. But the best thing here, genuinely if you desire such a beast is to have as few 'musts' as possible. If you said great condition, any colour, any engine, any gearbox any spec any age, then you'd probably track something down.

Tell us a bit more about your requirements and we'll know where to look. But you need to tell us how hard you are prepared to try to get one too.

 

[Gary820]

Best of luck with your search. If you find it can you pick my lottery numbers

 

[tjtfaulkner]

That was one way,i though someone would tell me of a dealer who would sell a freshly imported 80 landcruiser, or someone might know of one that has been realy well cared for. if is not manual i can make it manual. i want a good one to keep for a long time.

 

[Beau]

I know you guys think a rust free 80 series in the UK is unrealistic but I think it's possible. You just need to find a owner who's looked after it.

I've had my 90 series for 17 years now, and from ownership when I got it even though the underneath was still immaculate I would still give it a good under seal and paint job every year, sometimes two. And at most, I've dealt with a little surface rust here and there. I guess it also helped that I have her in a Garage... All I'm saying is, there may be clean 80 series out there!

 

[AndycruiserguyLomas]

No one ever bought a top spec Landcruiser with the intention of keeping it 15+ years and looking after it. As soon as they took delivery they were thinking about the next one they were going to get 2 years hence, because they could!!!
Thats why by now one owner 80's ( which have been meticulously maintained) are rare birds indeed.

Andy

 

[Chris]

Look we're being slightly flippant, but you have to see this in context. We've all been on here for yonks debating landcruiser issues and people keep coming along (no offence TJF) and the first question is where can I get a mint 80? Well you can't. Because if we find one, we're having it! Being after a really good one is certainly realistic as long as you are clear what you want, don't limit too many things and can move like a well oiled cat. Really nice looking one comes up in Bristol, the wrong response would be, oh it's a bit too far, I am down there next month I might take a look if it's still for sale then. It won't be. It's a lot of work finding one but often far harder getting it. Look at that bloody blue one I chased all over Lancashire! Be ready for disappointments. Another blue immaculate one that Andy and I looked at. Rust free? Yes utterly. Like a brand new chassis. Now as long as you didn't mind the misaligned body work and the stoved in roof, it was perfect and as I say, not a spot of rust anywhere.

Rust free and manual may only be two critera which doesn't sound limiting, but if you give them a weighting factor it's like looking for a blonde stunner who's willing and can cook. It's kinda top of the scale stuff.

Just whay does it HAVE to be a manual? Have you driven an 80? Have you driven an 80 auto? Unless it's something very specialised, changing gear in one of these is frankly something you would welcome not having to do. It's much easier to eat your Maccy D with an auto. I know.

 

[Gary820]

Also to throw it in there have you considered an auto petrol? Can often find with lower miles and cheaper to buy too.
I wanted a diesel but gave up after looking at quite a few, had a lot of disappointment (all before found this place and lots of great advice/people)

I've a 97 with only 77k miles, loads of history and still had a couple of issues with rust that needed to be resolved.

 

[tjtfaulkner]

chris you are free to drive what you like, so i want a manual, i hate auto in anything. i have had 80's since 1996, my last one 10 years. i know there getting hard to find that is why i am looking for a real good one before it's too late.

 

[karl webster]

We have a lot of behind the scenes car dealers on here who are also looking for the 'mint' 80s who keep quiet. I know this because Ive spoken to a few on the phone who are looking for parts for them. When a low milage pops up they grab them and stick them up for sale for big money.

There are very good examples around but be prepared to pay.

Are you in the UK?

I come across some nice ones from time to time. If I come across anything top end I'd rather it go to someone I know or a forum member who is looking for one for themselves.

 

[tjtfaulkner]

I know you are correct karl , yes i am in uk near belfast i have been in england many times, but that bit of water is getting more expensive to cross.

 

[Towpack]

I guess all this is very good news for anyone who already owns a good, late, manual 80 and may be thinking of selling but a bit of a nightmare for people like yourself TJTF who are looking for one!

 

[Chris]

Fine with me. I have one of each so I'm OK. Best of luck.