Is the Toyota Land Cruiser the toughest road-going vehicle ever made? More than 10 million copies have been sold since the model was introduced in 1951, so someone thinks so! This 1993 FZJ80 is offered here on craigslist for $12,000 out of Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania. With more than 370k miles, it’s no spring chicken, but at least it has a replacement engine with “only” 168k on the clock. Several modifications aimed at trail use include ARB front bumper and Trail Gear Rock Defense rear bumper, a front-mounted Warn winch, and the pin 7 modification that allows manual control of the center locking diff. It runs, drives and brakes well. But – is it a good deal?

That “Z” in the model name? That refers to Toyota’s six-cylinder 1FZ-F and -FE engines, introduced in late 1992 and much improved over their predecessors. The -FE is fuel injected for North America, and produces about 212 hp, but the Land Cruiser is a heavy-weight at over 4700 lbs, so acceleration isn’t sparkling. Fuel efficiency is not a strong suit either, at about 15 mpg with a tailwind on the highway. But reliability is outstanding, and fans like its disc brakes all around and solid axles; factory axle lockers were available as an option starting in 1993. This example has Toyota’s A-family four-speed automatic transmission (probably a 442) delivering power to all four wheels. 

Despite its mileage, the interior is in usable if not sterling condition. The front seat upholstery has cracked – thus the seat covers. The rear seats might be better, but still look worn. The seller notes that the third row is not installed but comes with the sale. Looks like the dash has split in at least one place, and the power windows are said to be “sluggish”. The rear defroster is not working, and because the factory alarm was removed, the power door locks are disabled as well. On the other hand, the air conditioning blows cold, and the owner has replaced the nearly impossible-to-reach “pesky heater hose”. This example has escaped another well-known issue – a malfunctioning “D” light (indicating the “drive” position): it works fine.

A pile of receipts, the owner’s manual, and both original keys are included in the sale. The body is clean and straight, and the seller promises it’s rust-free. Values are all over the lot, with great examples modified in desirable ways selling close to $30k, while high mileage Land Cruisers with a few warts will sell in the four figures. The price on today’s ’93 FZJ80 seems about right to me, given its modifications and minor flaws. What do you think?