A few months ago, I thought I’d grab an early 90s Toyota Land Cruiser on the cheap to use as a daily driver that could still perform family duties. Consider me shocked to see FJ80 Land Cruisers regularly trading for upper teens and higher when in good, stock condition like this 1996 example here on eBay. Bidding is already over $27,000 with a few days left, so it seems the train has already left the station for those seeking a cheap and capable 4×4.
It used to be that the FJ40s were the most expensive Land Cruiser you could buy, but those seem to be coming back down to Earth as of late. It’s no surprise why the FJ80 is climbing in value: it’s capable off-road; it’s super reliable; there’s a huge aftermarket; it’s just old enough now to be cool; and for something shaped like a breadbox, it’s not bad looking.
Owners tend to rack up huge mileage on these trucks thanks to their reliability, but this 1996 model has been used sparingly with just 56,800 miles on the clock. The gray leather looks fantastic, carpets are still plush, and the wood trim doesn’t look dingy like so many other used luxury cars. There’s really very little to fault, especially for a truck sold new in 1996.
The engine bay is nicely detailed and Toyota’s six-cylinder mill will long outlast the sheetmetal around it. Technically, this is a two-owner truck, as the seller is the first to take ownership following the 85-year-old engineer that bought it new – but obviously, he didn’t buy it to keep. Curiously, you can usually gets the Lexus-badged twin at a decent discount (don’t ask me why), so give those a look if examples like this one are past the point of being a reasonable second- or third-vehicle pick-up.
I looked at one of these brand new a few months ago while having my Tundra serviced at the dealer. MSRP $87k! I had to do a double take. Then I looked into the money they are fetching used and it’s substantial. These have a loyal following for sure.
The seller did his job with a good description and 150 pictures. He has put himself in the position to maximize the sales price. Too bad more people don’t put in the effort, they seem to want as much money as possible, without attempting to craft a decent ad.
Steve R
My dad has the 4.2 turbo diesel here in the UK with over 500,000 miles on it, we tried landrovers first but they are just as rubbish as their reputation makes out. I believe this one would last a lifetime
With this and a 10 mile Grand National I’d have 2 perfectly good cars in the garage that would never be used. I’d use my bicycle, that that doesn’t have many miles on it either, so let’s save that, too. Looks like I’m walking.
These were the “it” suv back in day. Check a government surplus auction…there’s probably a mountain of rhd United Nation’s “white” FJ80s in a third world country.
Yes, there probably are, and I remember them from when I was in the Middle East in 1994, but you can’t get your hands on them. I have seen exactly ONE in the USA since 1994, and the seller wants a fortune for it. More than I can afford to spend.
Jim, if you’re looking for one of these come on down to Australia, you can get hit by one ten times in any day, they’re everywhere, some really good ones and others absolute wrecks but still driving. Common as a…sholes, you can’t miss them.
If only it had the rare factory difflock K294 option. Beautiful FZJ80 nonetheless! Bravo!
These are popular to buy here and export overseas where they fetch a premium price. This is part of the reason they’re so expensive.
Great vehicles.
Too bad this example doesn’t have the optional diff locks.
Almost bought one of these in 1996 and instead bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee LTD with V8. A better performer but the looks of the Land Cruiser were awesome. The height and muscular wheel flares, I wish I would have bought the Toyota. However, the Jeep did have some get up and go.
Had one quite similar to this when I was in Yemen. Mine was a couple years older and diesel powered, but an absolutely amazing and almost indestructible vehicle. Had over 400,000 Kilometers on it when I got rid of it. Most of those miles were in the northern desert and in four wheel drive. Wish I still had it.
If only it had lockers it would be the find of the decade as far as ’93-’97 FZJ80’s. The K294 was such a rare and amazing option. The ’93 in my family has them and they certainly make some of our adventure treks less worrisome. We use them as a last resort type of device. Great find!