Since my last 4x4 has not worked out I am looking for a budget replacement. Drove a 2002 4runner and was impressed - Positives = Nice,luxury,and auto locking hubs plus tow package. Negatives= Hard to find manual transmission and low mileage examples.
Second a vehicle that I really find fascinating is a 1976-1983 Toyota Landcruiser . Positives= No worries with State inspections ,Classic 2 door body style ,Legendary reliability, Tough go anywhere buggy and can put on classic car insurance which is cheaper . Negatives = Pricey for nice example plus hard to find in the color I want .
Any thoughts ? PS - I am not considering any other models so do not suggest any !

 

How about some later-gen Land Cruisers? The mid-80s ones and early-90s models can be had for probably about $7-10k, which is a good $10k less than I'm guessing an '02 4Runner or FJ40 is going to cost. If you are going to bang it around in the woods, less $$$ might be a better call.


Not meaning to violate your "don't give me other options" comment, since they are technically different versions of the same thing. I've always liked the last-gen Land Cruiser, a HS buddy had one and it was bulletproof and tough as hell.

 

get a older Lexus LX. same reliabilty with better quality. cost a little bit more, but kicker is! u get that awesome lexus service. i see it as a longterm benefit over a little bit of money

 

4 Runners are great SUV's, but the Landcruiser is an icon.

 

You note both are hard to find. I'd say continue to shop for both and go with the first decent one you find, regardless of which one it is.

 

I have nothing to add then...

 

go with the landcruiser. I would seriously consider an early 90's model; preferably 93 and up when they increased the hp. also the 93 had locking diffs on front back and middle. I owned two of them for over 12yrs and had no mech. problems other than brake shoes{6000 lbs.+}.

 

Since you are not considering other models DO NOT look at the FJ Cruiser with 4 runner drivetrain in the Low $20's.


Seriously, Landcruisers are nice but used ones still have a HUGE price premium for used models. The upside is it will hold resale for when you get rid of it but the price of many with decent wear and 100,000 miles is ridiculous.

The 4 runner is nice and just as reliable, but they kind of small inside for such a big vehicle.

What was the specific need? Off Road? Groceries? Family hauler? Towing?

 

In Western North Carolina the secondary roads get really bad so a 4x4 seems like a needed luxury for those days of the year. Previously a 91 Nissan 2wd with snow tires was the winter steed for that duty but since rust has about taken this one out of service (Frame is rusting bad) Funny story is that I had to replace a rear axle bearing and my mechanic said that the spider gear or whatever had locked up the diff so that was maybe why that one was so good in the snow!
Any way I do not find the 4 runner small inside . Looks just right to me.
And to answer other questions . Lexus LX = Too big and expensive, 90's Landcruisers are not my style - A little too big and I like the FJ40 with 2 doors better!
FJ Cruiser - Way too expensive but awesome looks!
4Runners are becoming available in the 9-13k range but hardly any with manual trannys.

 

Ahhhh. I hear you on the preference for manual tranny, thats all I buy.

*****cough**** beater tacoma *******cough*****


Some other models might be cheap and more plentiful with a manual.


Good luck. Your two choices have a long history of being bullet proof.