Opinion time

arcticow · #1 02/06/10, 01:32 PM

Looking at buying either a 91 Jeep Cherokee, or a 86 Toyota Landcruiser. All things equal, which would you & why...

MelTX · #2 02/06/10, 03:07 PM

Landcruiser. I've owned 3 Toyotas and would buy another given the right opportunity. The Cherokees are made by Jeep, but are not the best of vehicles. Too light - flip easily. I have known many people who have had them - and they don't keep them. Nuff said...

**Ross** · #3 02/06/10, 03:37 PM

The landcruiser will have a following of brainwashed fanatics who will buy whatever remains after you're done with it. The Jeep was OK new but they don't age well past 10 years.

mightybooboo · #4 02/06/10, 05:11 PM

Landcruiser for sure.

**clovis** · #5 02/06/10, 05:18 PM

The Jeep for sure. Much easier to find parts, IMO.

diamondtim · #6 02/06/10, 05:34 PM

Check www.fueleconomy.gov and see how they compare. The smaller truck is not always that much better on gas.

glazed · #7 02/06/10, 05:53 PM

I'll take what's behind door number three, please.

HermitJohn · #8 02/06/10, 06:59 PM

I cant keep up with years things changed anymore. The old Landcruisers with the cast iron straight six and a manual tranny were good vehicles. The old AMC Wagoneers with the 360V8 or the 258-6 and a 2spd transfer case with manual shifter were good vehicles. The newer AMC/Renault/Chrysler Wagoneers with the fuel injected straight six and manual tranny were good though computerized up wazoo so probably dont age extremely well. Assume same for newer aluminum V6-V8 Toyotas. Electronics/complicated wiring just doesnt age well.

No real 4wd handles like a sports car and shouldnt be driven like one. If you need 4wd and sports car handling then get an AWD car with low center of gravity. Wont go through deep snow/mud like a real 4wd, but probably great for icy road commute.

And like always with older vehicles its condition, condition, condition.....

arcticow · #9 02/06/10, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mama Crow

I'll take what's behind door number three, please.

I agree, but Ford trucks don't go cheap here.

**clovis** · #10 02/07/10, 08:02 AM

If you have the time, keep shopping for a Ford or Chevy truck. Do you have to have 4WD?

arcticow · #11 02/07/10, 08:07 AM

Nope, Just need a cheap 'un.

ChristieAcres · #12 02/07/10, 08:37 PM

DH has a 1986 Ford F250 4WD Diesel that he has worked into the ground, even logged with it, and it will soon be a tractor... We will be getting a late 1980s model Dodge 4WD 3/4 ton truck with a Cummins Diesel (now we are talking a Diesel motor!). The Chevy's couldn't take anywhere near the abuse DH heaps on a truck (the motor and transmission couldn't take it). The Ford has the low end torque, and was heavy enough, but its 4WD capacity was sorely lacking. He just hauled 9,000#s of steel with it. It has well served its purpose and is very beat up. For what DH does with a truck, it needs to be a Diesel, manual heavy duty transmission, and 3/4ton. He is a pretty good mechanic and does all the work on our cars and the old work truck.

OntarioMan · #13 02/07/10, 09:42 PM

I don't know much about Landcruisers or Jeeps, but I do know that common = cheap and uncommon = expensive. Whatever is the most common in your area is probably the cheapest vehicle in the long run. If you don't need 4wd, then its just more stuff to drain the wallet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by arcticow

Nope, Just need a cheap 'un.

**clovis** · #14 02/07/10, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OntarioMan

I don't know much about Landcruisers or Jeeps, but I do know that common = cheap and uncommon = expensive. Whatever is the most common in your area is probably the cheapest vehicle in the long run. If you don't need 4wd, then its just more stuff to drain the wallet.

That what I was getting at with that old Toyota. You virtually never see a Landcruiser around here.

I would hate to think what it would take to find some factory part...as well as the cost. I'm going to guess that if you had to replace the throttle body or the carb on that Toyota, it would be very, very expensive. That vehicle is already 24 years old, and I would guess that it is going to be extremely hard to find one in a junk yard.

I know a guy that buys only "different" vehicles, and he boasts at length about what a great buy he got on a rare Mazda MPV, old beater BMW or ancient Mercedes.

I kid you not, for the money he spends keeping these used junkers going, he could easily pay for a new F-150. Once, he paid $280 plus $90 overnight shipping on a used alternator, and then had to pay $175 for a used water pump a few weeks later on a Mazda MPV. That van left him stranded more times that normal, but mostly it was the difficulty in getting parts.

His latest car was a Land Rover. Not a new one, but one with 140,000 miles. Talk about expensive to repair!

There are some people that know everything in the world, and he is one of them. He can't get it thru his head that it would be cheaper to buy a used Chevy, Ford or even a Camry....but he is steadfast in the thought that he looks cool and successful in oddball, worn out cars with shiny paint.

mightybooboo · #15 02/09/10, 06:38 PM

Way OT,but a lot of old mercedes mechanical parts are dirt cheap and plentiful.

mightybooboo · #16 02/09/10, 06:39 PM

Then again,used Jap motors with all the accessories are also plentiful.And very reasonably priced.

arcticow · #17 02/09/10, 10:57 PM

Tomorrow, I'm lookin at an '87 F150 4X4!!!!!

glazed · #18 02/09/10, 11:05 PM

^^ that's what I was talking about right there! ^^

:lock1:

ChristieAcres · #19 02/10/10, 12:29 AM

Hope it turns out to be in great shape & becomes your new ride!!! DH thinks all HTers should have a truck. I never had one until I married DH 6 yrs ago...can't imagine not having one now.

Goodness, blew it on the year I mentioned DH wanted (1993 Dodge). His beat up F250 is a 1986. Here the Dodges sell for almost double what the Fords do. Is that the same elsewhere I wonder. Got news today that March may be the month for DH's truck! He is already making plans for the use of his old beat up one (yes, we will keep it for hauling gravel, making steel salvage runs, logging...has a boom crane on it, and for soil/compost...).

**Ross** · #20 02/10/10, 04:32 AM

I use a GMC 2500 for my service calls. Its just more comfortable than the Ford. The F250 is our heavy hauler. Rides like a dump truck and because it has extra springs it can be a little jumpy over rough roads. Both good trucks, both have their advantages. Don't discount comfort, a smooth ride isn't lost on these old bones. I\d love an older Ford with a 300 6 myself.