Thoughts on a 1fz-fe 80 Series?

[Rackers03]

Hey all,
Since i'm close to getting a license, been on the lookout for cruisers. And i've seen a few 80 series with the 1fz-fe engine (4.5 twin-cam, roughly 211hp when new) and wanted to see what everyone thinks of them. It's got 320,000 on it and they're asking $4,999. Pretty much stock except for the bullbar (steel black ARB). They sound pretty good with a few little mods so I hope I can snag one and turn it into my first rig.
Let me know what you guys think!
Cheers,
Hugh

 

[Paddler Ed]

I paid $3200 for one in August with a Smidge under 300,000km, so sounds a touch high but buy on condition and rego.

Averaged 16L/100100km over the 7,000km I've had it, so it might be a bit thirsty as a first car. We don't mind as the trade off for us was the space compared to he 4Runner we had before.

Don't expect it to be a speed machine, but it does tick along quite well.

 

[80lover96gxl]

Pro's.
Great trucks.
Reliable.
Capable.
Easy to get parts
Plenty of aftermarket options.

Cons
Thirsty.
Older truck these days.
Crack around steering box
Possible driveline backlash.
Thirsty.

Once you drive one you'll understand why there a very popular model. Check for service history, there are still some great examples out there.

 

[itlldoo]

has anyone mentioned "thirsty" yet?

 

[cam04]

Wheel bearings every 100 kms, learn how to replace the heater hose on the back of the block, don’t use the rear power windows (glass will eventually fall out). Drive it softly and fuel use is fine. I bought one (1993 manual) in 1999 and it is still in the family - dad has it now. He gets 16–17 per hundred. I was more like 19 per hundred. It now has 400 kms on it and still never had the head off. They don’t love water crossings too much - I used to just keep driving on whatever cylinders were still firing until it dried back out again. The old boy crossed the Simpson with us and the petrol manual 80 actually used less fuel than my auto crd Rc Colorado. I drove in low range a bit to keep box temps down but it goes to show the 80 is ok. Pay the fuel tax up front and you are rewarded with reliability and power for days.

 

[Rackers03]

I paid $3200 for one in August with a Smidge under 300,000km, so sounds a touch high but buy on condition and rego.

Averaged 16L/100100km over the 7,000km I've had it, so it might be a bit thirsty as a first car. We don't mind as the trade off for us was the space compared to he 4Runner we had before.

Don't expect it to be a speed machine, but it does tick along quite well.

Is it worth maybe getting a turbo or supercharger fitted to get better fuel/power?

 

[itlldoo]

reduce tyre size and reduce load weight mite help and not so heavy on the right foot also, remove the roof rack when not in use if you have one, cost of the turbo or supercharger will be equal to a fair bit of fuel