What should i do??

I have the opportunity to pick up a landcruiser fzj80, wife is actually on board so it's more about opportunity vs timing.

The truck needs some work and its new territory for me so new learnings and in the end it would be my dream wheeler so why not, right? I'd keep my taco which the wife would drive. We'd sell her highlander and i'd drive the cruiser while building it to its future glory. Some of you r immediately saying why not, duh. Problem is we have a 2.5yo and 2mo old kids, i am very limited on time, we both work full time and it's gonna cost some coin up front fixing some of the issues. It's a big risk if the thing takes a dump on me we end up sharing a vehicle or cashing out savings to get her back on the road.

What to do?????

I took the risk on my previous vehicle a 97 4runner w/over 200k on it, it ran great i built it up from parts on cl (dime a dozen) and in the end i sold it for more than i paid. That was years ago pre-children.

I am asking for your TW wisdom, should i buy and nickel and dime my way to wicked toyota deliciousness or keep dump'n dollars into the taco?!

Mind u in the last year since first buying my taco ('10 DCSB) i have done: OME 884's, aal, wheels, tires, cai, grill, bhlm, popnlock auto, are topper, weather techs, body armor rear bumper and washed it a lot (its black on black w/some more black). It's almost done!! I know it's never done but it's to where i am itching to do more or start another one and let her drive it.

I appreciate any and all feedback ( even the sarcastic, rude, witty and/or stupid comments, i'm easily entertained.)

 

Happy wife=happy life

but the kids take precedence over this.

Wait, another deal will come along.

 

My brother just picked up a '95 80 series 5-6wks ago for about $2k. It has about 200k miles on it. The engine is still running strong and everything is still functional, but the truck is a leaking machine. Wherever there's a gasket, there's a leak. He has already started tearing down the front axle to do a rebuild. It's definitely more than what he expected, but that's what he wanted.

Unless it's been maintained really well, I would think real hard about this purchase. Mechanically, I think it'll just keep going, but having to deal with all the leaks and little fixes here and there would probably drive me crazy if it was my DD.

 

Family first....

Save the money for other things, like....paying off debt, paying off mortgage, saving for future family vacations, nestegg.... etc.

The last thing you want to do....is buy something and have it sit around because you didn't have time or the $$ to finish it. Better off not even starting. You'll have plenty of time/money when you're older and the kids are grown up. Priorities first...family first.

 

I would love a later 80 series with lockers. Add a mild lift, tires, bumpers, and some sliders and they will go about anywhere in comfort. But they are all old trucks now. Unless you're buying at the high end these can be a real pain to get back up to snuff. Another thing to consider is the mileage. They make a V6 Tacoma seem economical. Expect low teens stock and possibly single digits modded. They can be awesome rigs but they will empty your wallet and diminish your family time getting there. My wife is usually OK with me doing projects too. But I've had a few where I was surprised to be married when done. I would also add that if you're planning on relying on a 15-20 year old project truck as your only daily transportation you're going to hate it quick.

 

That's an understatement. On his first tank and 75% highway, it avg. 14mpg and this is bone stock.

 

Appreciate the feedback guys, took a pass on the gas guzzler.

I was sure someone would convince me but your wise ways have saved my marriage and some money.

I think i'll sell my softopper n get me some uca's!!