Hilux or Land Cruiser?
Hilux or Land Cruiser?
im planing on buying 4x4 car that i can take off road sometimes...been looking at Hilux 1989-95 and Land Cruiser BJ40 which one would be a better choice?
Re: Hilux or Land Cruiser?
3005 wrote:im planing on buying 4x4 car that i can take off road sometimes...been looking at Hilux 1989-95 and Land Cruiser BJ40 which one would be a better choice?
theres a BIG difference in the capabilitys there mate, will you be doing mostly road or offroad ??
the hilux is a good truck and will have better road maners than the cruiser...
too many variables

If you already know everything, DON'T ask bloody questions!!
go the lux, I started with a cruiser and although it was a cool truck it wouldnt anywhere near the places I take my hilux just to heavy
swb lux with 7mge, trailgear crossover, trailgear rear lift kit, custom front bar, runva 1200lb winch, custom snorkel, 37" Mtrs, custom deck, lockright in the rear.
- cornfarmer
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Jerry wrote:70 series cruiser
I agree, 40s are mean, but their technology is pretty old. Theyr hard on gas (fj40) and the bodys rust faster than a mild steel craypot. Hiluxs are a good truck (maby not the ones with them dodgy 2.4 litre motors) but cruisers are designed to take alot more of a beating.
- Steve_t647
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Both will do what you want but you have to look at what you will be useing it for. Both are a prick of a thing to get around town in the Hilux is too long to fit in car parks but great to pick up stuff if you can pull into a driveway.
Both have turning circles almost as large as the orbit of the moon! (OK slight exaggeration) and both are still on good old cart springs so ride more harshly than coiled cars (unmodified).
Offroad the hilux is lighter spring over axle and easily modified (all good points) but they are long. The cruiser has many replacement parts in Fibreglass, cheap to have a parts 40 and can be straightened pretty easily (nice simple lines again good points). Both are easily modified to go further offroad, but neither are easily modified to be better onroad, and if you modify them then you will never get the first hour free in the car parking buildings (they don't fit).
In saying all of this I have a Hilux, the double cab and a tray design with the toyota badge, relyability and parts availability sold me. Since then the easy modifications that can be done (with money) has continued to sell me. I still lust after a 40 but as a one car person I couldn't use a 40 every day and have quick access to a trailer for those times you want it, but depending on year the 40 will soon will be a classic (in WOF eyes) and that means cheap rego, they are already a classic.
Neither of these will ever be a car, the Hilux is in a less upright seating position and some dislike it. I would drive a few of each and see what you like being leaf and large they tend to wander a little in the wind.
Both have turning circles almost as large as the orbit of the moon! (OK slight exaggeration) and both are still on good old cart springs so ride more harshly than coiled cars (unmodified).
Offroad the hilux is lighter spring over axle and easily modified (all good points) but they are long. The cruiser has many replacement parts in Fibreglass, cheap to have a parts 40 and can be straightened pretty easily (nice simple lines again good points). Both are easily modified to go further offroad, but neither are easily modified to be better onroad, and if you modify them then you will never get the first hour free in the car parking buildings (they don't fit).
In saying all of this I have a Hilux, the double cab and a tray design with the toyota badge, relyability and parts availability sold me. Since then the easy modifications that can be done (with money) has continued to sell me. I still lust after a 40 but as a one car person I couldn't use a 40 every day and have quick access to a trailer for those times you want it, but depending on year the 40 will soon will be a classic (in WOF eyes) and that means cheap rego, they are already a classic.
Neither of these will ever be a car, the Hilux is in a less upright seating position and some dislike it. I would drive a few of each and see what you like being leaf and large they tend to wander a little in the wind.
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MNC wrote:Gonna have to say get a Cruiser. If you get a Hilux first you`ll end up wanting a cruiser later
What he said

I have a 70 and it is like driving a tractor and not one of them flash air conditioned ones either.
But it's Tuff, it's Ruff and gets me lots of Muff........ It's a Cruiser.....
I love it so much I am considering getting a Cruiser tattoo
Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.
Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin
Yeah both have their different purposes.
I did own a 86 Surf, sold it and bought a 70 series Cruiser.
The Cruiser is heavier (which has good and bad sides) and more 'business-like' in its abilities - I do like the Cruiser as an overall for my purposes but both were good fun and practical, would not be too disappointed to go back to a Surf but am happy I made the change.
I did own a 86 Surf, sold it and bought a 70 series Cruiser.
The Cruiser is heavier (which has good and bad sides) and more 'business-like' in its abilities - I do like the Cruiser as an overall for my purposes but both were good fun and practical, would not be too disappointed to go back to a Surf but am happy I made the change.
Sold my 1985, BJ74 MWB Landcruiser, rear locker, 33" MTs, snorkel, PTO winch, solid bars all round, spotties, AM CB etc.
Now just a 1994, 1kz Surf, pretty standard.
Now just a 1994, 1kz Surf, pretty standard.
I've started out with a 40 & reckon it's the best truck I could have to learn in. So tough that all the silly driving mistakes can't kill it. Cheap & easy to mod, simple to work on, & an engine that never gives up (I've got a 2F, but the 3B diesel is just as reliable, if a little lighter in power). Parts are everywhere. I had a nasty rollover - 3 complete rotations, then ended up on the drivers side. Found a windcreen & top for $200 and had it back on the road after a weekend. Do that to a surf & see what it takes to get back on the road. Driving without power steering is also a good way to learn where your wheels are, and how to choose the best line! The only mod you really need is disc brakes - & that's an easy swap for hilux or 60/70 series knuckles for around $300. Go for the 40!
- Poacher-HILUX
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Hilux
hilux for general use. the swb crusiers fj40's etc are good for serious 4x4ing being shorter. but i own a hilux and it still goes some hairy places. you just gota have it floored all the time