In the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the SUV craze hit the American automotive market, the pioneering vehicles in that segment were developed as truck-based rugged machines, capable of all-terrain travel and high-payload carrying capacity but with family-hauling capability thrown in.
The Pick of the Day is one of the models that played a key role in the SUV revolution, a 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ80 listed on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Cupertino, California.
Over time, those rugged body-on-frame vehicles have given way to more easy-driving car-based crossovers, which is one reason why devout off-roaders cling to their older 4x4s such as this Land Cruiser, and why the collector market for certain well-kept examples is booming 30 years later.
American preferences for a better ride, improved MPGs and car-like creature comforts have ultimately driven the demise of almost all traditional body-on-frame, off-road-ready people haulers like this Land Cruiser.
The Land Cruiser name has been around for 70 years, positioned as a go-anywhere utility rig with a high level of reliability and sold around the world in a variety of body styles. The FJ80 was launched in 1990 and came with a full-time four-wheel-drive system. Power came from a 4.0-liter 3F-E inline-6, which delivered just 155 horsepower but made up for it with 220 pound-feet of torque.
Despite the fact that it has 185,000 miles, the seller states that this example of Toyota’s flagship SUV remains mechanically sound.
“Recent service done around 185k miles,” the seller says. “It runs amazing. Everything works.”
The Land Cruiser’s mileage is perhaps testament to the longevity of 1990s-era Japanese cars and trucks, many of which are well-known for clocking 200k, 300k or more miles with little more than routine maintenance.
The seller states that this Land Cruiser is rust-free and the paint is original. It features some upgraded content including a third-row seat, a power moonroof and a towing package. Based on the photo gallery, this Land Cruiser also has grippy Michelin tires and a custom tubular ARB front bumper, so it is probably just as ready to traverse the Australian outback as pick up supplies at the local hardware store.
The seller is asking $14,900 or best offer for this rugged ride. It definitely beats buying a pre-owned RAV4 for a comparable price.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.