A couple of years back, Matt Scott wrote an article on “Why The Land Cruiser 80 Series Is The Next Classic 4WD,” and his predictions couldn’t have been more on the money. The prices of these appreciating classics have gone from strength to strength, even in the face of extortionate gas prices, with recent examples including this $24,900 1994 FZJ80, $41,500 1994 80 Series, and $42,500 1994 Overland Equipped FZJ80.
So, what makes the 80 Series so desirable? There are numerous reasons why this iconic 4WD is sought after, but primarily, in the words of Matt Scott, the “80-Series Land Cruiser can keep up with modern life.” In other words, it provides all the classic charm, boxy dimensions, bulletproof reliability, and all-terrain prowess we’ve come to expect from Land Cruisers while introducing a new level of refinement, interior luxury, and a range of more powerful and less agricultural engines. In short, this is a classic Land Cruiser for the modern age. Today’s 1996 HDJ80L has to be one of the cleanest we’ve featured, showcasing just 188,000 miles (forecourt mileage for this model), premium modifications, a rooftop tent, and a long list of desirable options from the factory.
From the Seller:
“Imported from Honduras to the US in 2017 by the second owner that drove it less than 300 miles. I purchased it in stock condition in April of 2021 from the second owner. The original owner was a doctor in Honduras. I average between 18-21 mpg (60 -75 mph) [when] fully loaded with all my overland gear, and on smaller tires, I’ve seen as high as 27 mpg! I drove the Trans-America Trail from the Oregon coast to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, all offroad in this Land Cruiser, and it performed flawlessly for 28 days and 5,800 miles in the fall of 2021. I have also navigated 400 miles of the Baja 1000 course, and then the entire Baja of Mexico twice in the winter of 2022. I most recently returned from a 1,000-mile trip to Overland EXPO PNW, where we managed 18.5 mpg with two passengers and all our gear. Very rare spec Landcruiser to come by in this country.”
1996 Toyota Land Cruiser HDJ80L
This Land Cruiser is fitted with the exceptionally long-lived 4.2-liter 1HD-T turbo-diesel motor that produces 167 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. A bulletproof engine and drivetrain are mated with legendary go-anywhere capability thanks to a rugged 4WD system, high and low range, manual locking Aisin hubs, rear limited slip differential, and more. This particular offering also enjoys a number of additional features from the factory:
- Center console fridge
- Dual fuel tanks, 40 gallons total
- Rear tire carrier
- Front and rear air conditioning
- Headliner-mounted altimeter
- Slim aluminum running boards
- Rear bumper mounted heavy-duty pintle hitch
Distinguishing Features
- Ironman Offroad 4-inch lift kit with foam cell shocks, HD adjustable panhard bars, sway bar extensions, HD steering stabilizer, and more
- Black Rock Yuma wheels with BFGoodrich KM3 tires
- Dual AGM batteries with Trina solar panels, 300 watts total
- Dometic CFX30 fridge
- Ironman compressor, awning, and off-road shower
- ARB front bumper with Warn winch
- Cascadia Vehicle Tents Mt. Hood Slimline rooftop tent
This 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser HDJ80L is listed for $55,000 and is currently located in Sandpoint, Idaho. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
Our No Compromise Clause: We carefully screen all contributors to ensure they are independent and impartial. We never have and never will accept advertorial, and we do not allow advertising to influence our product or destination reviews.
