14 Months with My 1995 80 Series Land Cruiser: The Quirks, the Rides, and the Adventure

It’s been 14 months since I became the proud third owner of a 1995 80 Series Toyota Land Cruiser, and what a journey it has been. I bought this rig with 218,000 miles on the clock, inheriting it from its previous owner who had it for 11 years. Now, after putting an additional 8,000 miles on it myself, I can say this Land Cruiser has become much more than just a vehicle; it’s a trusty companion with quirks I’ve come to appreciate (mostly) and lessons I never anticipated learning.

The Quirks: Charm or Challenge?

One of the things that makes older vehicles so endearing is their personality, and this Cruiser has plenty of it. From the way the passenger side window takes forever to roll up in the cold, to the third-row seat strap that never seems to stay in place (seriously, I’m about to remove those seats entirely), these quirks give it character. Then there’s the elusive rattle in the engine bay, something I’ve tried and failed to locate several times. It’s a mystery that keeps me on my toes—though it's more amusing than concerning at this point.

I also have a bit of a love-hate relationship with how this thing drives. On the one hand, I love the feeling of confidence and capability it gives me, both on and off the road. On the other hand, it’s undeniably slow, especially when trying to pass anyone on the highway. And let's not even talk about the gas mileage—it’s definitely not winning any awards for fuel efficiency. But these are trade-offs I’m willing to accept for the sheer ruggedness and reliability that come with this rig.

Despite these minor annoyances, I wouldn't trade these quirks for anything. They remind me that while my Land Cruiser may be approaching 30 years old, it’s still running strong and ready for whatever lies ahead. There’s a certain pride that comes with driving a vehicle that, despite its age, holds up remarkably well on all kinds of terrain.

Built for Adventure

One of the highlights of owning this 80 Series Land Cruiser is its off-road capability. From rocky trails in Central Oregon to the forests of Northern Idaho and all the way down to North Florida, this rig has handled everything I’ve thrown at it with ease. The Slee Offroad bumper and KO2 tires give me great ride height and peace of mind when tackling rougher trails. Scratches? Not a problem—the paint is already far from pristine, so I don’t have to worry too much about adding a few new marks to its well-worn surface.

It’s also proven itself on longer road trips. Earlier this year, I drove it from Bend, Oregon, to Las Vegas for SHOT Show, and it didn’t skip a beat. The sunroof works well, and despite its age, the seals hold up against the elements. Whether it's handling rain, snow, or rough dirt tracks, this Land Cruiser continues to deliver.

The People Behind the Journey

Owning a vehicle like this is about more than just driving—it’s about community. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some great people along the way who share my passion for these rigs. memprojects and Fit Garage, in particular, have been invaluable sources of knowledge and assistance when it comes to keeping my Cruiser in top shape. I’ve learned so much about vehicle maintenance from them, which has been one of the unexpected joys of this ownership experience. It turns out, even though these Land Cruisers are famous for their reliability, age catches up to all machines eventually. Keeping it running smoothly takes some semi-involved maintenance, but that’s just part of the fun.

Final Thoughts

Driving an older Land Cruiser is not just about getting from point A to point B—it's about the experience. It’s been a fantastic rig, full of stories and memories, and it’s a great conversation starter with others who share an interest in Toyota’s legendary off-roaders. Whether I’m tackling an off-road trail, making a cross-country drive, or just rolling up a window (eventually), this Cruiser has been a blast to own. Here's to many more miles, trails, and adventures ahead.

If you're thinking about getting into the world of older Land Cruisers, or if you're already an enthusiast, I can say without hesitation that it’s worth every rattle, loose strap, slow-moving window, sluggish speed, and poor gas mileage.

Go follow @memprojects and @fitgarage if you aren't already