Your thoughts on an 80 purchase

LSUfj · 05-22-07, 08:19 AM

I currently have a 40 and would like to get into the 80s as well. I found a burgundy 93 with 142k miles and front and rear lockers (stock).

It needs a little paint work (clear coat peeling) has a small rust spot that would also need attention. Leather seats need recovering. Runs and drives fine, but has a visible valve cover leak. Some oil around the front of the the tranny when viewed from underneath. This is probably from the valve cover leak, but since i dont really know the usual leaks on the 80s, please provide your thoughts.

He is asking 7500, blue book is around 6300, but i find this is kind of irrelevant on a vehicle like this. (SEE BELOW FOR Link)

With that said, i would be getting rid of a perfectly good 2001 Tacoma w/ 120k miles to purchase this. I hope to have 3-4k left over after the swap.

Thanks for the input,

Bret

Wilkinson · 05-22-07, 08:24 AM

sounds about normal for this vintage. My '94 at 190K miles has quite a bit more than "some oil" around the tranny.

Trunk Monkey · 05-22-07, 08:27 AM

Miles are good, price is a little high. I'd think under $7k, maybe $6.5k

SR.GRINGO · 05-22-07, 08:56 AM

When I purchased my 80 I sold a 00 4Runner that I bought new with 60k for a 94 80 with a 130k-- the 80 series will be more maintenance than your Tacoma. You should be able to find a better price without rust.

dogcatch'n · 05-22-07, 09:03 AM

I would be more patient, you should be able to find one in Texas with no rust.

MoJ · 05-22-07, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogcatch'n

I would be more patient, you should be able to find one in Texas with no rust.

Agreed. If there's rust on the body chances are several bolts, nuts, etc on the underside are rusty as well. Unless it was expceptionally low priced, which it's not, I would avoid fighting seized fasteners when you go to work on it.

'74 UA FJ · 05-22-07, 09:24 AM

I'm in the same boat as you, LSU, as far as looking for an 80. I'd say that one might be worth 6500...I'm looking for one a little newer and with low miles. Up to the $12k tag. You could buy that and put 3-4k in it and it would be a very nice truck, I would bet.

sprocket3 · 05-22-07, 02:03 PM

Keep looking!

When it comes to buying cars often what looks to be a good deal on the surface is very over priced when you factor in the cost of repairs. Find one that has some recent maint. done, and maybe some mods you would want to do in the future. You will save tons of money in the long run. Don't be affraid to travel.

I flew 500 miles to look at what i ended up buying a few months ago. Considering what i got for $12,000 it was a steal compared to what i was looking at local.

Rkroelin · 05-22-07, 05:27 PM

Keep looking. All those things you mentioned are expensive. They also tend to be the ones you think you can ignore but that end up driving you crazy every time you look at the car.

Brian Macgyver · 05-23-07, 12:22 AM

I might have to go with the "keep looking" croud, just because you already have some solid trucks. If you were driving a Camry it might be worth trying to reduce his price some. The prices for solid 80's have dropped a lot since I finished fixing mine. In time, he may realize this, or you may find a better deal.

fjfar80 · 05-23-07, 12:28 AM

I would be patient and wait for a better deal...there are a lot of them out there with no rust, no leaks and interiors that look almost as good as new.

LSUfj · 05-24-07, 09:05 AM

Thinking of offering 6, in hopes of getting for 6500. bad idea? i can do all of the work myself, so the paint wont be much, leather i have seen for around 650 on this forum.

Comments are appreciated.

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/album?c=...152266&.src=ph

BHMCruiser · 05-25-07, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LSUfj

Thinking of offering 6, in hopes of getting for 6500. bad idea? i can do all of the work myself, so the paint wont be much, leather i have seen for around 650 on this forum.

Comments are appreciated.

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/album?c=...152266&.src=ph

If you are patient, you can get a vehicle in better condition for about the same amount.

Edit: Sorry, I just saw the pictures; I had been working off your description. It's okay. I would not pay more than blue book for a land cruiser right now. You can get better value than that.