State of the market for used diesel Cruisers?

[83bj60]

Originally Posted by brownbear

I gotta say I disagree with most of your post. I think the part that bugs me the most is Cnd 60's arn't up to snuff.

Well maybe not out west, but on the east coast that's another matter!!!

Originally Posted by brownbear

Now you wanna talk MPG with a gasser to a diesel cruiser? I just figured out my mileage fully loaded with my tent trailer from my trip to Vancouver and back. With a monster roof rack and 500lbs on top, and a 2000lb trailer I am 14 Litres per 100k. Or 20 imp(17.x us) Let's see a gasser 60 even come close empty.

OK, but gas is 20% cheaper than gas now... A big disincentive to buy a diesel if there is any! that 14l/100 (I did 9.4 with my HDJ81 last week) is now the equivalent in cost to 17.5l/100 in gas, and I guarantee you very few SUVs (except maybe the big Excusrsions and the like) use that much nowadays!!!

[83bj60]

Originally Posted by rstl99

And about all the ads for new NA trucks with great fuel economy, I suppose I take some of those numbers with a grain of salt... NA auto makers are fighting for their lives, and their truck divisions are particularly hurting, and I wouldn't be surprised if the numbers were doctored to make them look more appealing... I suppose some of those trucks have improved a lot in this regard, but it could be argued that it's at the cost of much more complex engine mechanics and electronics, resulting in a much less reliable truck in the long run, in my view. Part of the reason I like diesel, and especially the venerable old-school diesels (3B, OM616/7, etc.), is the simplicity and longevity inherent in the design. Anyway, a bit off topic sorry. Interesting discussion....

I agree about the old being simple and reliable. But the newer V6s in those chevy pickups and SUVs are quite thrifty. I have a few buddies who have them. of course, they don't have locking diffs, leather heated seats, a console fridge and electrcically adjustable shocks and their trucks don't have the Landcruiser's legendary reputation but for most folks those things just aren't worth shelling so much money for when they can have a one or two year old vehicle with pretty much the same on road abilities for the same price one of us nuts would pay for a 15 year old truck.

Would I trade places? Are you kidding? The point is, Landcruisers are for afficionados... And there aren't that many of us around!

[83bj60]

Originally Posted by crushers

a cruiser is worth what the buyer is willing to pay.
if you are in a hurry then your up the creek, relax and the right buyer might come along.

Very sound advice. That's the whole point with Landcruisers. Just be patient, the right person will eventually come along for it.

Originally Posted by crushers

seriously, the "car market" has died. look at the dealers prices and you will see what i mean. unless you are desperate for money, leave an add up and set your mind on it isn't going to sell...if it does, gravy... if it doesn't then you are not depressed.

i have been buying and selling cruisers for decades and these last 2 years has seen a serious cut back for everyone...

Absolutely. It's the economy... Prices go down, good for the buyer, bad for the seller, but look at what you've achieved, as a buyer you were able to get this 92 LHD 80 series for a pretty good price. Don't fret and consider yourself lucky you did get it for a good price

[mac]

Originally Posted by 83bj60

Second is the cost of diesel... It just doesn't make a diesel fuelled vehicle such a smart buy anymore. Especially when your fuel costs range around $5,000 a year. If diesel is 20% more expensive, saving maybe 10% with the greater efficiency isn't such an attractive deal anymore when you can get the same vehicle with an even more efficient gas engine (have you looked at the figures from the newer American engines on full size SUVs? It puts many diesels to shame!). On top of that it's probably going to be in much better condition (bolts that you can actually screw off instead of torch off like in Cannuck trucks of the same vintage) and when it's so easy to get a southern US state 60 series for many thousands less...

Sorry to be so pessimistic, but Landcruisers are for afficionados, and old Canadian 60s just aren't up to snuff anymore! And considering how the market is getting stiff competition from the JDMs in comparativeley pristine condition, no wonder they are so tough to sell!!!

!

Diesel is not the same price everywhere. I consistently pay the same or a little bit less for diesel compared to regular gasoline. 15-17MPG in my gasser, plus spark plugs, wires, cap, rotor, ECU and a plethora of other $$ sensors- OR 25-27MPG in my diesel with oil and filter changes. Diesel is still plenty attractive to me thank you very much...

[brownbear]

Originally Posted by 83bj60

OK, but gas is 20% cheaper than gas now... A big disincentive to buy a diesel if there is any! that 14l/100 (I did 9.4 with my HDJ81 last week) is now the equivalent in cost to 17.5l/100 in gas, and I guarantee you very few SUVs (except maybe the big Excusrsions and the like) use that much nowadays!!!

Why are we talking excursions? This is a cruiser discussion...

My 80(gasser) burns 20-24 litres per 100. so you burning half of mine. So how does that compare even due to fuel prices.

Now lets both go on the trail for the day. My 80 will eat more than half a tank, yours may stay on full.

My Bj60 on an all day wheeling burns only 3-4 US gallons. Thats 8 hours of running. That was Moab. Guys in FJ60 are burning 15 gallons or a bit less. A diesel gets 200% or so better burns offroad. Remember we don't burn much idling. Where gassers are always burning at 14.7-1 ratio. We might go to 200 to 1.

Outside of the European union of Quebec diesel is sitting near the price of gas. Real close. Maybe 5 cents more.

[brownbear]

Originally Posted by crushers

i agree, not everyone wants a JDM, not everyone wants a cruiser, period. to someone that is dead set against RHD then they have no choice but to buy a CDM bare bones cruiser or a US gasser.

Part of what I like is bare bones. Crank windows, etc. No a/c... I like simple.

[gerg]

You hit it on the nose bb. When I owned my first cruiser (Fj40) my buddy and i would go wheeling for the day. Id fill up for half a tank, and he would put like 3 bucks in. He had a BJ40. It is that for that reason alone that I got into diesels. I have since found so many other virtues, but it was the absolutely outrageous economy that pushed me over the edge. My BJ60 will out do any vehicle in its weight class for mileage, hands down, and yes diesel costs more than gas here too.
g

[roscoFJ73]

Originally Posted by brownbear

Part of what I like is bare bones. Crank windows, etc. No a/c... I like simple.

x2 . Those electric windows are designed to break down ,drive you mad and go buy a new car with working electric windows.

[tmarx]

Those scams make it real hard for us legit guys. When I was looking for a 40 in Aus alot of the sellers refused point blank to even talk to me when they heard I was from ZA. Fortunately I found Daniel whom I had never met, gave him a fist full of cash and he then negotiated the deal, bought the truck, stored it for about 2 months and delivered it to the shippers when the time was right. Just goes to show there are still some very honest and kind people in our world.

As far as prices go, they have dropped accross the range here in ZA since the release of the 76 and 200. Recent fuel and interest rate hikes have also not been helpfull. But 40 values continue to climb

[crushers]

not everyone from Africa are crooks,
and
not everyone from N America is honest.

sadly, there is a stigma that has been created against Africa.

as for the BJ60 bare bones, it was not said as derogatory... it was just a statement. if you look at my wheeling rigs, they are as basic as i can get. electrics and wheeling do not go hand in hand... (although, i have become addicted to the AC)

[rstl99]

Originally Posted by BC40

Definitely seen a big drop in the price of the diesel 60s. OTOH, I would think that if the truck really is in good shape, it should be worth something out east in your area. Most eastern vehicles die an early death due to corrosion.

That's what I think too. As others have indicated, patience is key here, not being in a rush to sell. Actually, I'm in no hurry really, and am enjoying driving the 60 while some minor body work is being done on the 80!

Originally Posted by crushers

a cruiser is worth what the buyer is willing to pay.
if you are in a hurry then your up the creek, relax and the right buyer might come along. or give it away and it will be gone.

seriously, the "car market" has died. look at the dealers prices and you will see what i mean. unless you are desperate for money, leave an add up and set your mind on it isn't going to sell...if it does, gravy... if it doesn't then you are not depressed.

i have been buying and selling cruisers for decades and these last 2 years has seen a serious cut back for everyone...

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it, and it gives me a healthier perspective to apply to this.

Originally Posted by 83bj60

Absolutely. It's the economy... Prices go down, good for the buyer, bad for the seller, but look at what you've achieved, as a buyer you were able to get this 92 LHD 80 series for a pretty good price. Don't fret and consider yourself lucky you did get it for a good price

Indeed, I _do_ consider myself very fortunate to own two good diesel Land Cruiser specimens! Very different personalities, both fun in their own right.

I've taken the "FOR SALE" ads down from the windows of the BJ60. Will continue posting ads on the electronic sites here and there, now and then. The right buyer will come along eventually, for a price that is fair and right for the truck.

Today, I had the pleasure of using the practicality of the 60: I bought and drove home (in one trip!) a sofa and a love seat! I couldn't believe they both fit in the back, with the backseat folded forward! Man that is one huge cargo area there!!! And the 60 seemed to enjoy the load and actually drove better, smoother ride. Gotta love these trucks!!

, all!
--Robert

[crushers]

i have a guy in Portugal looking for one...
shoot me your email driect to:
wayne@crushersrule.com
and i will put you two in bed together...
cheers