Found a FJ62, good buy?

[Greyscale]

So, ever since I started looking at getting my first car over a year ago I wanted a Land Cruiser after seeing one for the first time. I ended up buying a '93 Pathfinder that had some issues, but got me around.

For the past few months i've been entertaining the idea of selling the pathfinder and buying a cruiser. Today I found a '89 for $1400 about an hour from where I am. From its description, it seems to be in good shape mechanically (Just needs a new o2 sensor and some seals), but there is apperently some rust. I haven't gone and looked at it yet, but I do have a few pictures of the rust that were sent to me:

Rust LH:

Rust RH:

Is it worth looking at, or should I move on?

 

[BigSur]

for $1400 that sounds like a good buy to me. Those wheels look awesome on that 62. This looks like it would make a canidate for a good trail rig.

 

[nodaksn3]

$1400 isn't bad, but how bad is the rust? Will it keep from passing inspection (if you even have a state inspection!). Check out the frame, bad rust there could be a show stopper. Also, the drip rails are costly to fix. Otherwise, what the heck. Offer him $1000, and go for it. Ned

 

[remy1974]

seems like a decent buy could try to dicker a little. make sure to check rear frame. looked at an 88 once had mint body but frame was pretty rough. agree it would make nice trail rig good luck.

 

[RockDoc]

That truck looks mean as ^$#*( If you don't mind driving a rusted beast, and things check out mechanically and frame-wise, I would agree with Ned, offer something and what the hell.

If you know, what are the tires on it now? I am looking to get a set of swampers along those lines.

 

[cruiser88]

CHECK THE FRAME REAL GOOD IN THE BACK if it is good hell why not

 

[Heartworm]

I differ from the previous posters. Keep looking...sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs to find the princess.

 

[chukardog]

man thats awfully rusty. The frame is the important part.

 

[cruiser88]

man thats awfully rusty. The frame is the important part.

I agree.....warning to the poster..this rig will be a money pit at least on the body but if it runs good up to you

 

[Heartworm]

Greyscale: They are all money pits. Some of the rusty ones are hopeless money pits.

 

[RockDoc]

It all depends what you want out of it. If the frame checks out and it is decent mechanically, that would make a good bush basher. If you are looking for something to hang onto for a long time, walk away, the rust will never stop, and you've already lost that game.

 

[High Desert]

It's gonna be hard to work on cause every nut on it is probably rusted/fused. That couldnot be a Oregon original rig..unless it's been parked at the coast for 20years..Save you coins buy a $3000 rust free rig...Check the craig's list for Bend usually two or three up here.

 

[Kief]

Ditto, if you are buying it for a runner, start clean. Even beater rigs aren't fun when they fall apart, then you have to drag the pieces home..

 

[Greyscale]

Well, after thinking it over a bit I've decided to keep looking. I still need to fix up and sell my current rig, so I still have time to look.

Besides, I'm mostly looking for a DD (yes, I know they get crap gas mileage) so something with that ammount of rust would probally have been a poor choice. I'll just have to keep looking.

 

[RockDoc]

Considering the intended use, that was a no-brainer.

For a similar price, or less, you could keep your eye out for a clean one with a blown automatic, then upgrade it with a 5-speed (although that part of the equation would take money and work).

 

[Rigger]

Well, after thinking it over a bit I've decided to keep looking.

Good choice.

 

[highlandcruiser]

Wow I am so glad I live on the west coast, my 89 FJ62 has no rust neither does my 90 FJ62. Does the salt really do that kind of rusting? and Whats an inspection? from the state?

 

[JoeCanadian]

sweet tires. if the frame is ok the the rust is just to remove weight. to bad it is an fj and not a bj

 

[justin85-60]

I would definately keep looking. But, that's my opinion. That is a lot of rust to start your first car with. You can find lots of 60s for about that amount of money around here. Mostly rust free, or at least not like that. Maybe a little under the rear tailgate or something. Are you stuck on a 62 or could you deal with a 60 (60s are easier to find in that price range.)
Two questions remain, is 1400 your budget or you just like that one?
What are you goals for it?

editJust read the full description in the MUD Class., sounds like if you don't mind rust, may be ok? Chck the rear crossmember and the rest of the frame. If the body is that rusty in OR that frame may have taken a beating too. I wonder if it started at the coast then off to Medford? We don't use salt here so I would assume it must have come from the coast or another state all together.

 

[IB14A69]

buy it! if the running gear is as good as he states and the tires are brand new. there is your 1400 bucks right there plus some. it depends what you want to do with it. Beat it-buy it, drive it every once and a while-buy it, total restoration- dont buy it.