Another 88 to critique

[goldwolf]

$5250 obo
"165k original miles, original interior in great shape. Repainted 2 years ago in factory color. Tires less than 10k miles ago.
had remote/key less entry added.
AC doesnt leak at all. It was last summer (09) but I took the plunge and had it rebuilt to the new style freon. So all the fluids and seals were redone. Its ice cold. Brakes are fine. I got it from a dealer friend who had it as his personal vehicle and he bought it from original owner. Other than the past 5-6 months or so, its spent most of its life in garage. The carpet in the back is not loose and has a full size mat to protect it. I forgot to mention, but you can see it in one foto, the fuse panel cover on the left lower dash is broke. Its plastic and the latch that retains it broke. Its in the glovebox. I am also pretty sure the owners manuals are still in there. Original jack and stuff is in the panel where it should be in the back.

Only issues I am aware of are the little things, the detail things that kinda bug me but haven't had time to do.....that tint curling up, rear widow wiper fluid is slow to pump, the electric windows are slow in cold weather, and such.

Interior, the carpet is fine under the mats.

I really wouldn't expect to spend anything on it anytime soon. I haven't driven it much in the past few months and had to jump start it the other day but after driving it to town and running errands, it was fine.

Always had oil changed, transfer case changed, it really doesn't need anything other than a good home.

He is going to take some up close pics, I'll post when I get them.
Thanks to all you guys.

 

[goldwolf]

Link to bigger pics
Flickr: hounder98's Photostream
Only the ones labeled "Sierra" go with it.

 

[RTCUL8]

WOW. You can buy mine for less than that...
https://forum.ih8mud.com/vehicles-trailers-sale-wanted/385154-1988-fj62.html

 

[slcfj62]

If you are buying this sight unseen, be very careful. Alaska license plates on the front, Tennessee license plates on the rear. Things always look better in the pics than they really are.

 

[goldwolf]

I think the Alaska plate is a "Vanity" plate, truck is in Tenn. I would not buy unseen. I have bought many a used car, learned my lessons well. I am new to Cruisers, so I am trying to get a feel for the market and get advice from this great forum.
Seems like most sellers start pretty high. So I like to know what the experts think.

I am going to keep this truck a long time, so I am looking for a mostly rust free rig. I have a budget this year to get it up to spec. Then with all our vehicles we put away each month for maintenance. No car payments, and I want it to stay that way!

thanks for your help.

 

[tobycat03]

Just bought an '89 a few weeks ago with 168K on it. I'm the third owner. New tires, and the tranny was rebuilt about 25K miles ago. ZERO rust. Paid $6000.00 for it. All receipts, and the tool kit/jack are MINT, never used. The second owner was friends with the first owner, and he had owned since 2001. Very nice FJ62.

With that being said, I don't think I would buy a vehicle sight unseen. I've done that once and wouldn't again.

 

[biomax]

If the paint is good, then I'd consider $4k a good purchase price on this one as well. Rest looks pretty good. But would (as always) require a closer inspection.

 

[goldwolf]

More Pics

First pic is the cargo area then some undercarriage shots, how bout those knuckles? Ready for a rebuild? How much life left in the springs?
Looks like regular surface rust on the bottom. Anything stick out to you guys.

There are a couple more pics in the link below and larger size.
The body rust looks to be non existent.
I would have to travel 8 hours to see this rig, so I want to do my legwork and not waste my time. I am not buying site unseen. I plan to keep the cruiser along time, it's worth a day or two to drive up.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27614269@N05/5216670008/in/set-72157625489433090/

 

[tobycat03]

Wonder what ARFCOM member the seller is?!!

 

[Tinker]

Check the sticky for a mechanic near the seller & pay for a pre-purchase inspection.

And my continual harangue: put your location in your sig line so those close to you can offer to help.

 

[Tofudebeest]

That price is dead on. I just bought my latest Cruiser, assembly date Sept. 1987 (first month of FJ62, I believe), similar shape and condition. Paid about that, only mine has 104,000 on the clock, and is all manual (except the transmission, of course).

 

[goldwolf]

Do the knuckles look like they need a rebuild? How bout the springs? Thanks for the input.

A quote from the seller, "If you are familiar with the front suspension on these, then you know about the ball type joint. Nothing needed anything other than greased."

That doesn't sound quite right to me. Or does he mean the regular maintenance?

 

[jleeFJ62]

You'll want to replace the springs eventually. My ultra heavies made a huge difference on how my 62 felt and drove. The front axle doesnt look too bad. His statement is incorrect though. Front axle rebuild is not that bad, 100-150 bucks and a weekend and you should be all set.

 

[Tofudebeest]

Just buy a big jug of GoJo and make sure you have LOTS of rags around; it is a very messy job. And make sure you use the Marlin inner axle seals (Cruiser Outfitters carries them), which are a HUGE upgrade from OEM, and I think they're like $7 a pop instead of $3 or so.