For Sale 1975 BJ40 Value- Thoughts?

Hello All-

I am in the process of importing a 1975 BJ40 from Costa Rica. Original 4 cylinder diesel is in great condition, as is the interior (seats are new and close to originals). I was hoping you learned Cruiser Experts could help in determining what would be a reasonable asking price for the vehicle in the event that I decide not to keep it as a personal vehicle... a few dings and here and there but overall in great condition. Has NOT been rust treated. Thanks for any and all comments!

 

[bugsnbikes]

been resprayed- so its anyones guess what lurks underneath as far as rust. One would need to see pics of prepaint rust and areas that were cut out/repaired.......or know the person who did it. Otherwise its value could be anywhere from $1200-$12000.

 

[overton]

You can see the rust coming out on the edge of the windshield frame in the shots you posted. Costa Rica trucks are sketchy. Are you buying from Angel? I would wait until you have it in your hands to determine the condition. Not tying to make you uneasy about your purchase but unless you have someone you know and TRUST looking at the truck in person for you, all bet's are off. Looks similar to one I bought for $17,500 and sold for $21K after I paid to ship it here and gave it some love. It was a wash but I felt lucky not to lose big on it. Took 97 days to get to my door. Key's lost along the way. Radio and speakers were stolen in transit. Not a good experience but it was a decent truck!

 

[SEAWOLF]

What does shipping cost for a run like this? Is there a section on MUD that about importing to the USA?

 

[JHarv]

What does shipping cost for a run like this? Is there a section on MUD that about importing to the USA?

Not sure- haven't decided which carrier I'm going with yet.

 

[JHarv]

been resprayed- so its anyones guess what lurks underneath as far as rust. One would need to see pics of prepaint rust and areas that were cut out/repaired.......or know the person who did it. Otherwise its value could be anywhere from $1200-$12000.

Thanks for the feedback. You think $12,000 is the ceiling for these?

 

[bugsnbikes]

You should get $14k if you do about $12k in rust abatement......so if you can pick it up for $5-6k.......you will only lose $3-4k.

 

[bugsnbikes]

Costa Rica= Flip Flops. Many ways to interpret that truism.

 

[Chamba]

It's had extensive work. The grille, windscreen hinges, front doors, brake master and who knows what else are later model bits. My guess is it's got a 75 ownership document which may or may not match the frame and firewall. Could be tricky getting it through import inspection if the vin plates look dodgy.

 

[JHarv]

It's had extensive work. The grille, windscreen hinges, front doors, brake master and who knows what else are later model bits. My guess is it's got a 75 ownership document which may or may not match the frame and firewall. Could be tricky getting it through import inspection if the vin plates look dodgy.

Thanks for the feedback. Are you of the same opinion as bugsnbikes? We're replacing the entire body tub.

 

[acc1]

Like Chamba said, these trucks can be tricky. It's good if you can see the process through in person, in Costa Rica. You will need a lawyer there that you can trust to help with the transaction and paperwork. They are known for making bad rigs look pretty so a personal inspection is a must. Shipping is a whole other issue, the port town is sketchy and the carrier might damage the truck with a forklift (grr). When it arrives in Miami or Texas at the port, hopefully it will still have most of its parts. Do you have a good broker in the port city that will help once the truck has arrived. Port fees are very expensive if it sits. Not any driver can get access to the ports for pickup. From the photos, looks like a nice truck. If you go for it, good luck!

 

[JHarv]

Like Chamba said, these trucks can be tricky. It's good if you can see the process through in person, in Costa Rica. You will need a lawyer there that you can trust to help with the transaction and paperwork. They are known for making bad rigs look pretty so a personal inspection is a must. Shipping is a whole other issue, the port town is sketchy and the carrier might damage the truck with a forklift (grr). When it arrives in Miami or Texas at the port, hopefully it will still have most of its parts. Do you have a good broker in the port city that will help once the truck has arrived. Port fees are very expensive if it sits. Not any driver can get access to the ports for pickup. From the photos, looks like a nice truck. If you go for it, good luck!

Thank you!

 

[SuperDuperCruizer]

I was drooling over the Cruisers I saw when I first visited Costa Rica in 2003... I recently visited this last November on my honeymoon. The Cruisers I saw this trip of the same vintage were a mixed bag. Many were a rusty mess. I cringed at some of the patchwork. So, beware... You should checked the local Craigslist ads to give you an idea of the local understanding of the export market and the potential for scammers.

I stayed in La Fortuna, Tamarindo, then Jaco before returning to the capital for my return flight. Just like buying a Cruiser in the states, it's important to know where the truck spent its time. Some of the trucks I saw made me appreciate what we "poo poo" in east coast trucks.

 

[Slouie]

Like Chamba said, these trucks can be tricky. It's good if you can see the process through in person, in Costa Rica. You will need a lawyer there that you can trust to help with the transaction and paperwork. They are known for making bad rigs look pretty so a personal inspection is a must. Shipping is a whole other issue, the port town is sketchy and the carrier might damage the truck with a forklift (grr). When it arrives in Miami or Texas at the port, hopefully it will still have most of its parts. Do you have a good broker in the port city that will help once the truck has arrived. Port fees are very expensive if it sits. Not any driver can get access to the ports for pickup. From the photos, looks like a nice truck. If you go for it, good luck!

Can you drive it back?

 

[Splangy]

Thanks for the feedback. Are you of the same opinion as bugsnbikes? We're replacing the entire body tub.

Why import a truck if you're going to replace the body? There are plenty of rust buckets in the USA.

Also, keep in mind that the B engine is very difficult to find parts for.

 

[Mr Cimarron]

Make sure the frame vin matches the title. It's the only thing they looked at when mine went through Texas theft inspection. I had no data tags on the body.
As for price it's a crap shoot in the Austin/ SA area. I have seen them for 8-20K on CL. I got offered 12K at the gas station the first day I got it before any work was done to it. I wouldn't import it thinking you will make a profit.

 

[OverLand Cruisers]

Why import a truck if you're going to replace the body? There are plenty of rust buckets in the USA.

Also, keep in mind that the B engine is very difficult to find parts for.

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