eBay 1979 FJ40 in Miami - Scam?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/201090909420?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Auction ended, i put in a stink bid and it was accepted. Doesn't appear to have the 79 grille, overall seems too good to be true but I thought I would try. I have been on the lookout for a 79+, decided i was willing to risk some negative ebay feedback to see if this was for real. I'll order an inspection before sending over any kind of payment, my expectation is I'll never get any communication from them though as the seller only accepts wire, cashiers check or cash. Anybody ever seen this vehicle?

If anybody in the Miami area is willing to go check it out let me know. Working on getting the seller's contact info/address, etc. Almost tempted to fly out myself...

Videos posted as well
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9nETbwCXc3rxJH6YR3ZwkFbSTF9cqlsD&feature=c4-feed-u

 

[DTSkyCop]

Good luck on this. Looking at the videos, I think they are both the same, it looks like the Vehicl is clearly in some shop and they probably just get them running with a simple story behind them and then put on Ebay. Did the seller have a good rating or any complaints...?? Video and pics are not really good quality to see too much on the cruiser either... Good luck with your purchase if it works out!

 

[scoobiedubes]

The seller had very little feedback, and thats what concerned me most really. But i spoke with the seller directly on the phone a bit ago, and it seems legit. I also spoke with ebay and they said that i am covered under their protection policy if i pay the deposit via bank-to-bank wire xfer and it comes back "not as described" from the inspection - i am going to pay to have an inspection done in the next few days. So it seems like there's really no risk to me other than the potential pain of having to file a dispute. Agree that the photos and video could be a lot better, but the price is certainly right! I think the real key is getting the inspection done, so i've had a 3rd party look at it first. I'll take it into Camelback Toyota as soon as I get it to get a quote on the 4wd shaft...

If this all works out, I'll just have to decide what to do with my '72! Will wait until it arrives to worry about all of that.

 

[NYIronPig]

I offered him $8,500 and he wrote me back saying it would not fly. Wanted to let you know he at least responded.

 

[Landpimp]

its prolly legit, its a south american "resto" so bear that in mind. It may be a bit of this and a bit of that...

 

[scoobiedubes]

Well it seems like the sale is legitimate, however I am convinced this isn't a 1979 but rather a 1978. It has a vertical gas cap cover and a round bezel. I got the VIN from him FJ40296015 which indicates it is a 1978 as well. I've asked for details regarding the gas tank location and if there is power steering (though i realize that was not standard), so we will see what he says. If it is a 1978, i will likely back out of it, no need to pay a premium for that year really.

 

[scoobiedubes]

its prolly legit, its a south american "resto" so bear that in mind. It may be a bit of this and a bit of that...

How did you know that it was a South American resto? i noticed that when i did a google search, that it came from ecuador. Was there something else that clued you in?

 

[Landpimp]

the front turn signals from a 70 series, very common swap in SA. Wheels are also pretty common to see on SA 40's. I will also guess it has no heater. Fenders also have the typical sag that i have seen many times on SA "resto's" (I dont know why they cant get them level)

How did you know that it was a South American resto? i noticed that when i did a google search, that it came from ecuador. Was there something else that clued you in?

 

[Landpimp]

just watched the vid, it does have a heater.......but I dont think its FJ40, its a BJ40 which is a diesel.

 

[scoobiedubes]

just watched the vid, it does have a heater.......but its also not a FJ40, its a BJ40 which is a diesel....

Impressive noticing the blinkers, i totally missed that. I hate those wheels, but that's an easy fix. He gave me a VIN (FJ40296015), wouldn't that indicate it is an FJ rather than a BJ? I've never seen a BJ in person...

My 72 isn't nearly as clean, but I'm starting to worry a bit. Is this still a good buy at $14k?

 

[studawg]

Ive bought several cruisers sight-unseen, but that is one I would definitely want to see first.

 

[Landpimp]

the 1st vid made the motor sound like a dsl....but I guess its not(can see and hear it better in the other vids)

cant see if the parking brake is on the floor or not.

 

[scoobiedubes]

the 1st vid made the motor sound like a dsl....but I guess its not(can see and hear it better in the other vids)

cant see if the parking brake is on the floor or not.

Looks like its just below the dash like my 72... didn't they move that in 81 or something though?

 

[scoobiedubes]

Since this is technically no longer really a "classified" I've moved this thread over to the 40 series forums
https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/19...ly-a-1978-whats-it-worth.806143/#post-9201656

 

[Landpimp]

79 should be on the floor, but its a non US rig.....so there may be a difference. It may even have front drum brakes.

 

[71CRUISERSBC]

I dont think this was a scam because it had been for sale on Craigslist for a couple of months now. Although it hadnt been sold makes me wonder why

 

[scoobiedubes]

I dont think this was a scam because it had been for sale on Craigslist for a couple of months now. Although it hadnt been sold makes me wonder why

Yeah i think its real, a thorough inspection is scheduled for today so we will see what comes out of that