86 60 $1500 runs needs smog? 180k mi.

[jsuthey]

Looking at a 1986 FJ60 with 180K miles,the guy is asking $1500.I have not been to test drive yet& look at it(going to go monday I hope,this is a local truck,located 20 min. away).The guy said it runs good,JUST needs a smog.I have been reading smog issues on the FAQ for a wile,as I don't know what the prob. is yet.The guy said maybe something to do w/the carb? I don't know what I am getting into here,but I have always liked 60's and would love to own one.Sounded pretty cheap,prob. needs tons of work & some $$ to get it up to speed.But the low miles sounded good and the low price?
Any input ,advice,would be great.
Thanks,John

 

[jsuthey]

The 60 is an 85!!! not an 86.
John

 

[Cruiserdrew]

They are really great trucks. That's a decent price, but find out why it won't smog. It could be easy or very difficult. 2 years ago I had to have JimC rebuild the carb and replace the cat to pass smog. It can be a real nightmare.

Technically, it's the sellers responsibility to get it through smog. You might ask him to smog it before you buy and if he balks, that's leverage to lower the price.

Lots of great deals on wagons right now. My 62 is a very nice 1 owner, low mile truck and was only a little more than this one you are looking at.

 

[Spike Strip]

If it's a 4/85 or later, same as '86, up to when, I forget---

 

[NocalFJ60]

I would ask him to see the numbers from the last smog. He must of failed recently if he is saying it needs a smog. Like said above in California legally the seller has to provide a smog certificate to the the buyer. If it is failing, then most likely it is going to cost at least probably a carb rebuild and tuneup. Start adding on the price of a smog pump and other smog equipment it could go up quickly. It is a gamble like anything. If the cruiser is really clean and nice, you can try and get the price down without the smog and try and get it to pass yourself. I would do a compression test before buying a 2f since it is so easy to do and then you will know the engine doesn't have any major issues.

 

[jessewmcgregor]

good deal IF.... try to get the $$ down (but if you are like me you will take it home no matter what)

 

[Cruiserdrew]

So did you buy it?

 

[jsuthey]

Thanks for the replys,No Andrew did not buy it yet! I have nothing new on it yet,playing ph. tag w/the guy.If you want to see a photo of the truck go to Craigslist look up SF bay area punch in Land Cruiser & find it.Better yet just go to Santa Cruz on there.It's that root beer brown color.
Just not really sure if I can do this right know,so busy,been working 7-days a week! And I still have my 69 40 project sitting there w/that F engine & SM420 to put in-it's going to be alot of work,thats why I was looking at a running truck.I was also looking at some clean 62's & 60's that allready have the smog cert. good miles,good prices.Look at LA & Orange county Craigslist's fun to look!
Thanks I will post up when I know more,John

 

[2mbb]

Smog for california can be a bear. As Andrew recommends, try to get the seller to smog it. Smog repairs can be costly. It's difficult to even find a mechanic that knows how to work on these trucks. I spent $450 with a local dealer in 2002 when mine was failing and they did not fix it or correctly dianose the problem.

You can check the California smog history of a vehicle from this web site using the license or VIN: DCA BAR Vehicle Smog Test History

Here's the smog history on my truck. It doesn't give results but it lets you see how reliable it's been at passing. I failed the last time (5/08) because we have a new pressure test for the fuel EVAP system which I failed, but I passed the tail pipe tests. The string of failures I had in 2002 led me towards replacing the smog pump and the catalytic convertor.