For Sale Advice Needed - Look to buy 1993 FJ80

Location

United States

Craigslist link

Looking to get my first ever LC and thought I'd throw it out to some of you seasoned vets for some advice. I'm a noob.

The guy said he is thinning the herd and has a few of these trucks. He mentioned there is no rust and some oxidation on the hood (hard to tell with the filter'd pics). Also, the seat motor is broken.

I've been eyeing this 1993 on Craigslist for a few weeks. It's not locked.. but curious to get some thoughts? I am going to get the VIN and take a look at it.

Btw- super stoked to be part of the group.

 

[PDoyle]

If he has a few of them then go with the newest model year he is selling. Parts are not easy to find .

 

[ace10]

Check for signs of a front end accident.

No roof rack is a plus.

 

[Lemonbishop]

If he has a few of them then go with the newest model year he is selling. Parts are not easy to find .

You mean parts are not easy to find on the early 1990s 80s? Or for any 80?

 

[Frank Cloud]

The front bumper is slightly jacked on the passenger side, so at minimum it's had some kind of bump there.

 

[whereyouare]

Check for signs of a front end accident.

No roof rack is a plus.

CarFax says it's clean. I do see that bump.

 

[ace10]

The headlights, corners and grill are incorrect )aftermarket). The bumper end cap is turned down. Theres a scar on the front pax side fender flare. Somebody did a cheap repair. That's why the Carfax is clean.


Does the guy have a bunch of 80s because hes an enthusiast/collector or is he a flipper?

 

[whereyouare]

The headlights, corners and grill are incorrect )aftermarket). The bumper end cap is turned down. Theres a scar on the front pax side fender flare. Somebody did a cheap repair. That's why the Carfax is clean.


Does the guy have a bunch of 80s because hes an enthusiast/collector or is he a flipper?

I've seen your feedback around @ace10 and I appreciate it a ton. I'm assuming I should be wary of this buy then?

 

[ace10]

I've seen your feedback around @ace10 and I appreciate it a ton. I'm assuming I should be wary of this buy then?

I can't answer that question.
These days $6K doesn't get you much FZJ80.
In this instance, I'd want to know about the seller. And if I wasn't familiar with the 80 and evaluating accident repairs, I'd want somebody who knows what they're looking at it to give it the once over.

If you've got a limited budget, then you have to be prepared to accept some compromises in terms of mechanical condition and/or cosmetics. A neglected 80 can run you many $Ks getting it rehabbed if you don't turn your own wrenches.


Something to keep in mind... a $50K truck in 1993 ($85K in today's $$) doesn't ever to cease being a $55K truck. Labor and parts will always be spendy.

 

[ace10]

Just a further thought... I have a low mile, pristine 1993 and I've spent more than the Ask price of this white one in a year and a half on maintenance, suspension/tires and minor cosmetics.
And this week the A/C stopped blowing cold.

This is FAR from the typical 80 ownership experience, but I keep my stuff 100% and pay others to do a good bit of it.

There are no free lunches.

 

[Frank Cloud]

I agree with ace. At minimum, spend a few bucks to have a LC enthusiast look it over. On one potential purchase, I paid 300 for a pre inspection. Guy did an excellent job and saved me 10k by passing on a rusted, rotted vehicle. On another, guy did a half a. job on a cheap inspection that could have saved me several thousand on what I eventually paid for the truck. Even after all that, I've sunk about 10 additional k to get it baselined to the way I wanted it. And the truck I bought was in good shape.

 

[PDoyle]

You mean parts are not easy to find on the early 1990s 80s? Or for any 80?

Well really the earlier 80's, before 94 do not have the OBD ll diagnostic system. May or may not be a big thing.

 

[AAdam]

Go out there and take a look at it / feel out the owner - pay for a pre purchase inspection. Someone here might know of a good shop: CA- Inland Empire Cruisers

There's always a level of risk with any used car... just make sure that risk turns into an adventure rather than a nightmare by doing your due diligence, and then take a that leap of faith !

 

[White Stripe]

Loos like it sold