BJ40 Value

[FreebirdFirebird]

Good Evening,

I have a neighbor who has a 1979 BJ40 that he is interested in selling. He legally imported it to the states from Europe several years ago. He painted it, added an ARB lift, and put new tires on it. He claims to have driven it less than 200 miles since purchasing it.

As for the condition:

• Odometer shows 29,000 km.
• The brakes need some work as they tend to "stick" when driving.
• Brake lights have a short that drains the battery.
• Original diesel engine starts and runs good.
• Transmission, transfer case, and clutch seem to be in good shape.
• The throttle linkage needs a new spring (or something) as the pedal won't return all the way to the top causing a high idle.
• Paint has considerable orange peel on the front grill section and on the top.
• There are a couple of places with minor paint bubbling and several chipped places around the rear doors.
• Body overall seems to be very solid.
• Frame has some surface rust.
• Seats have been reupholstered.
• Floor of the tub has been coated with bed liner material.

In short, I need to know the fair market value for a Cruiser like this. The guy won't throw out a number and wants me to come up with one. I would like to have a ballpark idea of the value, as it might be out of my price range entirely (I'm a young broke guy, lol).

Thanks

 

[Bluegrass40]

Any pic before paint?

 

[FreebirdFirebird]

Any pic before paint?

No, but it was a white/cream color. You can see a little of it in one of the pictures at the rear door sill where the green paint chipped off.

 

[Bluegrass40]

More interested in original condition prior to paint (rust, body work etc)

 

[FreebirdFirebird]

More interested in original condition prior to paint (rust, body work etc)

The guy said that the body was solid and required virtually no body work before painting. I am inclined to believe that, but I haven't done a thorough inspection. The underside of the truck is covered in mud right now as well.

 

[shawnfj40]

I think it is easily a 15,000.00 to 25,000.00 dollar truck, to the right person. I see it has no roll bar. Does it have disk brakes on the front or drum all around? It sure looks south american to me i.e. no heat, no disk brakes, no roll bar etc... if that is the case it is worth far south of my original comment just reduce by 50%

 

[3_puppies]

It's a 1978 model or the early 1979 which still had the 78 body.

 

[Splangy]

I'd swear that was a South American truck and not euro spec.

 

[71FFJ40]

Any pics of under carriage? Under the hood?

Based on pics over the internet and description I would offer $6850.00..............cash

In person and after a thorough inspection to include a compression test price may go up or down?

 

[shawnfj40]

The upside down bezel is definitely pre 79 with the seats and floor mat it's anyone's guess

 

[FreebirdFirebird]

What makes the South American Cruisers worth so much less?

Here is a pic of the engine bay, I didn't get any of the undercarriage.

 

[3_puppies]

What makes the South American Cruisers worth so much less?

generally, the rigs from central America are ridden hard and have a rough life.

if there was body work done before importing, it is usually a cosmetic fix with lots of bondo or similar to make it look good but it can be very bad underneath.

those are general statements not statements of this rig.

 

[FreebirdFirebird]

So basically, if it's in excellent condition it should be worth as much as an American or Euro spec truck?

 

[71FFJ40]

Define excellent condition.

If the current owner can't assign a value to his truck............offer $5875.00 as is

 

[brian]

I have no respect for the central american trucks.
They lag several years behind in the upgrades than cruisers in the rest of world. It's almost like they used that market as a dumping ground for other parts that other markets quit using.
The b diesel is a complete dog, it's only real selling point is fuel economy.
The cruiser has spent it's entire life getting used like the tool it was intended to be.
And there is a proven track record of them being imported as lipstick pigs.

 

[shawnfj40]

So basically, if it's in excellent condition it should be worth as much as an American or Euro spec truck?

No it will never be of equal value as a similar condition North American or European truck.

 

[JohnnyC]

Do you have a pic if the vin data plate?

No heater right?

4 speed?

Discs in the front or drum?

I see 10-15k so far could be less depends really on disc or not... he's wanting 15-25k most likely

 

[Mr Cimarron]

I have no respect for the central american trucks.
They lag several years behind in the upgrades than cruisers in the rest of world. It's almost like they used that market as a dumping ground for other parts that other markets quit using.
The b diesel is a complete dog, it's only real selling point is fuel economy.
The cruiser has spent it's entire life getting used like the tool it was intended to be.
And there is a proven track record of them being imported as lipstick pigs.

Harsh! But I do agree on some of your points. They are used as tools down there. I saw it with my own eyes but they still have years of life left in them for the price you can get them for. If someone has no mechanical skill I would steer them away from a Costa Rican cruiser. I would go back for another in a heartbeat.

 

[Mr Cimarron]

The Katana batteries in the photo seems to be from the UK.

 

[FreebirdFirebird]

It's a 4 speed with no heater and front drum brakes.

I looked it up and I think it was manufactured in December of 1978.

Here is a picture of the VIN plate.