build up or buy built

[cybler]

Hey guys, I checked out a 60 and 62 this weekend ('87 & '88) and both were a bit rough. I think I'm leaning towards the 62 for the auto trans and the power options. How common is it to find a 62 that has been pretty well kept, but not yet modified for off-road?

So do most guys buy their LCs in rough shape and then clean them up?

The 62 I drove seems to run fine, although it is pretty sluggish to get going, I think a tune up would be the first order. The dash wasn't cracked, but the interior seemed to be showing it's age, 214,000. It's a TX/AZ truck, so I doubt rust will be a problem, at least I didn't see any yet.

The 62 looks pretty stock except for a stereo upgrade, which probably needs to be upgraded again. He's asking $6k for it, but based on the age and miles and no upgrades, I think I would offer $3k. Am I out of line on that price?

Thanks for you help!

David

 

[Mike S]

I believe that you are always better off to get a low mileage, high condition truck to start with. The premium that you pay will be LESS than the cost of making a neglected truck right.

You can buy a very nice 60 or 62 for $6,000. Keep looking. Expand your search.

M

 

[BigSur]

I bought a one owner, rust free, completely stock 90' FJ62 with 187K for $4K. You should be able to get that 62 for less.

 

[jcoles]

build up. If you buy one thats already built, you dont know where it's been.

 

[Razor]

I came accross a completely stock FJ62 with no rust or dents/dings ..has 180K on the clock.

Truck is white, he is asking 7K OBO.
I thought that was a bit high given craigs list has 5-6 of em at the moment in the 4-6K range.

BuildUp is hard, fork out 7 hundy for a bumper, nother 7 hundy for a winch, 2K for suspension mods, 1K for tires...sliders, rear bumper, lockers..list goes on.

If you can find one equipped with all these goodies (buy mine) then you will save some cash, but like mentioned above you really need to know the history of the truck when buying a built truck.