Buying 1984 BJ60 - need advice please

[jacklany]

Hi all.
Newby here, for I am about to buy my first ever Land Cruiser.

A couple of friends of mine own 60 series Cruisers, and I've been in love with those trucks forever.

I live in a city, but I recently started a business a 100km from there, so I have to drive a lot through hard country roads every day. I figured I needed a reliable, tough vehicule. I'm planning on using it as an everyday drive, leisure off-roading being a plus, but not the main objective here.

Long story short, I found a Land Cruiser for sale, and I would like some advice.

1984 BJ60
Manual 5speed
4 cyl. 2.4L Diesel
240 000 KM / 150 000 miles
Like-new condition: body + frame perfect: 0 rust (never met winter)
Mechanical condition: perfect
Interior: Very Good

Price: 14000$

I know it's a good truck, I just wonder if the price is too high, and what are the off-road/power limitations of an engine that small (compared to other Cruisers of course).

Thanks, and contratulations on the beautiful trucks I've seen here.

-Josh

 

[NocalFJ60]

Welcome. Where you located? I am confused since you said 100km and then $14000 (dollars?)

 

[jacklany]

I'm in Montreal, but Canadian $ is almost pair with USD right now.

14000CAD = 13,335.65USD

I fear the price is a little high, and I'm aware that this has to do with sentimental value from the owner. I just don't want to get ripped-off. The other thing is that Cruisers are very rare around here.

Thanks!

 

[durghon]

I'm still a noob but that sounds like way to much for a cruiser.

 

[prado t]

It is a 3B motor that is 3.4liters not 2.4. If what is said is true ie... no rust and an actual 240,000 km. Then I would say if it has original paint with no bubble blemishes. The frame and underneath are clean , no rust and original undercoating. Also for 14grand no oil leaks from anywhere and brakes are more than 80% same with tires . Look to see if the owner has greased the driveshafts, tie rod ends. Also it must not have any interior blemishes, steering must be super tight (there will be a minor click through the steering wheel when turning lock to lock that is OK as long as there are no clunks.

When test driving ask the seller to leave it cold for you when you get there so you and your cruiser specialist friend can see how well it starts or how poorly. If all is correct and your cruiser guide is extremely joyful then offer him less to see where the seller is at.
Make sure you bring your cruiser guide with you and only go there on a bright day. Never at nite.
When test driving make sure you lock the hubs to check for vibrations and steering feedback. Check for rattles and gut wrenching noises and thuds or clunks. Make sure it goes staight on a flat level road at around 60 and 80km/h. Find a loose gravel road to test 4wd and dont forget the low range. If there is no gravel put tranfer case in neutral and go through the gears listen for noises and bad whines.
Again make sure you test everything. It being from Easstern Canada I highly doubt that the body will be untouched.
Good luck

 

[jacklany]

Thanks a lot for the good advice prado.

I'll test drive it next week.

And yes, 3.4L

 

[VTCDN]

prado t gent , Another Wet Coast Canuk. has got it correct. But 14 is showroom / or !!~~.

I bought my 84 BJ from the ROT (Republic of Ontario ) . RUST ,, RUST<< .
mine was 2G , +(flight , hotel, OPP, fuel) 4G..

14 Grand is just WTF 2MUTCH..

Pictures jacklany, and keep the wallet glued to butt.
Im sure the folks here will help also. But 14 G , We Need Pictures .

Some gents trucks are 14g+ , and USA buck to CDN= 1-1 , only banks / CC do the money grab , Sorry customs (tax collectors) also..

VT

 

[jacklany]

I only have crappy pictures... don't show much. I'll post some new ones next week during test drive even if I don't buy it.

I know the price is too high, but I really can't wait to get one + they're pretty rare around here + I'm no mechanic and I won't buy a 2K rig for a project...

But I know I should wait.

Not original paint.

Thanks guys.

 

[VTCDN]

Know what a dipstick , firewall, undercarriage is ?

Oil will aways be black in a diesel , Firewall where the wiper motor and pivots access points are should be rust free for 14G ,.. It better be.

undercarriage, means a get dirty , and under , Bright flashlight and look. Quebec ,Salt,Rust and all goes in order.Show us different with pictures ..
Show me how a repaint / patch and hide is 14G..
Pictures from under, Many here will set us straight.
Not trying to burst your bubble , just I'm a canuk that wanted a 3b 60 , and a good body.
Needed 3 trucks to build one.

If you can't throw a wrench , look into a import (jdm )? sp or something proven. Around here , the right hand drives, are frowned upon , Parts toyo say no , shops don't want the hassle of not getting parts , so there is a bad taste around here.

Best i can help with , but 14G

VT

 

[mot]

Jack,

Sounds like you're in love with the truck and I don't blame you!

As others have stated, I think it's rather high.
But ultimately, and I am echoing what many others have said on this board before, it is worth whatever you think it is worth.

I guess in preparation to your test drive (with a cruiser buddy!) do some research on Craigs List, Auto Trader, and possibly even e-bay and print some of the listing pages out.

You can use them to show the seller that he's way over-priced and that your low-ball offer is more than generous for his diesel 60.

Once you get it I would plan on putting a turbo on it so you can have a peppy cruiser without sacrificing much in the mpg department.

Good luck and welcome aboard (in advance! )

 

[BC40]

x4 on what they said. For $14k make sure it is damn near perfect.

Repaint only happens because of body damage. Mostly on an old toyota that damage is rust. It does look good, but make sure it is more than just cosmetic.

My BJ60 had the same mileage as the one you're considering and needed a bunch of neglected maintenance caught up on. Not a big deal but it does all add up. For that money it should need absolutely nothing done.

A stock bj60 as a daily driver is ok if you aren't in traffic a lot.

I'd suggest a jdm but of course they removed that option in Quebec.

Finding a clean local 60 on the west coast is nearly imposible, and here they didn't salt the roads as much with our mild winters as they do back east.

Good luck.

 

[jacklany]

Thanks a lot to everyone for their advice.
Much appreciated.

 

[lovetoski]

Is $14K too high...depends...on the condition of the truck (great advice from other posters) plus what you compare it to...

Is there a new vehicle with the reliability of a 60 series, that gets 25+mpg, and can soldier through nearly anything (with style and class)?

$14K seems high only because most of these trucks needs so much work and/or are far from perfect. If the one you've found is in mechanically awesome shape, and you feel it's worth the price, then pony up, and don't look back! Personally, I'd love to drive a BJ60...and if I do a motor swap, that's the one that makes the most sense to me.

BTW - interior pics would be helpful, and also some pics of the underside...these will help us evaluate the condition of the truck.

 

[Yodafj60]

To Much$$$

I know there is alot of real estate between Central Florida and Canada, but a real nice fj60 sells for around 6000.00 here. You can get a decient fixer upper for 3500.00 or less on a regular bassis if you look.
I think that is way to high unless it has been completly restored and is in exceptional condition. I would opt for something half the cost ( or less) and put a little work into it. You will need to know how to do some work if your going to own one long term or you will be at the mercy of your local mechanic.

Good luck............Shawn

 

[87 HJ60]

I only have crappy pictures... don't show much. I'll post some new ones next week during test drive even if I don't buy it.

If you go check it out ask what happened to the front seat headrests. Look at the ad in Kijiji and you'll see missing headrests....
Offer him half his asking price!!!

 

[s1r_william]

14k for cruiser

for 14k it should be concourse condition
looks a little like the rear leafs might have some sag