Checking out a 1993 in Austin

[jeffreyprince]

I'd originally been looking for a 1995 or later, but found a nice looking '93 (don't know yet if it's FZJ or FJ).

120K miles and asking $8,250. Seems a bit high, but definitely seems worth looking into - I'm getting a little desparate to stop shopping and start driving.

I'm really wanting to have it checked out; I can take it up to the place in Round Rock, unless someone might want to check it out with me in exchange some cold beer!

Not really sure what all of the differences there are in the 93 vs. the 95-97s... any help or advice? Will be my daily driver.

Thanks

 

[jeffreyprince]

One other quick question (this will indicate my level of gearheaded-ness).... how can I quickly tell if it's an FZJ or an FJ?

 

[Capocaccia]

For the FAQ- Info on the history of names and codes, member's name in bold and their post following

If anyone has info on the GSJ15 designation, PM me. Thanks!

cruiserdrew
B = in line 4 cylinder diesel
F = in line 6 cylinder gasoline
H = in line 6 cylinder diesel
U = v-8 gasoline


J = assembled by Araco(Arakawa)
Z = 4 valves per cylinder

Thus, FZJ80 is an 80 series Land Cruiser with an inline 6 gasoline motor with 4 valves per cylinder.



< I stole that so dont think im trying to take credit for it.

 

[MoJ]

I'd originally been looking for a 1995 or later, but found a nice looking '93 (don't know yet if it's FZJ or FJ).

120K miles and asking $8,250. Seems a bit high, but definitely seems worth looking into - I'm getting a little desparate to stop shopping and start driving.

I'm really wanting to have it checked out; I can take it up to the place in Round Rock, unless someone might want to check it out with me in exchange some cold beer!

Not really sure what all of the differences there are in the 93 vs. the 95-97s... any help or advice? Will be my daily driver.

Thanks

http://www.sleeoffroad.com/newbie/newbie100.htm
Read the section under "models" - it will explain the differences between the years.

91-92 = FJ80
93-97 = FZJ80

 

[davegonz]

Jeff,

When are you planning to go look at it? Give me a call at (512) Seven Nine One Seven Five Zero Two. I might be free later today. I can help you look at it.

Another place to get it looked at is Bearden Automotive. They specialize in Toyota/Scion/Lexus. I hear one of the dudes there is a fellow cruiserhead. They are in the McNeil/183 area. The contact number is 336-7010.

 

[pstallbaumer]

One other quick question (this will indicate my level of gearheaded-ness).... how can I quickly tell if it's an FZJ or an FJ?

The easiest way to tell is to look into the front right (passenger-side) wheelwell at the frame. On the frame you should find a stamped ID. Part of this ID will indicate FJ or FZJ.

This is true on my '94 at least.

By the way, I've had mine for about a month and I love it. I researched and looked for at least a year before finding the exact perfect one for me. I was looking for a '94 with factory front/rear lockers and a cloth interior. Not only did I find that, I found one with low miles, impeccable maintenance, and the rare two-tone paint. Needless to say I'm happy.

Hope you find one to your liking - and by the way, I have been looking on craiglist for a long time now and out here in Portland, in the past few months there has been a huge surge of FZJ 'cruisers listed. I guess the gas prices took their toll.

-PJS

 

[citadel]

I'd take it to Bearden as well. They do all the work on my 97 that I am too unskilled to tackle. Jeff or Ernie are great there. If you have questions you can PM me....

 

[jeffreyprince]

Thanks for the replies guys... I went and drove it yesterday - everything's great, runs great, feels great, etc.

Only problem is that the front seats are in REAL bad shape and the paint is in pretty bad shape, too. No rust, but faded roof and hood and lots of dings. And, unfortunately, no lockers. That made $8250 price seem pretty high, even with only 120K miles.

I'm trying to decide if recovering/replacing the front seats and repainting the exterior, if factored into the cost, would be a good deal...

Or I could just hold out - I've waited this long, dammit!

 

[DuManchu]

Thanks for the replies guys... I went and drove it yesterday - everything's great, runs great, feels great, etc.

Only problem is that the front seats are in REAL bad shape and the paint is in pretty bad shape, too. No rust, but faded roof and hood and lots of dings. And, unfortunately, no lockers. That made $8250 price seem pretty high, even with only 120K miles.

I'm trying to decide if recovering/replacing the front seats and repainting the exterior, if factored into the cost, would be a good deal...

Or I could just hold out - I've waited this long, dammit!

$8250 for a 93 w/out lockers seems quite high. You can find locked 93-94's for $6000 all day if you look hard enough and are willing to travel. Also, don't let high mileage scare you off, I got mine with over 200K on the clock, and it couldn't be running any better.

EDIT: Bingo! - http://tinyurl.com/qtmcw

Good luck!

 

[jeffreyprince]

Wow, that was fast... by the way the cruiser in that link looks like it has re-covered seats.

 

[RCFloyd]

I concur! I bought my '93 last March for $6K and it had 173K on the clock. VERY well cared for with all the service done properly. No lockers though... if I'd been a little more savvy, I could'a got it for maybe $5K.

Robert

 

[DuManchu]

Wow, that was fast... by the way the cruiser in that link looks like it has re-covered seats.

If they are re-covered that's great, it looks like they used OEM leather, or at least something very similar. My seats are trashed, but I don't really care that much so it wasn't that big of a deal. I got mine for $6500 (could have probably gone lower but I asked the seller to hold the vehicle for 2-weeks until I got the money, plus it was local and I didn't mind paying a little more for the convenience).

Also try cars.com, that's where I found mine, it wasn't listed anywhere else, including autotrader.com.

 

[FrankTorres]

I would be curios why a complete valve job was done last year on that truck...

good luck pics look good...

 

[davegonz]

Have you checked this one out? A little expensive, but nicely built.

http://austin.craigslist.org/car/167213265.html

 

[mmw68]

That Truck was also posted here on mud..