Considering an 89 FJ-62. Opinions wanted

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filthyrich

filthyrich

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There is a 2nd owner 89 FJ-62 near me. It has been for sale for over 1.5 years. Grey on grey with cloth interior. near perfect exterior with the only rust being over the rear wheel well--not bad at all. 31" Bridgestones. 160k. maintenance records for the last 100kish.
New motor installed around 85k by Toyota under warranty.

Originally asking $9500 and now it is down to $6500. I know that it needs nothing, well expect the front axle will need to be rebuilt. I am not too concerned with gas mileage as it will get re-geared and we have the wife's 99 4R.

I will lift it, tires, bumpers, protection, etc, but I have a $$$ amount to build it (at least initial build-up)

I like that it is auto, FI, power windows, locks. I have always wanted an LC, and now with two 4rs in the driveway and a child I think it would be feasible to have a larger vehicle.

Vacationing with gear, child, dogs, etc can get tight.

Am I crazy???
It is steel, large and safe. However, I have a 4r with ABS (can be good and bad), airbags, newer, etc.

I have decided that I would rather have a classic 62 over an 80, if I am going to have an LC
I need some opinions.
 
Well. I will chime in..

Sounds like the cruiser is in decent shape. Rust is the biggest issue with LC's value can fall quickly with amounts of rust.

My wifes car is a 97 4runner, so I can somewhat relate to ya.

The 4runner has more comfort, feels safer, has airbags (good or bad), ABS (good or bad). We have added the TJM front bull bar bumper and that makes me fell safe with the wife driving it.

The fj62 I own. Its good for me and for the wife to drive with our little girl at times, but not everyday. If I wanted something to do that I think a 80 or 100 would work better for us. Especially now that I am modding it. Wife wont be able to get in it b/c of being pregnant, kids will have to be picked up to get in for many years, etc.
Is it safe, yes, I feel like its a tank, but it doesnt have the technology and creature comforts of a 3rd gen runner.

In the end its up to you. I love both of our cars, but for different reasons. Both are great offroad, have tons of aftermarket, etc.

My advice. If you can swing it get it as a 3rd vehicle. IF and only IF you are looking to get this cruiser as a family car. (You have 2 3rd gen 4runners?) If this will be your car only then do what you want. Just be sure to clear it with the BOSS :)
 
I'd say if it is in exactly the condition described and it has been for sale for that long, I'd come with cash in hand and lay 5500 down on the table. Tell him you'll buy it on the spot and that he has x amount of time to decide. Walk away if he wont budge, but if it's been for sale that long I'd imagine that if you are persuasive it will sell for that money.
 
cabron said:
I'd say if it is in exactly the condition described and it has been for sale for that long, I'd come with cash in hand and lay 5500 down on the table. Tell him you'll buy it on the spot and that he has x amount of time to decide. Walk away if he wont budge, but if it's been for sale that long I'd imagine that if you are persuasive it will sell for that money.
Click to expand...

I am going to call the shop and let them know I want to take it for a drive. I have talked to them several times, so they should be fairly happy about the test drive.....
we will see, but I am still concerned about the practicality of owning an older vehicle.

However, my wife has a 99 4R and we work from home, so commuting isn't an issue.

my immediate plans would be:
Alcan springs, ARBs, 4.88s, 35s, front bumper with Warn 9000, rear bumper with tire carrier.
 
do you have 2 4runners or 1? I never got that answer. Whats your other car?

I can give info on some of your potential mods in a few weeks. As I am working on getting them installed.
 
89s rule said:
do you have 2 4runners or 1? I never got that answer. Whats your other car?

I can give info on some of your potential mods in a few weeks. As I am working on getting them installed.
Click to expand...

I have a 99 Limited--in my sig
my wife has a 99 SR5 4Runner with performance products 1.5" springs with Bilstein shocks., TJM T-17, 32 Revos.
 
hummm.. hard call. Can ya sell the wifes 99 and let her have yours? :)

I would prob stay with what you have. Although I dont understand the whole. having 2 of the same car. I would rather have something diff.

From what I can tell with the 3rd gen aftermarket. Prices have really started to drop. And I dont think you could get all of your mods for the price you get for you 4runner.
 
89s rule said:
hummm.. hard call. Can ya sell the wifes 99 and let her have yours? :)

I would prob stay with what you have. Although I dont understand the whole. having 2 of the same car. I would rather have something diff.

From what I can tell with the 3rd gen aftermarket. Prices have really started to drop. And I dont think you could get all of your mods for the price you get for you 4runner.
Click to expand...


The wife likes hers and doesn't want mine :doh: Already tried that.

I got a great deal on the SR5 from a friend. The wife was driving a POS 4cyl heep and I jumped at the chance to get her into a low mileage, well maintained 4r---i bought it from a friend that owned it since 20k miles w/ ALL reciepts.

I want the LC, but I fear I will be disappointed (except when I wheel it OR am out alone/ with dogs)
 
My wife has a 99' 4Runner and I have the 87' FJ60. We take the Runner everywhere, and I just take the 60 for my 8 mile commute and the occasional wheeling when the FJ40 is too small. I love not having a car payment, and I dont mind working on my wheels.

Nice condition or not, you will be working on it at some point. The 4Runners will be more reliable, but not nearly as cool.

My vote, sell a 4Runner and buy the 62.

Hodag
 
I love our 89, but do not use it as a daily driver as I have to commute 2 hours a day. I have had the rig for 5 years and love it. We used it extensively for going on ski trips and camping and as my daily driver until my commute got longer.

We had a little girl 9 months ago and the wife was driving a little VW so we traded that in for a 100 series. (the wife did not want such a big vehicle but now has changed her mind and loves it.)

Back to the 62, I am now modding it more for expedition type wheeling, as we like to go to Baja and camping where there are not many people. The 62 is a bit "bouncy" for the wife sometimes (I have OME on it), especially when she was pregnant. But it is a solid rig and I do feel safe driving my family around in it, especially when out in the middle of nowhere, I feel good knowing I have e reliable and solid vehicle.

It is our third vehicle and it performs really well for us now in that roll.

I would say get it, I cant ever see not having our 62.
Good luck whatever choice you make.
 
Now I am torn.
I want the 62, but still like the DD qualitites of my 4r. Even with 285 MT/Rs it gets 17-20mpg is super comfy and is GREAT offroad.

Perhaps I should list my 4r and see what I can get for it.
Damn it, friggin' LCs. I should just get the 80 and be done :doh:
 
For that money I'd pass. My 89 had all books and records, one owner no rust no issues, with about 200k for $3000. But if you can sell the 4runner for about the same and essentially swap vehicles it might be a good trade.
 
perhaps I should look for a southwest rust free vehicle and have an uber clean platform before I go sell the 4r and get into "an older vehicle."

Still unsure. Going to test drive it next week.

There is also an 80.....
 
I have an 88 FJ62 and love it. I debated back and forth between buying a 62 and an 80 and for my wife and I the 62 was the right choice. But ours was more of an economical choice since the 62 we bought was about 4k cheaper than any 80. If you want to retain some of the DD value and comfort an 80 is definitely a better choice, and I have been told by many people that modifications are cheaper and easier with 80s. On the other hand I love the look of the old wagons, however I do wish it had the power of an 80. 4r is a nice vehicle and comfortable, I agree with the statement that if you are getting a 62 get it as a 3rd vehicle and keep the others for everything else.

Good luck on your decision, it isn't easy
 
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