First post. Fishing for advice.
I have a verbal agreement with the seller for an early 80's FJ60. Clean title. Has passed California smog in the last year. Seller has been upfront and helpful with all my questions. I plan on driving the 5 hours to take a final look at the rig this weekend. Seller has agreed that I can back out if I see any red flags. Based on what I have seen for sale lately, the seller's pics show a clean rig for the price and age. Typical rust on the driver rear wheel well and panel. Some slight dents here and there. Bumpers have the end caps but show some dents. Frame/C-channel near the spare tire area shows surface rust. Seller has sent start up videos...for 300k miles it sounds good. Idle RPMs a tick under 1000 on the gauge. Oil pressure and volts look standard. E-brake is not hooked up currently. Sagging headliner in the cargo area. Cracked dash. Glass is all good. Most of these initial issues seem typical?
Seller says it stops fine. Does have a vibration in the brakes. Brakes would be on top of my list if I get this rig home.
Searched the VIN and it appears the fuel tank recall has not been addressed. Might be too late to get in on this recall? Is it really needed?
In the past 6 months that I have been searching for a project FJ60, this is by far the best one I have found under $8000. For 2022/2023 prices, this seems like a good price for a entry 60-series project?
Reading some of the other posts from new FJ60 owners, I'm starting to think these rigs are money pits...is that the general consensus? Just baselining and replacing seals etc. can cost $1000 plus? I'm not afraid to get in there and turn wrench...I'm really looking forward to that. But do these rigs really eat 1000-dollar bills?
Like so many others, this will be a short commute (7 minutes) daily-ish driver, grocery getter and possible the remote access camping rig.
If it all works out, I plan on driving this from northern California to southern Oregon, about 5 hours. Or hit up some friends with a trailer...words of wisdom are welcome.
Looking forward to becoming an active member here. Thanks!
Just posting the most concerning pic for now. Worst of the rust.
I have a verbal agreement with the seller for an early 80's FJ60. Clean title. Has passed California smog in the last year. Seller has been upfront and helpful with all my questions. I plan on driving the 5 hours to take a final look at the rig this weekend. Seller has agreed that I can back out if I see any red flags. Based on what I have seen for sale lately, the seller's pics show a clean rig for the price and age. Typical rust on the driver rear wheel well and panel. Some slight dents here and there. Bumpers have the end caps but show some dents. Frame/C-channel near the spare tire area shows surface rust. Seller has sent start up videos...for 300k miles it sounds good. Idle RPMs a tick under 1000 on the gauge. Oil pressure and volts look standard. E-brake is not hooked up currently. Sagging headliner in the cargo area. Cracked dash. Glass is all good. Most of these initial issues seem typical?
Seller says it stops fine. Does have a vibration in the brakes. Brakes would be on top of my list if I get this rig home.
Searched the VIN and it appears the fuel tank recall has not been addressed. Might be too late to get in on this recall? Is it really needed?
In the past 6 months that I have been searching for a project FJ60, this is by far the best one I have found under $8000. For 2022/2023 prices, this seems like a good price for a entry 60-series project?
Reading some of the other posts from new FJ60 owners, I'm starting to think these rigs are money pits...is that the general consensus? Just baselining and replacing seals etc. can cost $1000 plus? I'm not afraid to get in there and turn wrench...I'm really looking forward to that. But do these rigs really eat 1000-dollar bills?
Like so many others, this will be a short commute (7 minutes) daily-ish driver, grocery getter and possible the remote access camping rig.
If it all works out, I plan on driving this from northern California to southern Oregon, about 5 hours. Or hit up some friends with a trailer...words of wisdom are welcome.
Looking forward to becoming an active member here. Thanks!
Just posting the most concerning pic for now. Worst of the rust.