Midway through my sophomore year of college, I now have the opportunity to purchase a 1987 FJ60 after years of waiting... I have slim mechanical experience, but I'm eager to learn all about it.
I went and test drove it a few days ago and I'm really debating whether this LC is the one for me. It's got 140xxx miles, and the owner is asking 15k. No rust, or evidence of previous rust is visible to my novice eyes... a magnet confirmed no bondo. Throughout the test drive, I noticed a slight ticking sound throughout acceleration accompanied by a mild exhaust smell, but was unable to distinguish where it came from. From my limited reading on mud, it sounds to me like it could either be an exhaust leak, or Ill adjusted lifters. Other than this, I had no complaints, the engine ran great and started almost instantly from cold on a 40 degree day.
Interior wise, it has been stripped of carpet, bedlined, and lacks a radio or any speakers.
From an owners perspective, is this a solid purchase for a reasonable price, or will I completely eat it? The rust free body is incredibly attractive but my web surfing has me feeling very conflicted about the price, and value of this LC.
Any help is appreciated! Check out these pictures.
I went and test drove it a few days ago and I'm really debating whether this LC is the one for me. It's got 140xxx miles, and the owner is asking 15k. No rust, or evidence of previous rust is visible to my novice eyes... a magnet confirmed no bondo. Throughout the test drive, I noticed a slight ticking sound throughout acceleration accompanied by a mild exhaust smell, but was unable to distinguish where it came from. From my limited reading on mud, it sounds to me like it could either be an exhaust leak, or Ill adjusted lifters. Other than this, I had no complaints, the engine ran great and started almost instantly from cold on a 40 degree day.
Interior wise, it has been stripped of carpet, bedlined, and lacks a radio or any speakers.
From an owners perspective, is this a solid purchase for a reasonable price, or will I completely eat it? The rust free body is incredibly attractive but my web surfing has me feeling very conflicted about the price, and value of this LC.
Any help is appreciated! Check out these pictures.