FJ80 rust

[russj]

Another thing to mention, carfax report indicates a moderate accident that happened even before the current ownership. The current owner is not aware of this at all. Is that a red flag?

 

[ExpoGeorgia]

Depends on where it got hit.. not a red flag if it drives straight and the price is good..

 

[russj]

Depends on where it got hit.. not a red flag if it drives straight and the price is good..

Any thought on rust?

 

[YMT]

@russj , being from the Midwest, I can sympathize, wanting a reliable vehicle like an FJ80, yet wrenching on a rust-belt vehicle will make you want to pull your hair out, and then some. However, you really should look out of the rust belt. The second rig is better, but will still be a PITA to wrench on.
You seem to have some money. I'd suggest saving an extra $1k for airfare/travel to the SW for a rust free rig. Also, one thing that non-CA folks don't realize- California vehicles need to pass smog. If they don't, they usually go for cheaper than usual, and, depending on your state, should be fine to register.
Look just outside the rust belt as well- KS, CO, the Dakotas. Or east. YMMV, but just some food for thought

 

[zapatius]

@russj , being from the Midwest, I can sympathize, wanting a reliable vehicle like an FJ80, yet wrenching on a rust-belt vehicle will make you want to pull your hair out, and then some. However, you really should look out of the rust belt. The second rig is better, but will still be a PITA to wrench on.
You seem to have some money. I'd suggest saving an extra $1k for airfare/travel to the SW for a rust free rig. Also, one thing that non-CA folks don't realize- California vehicles need to pass smog. If they don't, they usually go for cheaper than usual, and, depending on your state, should be fine to register.
Look just outside the rust belt as well- KS, CO, the Dakotas. Or east. YMMV, but just some food for thought

In the long run, cheaper/easier to replace a head gasket or transmission than battle rust once it has taken hold. A rust free rig with a problem that can be checked on by a forum member is a much better option.

 

[BILT4ME]

I'm originally from NW Iowa and we had rust like that. I grew up working with it, and you get used to it.

That's some bad stuff and there is a lot of TIME involved right there to get bolts loose, breaking them off, replacing, tapping, drilling, torching, coating. I know a lot more now than I did then and I have a lot more money now, but a lot less time.

Look to TX, AZ, GA for trucks with MUCH less issues on them. These are pretty rough.

Otherwise, you need to see what @mingles did with his to appreciate what you're looking at.

 

[subzali]

How much do you know about 80s? Do you want the older styling and 3FE? Or do you want the newer engine/options? Does it matter to you?

 

[russj]

How much do you know about the 80s? Do you want the older styling and 3FE? Or do you want the newer engine/options? Does it matter to you?

I'm very new here in the community, as you can tell from the join date (but I lurked here before that). So, I don't know too much about the 80s except for basic knowledge. For styling, I prefer the newer one starting from 1995, but I'm ok with the older engine. I drove both 3FE and 1FZ-FE engine before and didn't feel very disappointed when pushing the older one.

 

[subzali]

I'm very new here in the community, as you can tell from the join date (but I lurked here before that). So, I don't know too much about the 80s except for basic knowledge. For styling, I prefer the newer one starting from 1995, but I'm ok with the older engine. I drove both 3FE and 1FZ-FE engine before and didn't feel very disappointed when pushing the older one.

Well welcome!

And read this...https://sleeoffroad.com/tech-zone/80-series-newbie-guide/