FZJ Shopping - Potential Purchase

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PolarRunner

PolarRunner

Joined
Mar 23, 2016
Threads
4
Messages
336
Location
Central NJ
Hello Mud! I've lurked on here for a while and joined recently when I became serious about purchasing an 80 LC. I search classifieds, CL, ebay and various other sites almost daily looking for that special one.

2 days ago I found one not too far from work so I decided to pop in yesterday to take a look. I'm looking for advice from others as to what opinions are based on the following details.

1994 FZJ80
202k miles
Currently located in NY (checked its history, it's only been in NY since 2010, previous to that it spent its life in California)

The good: Exterior is in good shape for its age, no large dents dings or otherwise, paint is in good shape, very tiny bits of surface rust, panels are straight, lines look straight, bumpers are decent (for 22 years old).
Interior needs to be detailed, but it doesn't smell. Cloth interior and the seats are fine, buttons and gauges etc. work.

Engine purrs like a happy cat, no noticeable sounds, ticks, knocks, coughs or otherwise.

Frame is near flawless. Absolutely apparent that it spent the majority of its life in a salt free area. Even most of the rubber looks fine as well, and it does look original. Diffs don't show signs of leakage, lines underneath (brake etc.) look fine.

Now to the bad or potentially bad...

From what I saw right away it will need some work.
It needs a front D/S door handle, front P/S window regulator or greased track, the window is very slow to roll down.
ABS light is on when idling
Needs a rear wiper arm
Needs new tires (3x are the same, 1x is different)
Exhaust leak near the manifold
Birfs need servicing, probably overhaul (caked on grease and grime around the area)
Engine leaks oil - it doesn't look terrible, but does look like it's been that way for a while since there's some build up below the valve cover, and a smallish stain under the engine on the ground. I'm thinking valve cover gasket for sure, maybe something more. It looks as though most everything under the hood is original (dizzy cap, wires, rad, hoses) so pretty much all of that would get replaced.
No diff lockers (not a deal breaker for me, especially since this rig is on the cheaper side)

I think I'm forgetting a few other things. I didn't have time to test drive since I got to the dealer a little late, so I may go back this weekend to test drive or maybe next week.

The silver lining to this LC is the price. The place wants $2k for it so I can justify needing to fix/replace parts. I'm mechanically inclined and have done 95% of the work on all of my vehicles, usually in driveways, with my array of hand tools. I don't mind at all doing the work that needs to be done.

So, is it a good deal from what I've described so far?

Sorry for the long post!
 
Most expensive potential mechanical issue could be a leaking head gasket, cost to pay to have it fixed correctly could range between $2000-5000 depending on a few factors like if it needed a new head or not. IME some sellers will pour a sealer into the radiator when they find the head gasket problem then dump the vehicle. Best to take it to a mechanic who knows these vehicles or find a local Mud member to go with you to check it out. Expect to spend at least $2000-3000 for maintenance right off the bat unless you can do the repairs and maintenance yourself, not counting a head gasket issue if that is present. Add $1000 for tires. So total outlay could run $3000-8000. Add for any interior, paint, body repairs if needed. Don't be dissuaded, just go into it with your eyes open so to speak. When you test drive it pay close attention to how it shifts and if it overheats.
 
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Grab it quick. That is a smoking deal. Any used vehicle will need some TLC and $$$.
 
I didn't realize that that HG job would cost that much, new head notwithstanding. Thanks for the advice and reply, it would definitely be under the project category. I work in NYC so I commute via mass transit and already have a functional DD. I like this one because of the low entry cost and am 100% comfortable doing the mechanical work myself.

I have another one to look at this weekend that's closer to home, higher mileage (220k) and also $4k. I want to compare the 2 and see which would be better to start off with.

Anyone near Brooklyn/NYC/North or Central Jersey want to go take a look at the cheap one with me haha? It's at a dealer in Brooklyn.
 
canman said:
Grab it quick. That is a smoking deal. Any used vehicle will need some TLC and $$$.
Click to expand...
Definitely. I bought my WRX a few years ago and have put plenty of $$$ and TLC into it. It's an ongoing thing. What's nice is to now have a place to work on these things and the money to do so.
 
Why are we worrying about the head gasket? I didn't see anything to suggest it's going. Sounds like a solid cruiser that needs some basic maintenance.

The items needing to be fixed that you listed don't apear to be that hard. Although the abs light on at idle is peculiar.

I would want to see if the check engine light is still working. IE does it breifly light up when the key is turnned on.

If there is no oil in the coolant, it runs fine and doesn't blow smoke I wouldn't worry about the HG. I would do a total cooling system overhaul once you bought it though.
 
SmokingRocks said:
Why are we worrying about the head gasket? I didn't see anything to suggest it's going. Sounds like a solid cruiser that needs some basic maintenance.

The items needing to be fixed that you listed don't apear to be that hard. Although the abs light on at idle is peculiar.

I would want to see if the check engine light is still working. IE does it breifly light up when the key is turnned on.

If there is no oil in the coolant, it runs fine and doesn't blow smoke I wouldn't worry about the HG. I would do a total cooling system overhaul once you bought it though.
Click to expand...

I remember looking at the lights on the dash to verify if they stayed on after the engine was started... I'm thinking about whether the CEL was on. Looking at a picture I remember seeing the CEL (though I'm not 100% on this now).

No oil in the coolant bottle, I checked. I was thinking of picking up some test strips for the coolant to see the pH.

It definitely needs a tune up and based on what I've read, your suggestion of a cooling system overhaul is absolute. Thanks!
 
Buy it.
 
Price seems ridiculously low at a used car dealer, which to me is a big red flag, unless the dealer never checks comparable prices on the internet maybe?? The average range I've seen in my area for 80's (with needed repairs and pm) has been between $7999 and $10,999. The price tells me to check it out really well, it might be a diamond in the rough, but it also could be a money pit, only way to tell is to look at it closely to rule out mega-dollar repairs or funky paperwork as best as you can. IMHO. I would try to put a refundable down payment to hold the truck while you check it out.
 
Im in brooklyn. Where exactly in brooklyn is the dealer?
 
BayRidge? Go to Toyota.com and search for the dealers in your area.
 
Oh didnt realize its at a toyota dealer.
 
Don't know that it is, thought you were asking for the location of the Toy dealer. Disregard.
 
Sounds good to me. It has some issues that you noted that you can deal with by the sounds of your ability. Dont worry about the head gasket so much, if it doesn't have obvious signs like @SmokingRocks described then go for it. Those head gasket costs wont be near that high if you handle the project yourself, and that's if and when it needs it.
 
Sounds like a good deal, BUT, IMO nobody is selling an 80 series in this fuel market unless they know something is up, the rig is a piece of junk, or they are completely unaware, or they are making a good profit. When fuel prices were high a couple years ago prices were lower, but I believe today's fuel prices are reminding sellers and buyers of the value of an 80 series. I've said it before (and gotten some flack on the forum), but unless there's a documented cooling system service history, either it has had a HG replaced or it's going to need one.
If you go into an 80 series with your eyes wide open, you can only be happy.
 
For 2k buy it, mine came with new tires and I was pissed cause I couldn't justify buying bigger tires right away!
Valve cover gasket is super easy and not expensive.
Front axle :banana: too.
Most vehicles are going to need this maintenence, for 2 grand you are ahead.
 
Thanks everyone for your input. I haven't made up my mind yet, however the price is very attractive, regardless of the potential for repair.

I'll see if I can't put down a deposit to take it to a mechanic for a look over as that would be ideal.

I want to take a look at another cruiser that's closer this weekend that's more money, slightly more miles. I'll update when something happens.
 
look up your local TLCA chapter (they might be in the chapter rooms here) and ask around to find out a reputable mechanic to take it to. Few mechanics truly understand the care needed for an 80.
 
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