Did I steal it, though, that's the question.
for $2000 I bought a 1996 Land Cruiser, based on just a few horrible pics from the internet, and a terrible description. Advertised a simply 1996 Land Cruiser LOADED and V8 $3000. I got in contact and asked a few questions. He started off really wanting to sell it " It runs rough and I don't have time or knowledge to fix". MMMk so, it runs rough is the engine (V8) the original engine? "Yes". Oh really... It's then I realize the seller doesn't know what his Land Cruiser is. I quit asking questions. He goes on about needing to get rid of it and is willing to sell it for $1400!! OKAY! Well the Land cruiser is (was) in San Fransisco, I am in Rosamond (just outside of Mojave Ca. At that price I know that the first guy with the $$ to show up gets it, so I offered $2000 with a good faith deposit to hold it for me. So we settled on a $2000 total price and I pick it up.
I get there, and the battery is dead. Who cares. Get it fired up relatively quick, and.....white smoke of death out the tail pipe. So, the head gasket is shot, at least it is now and not later. It is however a factory e-locked rig! The body os pretty damn straight, and the interior is in good+ shape for the mileage. It even has the original CD/Cassette.
So for $2000 total I thought I couldn't pass it up, and it is at it's new home in Rosamond Ca.
At least I'll be able to get a solid baseline on it starting with the Head Gasket, and not having that omen looming over my head.
Why did I buy it at all? Loading the FJ40 up on the trailer for every trip gets old. I want something I can drive to and from some trails. Not that the FJ40 is being put out to pasture, just a different kind of wheeling is all.
for $2000 I bought a 1996 Land Cruiser, based on just a few horrible pics from the internet, and a terrible description. Advertised a simply 1996 Land Cruiser LOADED and V8 $3000. I got in contact and asked a few questions. He started off really wanting to sell it " It runs rough and I don't have time or knowledge to fix". MMMk so, it runs rough is the engine (V8) the original engine? "Yes". Oh really... It's then I realize the seller doesn't know what his Land Cruiser is. I quit asking questions. He goes on about needing to get rid of it and is willing to sell it for $1400!! OKAY! Well the Land cruiser is (was) in San Fransisco, I am in Rosamond (just outside of Mojave Ca. At that price I know that the first guy with the $$ to show up gets it, so I offered $2000 with a good faith deposit to hold it for me. So we settled on a $2000 total price and I pick it up.
I get there, and the battery is dead. Who cares. Get it fired up relatively quick, and.....white smoke of death out the tail pipe. So, the head gasket is shot, at least it is now and not later. It is however a factory e-locked rig! The body os pretty damn straight, and the interior is in good+ shape for the mileage. It even has the original CD/Cassette.
So for $2000 total I thought I couldn't pass it up, and it is at it's new home in Rosamond Ca.
At least I'll be able to get a solid baseline on it starting with the Head Gasket, and not having that omen looming over my head.
Why did I buy it at all? Loading the FJ40 up on the trailer for every trip gets old. I want something I can drive to and from some trails. Not that the FJ40 is being put out to pasture, just a different kind of wheeling is all.
! 
