Or even the classified here? There are several I'm interested in that seem like good deals, but without being able to closely inspect and test drive these rigs, how do you know your making the right choice? Especially on eBay, where sellers can be not-so above board when describing their rigs. At least here, there is sort of the "social contract" we have amongst the forum members and the wish to uphold our reputation here.
eBay How do you reconcile the inability to test drive eBay rigs?
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swamp-thing
SILVER Star
Take a drive, charter a flight, phone a friend....ask a mudder for a hand 
overton
SILVER Star
Buy from a reputable source and pay for a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic.
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- #4
But one of my biggest pet peeves about FJs are the squirrelly steering that some have. The pre-purchase inspection doesn't normally include a test drive and assessment does it? Even if I could get that done, the tester's assessment might say "OK" or "great" but it is still subjective and might not meet my standard of such descriptions.
Squirrelly steering being a common issue on FJs, what are you folks doing to remedy it? Or is it something one has to live with?
Squirrelly steering being a common issue on FJs, what are you folks doing to remedy it? Or is it something one has to live with?
overton
SILVER Star
Steering issues are not typically difficult to remedy. If the truck has considerable play in the steering you should use that as a bargaining point. You can arrange to have any mechanic drive the truck as part of the inspection.
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wagonteeth
Hippoverde
Depends on the price. I'm shopping right now and was looking at something in Chicago. I found a flight for $39 one way from ATL. I debated buying a round trip and if I bought the truck, just sucking up the loss of the return flight cost. Negotiate the price by the cost to come look at it.
The rig I looked at had as many pictures as a PPI through ebay would take. You have to drive it. Taking someone else's word is always a risk.
The rig I looked at had as many pictures as a PPI through ebay would take. You have to drive it. Taking someone else's word is always a risk.
TCEd
SILVER Star
I had a two members from this board look at and drive a FJ40 that drove well but I decided to not buy based on the way the tub was replaced. There is a lot to consider when it comes to the vehicles configuration also. Do you want original or sorta original ?
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- #8
I want mostly original. No SBC, massive lift kits, or Icon-like builds (not that I could afford one of those Icons). Even an alum tub would put me off the rig unless it was a really good deal.
I agree, about the driving it part, completely!
The simple answer to your question for not being able to do YOUR OWN pre-purchase inspection is to discount the price. Make sure that it is cheap enough that you could fix whatever you are particularly sensitive about and not lose your shirt if you had to sell it in a pinch. I've bought and sold lots of cars for lots of years and no two people see the same vehicle the same way (particularly older vehicles). There are some things that would drive me nuts that someone else may not even notice. The only way to be 100% sure is to stand in front of it, drive it, get under it. If you are going to pay full price for something, buy the plane ticket and fly there. Best money you will ever spend.
E-bay works for sellers, they sell but get less... and works for buyers, they pay less but MAY get less. Typical asymmetric information. I've used E-bay to sell a number of vehicles, and have purchased a number of vehicles, but as a buyer I know(make myself a near expert) what I'm buying.
I was in the same boat, found a Cruiser on the other side of the country but wanted to be sure it was all it was said to be. I found an auto appraiser in the same town and hired him to go out and look at the truck. I think it was around $150 and the guy did a great job. He called me when he got there and did a complete inspection over the phone. Even checked on special issues that I asked him to look for and did a test drive. The seller was fine with this and once the inspection was done I put down a deposit. Great piece of mind.
shop local.
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