I'm new, Help me decide if I should buy this FZJ80?

[outdoort]

Hey everyone, first post on Ih8mud although I've spent a lot of time on this forum looking around and doing a ton of reading. I need some help on deciding if I should buy this FZJ 80 I went to see today. Its a 1994, and it has the factory front and rear diff locks (yes I did check code 294 on the sticker and also it does have the turn knob). 151,000 miles and he wants 6K, I think I can get him down to 5800. Over all its in decent condition, the outside is in good shape no dents or anything. Looks like the clear coat is coming off on the roof and it can use a new paint job, but overall prob could wait a while. Interior is fair as well, things I noticed bad: rubber on brake peddle is missing and is bare metal, 1 rip in each front seats, steering wheel when turning makes a kind of rubbing noise (goes away after driving a while, so not bad at all), when starting the car, after you release the key a loud quick noise is made under the hood. The guy claims its the starter and it needs a new one. Also hood doesn't stay up, hydraulic doesn't work.
No leaks anywhere that I noticed, just the usual caked on dirt/oil on underside of engine. This thing has leather inter. and electric seat movers which I HATE: the passenger forward/back seat button doesn't work. How much would it be to fix this?
Is it possible to get rid of the seats and put in manual adjustable seats in? How much would it cost?

I'm sorry I don't have pics guys I know that would be way more useful in getting all your opinions but I'm already home now and not near the car.
One more thing is, I tried using 4 Low and turning the dial to front and rear diff locks and the CDL, ABS, and REAR diff lock lights turned on after 100 feet of driving, the Front Diff lock light did not turn solid only kept blinking (which means it is not engaging?) So basically CDL and the rear Diff lock works, but not the front.

Is this a good buy guys? Thanks so much for any opinions, I've already done a ton of reading and my head hurts, I just want some advice. Honestly I'm still a little scared of the horrible MPG these things get; Id really prefer one in diesel. If I did buy this thing, it would be with the intent to eventually diesel and stick shift it.

 

[NLXTACY]

Hey everyone, first post on Ih8mud although I've spent a lot of time on this forum looking around and doing a ton of reading. I need some help on deciding if I should buy this FZJ 80 I went to see today. Its a 1994, and it has the factory front and rear diff locks (yes I did check code 294 on the sticker and also it does have the turn knob). 151,000 miles and he wants 6K, I think I can get him down to 5800.

So far you are off to a good start. MIeage shouldn't scare you aware and the lockers are extra handy especially if you actually use them.

Over all its in decent condition, the outside is in good shape no dents or anything. Looks like the clear coat is coming off on the roof and it can use a new paint job, but overall prob could wait a while.

Common issue with a lot of cruisers. I wouldn't sweat it too much.

Interior is fair as well, things I noticed bad: rubber on brake peddle is missing and is bare metal

Not a big deal. CDAN, BENO or SOR will have it and its cheap.

1 rip in each front seats

The leather will go south quick as soon as you get your first crack. Take care of it or get seat covers.

steering wheel when turning makes a kind of rubbing noise (goes away after driving a while, so not bad at all),

What size tires? Do they rub?

when starting the car, after you release the key a loud quick noise is made under the hood. The guy claims its the starter and it needs a new one.

Yup most likely starter

Also hood doesn't stay up, hydraulic doesn't work.

You can get new lifts for under $100 or you can go to SOR.com and buy the 60 series hood prop and holder for like $30

No leaks anywhere that I noticed, just the usual caked on dirt/oil on underside of engine.

What do the knuckles look like?

This thing has leather inter. and electric seat movers which I HATE: the passenger forward/back seat button doesn't work. How much would it be to fix this?

Cheap, its the white plug issue. Contact NAKMAN for a cheap replacement

Is it possible to get rid of the seats and put in manual adjustable seats in? How much would it cost?

Sure but it won't be bolt it and cheap is relative.

I'm sorry I don't have pics guys I know that would be way more useful in getting all your opinions but I'm already home now and not near the car.

No worries, BTW
Welcome!

Is this a good buy guys?

Doesn't sound like it but then again we need pics of the engine bay, under chassis, interior, etc to determine. Do you have any of the pm history?

Thanks so much for any opinions, I've already done a ton of reading and my head hurts, I just want some advice. Honestly I'm still a little scared of the horrible MPG these things get; Id really prefer one in diesel. If I did buy this thing, it would be with the intent to eventually diesel and stick shift it.

Diesel versions are not cheap nor easy to come by. If you are concerned about MPG, get a Civic. Its not a dig, just being honest.

Otherwise, enjoy!

 

[outdoort]

Quote:
Originally Posted by outdoort
No leaks anywhere that I noticed, just the usual caked on dirt/oil on underside of engine.

What do the knuckles look like?
Thanks for the reply by the way, I don't know what you mean by this. The oil is just the common thin film of oil/fine dirt that coats almost all older engines over time. I don't believe this to be a problem.

 

[NLXTACY]

No, the knuckles are on either end of your front axle. If you look under the truck and turn the wheels in any direction you will see the shiny ball end of the knuckle. Right there is where you want to look. Is it heavily caked with grease/oil/mud? or does it look fairly clean and dry? That could be spendy to repair.

 

[outdoort]

Cheap, its the white plug issue. Contact NAKMAN for a cheap replacement
Ok but couldn't it be the motor that moves the seat forward and backward? So this is a cheap fix pretty much?
PM history? Maintanance history? No I don't, he bought it from a dealer 6 months ago and he said the dealer said the owner before had the head rebuilt. He says he wants to sell because he's moving to New Mexico.

 

[NLXTACY]

Ok but couldn't it be the motor that moves the seat forward and backward?

It depends where the seat locked when the plug came out. I got lucky it came out in the middle of its travel. Others have them fall out when its all the way forward and it wont move. I would check this first before considering anything else except maybe a fuse.

So this is a cheap fix pretty much?

Not cheap as in quality, cheap as in inexpensive.

PM history? Maintanance history?

Yes. PM= Preventative Maintenance.

No I don't, he bought it from a dealer 6 months ago and he said the dealer said the owner before had the head rebuilt. He says he wants to sell because he's moving to New Mexico.

Sounds fishy to me. I would be buying a Landcruiser BECAUSE I was moving to New Mexico.

 

[outdoort]

Ok I understand, ball joint huh, at the end of the axle. Damn didn't check that when I saw it today-looked everywhere else under the car though, looks good no rust or anything.
And no the tires are just fine, no rubbing going on there. It's coming from the steering wheel like it needs to be oiled where it rotates on the dash. Probably just needs a new steering wheel.

Hey here's some pictures actually, I got some from him!

View attachment 621445
View attachment 621446
View attachment 621447

 

[outdoort]

It depends where the seat locked when the plug came out. I got lucky it came out in the middle of its travel. Others have them fall out when its all the way forward and it wont move. I would check this first before considering anything else except maybe a fuse.



Not cheap as in quality, cheap as in inexpensive.

Gotch, I didn't mean a cheap quality, meant inexpensive

Yes. PM= Preventative Maintenance.



Sounds fishy to me. I would be buying a Landcruiser BECAUSE I was moving to New Mexico.

Ya I kinda agree, but I don't really have a reason not to trust him.

 

[Mattnatti]

M steering column makes that noise sometimes in the morning but goes away after several miles of driving.

 

[scrowley]

I would pay no more than $5k. I like good deals

 

[timer00]

I would pay no more than $5k. I like good deals

yea about 5-5500 tops as it sounds.. the steering wheel squeaks on mine when its cold but in the spring-fall its fine

 

[outdoort]

Ok guy, thanks for the price advice. I might have to pass this thing up. I live in Southern California right now and I'm headed to Pennsylvania in around a month moving there. I need a damn land cruiser now! Ha Ha I want those lockers too!

 

[outdoort]

Hey I have a additional question if anyone is on this thread looking. I checked out another green land cruiser 219Kmiles 1995, and front and rear diff locks. When the guy went to start the cruiser I popped the hood and everything looked fine except the radiator hoses at the bottom and top coming from the radiator were flat. Like the hose collapsed or maybe there is some sort of suction sucking the radiator hose flat. IDK. I left the small used car dealership unsatisfied about this LC.
But does anyone know if this is a problem? when the engine heats up will the thermostat open and release the coolant and force the hose larger. Obviously not too much coolant could flow with the hose being like that, but then again, I didn't stick around to see what happened after it warmed up, so IDK.

 

[timer00]

Hey I have a additional question if anyone is on this thread looking. I checked out another green land cruiser 219Kmiles 1995, and front and rear diff locks. When the guy went to start the cruiser I popped the hood and everything looked fine except the radiator hoses at the bottom and top coming from the radiator were flat. Like the hose collapsed or maybe there is some sort of suction sucking the radiator hose flat. IDK. I left the small used car dealership unsatisfied about this LC.
But does anyone know if this is a problem? when the engine heats up will the thermostat open and release the coolant and force the hose larger. Obviously not too much coolant could flow with the hose being like that, but then again, I didn't stick around to see what happened after it warmed up, so IDK.

well there could be a bunch of other issues.. but when I got my Acura the upper radiator hose was always flat and then when the car heated up and coolant flowed it regained shape.. basically means the hoses are shot / air in the system. Again thats hoping the rest of the engine is solid

 

[PDoyle]

Ok guy, thanks for the price advice. I might have to pass this thing up. I live in Southern California right now and I'm headed to Pennsylvania in around a month moving there. I need a damn land cruiser now! Ha Ha I want those lockers too!

You might find a better one in PA. home of Manheim auctions in Manheim, PA.

 

[outdoort]

You might find a better one in PA. home of Manheim auctions in Manheim, PA.

Ya but I need to find one here to drive across country with, otherwise no way to get to PA. Also, id much rather not have to sort through all the rusted out vehicles there.

 

[PDoyle]

very little or no rust in PA.No salt on roads there.

 

[outdoort]

Well Here's an update dudes: I bought my first FZJ 80. It's a 1997 collectors edition, sage color I think, Diff locks, 235K miles and leather interior. The thing is in great condition compared to the other land cruisers I've seen so far. Leather seats are only ripped in one spot and the exterior paint is excellent and original too, I paid 6K. I don't even care if it wasn't the best deal around; maybe it was a good deal, I needed a car now!
Anyway, is there anyone around Santa Clarita CA. (it's about an hour north of LA.) that would maybe want to check out my car and answer a few questions I have about it and such. There's a couple things not working correctly Like the Diff locks don't engage (the lights just blink). IDK maybe a auto shop would be better to bring it to, Just like to meet another land cruiser owner in my area too. Thanks guys!

 

[Harriet61]

Common issue with a lot of cruisers. I wouldn't sweat it too much.

 

[PDoyle]

You should do a little more reading here. You will find most issues you will have are covered already.
One other thing to remember, there is a warm up time period for the transmission from cold start up.
Anly lasts a minute or two, but no need to drive it past 2k rpms (IMO) while the motor is cold.