Looking for buying advice for a Prado

[meranje]

Hey looking for advice on this prado.

1992 Toyota landcruiser prado

1992 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SX (J78) – JDM Import Hard-to-find J78 Prado straight from Japan. A solid, reliable classic with tons of potential. The Highlights: Starts right up every time — even...

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Buyer said oil gauge AC and back window didn’t work, ball joints need replacing and tires. Other than that mechanic said no rust or any other issues. Mechanic said you’d want to do a test on the oil gauge before so you can at least make sure the oil pump isn’t completely shot. Another thing it seemed like the engine had paint peeling don’t know if that’s normal for an old prado or a sign the diesel engine is overheating. But I drove it around no problem got it up pretty fast with a little vibration but my guess is that’s the ball joints (mechanic said they’re in dire need of replacing). Asking for any advice. Thanks guys!

 

[Gun Runner 5]

There are a few things that would make me question the “no rust” claim for starters.

 

[mjw4]

There are a few things that would make me question the “no rust” claim for starters.

I guess it also depends where on the scale you land with 'no rust'.

Surface rust--------------|---------------Corrosion

I reckon I got extremely lucky as I have almost none, except for some surface rust on the steering damper and nearby parts.

 

[meranje]

I guess it also depends where on the scale you land with 'no rust'.

Surface rust--------------|---------------Corrosion

I reckon I got extremely lucky as I have almost none, except for some surface rust on the steering damper and nearby parts.

Yeah definitely a little surface rust in places. Should’ve probably specified I really meant there doesn’t seem to be any flaking in the body whatsoever.

 

[Dprio34]

@meranje , Oil Pressure Gauge is mostly likely fried because someone took the leads off of the oil pressure sender when changing the oil filter and then reversed the positive and negative at some point. This will cook your oil pressure gauge on the dash. Both parts are available new. The LJ wouldn't run for more than 15 minutes without seizing if the oil pump was shot. Drive the vehicle around a bit, prior to handing over the cash. AC can be fixed. If the rear passenger window is jacked up. That can be fixed as well. Valve Cover paint isn't a real big deal either. They can be repainted if that is your thing. The things you mention are minor. You just need to ask yourself if want to drive a RHD vehicle and put the time in to do the repairs. Exterior paint would be the last thing on my list, personally.

 

[cruisermatt]

Yeah definitely a little surface rust in places. Should’ve probably specified I really meant there doesn’t seem to be any flaking in the body whatsoever.

Surface rust is rust that you see.
So if it has surface rust, it has rust.

It's like saying "surface cancer"

 

[mjw4]

Surface rust is rust that you see.
So if it has surface rust, it has rust.

It's like saying "surface cancer"

I don’t think you can say all surface rust = deep corrosion. Sometimes of course, it is just the tip of the iceberg. It also depends a lot on where you find the rust.

 

[OGBeno]

Surface rust is rust that you see.
So if it has surface rust, it has rust.

It's like saying "surface cancer"

To expand on this: any rust on body panels is a good indicator that the whole truck is trash.