Looking for my FJ60 (first post)

[nilpoc]

Hi all. I've been lurking for a couple of weeks and now I've gotta few Cruisers I'm looking at on eBay. Other than the obvious, I'd like some experienced input about what to look for in a FJ60. I'm on a pretty tight budget, and I'm needing one I can drive to work immediately. Hopefully in a couple of years, I'll have enough money banked to beef it up a bit for offroading.

As for my mechanical ability, I enjoy doing minor work / maintenance on my vehicles but have yet to do anything more serious than changing a fuel filter or brake pads. I'm wanting to do more, but I'm currently limited in my equipment... and knowledge. From all I've read, it seems like this one will be fun if not forgiving to work on.

Sorry for the long post, just wanted to introduce myself. You'll hopefully be seeing pics of my Cruiser soon.

 

[takeitforgranite]

Welcome!

As a new mudder, I have to say - this is the best trove of info I could have possibly stumbled upon - these guys know it all. Trust 'em.

As far as what to look for in a cruiser, check out the sticky 60/62 FAQ at the top of the forum. That'll get you started.

Then look at the registry to see the rigs from mild to wild... See what you want to do to yours..

Then check out some of the buildup threads...

And GET WRENCHING!

Good luck with the buying process; I'm sure someone from the board will help you out locally if you need a knowledgeable cruiserhead to look over a car... Just ask.

 

[Rigger]

Welcome to MUD.

I recommend you look at plenty of Cruisers. Look at 'em, kick the tires, and drive 'em. Watch the prices. This way, you'll know a deal when you see one.

Good luck and hope you land a Cruiser soon.

 

[chicago]

WELCOME!

Check around on Craigslist...
When you find one, give the vital stats on the rig, price and pics if possible and post it up on here!
Most everyone will be glad to help you spend your money!
Personally, Id looks for something with some mods already done, unless you REALLY want to learn how to do them your self (as I did).
In the long run, provided the mods were done correctly, youll save yourself a lot of $.
Watch out for rust, especially on the frame!
And if you dont already know it...these rigs are SLOW and are notorrious for bad MPG's. Also, Parts are pretty costly and can be hard to find on a moments notice.
Just something to keep in mind if its gonna be your daily driver!

Only REAL MEN (and women) can own a Landcruiser!
OOOOR, do the Landcurisers own us....I get confused some times!
Good luck

Keith

 

[cabron]

Welcome to Mud, with the weath of info here, you can do virtually anything on your truck yourself. Look for rust throughly, it is often the killer of cruisers.

 

[zcruiser]

Are you set on a 60 (manual, carb) vs a 62 (auto, EFI)?

Per some recent discussions, 60's have been carrying a higher price tag for some reason.

 

[nilpoc]

WELCOME!

And if you dont already know it...these rigs are SLOW and are notorrious for bad MPG's. Also, Parts are pretty costly and can be hard to find on a moments notice.
Just something to keep in mind if its gonna be your daily driver!

I'm prepared to feed the beast, and since my commute is all city, I'm not too worried about the top speed.

I hadn't really considered the fact that parts would be expensive, though it does make sense. In terms of cost of a trip down to Napa, are we talking stiff, pricey, or absurd?

Are you set on a 60 (manual, carb) vs a 62 (auto, EFI)?

Per some recent discussions, 60's have been carrying a higher price tag for some reason.

I guess I'm stuck on the 60 because it's manual. I have to admit, I never considered the carb. vs. EFI. And it seems there are more 60's than 62's out there to shop right now. I can only assume the tranny in the 62 is bulletproof?

Thanks for the replies. I have some considering to do. Looks like I'm in the right place. I'll be looking through the stickies.

 

[D'Animal]

Welcome to MUD!

Are you looking for a stock rig or something that is slightly built?

 

[Rigger]

x2 on Chicago's rust warnings plus the following:

Rust on the body is variable: it can be no big deal if you can live with what it looks like, or it can be an expensive ordeal if you want to fix it. Rust on the frame can be Cruiser death. Check the frame carefully for rust.

Search for frame and body rust threads on this forum and read read read so you get smart on this issue.

You are in a good spot, actually. Acquire knowledge now before you open your checkbook. The result will be less pain later.

 

[macneill]

Triple ditto on the wealth of info here. I first joined mud with the 100, but soon thereafter got the itch for a 60. I looked at a lot of them in a lot of places and finally bought mine from a member here. Almost rust free from AZ. Drove it home back to New York. Made the purchase experience that much more fun to see the US in my 60. Good luck with your search and post up potentials here for feedback.

 

[Dynosoar]

Turn and run. Run fast and don't look back. Land Cruisers are very different than other vehicles. One you have one you are poisned you will find it next to impossible to enjoy anther type of vehicle.

So my best advice is leave your dream as a dream and buy a Ford Taurus or something.

Dynosoar

 

[nilpoc]

Welcome to MUD!

Are you looking for a stock rig or something that is slightly built?

Considering my budget (I'll admit 5k-ish), I guess I'm looking for something that is frist of all reliable, and good mods are a secondary concern.

Search for frame and body rust threads on this forum and read read read so you get smart on this issue.

Will do. This is where I'm kinda at the disadvantage, b/c there are no 60's I've seen for sale within 250 miles of here. I'm relying on digital images and the word of the seller for rust info at this point

...Almost rust free from AZ.

I'll probably only buy one that's in the South or Southwest for this reason. Check out this one in AZ. (outta my range): http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=018&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=280132505037&rd=1]

There are a couple on Craigslist that I'm considering, but these are my favorites at this point:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...STRK:MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=300129166822&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...STRK:MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=120140710980&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...STRK:MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=270144315481&rd=1
The second one is in Dallas, and is the only one I could put my hands on before buying it. The other two I'd have to have shipped. I think the first is my favorite at this point.

If you have time, tell me what you think.

edit: btw, thanks for the input!

 

[nilpoc]

Turn and run. Run fast and don't look back. Land Cruisers are very different than other vehicles. One you have one you are poisned you will find it next to impossible to enjoy anther type of vehicle.

So my best advice is leave your dream as a dream and buy a Ford Taurus or something.

Dynosoar

Thanks for the warning, and I do get your point. However, as a previous owner of a 88 Taurus, I'm pretty sure I've satisfied that burning desire... so I guess it's onto the Cruisers. I admit I'm not 100% sure that I'm willing to commit to the maintenance costs.

I'm up to my eyeballs in forum searches now. Any guesses on the average cost per year to maintain a FJ60?

 

[Rigger]

Dyno, it is too late. [shake head slowly back and forth] The bug got him. He is sucked in to Cruiserdom.

Oh, no !! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

 

[chicago]

HE HE!
I got my junk as a FLUKE....(essentially), now it dominates my life!
Youre in for a WILD RIDE my friend.

Actually, 5K should get you a pretty nice cruiser!
Ive got 220+K on my A440, with NARY a problem!
She wheels GREAT with it, but I would like to have the tranny brake the manuals provide...I hate crawlin down stuff riding the brakes!

Keith

 

[fowldarr]

I agree, I wish I would have spent 5k on my cruiser. $1250 buys you a lot of maintenance isssues. 5k should be good. My advice, take your time. Go for rust free, and well maintained (but I'm not saying anything that you don't already know at this point)

 

[BlueHZT60]

Any guesses on the average cost per year to maintain a FJ60?

ZERO

It's every other year that gets you

 

[Marc311]

If 5K is your budget, I think I would look in the $4k range and have some left over $$$ for issues that may crop up.

Personally, I would avoid Ebay other than local ones you can see and possibly deal for on site. Cars can look real good in pictures but up close be a different story. You also don't get the Ebay hype-pricing. That being said, that first rig you posted is very nice and I am suprised his buy it now price is $8500. I would look on craigslist, autotrader, and IH8MUD.

But $4K should get you a clean ride with minimal issues.

 

[nilpoc]

^ Noted. I think holding a bit back for some unforeseen issues is a good idea.

Thanks for all the replies.

 

[nilpoc]

Does anyone recognize this lift? It doesn't quite look right to my "IH8MUD Rookie" eye.