Need Input on Possible Purchase - First LandCruiser

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Is the FJ60 price bubble solid or do you think it is on the verge of bursting? It seems like the prices can't sustain their current state much longer.

There's no "bubble." That's just the world of classic cars. Look at the FJ40. It has sustained high prices for sometime now and just continues to rise. Hopefully as demand rises, aftermarket support also rises. New OEM parts will not be around forever and people will start cannibalizing these trucks more and more and the supply of complete FJ60's will only continue to drop. This is evident with the 40 series - when I look at the parts classifieds I see way more stuff for 40's than I do 60's. There's also more aftermarket support for the 40 than the 60.

I wouldn't expect prices to go down anytime soon, if ever.
 
Show up in a beater and ask him what he would take. I wouldn't suggest a price.....let the seller do that.
 
I dunno. Long time to sit in the open, desert or not, with mice eating wiring and making nests. You're possibly looking at a lot of time and money to get her rolling again, assuming the engine isn't damaged and will turn over.... Might be more cost effective to simply buy a rolling truck. But if the body is good and no rust, I'd certainly make an offer.

Where is the truck? :D
 
Just ask what he wants for it. You and only you can dictate what you are willing to pay for it. and if it makes sense purchasing it.
if you know how too wrench on it thats a plus. if your going pay for someone to work on it then be ready for some coin spending.
It looks like like it is by the beach somewhere. i would definitely check for rust.
i am in SoCal. i can look at it for you if you like.
good luck.
 
I messaged the seller earlier today to start the process of discussing price and included that I didn't want to waste his time if his expectation was too far away from mine. I was planning on heading out on Saturday. He said he'd get back to me later today as someone is already coming to look at the truck tonight. Doubt it'll still be there on Sat. =(
 
There's a poor guy in Maryland right now who's otherwise beautiful Cruiser crapped out pretty much the whole drivetrain a couple weeks ago, and he'll likely get $3K or so for it as is. I didn't know jack about Land Cruisers 12 years ago; I guess that based on the free market and the ignorance of both me and the seller, I got a great deal on mine back then. I would pay triple or more for it now.

My point is, I would suggest that you don't crazy-lowball the guy. Being on either side of a fair transaction pays dividends in the long run. You're obviously trying to do the right thing by posting up here and soliciting opinions, and I think you are to be commended for that.

Since you have to drive two hours in the blind on price, perhaps you can tactfully bring it up with the owner. "Hey Brother, I'm really interested in your Cruiser and prepared to make an offer, but before I drive two hours I'd like to make sure we're in the same ball park. In a perfect world, if this thing was running like a top, what would you be looking to get?" Get an answer, then counter with "Okay, considering that I'll have to put about $2-3K in it to get the drivetrain going - and maybe more - what would you consider to be fair?" And go from there...

Good luck!
Great advice and nicely articulated, @Dozer18.
 
The 40s are definitely experiencing a bubble in price. Every classic and 'cool' car does it from time to time. Ferraris experienced a huge bubble in the mid to late 90s, then corrected. No way is the meteoric rise in land cruiser prices sustainable. As far as supply and demand goes, there hasn't been a new 40 or 60 for 30 years, quite a long time without supply. Old SUVs and trucks are quite popular these days, as we have cheap gas and more and more land is being lost to urbanization, so the 'outdoors' look is all the rage, even if just a fantasy.

That 60, if sitting for 20 years, will need all weather strip, all gas and fuel lines, new dash and seats, new tires, brakes rehabbed, fuel system refreshed, and fix whatever caused it to be parked in the first place. If you want a 60 or 62 ( you know the differences right?) Then just spend a few days reading every post here on mud. Then you won't have to ask what something is worth and only post one pic.
 
So it's been sitting for 20 years and it just so happens two people are interested in it at the exact same time? Seems odd.

If that's truly the case, it's a lesson learned...you find not to dilly dally too much on buying these. Too many people want them. I don't even regret buying the one I had with terminal rust. I did a little better than break even after parting it out.
 
What does his place look like ran down or well taken care of what does he drive now. These things might tell you what kind of care he takes of things. That being said good luck
 
Final Update - he had posted the truck on Craigslist which is why there were other interested parties. He got an offer from a "co-worker" for $9k if running so he personally will be installing a new carb and having the trans rebuilt to get the extra cash. Far above what I was able to pay so good on him for going the extra mile.
 
Keep his number and call him back in month. The truck will still be there.

New carbs are not available. Owner will have to have it rebuilt or do a rebuild which may not be an easy thing on a truck sitting that long, and will have to be an OE carb for Calif smog. Gas tank and fuel system are gonna be nasty.

Trans can be rebuilt but he'll sh!t when he finds out how much. Used are plentiful (if you know where to look ). Plus it'll need a clutch, etc ... You're talking thousands.

9K for a truck that's been baking in the desert sun for 20 years is ridiculous, IMHO. It's gonna cost $$ or lots of time to get it reliable again.
 

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