- Location
- United States
I'm hoping a folks here can help me out asap as I'm considering buying this BJ40 tomorrow but I'm having some second thoughts. I'd like to know what you think. You don't have to read my whole post if you dont' want, you could look at the quick write up in this next paragraph and look at photos and share you thoughts. If you read the entire post you'll get a better idea of what I'm looking for. My basic question is this, is this truck worth the amount I'm looking to spend on it (listed for $18,500 but I'm getting it for a fair bit less than that). I'm asking for honest opinions based on what I'm paying. I'm not looking for someone to nit pick each and everythign about it. It's BJ40 that I acquire in the $10k to $20k range. It's not going to be perfect.
Quick write up
I'm considering buying this 1978 BJ40. It came from Costa Rica where it got a basic body restoration (about what you'd expect from a Costa Rican body restoration) then was shipped to California for a mechanical restoration then on to the current owner on the East Coast. The "restoration" happened 1.5 years ago. The owner doesn't know much about it, isn't a big enthusiast, just bought it on a whim and now doesn't have room to store it. It's overall in decent shape. The interior is extraordinary and done with full interior top lining, custom leather seats, etc. True mileage is unknown (5 digit OD). Everything works, needs nothing. Just had brakes all redone, stops on a dime. It's listed for $18,500 but I'm getting it for a fair bit less than that.
Why I'm concerned
It has three things that have come to light just today after I've been looking at and talking to the seller for a few weeks.
1) It starts hard in the very cold. If it's been sitting for some time then he tries to start it, it takes 2 or 3 tries with the starter turning for about 10 to 15 seconds each try
2) It smokes when it starts, not a tiny bit and it does go away after a couple of minutes of warming up but when it does start cold, it's sending out a decent cloud
3) The rust. It has a few spots of rust showing, they don't seem major to me but they aren't anything either
4) My main concern is the sound of the engine. I realize this is a diesel and this is an old engine but it seems to make quite a racket. Am I off on this? Here is the video
More details on me
1. I'm a risk taker, anyone buying a BJ/FJ is taking a risk unless you want to spend $75k for a frame off restoraiton HOWEVER, i'm more comfortable with risk than most. I do have money to fix things when they go wrong even worst case situations like an engine rebuild if necissary. You may say, "why not just spend $25k or $30k and get one with less risk". It's not a simple answer but let me answer it simply like this, my wife and I agreed this is what we want to spend (under $20k) and we'll deal with issues as they come up.
2. I am NOT a purist, let me repeat, I am NOT a purist. I don't care about original parts or US spec vs SA spec. I want something that looks good and runs ok.
3. I won't put many miles on this vehicle. It's a third car for us, I work from home too. It'll see 2500 to 5000 miles per year and I ONLY intend to keep it for a couple of years unless I fall in love. I'll look to sell it to someone like me, a non purist.
4. I'd rather not debate things like "should I get a diesel"? or "Is a BJ/FJ the right vehicle", etc. I've done a fair amount of reasearch. I'm def getting an FJ/BJ and prefer the diesel but not dogmatic about it, if I found a nice FJ I'd by that.
5. I don't lack for looking. I've been scouring Facebook, Craigslist, Offerup, IH8Mud and any and all other sources all over the country to find a vehicle.
Pics being posted in a minute
Quick write up
I'm considering buying this 1978 BJ40. It came from Costa Rica where it got a basic body restoration (about what you'd expect from a Costa Rican body restoration) then was shipped to California for a mechanical restoration then on to the current owner on the East Coast. The "restoration" happened 1.5 years ago. The owner doesn't know much about it, isn't a big enthusiast, just bought it on a whim and now doesn't have room to store it. It's overall in decent shape. The interior is extraordinary and done with full interior top lining, custom leather seats, etc. True mileage is unknown (5 digit OD). Everything works, needs nothing. Just had brakes all redone, stops on a dime. It's listed for $18,500 but I'm getting it for a fair bit less than that.
Why I'm concerned
It has three things that have come to light just today after I've been looking at and talking to the seller for a few weeks.
1) It starts hard in the very cold. If it's been sitting for some time then he tries to start it, it takes 2 or 3 tries with the starter turning for about 10 to 15 seconds each try
2) It smokes when it starts, not a tiny bit and it does go away after a couple of minutes of warming up but when it does start cold, it's sending out a decent cloud
3) The rust. It has a few spots of rust showing, they don't seem major to me but they aren't anything either
4) My main concern is the sound of the engine. I realize this is a diesel and this is an old engine but it seems to make quite a racket. Am I off on this? Here is the video
More details on me
1. I'm a risk taker, anyone buying a BJ/FJ is taking a risk unless you want to spend $75k for a frame off restoraiton HOWEVER, i'm more comfortable with risk than most. I do have money to fix things when they go wrong even worst case situations like an engine rebuild if necissary. You may say, "why not just spend $25k or $30k and get one with less risk". It's not a simple answer but let me answer it simply like this, my wife and I agreed this is what we want to spend (under $20k) and we'll deal with issues as they come up.
2. I am NOT a purist, let me repeat, I am NOT a purist. I don't care about original parts or US spec vs SA spec. I want something that looks good and runs ok.
3. I won't put many miles on this vehicle. It's a third car for us, I work from home too. It'll see 2500 to 5000 miles per year and I ONLY intend to keep it for a couple of years unless I fall in love. I'll look to sell it to someone like me, a non purist.
4. I'd rather not debate things like "should I get a diesel"? or "Is a BJ/FJ the right vehicle", etc. I've done a fair amount of reasearch. I'm def getting an FJ/BJ and prefer the diesel but not dogmatic about it, if I found a nice FJ I'd by that.
5. I don't lack for looking. I've been scouring Facebook, Craigslist, Offerup, IH8Mud and any and all other sources all over the country to find a vehicle.
Pics being posted in a minute
Last edited:
You already have your own opinion. Most member here, including myself, like to see classic mostly original US market FJ40. They are ready to spend more money on this and you not. Don't force yourself to anything what you don't like. Good luck on your decision.
