Need some advice before buying this fj62

[Jake Dilley]

I just found this cruiser a few days ago and seems like a pretty good deal to me. What do you guys suggest I ask the guy and what should I look out for before buying this cruiser with its mileage and condition? The only thing I know that needs replacing is the master cylinder.

Toyota Landcruiser 1989 FJ62

 

[SteveH]

Assuming the chassis has 324K miles, that's a lot of miles on an automatic transmission (and everything else). I'd be sure it shifts nicely and doesn't bang or clunk into gear or when shifting.

Had a sub-par paint job done at same, they also attempted to repair both passenger side doors and failed.

Does this mean the side looks terrible? Bad paint and body work is expensive to fix properly.

If you don't know Land Cruisers, get someone who does to go with you to examine it. Frame rust, leaks, etc. may not be as obvious to you as they would to a 'cruiserhead. You will want to take an extended test drive and check out the 4WD systems. If they brakes are so bad that it cannot be safely driven, then either pass on it, or insist that the seller fix it first. Or, offer $1000 less.

 

[CenTXFJ60]

If it’s not rusted it may not be a bad buy. From the sellers description it seems they are not too familiar with cruisers as well. They don’t have a serpentine belt and other repair discriptors just seem faint. Regardless, if rust free, and they have proof of an engine rebuild and a half rebuild of the trans (???) then float a reasonable offer. I would recommend soliciting another mud member in the area to look at it with you cause there’s several areas (as Steve referenced above) you need to check that an experienced cruiser person can help with. Also, the drivers seat leads me to believe that truck has more highway miles than local driving. Otherwise the seat would be rotten at 3k+ on the ODO.

 

[Jake Dilley]

Thanks for the advice. I emailed him and the paint doesn’t look too bad, it’s just not show car quality. He sent a few pictures of the rust and it’s looks mostly surface rust. The engine was rebuilt fully in 2012 and then had a full check on the truck last year and everything was great. And what he meant by half rebuilt trans is tat it was flushed at the same time he had the engine rebuilt.

 

[Randy88FJ62]

I hate when they don't show the engine bay. The engine and trans were 'rebuilt' so who knows on those components. The fact that there is a trans temp gauge is a good sign. It means they care about the trans after the first rebuild.

Really hard to tell on anything without being there given the lack of pictures. The shifter and interior looks really good so that's a plus. Given the amount of work and money the owner put into it I'd say it's worth $6k assuming no major issues.

The master cylinder is a $80 swap using an Advics (ie Aisin) part so no biggie there.

 

[Michael Hanson]

Hi, Price seems fine to me, these are collectors cars , older and all need work . I have one cruiser with almost 400,000 miles on auto. Transmission and it's still going strong; will it finally give out sure ,but I hope not soon . I'd buy it at that price but only after driven and personally inspected. Mike

 

[BMValentine]

Go into this knowing that you have some work ahead of you. What are your plans for the rig?

 

[Jake Dilley]

Go into this knowing that you have some work ahead of you. What are your plans for the rig?

Just as a daily driver and project car, possibly some light off-roading but nothing serious. I don’t drive many miles a year so I won’t wear it out fast.

 

[BMValentine]

Just as a daily driver and project car, possibly some light off-roading but nothing serious. I don’t drive many miles a year so I won’t wear it out fast.

I have an ‘89 FJ62 it’s awesome and i’d Buy it 9/10 times. But look into the 80 series especially the later years, the coil springs are much nicer to ride in and better off road, and they have ABS, they accelerate better, and feel like a modern vehicle. The last point is why I got my fj62; it just felt cool to drive. But definitely don’t overlook the 80 series they are gonna be cheaper to work on and outfit. They definitely aren’t as cool though.

 

[Jake Dilley]

I have an ‘89 FJ62 it’s awesome and i’d Buy it 9/10 times. But look into the 80 series especially the later years, the coil springs are much nicer to ride in and better off road, and they have ABS, they accelerate better, and feel like a modern vehicle. The last point is why I got my fj62; it just felt cool to drive. But definitely don’t overlook the 80 series they are gonna be cheaper to work on and outfit. They definitely aren’t as cool though.

Yeah, I have looked at the 80 series a little bit but I never really loved the look, but I absolutely love the 60 series. So I was like if I am going to spend the money, might as well get what I really want

 

[BMValentine]

Yeah, I have looked at the 80 series a little bit but I never really loved the look, but I absolutely love the 60 series. So I was like if I am going to spend the money, might as well get what I really want

I get it completely. As long as the frame is only surface rust then it would be a pretty good buy, but definitely check the problem body areas and definitely lift up the rear carpet and get a peak under it. Get the car running and check the cooling systems. One of the issues with the 60 series is the radiator and hoses go and they run hot and then over time it hurts the engine. If the transmission wasn’t rebuilt then it is probably coming up on needing it. Another user on here just rebuilt his and it cost him $4 grand.

 

[Cruzerman]

Love the part where this is a "Power Wagon".

 

[Devils Paw 80]

I just found this cruiser a few days ago and seems like a pretty good deal to me. What do you guys suggest I ask the guy and what should I look out for before buying this cruiser with its mileage and condition? The only thing I know that needs replacing is the master cylinder.

Toyota Landcruiser 1989 FJ62

Have you checked it out yet? Potentially a reasonable deal.

 

[Jake Dilley]

Have you checked it out yet? Potentially a reasonable deal.

I haven’t gone too look at it yet since it is a few hours from me but I did strike a good deal with him. I’m going down to get it in a soon

 

[Jake Dilley]

Update: Just purchased the cruiser for $3500 and looks pretty good. Frame is in really good condition. 2 doors have some rust I will have to fix. And a few small things here and there but nothing serious.

 

[bfoldy]

Congrats! Sounds like you got a good deal.