New 88 fj62 advice

[Levi]

Hello everyone, names Lee. I was hoping that I could pick the expert minds on IH8mud. I am looking at an 88 fj62 with 146,000 and am kind of on the fence about the deal. The truck looks and drives really good. There is absolutly no rust anywhere on the truck. This is a second owner truck and he has a bunch of reciepts on the previous work that has been done. The truck just had a "tune-up" as he called it in August. The fluids were changed out and a tierod was installed by the local toyota dealership.

The only problems that I have been able to spot are a loose auto shifter, crack in the dash, and a bad paint spot on the hood. Also the antena is broke. All of these seem minor and easily repaired. My question is the price. He originaly listed at 5800 and I have him down to 4500. Is this a good deal to you guys?

One last thing, my wife is concerned about the lack of shoulder harnesses in the rear. We have a 4 year old and I would definitly have to retrofit a 3 point harness. This again looks doable to me and certainly not a deal breaker. Here are some pictures. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys. click on link below

Free Photo Hosting provided by Use.com

 

[julstirn]

all the ailments are relatively easy to fix, seems a bit costly but depends on your want for it. For that you could be getting an 80, not the same vehicle but just comparing

 

[surffj62]

Sounds like just about every other FJ62! All of what you have said is an easy fix and most of the fixes are here on mud. I just did my rear seat belts- 150 or so for both sides with shoulder harness from seatbeltpros.com. The FJ62 has the "screw holes" already in the frame so the bolt on up.

Love my Fj62

 

[D'Animal]

I agree, You could get a nice 80 series for the price of the FJ 62 you are looking at.

all the ailments are relatively easy to fix, seems a bit costly but depends on your want for it. For that you could be getting an 80, not the same vehicle but just comparing

 

[Creeker]

My '88 fj62 was rougher than that: some slight rust on the body, nothing structural. 200k miles. I paid 2,100. An 80 would be more comfortable, but the 62 has MUCH more character. If you are at all handy at wrenching, the 62 is very easy to work on, with a lot less to go wrong. That's a great thing for an older vehicle.

I would plan on doing brakes and u-joints at minimum when you get it. ~250 if you do it yourself, Maybe 600 if you pay someone.

 

[Michael Hanson]

Sounds like your wanting a better 20 year old cruiser ,with less work. Their out there,but they cost more. Keep looking or fix up that one,its worth what someone is willing to pay for it. 2 cents MIke

 

[Butt Ugly Chuck]

That looks like a pretty clean truck. If you're in the rust belt, your price may be about right. If you're patient better deals come along now and then, but a lifetime of receipts for genuine Toyota parts, no rust, all add value in my eyes.

Butt

 

[CWCHSSC]

I had seatbelts (full - with shoulder harnesses) put in my 88 FJ62 - make sure you get the ones that are certified for that model - most mechanics won't install others (liability - I suppose). As far as the price goes - I think most owners will tell you that it is more important that YOU are comfortable with the price. These things aren't investments (is any automobile?) - they are lifestyle purchases. Pay the 4,500 - put a grand in a savings account for emergencies - and enjoy driving in what will be a classic car one day.

Good luck,

CW

 

[gonzopancho]

I dunno, I could drive just about anything I want, and I drive an 88 FJ62 (affectionately named 'Bevo' (UT Austin)) nearly every day.

I've got a near 'full-tilt' FJ40 that just sits, too. I like driving the 62 more.
Go figure.

The FJ62 has the TLC header and intake on it, and the TLC front caliper and rotors.

Next summer it gets a 5.7+4L60E conversion, full leather interior (incl steering wheel), new paint (same color), new chrome grille pieces, new carpets and an upgrade on the stereo. I'll probably re-chrome the wheels and bumpers, too.

 

[Texx]

None of the items you listed amount to a day's work. More important is the driving condition of the tranny and rust. Nothing not to love about a clean 62. There are lots of em for sale right now, you have plenty to choose from. Pricing is high considering the paint issue. You just can't expect an average price out of a vehicle with clear coat issues.

 

[dwillmo]

Really depends on the overall condition, which only you can evaluate. I own a FJ62 and drive it every day. Love to drive it, but I don't put a lot of miles on it. They are very dependable and almost indestructible, but they are or can be expensive. If you are planning on putting a lot of miles on it, like 100 a day in a pretty good commute, this vehicle will eat you up in operating expense. Poor mileage and there's not much can be done to improve it. If you are looking for a classy vehicle, that will always look good, I don't think you can beat the FJ60 or FJ62, but the FJ62 has EFI which makes it a little more dependable, some say. But 4500 sounds kinda high, unless its got really good paint, good interior, and pretty nice tires. Also, check the frame for rust. Near the rear axle. Otherwise, if its pretty rustfree on the outside, its probably in overall good shape. In the current economy, factoring in the cost of gas, the owner is going to have a difficult time selling it for $4500 unless its in really great condition

 

[CTFJ]

Front seat belts- both mine would not retract, got a pair of these and they fit perfect. The threads on all the body mounts are identical (use either existing or new bolts). Needed to do a little trimming on the pillar cover for the retractor to fit.

Replacement Front, driver and passenger side Seat Belt Universal 3-Point, Retractable, Wall Mount, without Air Bag Sensor

To install 3-point belts in the back, you'd need to weld in a bung to the pillar to hang the shoulder mount. Not impossible, but definitely custom. Plus I'm not sure the retractor would fit anywhere down low and work correctly.

Rust is the biggest issue. Get under there and look at the inside of the frame.

 

[cavemancaleb]

For that amount of money that cruiser better be MINT!!!
Get an 80 series if you got that much to spend.
If you really want a 62 (I dont blame you, I love mine) find a better deal. You can find a way nicer cruiser for that amount of money. You can a find a cruiser that fits your description for less then $2,500.
I got mine for 2000 and its in better condition then what you described.