New Member and a '85 FJ60 Question

[Georgiadrifter]

First post and new to the forum so go easy on me

I'm looking to buy a 1985 FJ60 that appears to be in decent shape for $3800. It's relatively low mileage (130,000) and a one-owner vehicle. All original with no rust or body damage. It has a current emissions certificate and clear title. I did carfax it and it said that the mileage indicated exceeded the mechanical limits of the odometer. The odometer clearly shows 130,000 miles. None of the carfax entries were over 130,000 miles....so I dunno.

Anyhow....I test drove it yesterday and everything seems fine but I do have a few concerns. The owner says the vehicle has been sitting in a garage for quite some time (10 years) with little driving. It belonged to his deceased father. The tires are mismatched (different manufacturers, profile, etc). But what concerns me most is the oil leak. The owner admits that it does leak a little oil. My fear is that since the vehicle has been sitting for awhile, the seals and gaskets may have become brittle and could fail at any time.

My question is this....I have enough mechanical ability to replace the oil pan gasket but I'm a little intimidated when it comes to valve cover seals and head gasket replacement if needed.

Are my fears warranted and should I steer clear? I'm thinking this would be a costly repair if done by a Toyota mechanic. I want to make an informed decision.

Thanks for any opinions and imput and special thanks for all your interesting posts and photos.

 

[rchalmers3]

Ok, what was your question? Oh yeah...

Sounds like a great purchase, especially if you are starting negotiations at $3800. Take it slow (like it sounds like you are doing) and you will be rewarded with the forever certainity of a truck purchased at the right price.

I believe the milaege may be correct, given it was an elderly owner. but here's the deal: A vehicle sitting for a long time and/or a short trip vehicle can be very unpredictable. The lack of use has it's problems and can actually be damaging. You will want to consider changing all fluids ASAP (tires too) and drive the truck carefully for a few weeks to "limber" up the lubricated and sealing parts.

Be sure to make an offer based on your imediate expenses and the risk of assuming possible expenses.

Oil leaks? Dude, c'mon! They leak, you just gotta get your mind around containment. If you feel you can tackle a pan gasket, then replacing a gasket or seal here or there is your possible future growth area! Yes, there may be leaks that require more knowledge and tools than you currently possess, but that's good!

Best wishes and welcome. Remember, pictures really do matter!

Rick

 

[Dirtgypsy]

$3800 seems like a good start. I would not be worried about the head gasket but the other gaskets sure why not? If you can tackle an oil pan then the rest of the gaskets including a valve cover are in your realm of expertise. If I was looking at it I would look for a spacer behind the tranny in between the transfer case, look for leaks at the front knuckles, rear main. Plus the obvious stuff. Drive as many of them as you can find. This will give you a good base as to the conditon of the rig you are currently looking at.

Welcome crazy town.

Clint

 

[Spike Strip]

Welcome.

I too, think the price seems like a good starting point, based on your description.

Where are you located? There may be a good cruiser mechanic in your area that won't rape you for every repair like the dealer... If you get the FSM you'll be able to do most peripheral seal replacements yourself. The tough ones would be rear and front main seals. Besides, now is the time to start expanding you mechanical skillz !

Good luck.

 

[REKCUT]

A lot of state check the Miles exceed the limits on cars over a certain age. They just dont mess with it. It wont make any difference on the price your looking at. At 3800 your buying on condition not what the odo says.

 

[Randy88FJ62]

Just to give you reference: I paid $3,500 for a 1988 FJ62 with 278,000 miles on it. It had a new exhaust and pretty good interior. It was stock with no off road modifications.

Looking over your summary I think it would be a good start. One piece of advice: Make sure the trany doesn't clunl whatsoever! That is at least an $800 fix if you do all the labor and that's what I'm looking at right now.

 

[Heartworm]

That price is a good start but I would offer lower. Last year, I got a 1987 for $3000 with no rust which I thought was an OK deal. It had 126K on it and it had issues (bad valve, knuckles leaking, driver's seat sagging, leaking oil pan, leaking TC, faded paint). Truth is, at this stage in their life, FJ60s need work, so keep some money back for that. The seller's story sounds inviting, keep after it.

 

[IH8Wood]

Price seems reasonable to me, but prepared to enhance your mechanical skills or decrease your bank account.

 

[Mbrockus]

FJ60

What part of Georgia are you from.. I have an 85 FJ60 and hail from just south of Atlanta..

 

[IndianDoc]

85 60

I also paid in the mid 3000 range for my 85 FJ60. She ran ok leaked a little and did great for a while then the bug bit and the rebirth started. If you can change the oil pan gasket on a 60(the pan can be a devil to get off) you can handle most other gaskets problems yourself with a little help from mud. Oh an by the way Welcome newbie

 

[Trapper50cal]

ditto

(x)x on the WELCOME!

It's like Frodo starting his jouney!

 

[Georgiadrifter]

Wow! Thanks for all the helpful advice. I think I'm going to make a counter offer today and account for some of the maintenance issues in the price. If it pans out......I'll post photos.

Thanks again!

Oh....btw....mbrockus.......I'm in Newnan.

 

[71-CRUISER]

For what its worth we charge right at $800 to replace the gaskets on a 2f. That includes the Oil pan, Lifter cover, timing cover and front main seal. It is about $100 worth of gaskets and a full 8 hours of labor.

That also includes sandblasting and painting everything that comes off the engine to replace the gaskets.

 

[sirenmoses]

yea, update time. did you walk away or didja buy it?