Hi everyone,
I'm new to the forum and hoping to purchase an 80 series soon. I grew up working on cars and am comfortable doing most work myself, and want a vehicle that will be reasonably reliable (would like to take it on some road trips), will get me out to some great camping spots, and have some character. I think the 80 series checks those boxes.
I have a few questions regarding a truck I'm considering and would appreciate any advice you all can share:
The truck: 1994 HZJ81 import with 110,000 miles, factory winch, and factory triple lockers. I've seen the truck in person and the body is very clean. The underside looks like it was sprayed at some point but not recently. I don't see any areas that clearly look like a cover up or anything that looks suspect. Fresh tires all around and everything looks very stock.
1. Should I be worried about an older underseal job? Is this common on JDM imports? There's a sticker under the hood that states "Snow Version" so would it be part of that factory package?
2. It looked like there was a small amount of weeping at the rear main seal. No spots on the ground where it was parked when I walked up. How concerning is this?
3. When I drove it the steering was quite vague. I know some of that is to be expected with live axles but what is the point that I should be worried? If something needs to be repaired, is that very expensive? I'm know a 27 year old truck will need some repairs but am just trying to avoid a money pit.
4. Does $23k sound like a reasonable price for a truck like this given the current state of the market?
5. I looked over most other points that the great OTRAMM video suggests and didn't see any red flags. Still worth an independent inspection?
Thanks in advance for your input, this forum has already been a huge help!
I'm new to the forum and hoping to purchase an 80 series soon. I grew up working on cars and am comfortable doing most work myself, and want a vehicle that will be reasonably reliable (would like to take it on some road trips), will get me out to some great camping spots, and have some character. I think the 80 series checks those boxes.
I have a few questions regarding a truck I'm considering and would appreciate any advice you all can share:
The truck: 1994 HZJ81 import with 110,000 miles, factory winch, and factory triple lockers. I've seen the truck in person and the body is very clean. The underside looks like it was sprayed at some point but not recently. I don't see any areas that clearly look like a cover up or anything that looks suspect. Fresh tires all around and everything looks very stock.
1. Should I be worried about an older underseal job? Is this common on JDM imports? There's a sticker under the hood that states "Snow Version" so would it be part of that factory package?
2. It looked like there was a small amount of weeping at the rear main seal. No spots on the ground where it was parked when I walked up. How concerning is this?
3. When I drove it the steering was quite vague. I know some of that is to be expected with live axles but what is the point that I should be worried? If something needs to be repaired, is that very expensive? I'm know a 27 year old truck will need some repairs but am just trying to avoid a money pit.
4. Does $23k sound like a reasonable price for a truck like this given the current state of the market?
5. I looked over most other points that the great OTRAMM video suggests and didn't see any red flags. Still worth an independent inspection?
Thanks in advance for your input, this forum has already been a huge help!