Possibly buying an FJ62, a few question/clarifications

[Nosuke62]

First off, I'd like to say what an amazing place this is. Cool people who know whereof they speak, and an awesome repository of knowledge.

Secondly, I've been browsing the faqs and reading through some threads, so I hope it doesn't seem like I'm a total idiot. So, on to the real stuff.

I've been thinking about getting an FJ62 for use as a daily driver. I wouldn't off-roading or rocking etc., and I'm not planning on modding it most likely. I won't lie, part of it is I think they look great and they're a freakin' Land Cruiser. There's also, among other things, the cargo space and the fact that roads in the midwest can get a bit nasty during the winter, so something I wouldn't be entirely averse to driving in less than ideal conditions would be kind of nice. As opposed to, say, a Honda Accord for example.

Most of my driving would be town/city stuff, however, there would be fairly regular treks of approx. 600 miles via interstate. I guess my question is, would cruising at 70-75ish mph for long periods kill the engine? My impression is no, but feel free to disabuse me of this notion.

I'm also curious about gas mileage. From what I've been reading it seems it's not totally unreasonable to expect a well-tuned'62 to get around 13-16 mpg. Is this so, or is that more if it's modded and such? Or is that more for the '60's, being manual and all that?

Semi-lastly, assuming one could be found in decent condition and taken good care of, can they be relatively maintenance free? I mention this because I'm certainly not much of a mechanic (although I can follow directions and such pretty well) and I'm not looking for a "project vehicle". I want something I can drive.

I think that's all of my questions at the moment, sorry for my tendency to be a tad verbose. Also, if this is in the wrong section I apologize profusely. ( Now on to giving me the finger salute for "teh n00bs" or whatever. )

 

[klinetime574]

Welcome to MUD

If you find one in "good" shape. Then just a simple tune-up will get the ball rolling.

Fuel-Injection owns me. Stupid 60's and their carbs

As stated, I have a 60 so all 62 stuff is unknown to me

Post mainly for welcome

 

[cruiser88]

I'm also curious about gas mileage. From what I've been reading it seems it's not totally unreasonable to expect a well-tuned'62 to get around 13-16 mpg. Is this so, or is that more if it's modded and such? Or is that more for the '60's, being manual and all that?

Semi-lastly, assuming one could be found in decent condition and taken good care of, can they be relatively maintenance free? I mention this because I'm certainly not much of a mechanic (although I can follow directions and such pretty well) and I'm not looking for a "project vehicle". I want something I can drive.

I think that's all of my questions at the moment, sorry for my tendency to be a tad verbose. Also, if this is in the wrong section I apologize profusely
Yes 13-16 is a average for a well tuned 62, however, nothing is maintance free sadly its unrealistic to think that old of a rig will need SOME tlc but the 62 is a fine rig but maybe just maybe you may look instead at a 80 rather than a 62 for 3 reasons

1 Its newer
2 Its more city driver freindly
3 It goes just as good in the snow as the 62

 

[cruiser88]

You may get lucky and find a very well maintanied 62cool then jump. I own a 62 myself and its really easy to work on overall , but the cost can get yea in the end thats why i mentioned a 80. In the end if you get a 62 you may find 5 thousand miles or less that oh s*** i need work ,nevertheless, going ahead and spending the extra for a 80 maybe a route for you. Just look around

 

[mtb_rider]

You may get lucky and find a very well maintanied 62cool then jump. I own a 62 myself and its really easy to work on overall , but the cost can get yea in the end thats why i mentioned a 80. In the end if you get a 62 you may find 5 thousand miles or less that oh s*** i need work ,nevertheless, going ahead and spending the extra for a 80 maybe a route for you. Just look around

I kinda agree. Unless you are in love with the 60 series (as many of us are!!!) the 80 may be the ticket for you. Fuel mileage and performance is about the same, but the coil sprung suspension rides nicer, and more so, since service/maintenance is an issue, parts are much more readily available and probably more reasonably priced for the 80's, because of age and the overall number of 80 series cruisers running around compared the the 60's LC's. And as Cruiser88 mentioned, it will perform equally as well in winter conditions.

Oh and Welcome!!

 

[Nosuke62]

Thanks guys, some good advice.

I'd actually been looking at the '80's as well. They seem like good vehicles, although I prefer the body style of the '60 series. But I wouldn't let that be the only thing to influence which I get. I have noticed actually, that it seems like it might be easier to find a '62 in my area than an '80 series, but then again there's only so far internet searching can take you. I'll still need to get out and pound the pavement to really figure out what's available.

Thanks for the welcome.

 

[Max.Powerzz]

We use our 62 whenever we go visit the family and it will cruise at 75mph no problems. It's a 600 mile round trip and the cruiser handles it great. I usually get 15 or better mpg on the freeway with 31 inch tires.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

I've had mine for 5 years in which it's been more or less maintenance free. Lucked out and found one that was originally from Hollywood, so no rust issues. I get 11MPG around town (very small town with hills) and 16-17 MPG on the Alaska-Canada highway. We love it for road trips.They can't hold 55MPH on long hills, but cruise nicely at 70 otherwise. Fortunately, people aren't in a big hurry around here so you don't have to haul ass to avoid being run off the road. Mileage is better at lower speeds too. Rust is the biggest negative you want to avoid, followed by engine or tranny problems.

 

[Rigger]

My advice is:

1) if you are seeking a fairly maintenance-free vehicle, don't look at used Cruisers.

2) plan to do your own wrenching - you'll save money that way and you'll have fun, too.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

One other thing to consider is that 80s overall seem to be more rust resistant. The later ones also ride better and have way more power. Your fuel mileage will suck, but you know that if you are looking into a Land Cruiser.

Buy a 62 for the classic good looks, not for economy, lack of maintenance, towing ability or speed on the road.

Good luck with your search. I personally love my 60 series, but the 80 is a better Land Cruiser for general family duties.

 

[Toadhopper]

The 60 series are going to need more maint. generally due to being older and having higher mileage. I got my 60 w/ wrenching in mind, and would have gone w/an 80 if i wanted more of a turn-key ride.
My suggestion is to drive both and feel the difference before you make a decision.
Oh yea...

 

[Rigger]

Every once in a while, I ask myself why I want to have a Cruiser. If it was just a raw transportation issue, I might look at other cars or trucks (GASP!). But, the truth is, it ain't just transportation. Land Cruisers are special. I'm betting that most people who own them have an attachment to them that has an emotional component. If you take that component away, we'd all be driving Honda Civics.

 

[archie]

I have both. The 62 is older and will probably need more work. Both are equally reliable. The 80 drives more like a car (not bouncy like a truck with leaf suspension). If you got alot out of town guests or family/friends of 5 or more, the 80 is a better vehicle. If your in Chicago your welcome to test drive, so post your location.

 

[Nosuke62]

Unfortunately I'm no where near Chicago currently. I actually "live" in northwest Georgia, but I go to school in northern Indiana. Otherwise I'd love to take you up on the offer.

Yes, the more I read the more it seems an 80 may be better fitted to my "needs". As I said, I really don't want a project vehicle. If I find something that needs a little work that's ok, I can always get my brother to help me if I really need it (he fixes Volvos as a hobby, and I've helped him occasionally with some stuff). It's a pity it seems the 80's are generally a bit more expensive than the 62's, but I guess that's what you pay for being newer and all that.

I'll keep reading and searching, thanks again for all the suggestions.

 

[archie]

Don't give up on a 62 yet.Georgia 62's should be more reliable than rust ridden 62's in the salt coated rust belt roads. With that in mind, a garage keep 62 in georgia should be as reliable or more reliable as an 80 (headgasket replacement). Rust related item's I had to fix on my 62-corroded fuel lines, brake lines, trans line.

 

[Martin White]

Rigger and others give good advice. These are not low maintenance vehicles when they are older. Buying a cruiser, for most, myself included, is more an emotional decision than one that makes financial sense. Therefore, buy whatever makes you happy. I suspect, however, you may be slightly happier with an 80 series for your proposed use, and most likely with the upgraded engine (93 on up). Definitely a more pleasant ride, for most, on the highway, and still awesome off road. Although I have to agree the 60's look absolutely great. I do not for a second mean to slag the 60's. They are great trucks and looks wise they are CLASSIC. Either way you can't go wrong if you find a good example. One huge plus with the 60's is a really nice one is getting close to zero depreciation now.

 

[fowldarr]

My turn: The 60/62 in nice reliable shape, low maintenance, low miles, no rust, is going to cost you nearly as much, in some cases more, than an 80 series. I have owned both (all three actually 60,62,80) and as far as commutting (I"m assuming you will be driving from GA to IN) the 80 series hands down. My 62 did nicely, my 60 sucks ass for long trips (It was only $1200) but my 80 rocked. Leather seats, CD player, Coil Sprung suspension, Room for 7. However, you can't fight the addiction. I have sold my 80, my 62 got wrecked, and now I have a 60 series. Why? because there is something about them that sucks you in. As far as low maintenance, it's not, I spent 5 hours wrenching this weekend, but it's all pretty straight forward stuff. My advice is make the best decision for you. If you can find a nice, low mileage 60/62 no rust that has been taken care of I would jump on it.

 

[phono13]

I wouldn't mind piping-in on this discussion. Basically, I was in your shoes 4 years ago when I bought my FJ62. I was also considering an 80 at the time, but I really wanted a 60 series on an emotional level (my family used a 60 for camping trips in the early 80's). When I was looking, I knew that it was going to be my extra vehicle b/c I lived in the Los Angeles area and my civic was great for commuting. I may have (doubt it) gone with an 80 if it was my DD.

Jump forward nearly half a decade, I now live in NC and my 62 is my DD for a short daily commute. My TLC had about 180K when I bought it and was in great So. Cal shape. There has been maintenance required, but it's been more wear and tear things (brakes, tires, hoses, antenna, etc...). I love my 62, and am extremely glad I went with it over the 80. I have complete confidence in it's reliability, as long as I pay close attention to what it tells me (fluids, sounds, etc.). My rec'd buy yourself a 60 series & a cheap compact car (toyota, honda)!

Enjoy it!

 

[hks3sgte]

Guys, don't recommend 80s!!!!!!!

But really... any used car is going to require some working on. Just remember, as long as it is rust free, it should be fine.

 

[ballardcruiser]

Most 62s for sale will need a knuckle rebuild, their fluids/plugs changed and that's about it upon purchase. Perhaps the leaf springs will be shot too, but you may luck out and find a PO that has done some of this for you. Or maybe you won't care if you're not offroading. (Obviously you should get the compression and everything else checked out before purchase).

The only additional upgrades you may contemplate for your needs would be changing the lighting/wiring (stock is pretty weak) and maybe slightly bigger than stock tires (like 31s) just to keep the RPMs down on highways. And maybe a nicer stereo if you're driving that much.

FJ62s are great highway vehicles, esp. if you live at a low elevation or where there aren't a ton of long hills (the auto isn't the best for these situations). One concern you may have is that, if you live where they are salting the roads in the winter, your old FJ62 may not last all that long (even if it started out rust free). Rust is really the enemy on these.

The only thing I'd note is that reports of FJ62s getting really great (relatively speaking!) mileage tend to all come from people who drove around 55-60 mph. Driving 70 or 75, while certainly do-able, may really eat into your mpg. These are some of least aerodynamic cars around.

If I may be very shallow and un-tech for a second... if you're single, I've found that women tend to really admire the FJ62. I get comments on it all the time from women (I'm sure 60 series guys get them, too). Of course, once you're committed to someone, they'd probably insist that you get rid of the uncomfortable FJ62 and get something nicer and more practical ... but that's how life works.

Oh ... and do a search for my name and don't repeat any of the many tech mistakes I've made over the years.