Possibly buying an FJ62, a few question/clarifications

[Ducks]

My random 2 cents. Don't listen to it too closely. I live in a college town and my wife and I are constantly being asked if we would think of selling our fj60. It happens at least once a week. Didn't buy the 60 for that reason but it was kind of surprising. I lucked out and most of the things that wear out at around 200,000 miles had been replaced before I bought it ( I think / hope ). I'm not mechanically experienced but so far the engines seem pretty straight forward. I don't think the 3FE has any electrical do-dads. You could get a 91-92 fj80 (not fzj 80). It has the 3FE but also coil suspension. Do hear the common complaint that it is underpowered. But the fj80 has dropped significantly in price recently. You could probably pay the same amount for an fj80 as an fj62. Now the fzj80 (1993 - ?) has the 1FZ-FE engine which has a computer and so forth. Don't know what one is like to work on. There is apparently the PHH hose and completely random head gasket issue. Hope this is somewhat helpful. I think about an 80 fairly often but personally can't stand an automatic. Of course, I'm also looking at an fj55 and an fj40 so my perception might be a bit skewed. But I pine after coil spring suspension . . .

PS You'll get better gas mileage with a 60-series because it is part-time four wheel drive. The 80 gets worse mileage because it is full-time four wheel drive.

 

[hks3sgte]

Women think my FJ60 is an old ugly JEEP@!@!@#!@

 

[BG_TX]

I would not recommend an FJ62 if you dont want to invest some time and money... and a little more money... and a little more money...

I recently purchased my first LC and decided on a FJ62 with the power options and auto transmission. I did my homework prior to buying and knew the transmissions could be a bear if it was not properly maintained by previous owners.

I got to enjoy my new found nuts for about 2 months and the transmission finally crapped out. I forsaw this happening so it wasnt a big deal... but if you go into this not anticipating sinking some loot you arent being honest with yourself and will ultimately be let down. This is just my opinion... (tranny is on a 45 day boat ride)

oh... and welcome... from 1 newb to another...

 

[Nosuke62]

Hmm, so after reading through all the advice and opinions offered in this thread, and some elsewhere, it really seems that, theoretically at least, I can't go wrong either way. (62 or an 80) Or perhaps another way of looking at it, I could go wrong both ways.

Certainly there are things I'm aware of going in. Like the fact that mileage is going to suck pretty much regardless, only a matter of how much suckage it is. Or that I'll probably have to do some minor repairs at least at some point, and possibly some major ones. My desire to own a Land Cruiser is definitely emotional on some level, I'll readily admit that. There was other stuff I was going to put here but I forgot what it was.

I'm probably still more attracted to the 60 series for a few reasons, some more frivolous than others. Price is one, most of the 62's I've located around me are right about in the middle of my price range while the 80's are about at the top and out. Yes, looks is one(silly as that may be), the 60 series is more distinctive, to me, than the 80's and I dig that. They have slightly more cargo room, if I'm not mistaken, which is pretty useful. Other stuff I also can't remember.

 

[Ducks]

Go with your gut and jump on in. You can only analyze so much. Learn what to look for for whatever vehicle you choose so you can be smart about buying. But there is a fair amount of luck involved too.

 

[phono13]

Yeah, go for it. If for some reason you weren't happy with your purchase and you got it in decent shape at a decent price, you shouldn't have too much trouble selling it (especially in a college town).

 

[Rigger]

Nosuke, I like your quote: "I can go wrong either way." That about sums it up for buying Land Cruisers and for life in general !!

Ducks has it right; you can only analyze so much. Buy one and drive it. Live with it. You'll learn a lot about these rigs just by doing that.

I like driving my '62. I drive it down the road and I find myself smiling. None of my other cars have that effect on me. Life is full of sadness, man, and my Cruiser is a bright spot in my life.

Tomorrow, I'm gonna try and make some more headway on my front axle rebuild. I'm enjoying wrenching on the truck almost as much as I am enjoying driving it!!

Good luck !!

 

[cajun65]

I'll comment now too. I bought a 62 in the fall, lost the transmission about two weeks later, got it rebuilt in the winter and now it's my daily driver. Really, really, really watch that transmission if you get one. And like most are saying, expect to drop some money into it (it may not be that bad but budget for monthly repairs/upgrades to stay on top of things) and expect that there will be some issues. Then, find a club and they'll give you the support you need.

I'm going to echo the "emotional" part of buying one too. I only recently got into this Cruiser addiction, and it is an ADDICTION! I bitch about the gas it burns, about how old ladies with walkers pass me as I take off when the light turns green, about the cost of parts, etc. but hands down, it is the coolest rig I have ever driven and all the minor negatives do not cancel out that fact that you're driving a legend and you're in a rig that is capable of doing so much!

And don't think that a relative stock 62 can't go offroad. Try it once.

Good luck bud. Go get one and post some pics.

 

[Rigger]

And don't think that a relative stock 62 can't go offroad. Try it once.

Good luck bud. Go get one and post some pics.

X2 on the off-road comment.

X2 on the good luck comment.

X2 on the get one and post some pics comment.

Admit it - you're addicted already and you don't even have one yet!

You're probably like I was, scanning used car lots, back alleys, opened garages, want ads, and ebay, looking, searching, trying to find that sleeper. I was always peering into this or that place. Even my kids got into it; "Dad, there's a '60 over there - a NICE one!!"

 

[Nosuke62]

Admit it - you're addicted already and you don't even have one yet!

Truer than I'd probably like to admit. I've found a couple that I think I need to get by and take a closer look at, price and all that is about right, it's time to go for it. If I get one and it winds up needing work, which it will sooner or later I know, I'll roll up my sleeves and do it! (<-those things are mesmerising)