Potential HZJ77 Pre purchase questions

[araco100]

Hi all,

Looking to purchase a 1995 HZJ77 ZX from Japan. 3.5 graded, manual.

Looks all clear only thing is it has 350k km.

How concerned should I be about buying it unseen with that mileage?

Can I expect to drive it home 10 hours without doing much to it?

my understanding is 350k km is getting into higher mileage territory for 1HZ, how long can I expect it to last with impeccable service and short intervals on everything?

Thanks and greetings

 

[AirheadNut]

350k km is only 217k miles, which wouldn't be considered high in my opinion. I wouldn't have any trouble driving it long distances as long as it starts and runs well. Try to determine when the timing belt was last replaced, be prepared to check the cooling system to make sure it is up to snuff before setting off.

 

[FJ73Texas]

If you are a first time 70 series buyer (or LC buyer), I wouldn't do a 10 hour drive to bring it home just because someone else says it is safe to do so. I would have it shipped for peace of mind and there are plenty of reputable shippers here on mud as well.

 

[Rigster]

Hi all,

Looking to purchase a 1995 HZJ77 ZX from Japan. 3.5 graded, manual.

Looks all clear only thing is it has 350k km.

How concerned should I be about buying it unseen with that mileage?

Can I expect to drive it home 10 hours without doing much to it?

my understanding is 350k km is getting into higher mileage territory for 1HZ, how long can I expect it to last with impeccable service and short intervals on everything?

Thanks and greetings

I would be mostly concerned with service history on this unit. If it was properly maintained, then that might only be 30-50% of its service life. There are many 1HZ engines in buses that average 1,000,000 kms before they are retired (still running mind you)

 

[AirheadNut]

I should probably qualify my statement above. I have always driven home in vehicles that I have purchased (usually a 300-700 mile trip), and only once had an issue when the alternator failed in a Hilux LN106. I was still able to drive until dusk with the battery at ~3v, but had to leave it at a friend's house and come back for it the next week.

I always drive to pick up a vehicle, so I'm not stranded if something goes wrong. If you're planning on flying in to pick it up I would want to be much more sure of the condition and roadworthiness. I also carry a decent kit of tools with me and am fairly confident in being able to diagnose and repair minor issues along the way if need be.

Have a backup plan. If you're driving to pick up the Cruiser, is the vehicle you take capable of towing the Cruiser on a U-haul trailer if something really goes wrong? If not, are you prepared to rent a truck and trailer to complete the trip? (Worst case scenario, obviously).

 

[FJ73Texas]

I should probably qualify my statement above. I have always driven home in vehicles that I have purchased (usually a 300-700 mile trip), and only once had an issue when the alternator failed in a Hilux LN106. I was still able to drive until dusk with the battery at ~3v, but had to leave it at a friend's house and come back for it the next week.

I always drive to pick up a vehicle, so I'm not stranded if something goes wrong. If you're planning on flying in to pick it up I would want to be much more sure of the condition and roadworthiness. I also carry a decent kit of tools with me and am fairly confident in being able to diagnose and repair minor issues along the way if need be.

Have a backup plan. If you're driving to pick up the Cruiser, is the vehicle you take capable of towing the Cruiser on a U-haul trailer if something really goes wrong? If not, are you prepared to rent a truck and trailer to complete the trip? (Worst case scenario, obviously).

When I went back to read the thread again, it may have seemed like my reply was about your post but it was not directed at your post. Driving to pick it up with another vehicle is a great option also.

 

[FJBen]

Adventure!

Please don’t take this as talking down, but might help someone who hasn’t owned and older cruiser or 70 series.


Not sure if you’ve had old cruises or not, but an HZJ77 is going to be a worlds difference than your standard 100 series. Think slow. Think 60 series, then slower…FJ62, then think slower and now you are in the HZJ77 wheel house. The manual will help. Just be happy you aren’t 3B troopy slow.

The 1HZ is a great engine, still made today so parts are absolutely zero issue. Same with transmission/tcase. It’s slow.

Without knowing a lot of the history I would be a little hesitant to make a big trip. If I knew it had a tbelt done (usually they have the stickers) and could see that coolant wasn’t a disaster, I’d be up for an adventure.

However, if I wasn’t someone who can work/troubleshoot/repair vehicles…I’d ship it and not worry about it.

 

[Loober]

Adventure!

Please don’t take this as talking down, but might help someone who hasn’t owned and older cruiser or 70 series.


Not sure if you’ve had old cruises or not, but an HZJ77 is going to be a worlds difference than your standard 100 series. Think slow. Think 60 series, then slower…FJ62, then think slower and now you are in the HZJ77 wheel house. The manual will help. Just be happy you aren’t 3B troopy slow.

The 1HZ is a great engine, still made today so parts are absolutely zero issue. Same with transmission/tcase. It’s slow.

Without knowing a lot of the history I would be a little hesitant to make a big trip. If I knew it had a tbelt done (usually they have the stickers) and could see that coolant wasn’t a disaster, I’d be up for an adventure.

However, if I wasn’t someone who can work/troubleshoot/repair vehicles…I’d ship it and not worry about it.

Here is another way to describe what it feels like to own and drive a vintage 70 series. Imagine driving a fully loaded water truck on an ramp to a busy freeway, while throwing $100 bills out the window, and the guy next to you yelling "Nice Jeep"

Mileage does not mean anything on these, you will be replacing just about everything anyway.

 

[jblueridge]

What port would it arrive at?
Newport News?

 

[JDM Journeys]

For me it would be as much about where as how far. On the flat you can go all day at the speed limit if it's in decent shape. I would probably bring a fuel filter with me, and do the checks mentioned above, especially coolant. Likely it doesn't have an EGT gauge fitted so listen to the engine and let it tell you what it's doing. Don't lug it, especially without knowing the temperature of the exhaust gases. If you're driving in the mountains, I'd probably be more likely to ship it unless I had a calibrated right foot or knew the history in detail.

 

[scanderson76]

If you are a first time 70 series buyer (or LC buyer), I wouldn't do a 10 hour drive to bring it home just because someone else says it is safe to do so. I would have it shipped for peace of mind and there are plenty of reputable shippers here on mud as well.

This

 

[bottombracket]

Do you like type 1 or type 2 fun?

 

[ATL Cruiser]

Do you like type 1 or type 2 fun?

I had to look that up. That's hilarious.

Also, agreed with @FJ73Texas I would trailer it. 10hrs is a long way in an unknown vehicle.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Hi all,

Looking to purchase a 1995 HZJ77 ZX from Japan. 3.5 graded, manual.

Looks all clear only thing is it has 350k km.

How concerned should I be about buying it unseen with that mileage?

Can I expect to drive it home 10 hours without doing much to it?

my understanding is 350k km is getting into higher mileage territory for 1HZ, how long can I expect it to last with impeccable service and short intervals on everything?

Thanks and greetings

I once did what you are considering but in my case it was a 6 hour drive in a HJ45 Ute. Instead of enjoying the trip I found myself staring at engine instruments (I’m sure the water temp moved when I looked away) and trying to determine the source of various smells. (turned out the smell was from a Kentucky Fried Chicken) .
All of this ended up being paranoia on my behalf. The trip was without issue.

 

[araco100]

I put a deposit on it.

I look forward to sharing all the details in a new build thread. It’s on the long journey from Japan right now.

 

[JuanJ]

Hello,

Good luck.

Get a trailer to tow it home when it clears customs.

Or get parts and tools for the drive back home.






Juan

 

[Felde]

I once bought a 4x4 in the UK kind of unseen and drove it home to Germany 600km.
I arrived well but only learned later, when I started working on the truck, that I was on the edge of blowing myself up due to a fuel tank leakage and some unisolated wires close by. I also later found about 20 possible reasons that could have caused a potential severe breakdown; anything from broken ignition barrel, smoldered electrics to clogged brakelines. And yes: It might be dangerous to you and others.
It is a great adventure and a lot of fun, but be prepared for a plan B to fix any issue and a plan C to get it towed from anywhere en route.
Good luck Ralf

 

[jmylie]

I bought my LJ77 and picked it up at the St Louis Mo airport from the owner and drove it back to CT.

I did have a friend check it out as he was driving his son to college and was going by it, so it was not sight unseen.

The 2LT is much quicker than a 2H. My HJ60 would loose a drag race to a loaded school bus, I'm sure the LJ77 can keep up and maybe beat the school bus by a little. I assume the 1HZ is as good as the 2LT and better than the 2H. However, all said and done, none are fast.

Good luck with your drive home, if you don't trailer it or have it shipped.

 

[wpwilder]

Hi all,

Looking to purchase a 1995 HZJ77 ZX from Japan. 3.5 graded, manual.

Looks all clear only thing is it has 350k km.

How concerned should I be about buying it unseen with that mileage?

Can I expect to drive it home 10 hours without doing much to it?

my understanding is 350k km is getting into higher mileage territory for 1HZ, how long can I expect it to last with impeccable service and short intervals on everything?

Thanks and greetings

are you able to see the auction sheet? i paid a company in Japan 35 bucks to get me a copy of the auction sheet for my frame # and it had a bit of service history on it. i also have an HZJ77 from Japan. the company was autocheck.jp

 

[araco100]

Here is the auction sheet, if anybody can translate it that would be awesome: