Seeking the experts knowledge on a Balkan BJ73 (1 Viewer)

[Balkanmud]

Hey guys, New to the forum but have been lurking for years presiding over Landcruisers.
I think my time has come and having recently moved into the Balkan Mountains with my wife and family, up a mud track that gets a lot of snow every winter this seemed the time.

Anyway to the point. I've come to repspect the expertise and knowledge on this forum. I'm eyeing up a BJ73:

Toyota Land cruiser BJ73, 1990г., ID:2165824 - Обява Продава Джип

Продава се » Toyota Land cruiser BJ73, 1990г. » ID:2165824 на цена 23900 лв. Разгледайте още » 2112 « предложения само в Mobile.bg

www.mobile.bg

I'm just wanting to gather info as best I can before wasting a trip, I wouldn't like to trust what seller tells me over what I can ascertain myself. Also not being Bulgarian a lot of the communication falls on my wife who isn't a motorhead. So just wondering if you can tell the engine type from the chassis number in the pics, to my knowledge it looks to be a genuine BJ73 heavy duty - ie. not bolted on frontend from a BJ onto an LJ, but just anything useful or heads up, etc. Id be curious as to what experienced eyes see. I know pics aren't the best and lacking engine bay shot. I've asked to get one - we'll see.

Appreciate any and all comments, opinions, etc.

 

[ATL Cruiser]

Wow, that almost looks to good to be true.

Repainted, new interior, new tires, new roof, only $12k.

I'm no cruiser-nuance expert by any means, but I will say the same to you as I say to anyone when buying a used car. Start it up ice cold, and then just drive it. Drive it a lot. In the city, on the highway, all over. Then test the diff and/or hub locks as well. Do they engage?

That alone will tell you if all the super expensive stuff is working. Does the trans slip when hot, do the diffs not lock, does the engine stumble under hard acceleration, does it overheat on the highway, etc etc etc. A long road test will not reveal everything, but it will reveal almost everything.

 

[Felde]

This vehicle obviously received an intense makeover. Unfortunately that doesn't mean a lot: Raptor paint is very forgiving and good to hide any imperfections and bondo.
The pic from the wheel well tells me that little had been removed to do a decent paint job, but basically had been sprayed over.

The engine is the 2.5 VM diesel. It is an Italian engine that was fitted to the BJ Landcruisers build in Portugal.
It is not an engine of the legendary Toyota quality and durability. But it does the job IF (!) well maintained and not overstressed.
230k km is at the borderline for a major refit of this engine type, I think.
This engine tells the truck comes from Iberia. Thus it probably made a long and twisted journey into Bulgaria.

The VIN is not clearly readable from the pic. If you have it you can decode it here

ToyoDIY.com

The pics and text absolutely tell nothing on the technical condition of the vehicle.

I'd be carefully on this one. Labor is cheap in Bulgaria, so a general makeover is cheap, too. But quality parts are expensive.
On this rig it would be crucial to clarify the engine's maintenance history and carefully check the condition.

IMHO No way to judge this car without a very close (knowledgable) look at it. No way to buy it blind.
If the history, previous owners and documentation of the refit isn't clear: Run.
Good Luck Ralf

 

[Balkanmud]

This vehicle obviously received an intense makeover. Unfortunately that doesn't mean a lot: Raptor paint is very forgiving and good to hide any imperfections and bondo.
The pic from the wheel well tells me that little had been removed to do a decent paint job, but basically had been sprayed over.

The engine is the 2.5 VM diesel. It is an Italian engine that was fitted to the BJ Landcruisers build in Portugal.
It is not an engine of the legendary Toyota quality and durability. But it does the job IF (!) well maintained and not overstressed.
230k km is at the borderline for a major refit of this engine type, I think.
This engine tells the truck comes from Iberia. Thus it probably made a long and twisted journey into Bulgaria.

The VIN is not clearly readable from the pic. If you have it you can decode it here

ToyoDIY.com

The pics and text absolutely tell nothing on the technical condition of the vehicle.

I'd be carefully on this one. Labor is cheap in Bulgaria, so a general makeover is cheap, too. But quality parts are expensive.
On this rig it would be crucial to clarify the engine's maintenance history and carefully check the condition.

IMHO No way to judge this car without a very close (knowledgable) look at it. No way to buy it blind.
If the history, previous owners and documentation of the refit isn't clear: Run.
Good Luck Ralf

Appreciate the advice! You're right, unfortunately over the pond here east or west a lot of folk don't like the idea of longer test drives in my experience, you'd think they're normally hiding something eh. I think they just can't be assed on the basis 10 might do the same and none take it.

@Felde , I really appreciate that breakdown. Your knowledge is invaluable. Allowed me to do more digging on the VM engine (I saw that mention wasn't sure if that was a specific variety). I see now they often come with a bad rep.
I couldn't agree more with all of that, just based on knowledge of cars in general and applying your additional insights - it strikes me as one to be weary of, for sure, but then almost all do. Hard to find one - it seems - with the paperwork, that I can be sure is a solid one. Need to learn which engine is which really. At least then I'd know I was starting with something of worth.

I've been eyeing up a couple of others but I'm as dubious.
This seem too good to be true, though I can see more details the 2LT engine doesn't seem to get the bad rep of the VM. It's nicely restored ut I'd had come to the conclusion I might prefer the Heavy duty, but then the Light Duties seem to have their benefits.

Toyota Land cruiser 100 2.4 TD (LJ73LV) (86 Hp), 1987г., ID:2166041 - Обява Продава Джип

Продава се » Toyota Land cruiser 100 2.4 TD (LJ73LV) (86 Hp), 1987г. » ID:2166041 на цена 19999 лв. Разгледайте още » 2250 « предложения само в Mobile.bg

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Couple of other Heavy duties... do ignore them, I don't expect you to be combing these listings

Toyota Land cruiser J 73, 1989г., ID:2166817 - Обява Продава Джип

Продава се » Toyota Land cruiser J 73, 1989г. » ID:2166817 на цена 18000 лв. Разгледайте още » 2111 « предложения само в Mobile.bg

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Toyota Land cruiser Bj73, 1987г., ID:2166089 - Обява Продава Джип

Продава се » Toyota Land cruiser Bj73, 1987г. » ID:2166089 на цена 25000 лв. Разгледайте още » 2494 « предложения само в Mobile.bg

www.mobile.bg

 

[flx]

In my opinion 12k€ is the max max price for a BJ73 in Europe.
Would more see this kind of price for a nice survivor or 100% original resto.

 

[Balkanmud]

In my opinion 12k€ is the max max price for a BJ73 in Europe.
Would more see this kind of price for a nice survivor or 100% original resto.

OK. Nice. Well that is good to know my budget should be getting a nice model - just need to find one now.
I have considered broadening the search to find a nicer unit and shipping it back (as some guys offer retrieval quite cheaply here.)
Do you know of any good places/sites to search on your end? or broader Europe.
We use Mobile.bg here mostly and in UK it's eBay largely, depending.
Neither yield much results outside of those places it seems.

 

[Greek Cruiserhead]

At this price segment I would consider the younger and better HZJ71, something like the 1997 model of this advertissement:

Toyota Land cruiser Бартер, 1997г., ID:2167719 - Обява Продава Джип

Продава се » Toyota Land cruiser Бартер, 1997г. » ID:2167719 на цена 29000 лв. Разгледайте още » 2112 « предложения само в Mobile.bg

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But I would check it thoroughly first.

PS. Totally agree with what our mates with experience of the european market said above!

 

[JuanJ]

Appreciate the advice! You're right, unfortunately over the pond here east or west a lot of folk don't like the idea of longer test drives in my experience, you'd think they're normally hiding something eh. I think they just can't be assed on the basis 10 might do the same and none take it.

@Felde , I really appreciate that breakdown. Your knowledge is invaluable. Allowed me to do more digging on the VM engine (I saw that mention wasn't sure if that was a specific variety). I see now they often come with a bad rep.
I couldn't agree more with all of that, just based on knowledge of cars in general and applying your additional insights - it strikes me as one to be weary of, for sure, but then almost all do. Hard to find one - it seems - with the paperwork, that I can be sure is a solid one. Need to learn which engine is which really. At least then I'd know I was starting with something of worth.

I've been eyeing up a couple of others but I'm as dubious.
This seem too good to be true, though I can see more details the 2LT engine doesn't seem to get the bad rep of the VM. It's nicely restored ut I'd had come to the conclusion I might prefer the Heavy duty, but then the Light Duties seem to have their benefits.

Toyota Land cruiser 100 2.4 TD (LJ73LV) (86 Hp), 1987г., ID:2166041 - Обява Продава Джип

Продава се » Toyota Land cruiser 100 2.4 TD (LJ73LV) (86 Hp), 1987г. » ID:2166041 на цена 19999 лв. Разгледайте още » 2250 « предложения само в Mobile.bg

www.mobile.bg

Couple of other Heavy duties... do ignore them, I don't expect you to be combing these listings

Toyota Land cruiser J 73, 1989г., ID:2166817 - Обява Продава Джип

Продава се » Toyota Land cruiser J 73, 1989г. » ID:2166817 на цена 18000 лв. Разгледайте още » 2111 « предложения само в Mobile.bg

www.mobile.bg

Toyota Land cruiser Bj73, 1987г., ID:2166089 - Обява Продава Джип

Продава се » Toyota Land cruiser Bj73, 1987г. » ID:2166089 на цена 25000 лв. Разгледайте още » 2494 « предложения само в Mobile.bg

www.mobile.bg

Hello,

The paint fairy visited this truck. It is hard to know what hides beneath. I would give it a try. Depending on how it behaves, I would make an offer.

Regarding the other trucks, the LJ73 was also visited by the paint fairy. Whoever painted and refurbished it did not repair the radio. That suggests gremlins.

Interestingly, the 25k "BJ73" appears to be a PZJ73, a rather rare model. It would be an interesting project, but the price is a bit too high.






Juan

 

[bj70bc]

that pz is raptor lined outside too

 

[Felde]

@Balkanmud
I understand your access road requires a 4x4 with some winter capabilities.
Will it be your daily driver?
Not sure why you look at an old 70 series.
If for fun / hobby, that's great, but for daily I would probably look into other Landcruiser models.
Old LJ (2.4 LT) and BJ (3B / VM) diesels are a bit underpowered (~90 hp), in particular when it comes to uphill and deep snow.
74's (13BT) are scarce and expensive in EU.

Do not expect too much out of 'heavy duty' (BJ). The LJ are totally up to the offroad job, but provide a much better ride onroad.
For a daily, I'd also consider availability of parts. 3B and 24V parts are getting hard to find.
As general bodywork is cheap in Bulgaria, I'd probably look for an rather unrestored, but well maintained unit and have the necessary repairs done on own account.
Those sprayovers may hide bad suprises and may have had the money for the refit been invested at the wrong spot: Shine over perform.
Again: None of those ads give sufficient details on the tech condition.
All the ask prices on mobile are upper limit, which is normal.
Close look and hard negotiation is imperative.
You may also want to look into The parking - Search for used cars throughout the US and Europe. - https://www.theparking-cars.co.uk/ for a all-europe search.
Good Luck Ralf

 

[John Young]

The frame looks pretty good from that one photo, but I also worry about that the raptor is hiding. You are living in a part of the world where 70's and even 105s come up for sale from time to time. I'd keep looking. As I tell my sons (and I try to tell myself), there -always- will be another truck.

Please post and let us know what you ended up doing.

 

[Balkanmud]

Guy's, really appreciate all the input on this.
It's nice to have my sights put back into perspective. Basically, I just love the 70 series look. I've been eyeing them up since I was a teenager using my bosses 70 series pick up whilst I was out in Aus. Now I'm a bit older decided to take a punt with having need of something more and a bit more stable in life.
It would be a daily to a degree, but a second car and whilst I'm working it wouldn't move through the week almost at all. We'll soon sort a second car for my wife, that is a little more sensible to be doing the 2/3 trips monthly to Sofia (about 100km each way.) Keep this for pottering about the local towns on the weekend, camping trips, muddy tracks and heavier snow weeks.

So it is a sort of desire for a ready to go project to a degree, that can handle the tracks around my house. Aware an older model is going to likely eat a lot of cash, of course.
It is always going to be a little of a hit and potentially a miss scenario, I suppose. Given my expertise, or lack thereof. But I guess, it's punts like this that'll give me the knowledge eventually. But I can't help but put all yours to good use at least before trying. I'm sure you've all learnt it the hard way.

I'm not 100% which way to head just now, I'll take a look at a few around, start from there, Keep my eye on new postings, etc. See how I get on and keep you guys posted as to the outcome.

Really appreciate it again! Quality bunch!

 

[Balkanmud]

I've come across these guys a lot whilst looking. Seem to be a mostly land cruiser restoration specialist here.

Обяви -

Обяви GARAGE 31 продава чисто нови автомобили от серията LAND CRUISER 70,както и автомобили втора употреба от сериите FJ,BJ,LJ,HJ,KZJ,HZJ. Всички Нови автомобили Употребявани автомобили TOYOTA LAND CRUISER GRJ76 LX 138 000 лв с ДДС TOYOTA LAND CRUISER GRJ76 130 000 лв с ДДС TOYOTA LAND CRUISER...

garage31.eu

They seem to have a few (needing love) in their listings, guessing they'd like you to proceed with some restoration following purchase.
Though they seem to have picked the better engine/base models, rather than good body work, or the pretty, exterior restored models.

 

[Felde]

They seem to have a few (needing love) in their listings, guessing they'd like you to proceed with some restoration following purchase.

All the used vehicles I see there are rather tough projects. And the prices appear quite high to me. I agree to your assumption and wonder whether they are rather looking at wealthy customers that want a collectors item being created for them.

Though they seem to have picked the better engine/base models, rather than good body work, or the pretty, exterior restored models.

Agree. Basically a good approach. But imho that level of refit needed exceeds the capabilities of most DIY guys (including me).
And the prices..... uhh.

You should strive for something in between this and those shiny offers. Probably better to find in private classifieds rather than dealers.

As you see: Varieties are hughe. Be sure on what you want and what you can pay (allow for some more investments into the rig after purchase)
Good Luck Ralf

 

[John Young]

A friend sends me ads from various Eastern European sources, like this one:

Anunturi Gratuite - Peste 4 milioane anunturi - OLX.ro

18000 €: 18 000 €: Model foarte rar Toyota Land Cruiser HZJ 73 TURBO in stare excepțională! *Toate modificările (suspensie, anvelope, jante cu et negativ, turbo, evacuare) efectuate si omologate in Olanda, c...

www.olx.ro

 

[KenIchiNo3]

The only reasonable offer here in Romania -at the moment- is this:

Anunturi Gratuite - Peste 4 milioane anunturi - OLX.ro

16900 €: 16 900 €: Se vinde un proiect la care am lucrat in ultimele luni, finalizat in proportie de 90%. Toyota HZJ 73 motor 4.2 aspirat cu blocanti de fabrica functionali fata spate si aer conditionat. Pa...

www.olx.ro

Add says:
it's a 4.2 with factory lockers and AC - the condenser and piping is missing from the AC
the body has been taken down and restored
the chassis cleaned and repainted
the owner has pictures and video from the restore
seats have been redone with leather

the price is kind of high but for 15.000 Euro I'd probably bite the bullet

 

[John Young]

Have a close look for rust. Maybe with a magnet to check for bondo.

Love the 'Shorty' as the Omani's call them. The 4.2 is bulletproof and with that little body should be more than up to the challenge.

I'd go for it. I'm looking for a shorty myself.

 

[Felde]

Hi
Doesn't sound bad. If the guy really has a documentary of the build, that would be priceless: Pics before / after and receipts of the parts used.
Still: Personal inspection and test drive is imperative.
The price is OK, if the technical stuff is good. (Mine was about the same and I still had a crappy paint job, ripped seats and 3 rust holes).
So always be prepared for some more $$ to go into it.
If the condensor and the pipes are missing, the AC is pretty much gone. Original parts are very rare and expensive. Getting a 30 year old AC back to life is difficult anyways. Check if the compressor is at least on R134a. If R12, still, it is non-compliant in the EU anyways.
This gives you room for negotiating the price, though.
Not sure what that means, though: Ar mai trebui bieletele schimbate. Con rods to be replaced ?! Would be a no go, but probably Google translate gets it wrong here?
All in all: I'd go for it and take a closer look...
Good Luck Ralf

 

[KenIchiNo3]

I was simply sending out an example of what can be found relatively close to where the owner of the thread is located. And I agree, all vehicles should be checked throughly before making a decision.
I don’t have any connection with the buyer, and I don’t think I’d buy anything since I have 1986 BJ73 just like the one Felde has, except mine needs some more work.
I would agree that an LJ would do the desired job, easier to find parts and a better onroad ride.
On the other hand… we all waited a long time until we found the vehicle we were looking for, so being patient always helps.