Should I buy a 87 BJ71

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K

kriswaatch

Joined
Jul 29, 2019
Threads
7
Messages
30
Location
montreal
Website
watchtyme.net
Hi everyone,

I've been reading and reading and reading this forum just to educate myself on these rigs.
Long story short, I know someone who is selling a 1987 BJ71 series with a 3B motor and it was his summer truck (kept in a garage during the winters). He has another one, which he drives in the winter.
It's grey, new OEM Toyota muffler, 330,000km's on it, there are a few rust spots on it here and there but nothing significant. Unfortunately, I don't have any pics. However, I did drive it over the weekend, and it runs quite impressively smoothly. I'm not exactly sure why some people mention on these forums that the 3B is a tractor. Sure, it may not have the power of a newer 4Runner, but, there's enough power in there to run circles around a similarly aged G-wagon, which is what I owned last year (that was a tractor).
Anyway, I guess my question is, is it worth 9,500$ CAD?
I know that's tough to answer without pics, but, if you can share with me your general impressions, I'd greatly appreciate it.
What's holding me back is the age. What's going through my mind, is almost 10K worth it for a vehicle that is 32 years old. If I were to buy it, I would probably do a small OME lift with larger tires, perhaps 31" and do some light off-roading, just to get out of the city and enjoy some camping.

So, thanks all for taking the time to read this.
Cheers
 
Some food for thought in regards to it's age.... i have an 01 hdj79 that is 18 years old now. I am slowly going through and replacing all the rubbers and perishables. This rig did see alot of the sun bear in mind. The rig you are looking at is now 32 years old, so those things that once made it really nice and livable are going to need to be replaced soon (rubbers, seals, gearbox rebuild, wheel bearings ect).
 
Original engine?
Perhaps I'm wrong ( I often am ) but I thought the 71 Series only came with a 13B-T.
 
@Indestructible 47
I'm sure those things were done. As the owner, who is the 2nd owner, by the way, takes real good care of his rigs.

@Gun Runner 5
Yup, original engine.

it's a non-turbo, by the way.,
 
Unless I'm very much mistaken, Canadian spec SWB 70-series were all BJ70's with a 3B. If it isn't very rusty I'd say jump on it, that's a rare thing for a 70-series that's lived its life in Canada, especially at that price. I've never driven a BJ70, but I did have a BJ73 for a little while and enjoyed it a lot, and never felt like it was terribly lacking in power. It had OME suspension and definitely rode like a tractor in comparison to my G-Wagen ;) Plenty of character!
 
I bought a 1987 BJ71(13bt) last year. I changed fluids and belts immediately. Drove it daily for about 8 months. They’re a beast off road due to the SWB. Age doesn’t matter. It depends on its condition more than age. It’s 31 years old... which is only 6 years old in import age for Americans. I don’t know the currency in USD but no one on here can say it’s a good buy without more like pics/video.

If YOU think it’s a good buy, compared to the other 1987 BJ7x’s that are out there. Then go for it and don’t look back.
 
Right you are @hoser
the vin showed that. I just assumed it was indeed a BJ71. Thanks for the clarification.
And it is a 24v system.
By the way, 9500$ CAD is 7142$ USD.

What got me on the BJ's (ha, can I say that) was looking at an 85' BJ70 a month ago. That there sucker was a rust bucket.
Anymore yay's or nay's here?
 
Hello,

If the VIN begins with BJ71, it is a late model Canadian Spec BJ70. I understand there are very few of them out there, and even fewer in good condition.

The 3B might not be the fastest engine but it is very reliable and can go on and on on a single fuel tank.

If the rust spots are few and repairable, it is worth considering. It also wise to go through the body with a magnet to make sure there is no bondo with rust under it.

It is important to change fluids, belts and batteries for a start. Then I would consider replacing both clutch cylinders, brake shoes/pads, transfer seals and axle seals.

If the transmission does not slip gears it is still in good shape for its age. Otherwise it will need an overhaul; parts are available in your neck of the woods.

SWB 70 Series are very nimble off road; all they need is good tires. Properly maintained, they are very reliable.

Let us know if you decide to go for it.





Juan
 
If I had to choose between a 70 and a 77 when going off roading...the 70 would be first pick for sure. (Currently own both models and formerly a 73 MWB model)
 
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