Should I buy this '94? Please advise

[nigelnigel]

Hi Everyone,
I absolutely LOVE this forum...I am a teacher and now I just spend all day browsing here instead of teaching!
So here is my question that I hope all you can help with. I just looked at a 1994 with 204,000 miles, FR&RR lockers, leather, sunroof, 3rd row seating, etc. They are asking 3500.00 for it. I already own a 91 that is in really good condition with 183,000. I like the idea of having a bigger engine and lockers. The lockers did NOT engage (the light kept flashing) during the short time I was able to test it. I looked under the car to make sure the actuators were actually there and they were. The front axles looked like they were leaking. The windshield has a crack in it. 2 windows would not go up. A bit of rust on one of the doors and rear door.

Is it worth the price? I browsed the forums and "thinking of buying..." and I see these are common challenges. I am trying to get an idea of how much money everything will be to get it fixed and if it is overall worth it.

I have attached some pics to help with getting your advice..

Thank you so much in advance.

 

[nigelnigel]

More pics

Here are some more pics to help you help me make some decision. I have a couple more and am open to critique and questions...
thanks

Nigel

 

[CowboyUp]

Here are some more pics to help you help me make some decision. I have a couple more and am open to critique and questions...
thanks

Nigel

Howdy

How you test the lockers ? I had to that problem when I did the test, because I don't did the right way .
Anyway, the cruiser is looking to much beat up, in special rust in both door panels.... Plus, 1000 $ + for doing the front axles, that yes are leaking. How is the engine, look, noise ... any major fluid leaks ?
Work on that price if you are the mechanic or look for something less major repair.

Good luck

 

[bpassmore]

run, dont walk away

 

[spdwaver]

Hi Everyone,
I absolutely LOVE this forum...I am a teacher and now I just spend all day browsing here instead of teaching!
So here is my question that I hope all you can help with. I just looked at a 1994 with 204,000 miles, FR&RR lockers, leather, sunroof, 3rd row seating, etc. They are asking 3500.00 for it. I already own a 91 that is in really good condition with 183,000. I like the idea of having a bigger engine and lockers. The lockers did NOT engage (the light kept flashing) during the short time I was able to test it. I looked under the car to make sure the actuators were actually there and they were. The front axles looked like they were leaking. The windshield has a crack in it. 2 windows would not go up. A bit of rust on one of the doors and rear door.

Is it worth the price? I browsed the forums and "thinking of buying..." and I see these are common challenges. I am trying to get an idea of how much money everything will be to get it fixed and if it is overall worth it.

I have attached some pics to help with getting your advice..

Thank you so much in advance.

Is it worth the price? I would say "yes" based on the lockers and mileage; I would say "no" based on the seeming lack of maintenance in too many areas that are of concern.

The lockers do not engage: may be a simple fix.

The front axles are definitely leaking, badly: It would appear that this has been neglected for a very long time.

Two windows would not roll up: how long has this been the case?

Any maintenance records to go along with this gem?

In total, I would think you would end up spending quite a bit more - perhaps double - the asking price on getting things to where they ought to be.

I base this on limited observation, but if the engine and transmission have received the same attention as the front axle, I would think twice before spending any hard-earned dough on this potential project.

Otherwise, great year for an 80-series and the power difference is noticeable.

 

[bpassmore]

uh, did you see that rust?

 

[spdwaver]

uh, did you see that rust?

Uh......I suppose that I missed the bottom of the doors on the first pass.

I would not only pass, but I would passmore on that rig.

 

[bpassmore]

dork.

 

[ranma21]

Like Brett said, I will run for my life as well!!! =P Seriously, you are just asking for trouble unless you enjoy fixing it up and spend $$ on it. There is no cure for rust unless you do a frame off restoration.

 

[lacruiser]

Skip this rig, way too rusty. You'll regret it once you try and unbolt stuff under there and break every bolt trying to get things loose.

Buy a rust-free rig from one of the sunbelt states. There have been some awesome deals (around $5K) recently for 95-97 rigs on Craigslist in various areas. just be patient, search every day, and you'll find the right rig.

except for the rust, the rest of the issues are (IMHO) somewhat minor ones. The axle service would be the most expensive of the items you listed, but if you did it yourself, very manageable cost-wise.

The rust, however, is a deal-killer.

BTDT, never again.

 

[FJ809496TLC]

Rust bucket. They'll prolly let it go for 1.5K bucks.

 

[ranma21]

Hey if you do not mind picking one up from the rust free zone. I have a 96 FZJ80 for sale. PM me if you are interested and I will send you the detail of my rig.

 

[bpassmore]

Hey if you do not mind picking one up from the rust free zone. I have a 96 FZJ80 for sale. PM me if you are interested and I will send you the detail of my rig.

ill vouch for ranma21. good guy, honest and trustworthy.

 

[FJ809496TLC]

LC or LX ?

 

[ranma21]

LC or LX ?

LC, I think you saw it last time you were at my house

 

[FJ809496TLC]

LC, I think you saw it last time you were at my house

I don't remember which one. You have too many.

 

[ranma21]

I don't remember which one. You have too many.

Haa haa, I 2nd you =P this is the green with silver 2 tone color FZJ80. I got it about 10 months ago, put about 200 miles on it!

 

[46/71 Hybrid]

Are they firm on the price? If not, and you're planning on doing the work yourself, I'd offer them $2K and see what happens. Try citing the $1000 front end job, non-working lockers, windows, rust, etc.. and they might come on down. At $2k, and if you like to wrench, this could be a nice project to fix up.

 

[plutonius]

It blows my mind that these rigs are selling so cheap. Agreed that rust can be a deal killer...but really, $2k for an 80...$4k for an 80 ...if you find what you're looking for and you're already hooked on this site guaranteed you're gonna spend a helluva lot more on the rig than that once you own it

 

[Filmpros]

Agreed, do not walk away...run away...fast.

This vehicle was not loved....in fact, it appears quite neglected.

By the time you fixed the issues, you would be in to it more than you would be for nicer, rust free, well maintained, low mileage vehicle.

I just purchased a 1996 Lexus LX-450....very clean....127,000 miles with lockers for $6,400. There are plenty others out there like it if you look around.