The Good The Bad & The Ugly.

[AFmxGuy90]

So I'll try to keep this to the point. I am currently working in Japan and have been for the past 5yrs or so and drive a 1993 JDM 80 series that I will import back to US in a few months when I leave here. On a weekly basis while commuting to and from work I see at least one 70 series, almost break my neck and gawk as usual then carry on with my day. Well last month I asked my car guy to see if he could find me a original 70 series at auction that hasn't been molested, I also asked for him to keep the price under $8,000.....

I got a phone call yesterday and my car guy was very happy. He got a one owner, original miles (125k), original paint LJ78W Prado for me for around 6k!!! That was quick, not the ideal LC that I wanted. I was hopping for a HDJ77-HV, but the Prado has the Turbo diesel instead of the 1HZ. Drove it around today and this thing feels solid! Great running engine and the trans shifts like new, I can tell it has been maintained for the most part. The interior is in great shape and the body panels are mint & strait, no accidents according to the Auction company.

 

[AFmxGuy90]

Now we will get to the Bad and the Ugly underneath and you guys let me know what you think, if it would be worthy to bring back home repair and modify. Honestly all the Suspension/Steering parts will be replaced underneath and possibly the Semi-floater in the rear will go if i bought this truck. This LJ78 is a 1993, I think i forgot to mention that at the top.

Or should I wait and see if i can get a 1994 and under HDJ77 for around 8-10k ?? My car guy is giving me the option since these are in such high demand he will have no problems selling this to someones else or an import company.

 

[AFmxGuy90]

More Pictures. I doubt those power locking hubs will work with as much Mountain snow & salt this truck has seen. A/C is Inop Also.

 

[UltraFJ40]

It looks good to me, that rust can be repaired in a few short minutes. It doesn't look so bad that it would change my decision. I'd bring it home in a minute.

 

[AFmxGuy90]

Yeah your probably right. Maybe I’m over thinking it.... In my head I can’t stop thinking about how every suspension/steering project is going to F!?$ suck lol . Is it possible I’ve just been spoiled by rust free vehicle’s ??? And what’s the parts availability like for a LJ78 in the US ??

 

[UltraFJ40]

Yeah your probably right. Maybe I’m over thinking it.... In my head I can’t stop thinking about how every suspension/steering project is going to F!?$ suck lol . Is it possible I’ve just been spoiled by rust free vehicle’s ??? And what’s the parts availability like for a LJ78 in the US ??

Beno or CruiserDan are the parts guys that come to mind, they can tell you exactly what the availability is. I would PM one of those two for parts that are easily accessed and call it from there. Do not buy parts from Costa Rica or Nicaragua, that guy is a major dumbarse and will likely screw you in the end.

 

[AFmxGuy90]

Beno or CruiserDan are the parts guys that come to mind, they can tell you exactly what the availability is. I would PM one of those two for parts that are easily accessed and call it from there. Do not buy parts from Costa Rica or Nicaragua, that guy is a major dumbarse and will likely screw you in the end.

Thanks for the info!

 

[Nas90tdi]

Unequivocally, walk away.
You are there, so sourcing another is not an issue. For that money or possibly less, you can buy one in Canada without paying the RORO shipping. And, despite Canadian trucks being rust buckets, it might have less rust than that.

That truck is opening yourself up for years of misery. You will be cutting,grinding, or breaking off every bolt you turn on it. And, that rust won't stop until you start cutting it out and welding new panels in. That rust CAN NOT be fixed in a few minutes. That rust could be covered up just to reappear in a year in a few minutes.
Look at my build thread. Look at the pictures of my truck and underneath. It does not have a speck of rust , and cost me about what that will total once you ship and pay customs.

So, good luck ,be patient, and you will get the perfect truck. And if you are wanting an HDJ77. The Prado is not it. You will need to do a fair bit of modification to make the Prado a daily driver that won't pop the head. But, it is also a great truck. Just don't confuse it with the HDJ77

Keep us posted on your search.

 

[gilmorneau]

^^ What he said.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

I agree with Nas90tdi. I would not even buy that truck here in North America if it were $2000. You can do much better, especially as you have the advantage of being there and seeing the vehicles first hand.

Also, sadly there is no such thing as an HDJ77 (a 1HDT in these trucks would be incredible). It's the HZJ77 you're thinking of. And if you want something that's not going to need upgrades (just maintenance), and something that'll hold it's value, go for the HZJ77. Don't worry about mileage so much. Just worry about the condition of the vehicle.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

1) As a rule, the rust you see is only a small percentage of the rust that's actually there.

 

[AirheadNut]

I would go along with what others have said, that one is no way worth $6k even here in the States. There are plenty of Prados to choose from in North America, and there are more coming over all the time. I have bought two in much better condition than that for significantly less.

 

[clintnz]

What they said. Lots of rust plus the worst engine Toyota ever put in a 70 series is not a good deal at any price, it's sure as hell not worth US$6K.

Cheers
Clint

 

[coldtaco]

wait for a HZJ77.

 

[AFmxGuy90]

Unequivocally, walk away.
You are there, so sourcing another is not an issue. For that money or possibly less, you can buy one in Canada without paying the RORO shipping. And, despite Canadian trucks being rust buckets, it might have less rust than that.

That truck is opening yourself up for years of misery. You will be cutting,grinding, or breaking off every bolt you turn on it. And, that rust won't stop until you start cutting it out and welding new panels in. That rust CAN NOT be fixed in a few minutes. That rust could be covered up just to reappear in a year in a few minutes.
Look at my build thread. Look at the pictures of my truck and underneath. It does not have a speck of rust , and cost me about what that will total once you ship and pay customs.

So, good luck ,be patient, and you will get the perfect truck. And if you are wanting an HDJ77. The Prado is not it. You will need to do a fair bit of modification to make the Prado a daily driver that won't pop the head. But, it is also a great truck. Just don't confuse it with the HDJ77

Keep us posted on your search.

Thank you ! This is what my gut was saying when i looked at this truck, i'll be patient and see what i find next.

This truck is not nearly as clean as the one in your build! Nice truck !

I'll keep you guys posted on my JDM Land Cruiser hunting.

 

[JuanJ]

Hello,

The rust bubbles in the windshield frame suggest corrosion is far more serious than it looks.

A non-operating A/C suggests abuse as well.

The 2L engine will need quite a few tweaks, which include having a spare head, for reliable operation.

Provided you want to spend quite some time, money and effort in rust/drive train/engine repairs, this truck would be an option. But only at a lower price.

I would pass on this one. I would wait for a PZJ77 or an HZJ77 in better shape instead.






Juan

 

[AFmxGuy90]

Hello,

The rust bubbles in the windshield frame suggest corrosion is far more serious than it looks.

A non-operating A/C suggests abuse as well.

The 2L engine will need quite a few tweaks, which include having a spare head, for reliable operation.

Provided you want to spend quite some time, money and effort in rust/drive train/engine repairs, this truck would be an option. But only at a lower price.

I would pass on this one. I would wait for a PZJ77 or an HZJ77 in better shape instead.






Juan

Thanks for the input Juan. I had no idea the 2L-TE had so many problems till searching around on MUD.

I'm going to walk away from this crusty LC and wait to see what HZJ77's come up for sale over the next couple weeks/months. I will post up some pictures for you guy's when I find something decent.


Alex.

 

[Tennessee Jed]

Nope. And it's just a Prado...there are lots of real HD cruisers with less rust.

 

[divemedic]

Nope nope nope. Do not buy a 25 year old truck from northern Japan. Even if it looks mint. Do not, do not, do not.

 

[bcsteel]

Buy the cleanest truck you can afford and enjoy it. Rust repair on a 70 series can be done but why would you when you can wait and find a nice one. 2lte is not half the engine the 1hz is.