thinking of purchasing an 89

[neptunehmb]

I have always been interested in a fj60-62 and I have come across one for $1500. Is it worth it?


Positives
- No rust
- It drives

Negatives
- Smells like crap (dog and smoke)
- 240k miles
- cracked windshield
- power steering not working
- ac not blowing cold air
- paint is as to be expected

The first thing i would need to do is get the car smelling ok and the power steering fixed. Do they sell aftermarket seats for the front (they are very uncomfortable). I don't have a lot of money to replace everything at once and I'm sure it needs a lot of work, with an engine over-haul in the future. Is this truck worth it and will i be able to drive it while I work on it?

 

[Cruisified]

There's no easy answer to this question. Look inside your soul for the answer, if you have expendable income or another daily driver in there, then buy it.

Where are you? Look at comp rigs on CL to figure the market, price sounds fair for a no-rust rig, miles are highish, but expect 300k out of a well taken care of rig. Take it to a pre-purchase inspection (NOT A DEALERSHIP, local, small, import guys are good) expect to put some money into it, and it will will steal your heart in the end.

Vaya con dios.

 

[slcfj62]

If it truly has no rust (not just a quickie paint job over bondo in the rust holes), then it probably is worth it. However, that doesn't mean you won't be spending some money fixing lots of little (and maybe big) problems that have been ignored for a long time. The fact that the power steering and A/C don't work is a testament to this. There are an amazing amount of Toyota replacement parts still available (but expensive). There are also an amazing number of after market mods available (including seats). Some are expensive and some aren't. If you go in with your eyes wide open and expect to spend money and time fixing it up, then go for it. If you just want to be able to spend a few hundred and then drive it, you will most likely be dissappointed.

 

[Dynosoar]

I have never had good luck with stinky cars. They just seem to have problems.


Dynosoar

 

[slcfj62]

Will the real Cruiser please stand up.

Hmmmm....You have the exact same post for an 87 fj60 and an 89 fj62. Which one is the real opportunity?

I have always been interested in a fj60-62 and I have come across one for $1500. Is it worth it?


Positives
- No rust
- It drives

Negatives
- Smells like crap (dog and smoke)
- 240k miles
- cracked windshield
- power steering not working
- ac not blowing cold air
- paint is as to be expected

The first thing i would need to do is get the car smelling ok and the power steering fixed. Do they sell aftermarket seats for the front (they are very uncomfortable). I don't have a lot of money to replace everything at once and I'm sure it needs a lot of work, with an engine over-haul in the future. Is this truck worth it and will i be able to drive it while I work on it?

 

[BG_TX]

Hmmm



Providing both are 'real' opportunities I would go much lower than 1500... the smell, rust and broken items indicate owner(s) who neglected the wagon. I can only assume there are multiple undetected issues. 1500 is an expensive parts wagon.

 

[Michael Hanson]

No rust? Yes ,if you can work on it yourself. Mike

 

[cruiser88]

Well I can tell you mileage is never a concern on a 62.

Take the truck out for a drive and have it but on a rack and start looking for leaks such as the birf seals. Then check the ouput shafts/ for lateral play. Check the tail end of the frame for rust...etc etc.

Cruisers are exspensive even if you do 80% of the work yourself but they sure are worth it.

 

[vcsnover]

Yes. It is worth it... especially if it truly has no rust.

 

[neptunehmb]

my mistake about posting (new here). It is an 87 and i did post twice. I think they are hard up to sell it and may be able to get it for $1k. One more detail: I am deploying soon and would have to garage it for a year. I could spend that year looking for another opportunity, maybe one with a diesel installed already and better taken care of; however, i have never personally come across one cheaper.

I also have very limited mechanical experience, which is a skill i want to improve on. My dream is to build up an expedition vehicle, where i do most of the work, then take it on a South America trip. Maybe i should put more money down on a platform i could build on but already has major upgrades.

 

[sl33py]

neptunehmb - for that amount - especially at 1k - you're going to have trouble finding one that cheap again.

if you are gone for a year - drop it someplace to get upgrades done as their time permits - just keep sending them a bit o' money as they go. Then come back to a sweet ride build like you want!

I'd suggest - OME suspension, new rims/tires, some SROR bumpers and sliders, and pull/clean interior carpet. Vinyl replacement is available from Oz! That might help with smoke, and definitely pets (unless pee on seats - yuk!).

OR you can hunt for one built already, but you will spend a lot more than 1k! And it will be someone else's work/choices. Either way you pay to have a built cruiser...

Good luck and stay safe during your deployment!

rob

EDIT: oh almost forgot - <-- WELCOME!!

 

[jp_waltz]

the rust free part is nice. I would buy it, take it home and gut the inside then give the carpet and seats a good cleaning. Then let it air out for a year and when you get back start putting it back together. Maybe even start saving for an engine swap! TBI, Vortec or diesel if you can manage the dough. Either way you will enjoy working on it and spending all of your extra time and money on your new project. Good luck and Thanks for your service.
Paul

 

[99UZJay]

I have a non smelly 1985 with 224k no problems, for $4500, it needs a paint job but that's about it...

 

[Cruisified]

Buy it, rip out the carpet and Rhino/Linex/Rattlecan bedliner the interior, go to u-pull-it yard get two comfy front seats out of late model SUV and install, drive it till the motor explodes, put in a new one, booya. What are you waiting for?

 

[Cruisified]

I have a non smelly 1985 with 224k no problems, for $4500, it needs a paint job but that's about it...

Or for only $3,000 more you can get a non-smelly one that turns.

 

[fowldarr]

To specifically answer your post. The PS pump (probably the problem, might be the gearbox) is available from Toyota $$$, do not by rebuilt or remanned PS pumps, they do not last, ask most people that have tried them (there have been a few lucky souls). Or you can order a bracket from MAF to replace it with a saginaw pump out of a chevy. People have been really happy with that swap.

Seats, buy junkyard and build your own brackets or IPOR (Iron Pig Offroad) sells some replacement seats that are supposed to bolt right in that look really nice

Should you buy it?

That's up to you.