I seem to be predictable. Every 15-ish years I feel the pull of the FJ40. The last time this hit was in 2011, so today in 2025 it is time again. The Good Lord help my bank account.
My first one (a 1976) bought for almost nothing in 1995, all rusty awesomeness. Was my only car at the time. Sold it in 1997.
Next one (also a 1976) came along in 2011, bought here off Mud. Paid more than "almost nothing" for it, but fair for the time. Planned to daily it for a couple years until I could afford to retire it, but wound up selling it after a few months as the reality of winter road salt here in the Utah mountains sunk in. Darn near cried when I sold it.
I saw that very same red truck at a local shop a few months ago. Still looks great and really got me thinking. Enough thinking that I sold my ND Miata a little while later to build up funds for today's price reality. That new price reality is now substantially more than the "almost nothing" of 1995, but I've been able to save up enough to be in the game with spousal approval to proceed. We've also built a 36'x40' shop in my back yard since my last FJ40 so there's storage and work space (and a lift!) now. Somehow 3 old crocks seems to be the right number for me.
So I'm on the hunt again. My goal is '76 and up in very clean, original condition, though I could be convinced by the right '71 or earlier (column shift could be fun). Some preference to '79 or later as the taller gearing would suit me well. Usage goal is to play up here in the Uintah mountains where I live, and also a little travel down to the desert.
In my research over the last month I've become very aware of current pricing trends. I've spent enough time playing with old British cars over the last 20 years to know that you spend that money one way or another -- at purchase or after. Nothing more expensive than a cheap old car.
Wish me luck!
My first one (a 1976) bought for almost nothing in 1995, all rusty awesomeness. Was my only car at the time. Sold it in 1997.
Next one (also a 1976) came along in 2011, bought here off Mud. Paid more than "almost nothing" for it, but fair for the time. Planned to daily it for a couple years until I could afford to retire it, but wound up selling it after a few months as the reality of winter road salt here in the Utah mountains sunk in. Darn near cried when I sold it.
I saw that very same red truck at a local shop a few months ago. Still looks great and really got me thinking. Enough thinking that I sold my ND Miata a little while later to build up funds for today's price reality. That new price reality is now substantially more than the "almost nothing" of 1995, but I've been able to save up enough to be in the game with spousal approval to proceed. We've also built a 36'x40' shop in my back yard since my last FJ40 so there's storage and work space (and a lift!) now. Somehow 3 old crocks seems to be the right number for me.
So I'm on the hunt again. My goal is '76 and up in very clean, original condition, though I could be convinced by the right '71 or earlier (column shift could be fun). Some preference to '79 or later as the taller gearing would suit me well. Usage goal is to play up here in the Uintah mountains where I live, and also a little travel down to the desert.
In my research over the last month I've become very aware of current pricing trends. I've spent enough time playing with old British cars over the last 20 years to know that you spend that money one way or another -- at purchase or after. Nothing more expensive than a cheap old car.
Wish me luck!
