Thoughts on buying low mileage 62 that’s barely been driven

[Alex1118]

Have fallen into a 1988 FJ62 with 158k miles that I can possibly buy. However, it’s only been driven 1000 miles in the past 5 years and 6000 miles in the last 6-7 years. The car is currently at a high line dealership which is interesting. They traded for it from a collector who bought a new car from them. Unfortunately it’s 6 hours away from me and the dealership can’t tell me a whole lot about it. It would definitely be something I’d get a PPI on.

What are some high level thoughts on buying a 62 that’s barely been driven? I would imagine 1000 miles in 5 years qualifies has ‘barely’ driven, right? I would imagine I am looking at a total fluid change across the entire vehicle. Possibly some gaskets/hoses as well?

Any thoughts are welcomed.

 

[zeeklafreek]

My first thought is it really depends on *how* those 1000 miles in 5 years were dispersed. If it was ~16 miles/month over the course of the 5 years, you are sitting pretty. But if it was driven 950 the first 3 years and only 50 the last 2 years, warning Will Robinson.

 

[Godwin]

Does it have any rust?

Replace all fluids, filters, tune up, soft brake lines, expect that it will need a knuckle rebuild, just for starters.

If you can't do the work expect to pay a lot to have it done.

 

[OSS]

It depends on how it was stored all those years. You mentioned that the previous owner was a collector — so that’s a very good omen. But if it was stored outside within 10 miles of the ocean and not regularly run for a few miles — beware.

 

[jbk]

If it is the one in Memphis. I went and looked at it. Bad repaint job. AC not working. Needs new springs, carpet etc. My cousin went with me to look at and buy. We passed. It would be a project.

 

[ace10]

Most of the vehicles I own haven't been driven more than a thousand miles in the last five years. For good or bad, that's what happens to "collector" vehicles.
Mine do get rotated through for exercise and a modified service routine, though.

It's all about the records and how the vehicle presents. Especially if you're not buying directly from the owner.

Thirty five year old vehicles are going to require investments to keep them going. Regardless of whether they're driven daily or monthly.

 

[ace10]

Most of the vehicles I own haven't been driven more than a thousand miles in the last five years. For good or bad, that's what happens to "collector" vehicles.
Mine do get rotated through for exercise and a modified service routine, though.

It's all about the records and how the vehicle presents. Especially if you're not buying directly from the owner.

Thirty five year old vehicles are going to require investments to keep them going. Regardless of whether they're driven daily or monthly.

Case in point. This past week, I took one of my 1st Gen Tacos out of storage for state inspections and a couple of service items.
Over the past five years, she's been driven 245 miles.
Started up on the first key turn. Settled into smooth idle rpm after maybe 15 or 20 seconds. No leaks. A/C worked. Brakes were perfect. Everything else worked, as well. Aside from a bit of tire rumble that did go away, she drove like a nearly new truck with 6000 miles from new, despite being more than two decades old.
She was due for oil and coolant changes. And then it was back under a car cover in storage.

I would never fear an old Toyota that has been sitting. As long as (1) there is proof that it wasn't totally neglected, or (2) exposed to harsh elements, or (3) had s***ty body repairs and (4) service baselining and potential repairs weren't beyond my ability or means.

$0.02

 

[Alex1118]

If it is the one in Memphis. I went and looked at it. Bad repaint job. AC not working. Needs new springs, carpet etc. My cousin went with me to look at and buy. We passed. It would be a project.

LOL it is the one in Memphis!! Thanks so much, good to know. If it needs all that it’s BAD how much the salesman lied to me then.