Winter Beater - or money pit?

Another member mentioned the idea of getting a winter beater to keep my rust free cruiser in the garage during our Michigan winters. I found this one and was curious as to thoughts on if it might make sense or if this just looks like a money pit sitting and waiting for me.

https://www.apexautosinc.com/details/used-1999-toyota-land-cruiser/110757517

Value and money are all very subjective but it sure would be nice to keep my 06 rust free cruiser (even though it does have almost 365k miles) and drive this 99 after a little elbow grease and wool wax on the undercarriage.

 

[diesel22]

Additional photos. Looks like the sun roof was basically blocked off - don’t need it in the winter I suppose! In all reality though, certainly don’t want to mess with leaks. Did get some additional photos of the steering rack problem area as well

 

[diesel22]

 

[Girl Dad of 3]

Looks like a bit of a project. I do love a green cruiser though. Financially it’s probably not the smartest as what you spend on the beater probably outweighs the marginal depreciation loss and additional maintenance if spent on the primary. That said, it’s cool to have a green cruiser and fun to have a project, so if you can spare the funds do it. YOLO

 

[diesel22]

Looks like a bit of a project. I do love a green cruiser though. Financially it’s probably not the smartest as what you spend on the beater probably outweighs the marginal depreciation loss and additional maintenance if spent on the primary. That said, it’s cool to have a green cruiser and fun to have a project, so if you can spare the funds do it. YOLO

Yeah appreciate the thoughts. I’m going to pass.

The last thing I need right now is another project. Sometimes we just need to post our thoughts on here to make a rational decision. Thanks!

 

[rexington14]

What kind of hack job did they do to that sunroof? Never seen that before.

Personally for a winter beater I'd be looking for something with lower costs and lower maintenance. Pretty much the opposite of a 100 series. Early / mid 2000's Toyota sedan. Preferably 4 cylinder.