Making the decision to invest in any vehicle is a decision that forces owners to assess whether the car or truck in question has enough going for it that you can justify the predicted expenses. In the case of a truck like the classic Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40, the strong values for good trucks makes it a pretty clear-cut decision that it’s worth the expense to improve, even with the presence of some moderate rust as in the case of this example listed here on craigslist for $19,900 near Boise.
The seller notes that the truck has an excellent frame but that there’s some rust in the body. Truthfully, as someone who has lived in the northeast most of his life, the fact that the seller thinks this Toyota has any body rust of any concern draws a bit of a chuckle; this rig looks impressively clean to me. I love the NATO sand color and the knobby off-road tires on gray-painted steel wheels. It’s a good-looking truck.
The seller claims he has about $7,000 invested into making this FJ40 a reliable runner. The listing claims there were grand plans for a frame-off restoration but that he settled on a mechanical refurb instead. The rust issues are apparently the kind you can’t see from the outside looking in, as the listing notes rust in the floors front and rear. Mechanically, it’s said to be very healthy, making an even 150 PSI across all cylinders, with no smoke at startup.
It’s a shame about the rear cargo floor being rusted along with the front driver and passenger footwells and the transmission cover. The truth of the matter is, however, it can be oh-so-much-worst on these sometimes fragile trucks, so rust in an easily repairable area is almost as good as having no rust at all. The asking price is fair for an FJ in turnkey condition, and fixing the floors will only help drive its value higher in the future.
You got it Jeff. It is one good looking truck. The overall design of the Land Cruisers was one of the best ever.
Almost bought a Land Bruiser (used) in about 1973. Still regret not doing so.
Now that prices are going through the roof, guess I never will.
We haven’t seen too many 2 door Land Cruisers here on BF lately, mostly 4 doors, so when I spotted this I thought I would send it in.
Thanks, Jeff, for picking it up.
yeah, 2 dor’s the 1( shorter WB)
But these are not like the merican. Too low geared for our use as multi purpose (interstate) v e r y ruged for off rd. At least in my experience. Not for me (now too desiriable due to name plate ie $).
Diesel’s hi compression (14 to 25:1) & 300 – 500 cylender PSI seems he’s not straight w/the 150 result. Immediate Qs on the whole sale @ that point (ignorance could mean anything from lies to truth, flipper nature of sale, etc, etc).
On the other hand:
I have not read advert’n might see an i6 gasser V/C there and think it’s a 4 cyl diesel~
8^ )
8-0
8^ (
Seller claims no Hardtop for this cruiser. Further claims the original doors are “crusty” . Guess this is a fair weather only kind of toy to be stored indoors.