Buying Imported HJ61 1988 Landcruiser

Thank you Andrew,

Yes! It seems a bit of pricy as I can find elsewhere $12k for similar but a bit older model with mileage unknown. Troopy is definite the best for OZ round trip but my two kids ( 6 & 8 yo) make it removed from my list. My initial though was that Sahara is the top range and it equipped all sorts of quality accessories I needed for real 4X4 drive if I want to.

Not sure if I will have troubles to getting parts for this model, especially for 24 volts parts like starter and bulbs.

Thank you!

Thank you, Al Symers

Will you be able to get your mate's general opinions on his imported HJ61 Sahara and the fair price if possible. I am a bit lost at the moment as the majority of people believe it is not a bad 4X4. I price I am paying may allow me to get a early 1990 80 series petrol.

ChenJ3, The Darwin vehicle was bought about 3 years ago for around $18k but it was the owner of the business personal truck with a few other accessories on it. Todate, he has had no major problems with it.
I had an 86 HJ62TD that I sold this year for $15k . Had done 320k in real good nick. Gearboxes and diffs have been a problem in some trucks. Check for rust around the gutter, sliding roof and floor well under driver's feet. Lift carpet to check Salt is spread on roads where ice is a problem in some overseas countries.Nil Taurus Excretus

Dear Al Symers,
I organised a test dirve for 1988 HJ61RG, Turbo Diesel,Auto, 330K this morning from the local car yard and was surpriced that this truck can give me such an impressive experience. The engine rev was only at 2000 RPM at 100K/H and the turbo started around 1500 RPM. It is an OZ spec. country car and no rust sighted.
Overall speaking, I am very happy with the engine (12HT) and the space it provides. this truck is tagged 17K at car yard and I reckon my coming dream car should be a good buy if I look at the mileage and accessories it equipped. Of course, I only can find out all when it arrives.
Also I expect to have a icebox or dual A/C as it is a SAHARA and Japanese always gear up all possible options. Do you have any experience with the options of Sahara, Are they all equipped with icebox ? Is Icebox useful in the bush or in town?

My Sahara was the 12HT motor and IMHO it is the best diesel motor Toyota ever made. With servicing every 5000k's it should do in excess off 500,000k's without any trouble. Mine didn't have the Icebox but did have the dual A/C until I removed it as it took up too much room and it was in a p--ck of a position.Nil Taurus Excretus

Thank you Floyd and Dozer,

I have check www.carsales.com.au and discovered that most vendors are selling this model wit similar mileage for 18K~22K. I also found some 80 series Turbo diesel auto with 250K+ will sell around 25K even without the quality accessies ( roof rack, winch, spots lights, stainless Bull Bar,Tow Bar).

Paul,
Thank you for your valuable feedback for this vehicle and we are now more and more confident for this coming dreaming car. I am just wondering how did charge the third battery through the alternator ? Do you have the wiring diagram? The other mates mentioned to have converter for 24-> 12 Volt from the outlet and do NOT have to touch the wiring. As electrical being my background, I am a bit scared by the re-wiring, aspecially for big current. the wire gets hot even catches fire if the spec is not met.

Loot at your spec and your trip, I am confident it should be a choice to own a old but reliable 4WD for holiday. We have test drives for two HJ61 models. The first one has done 140K with some rusts along gutters from Japan but engine is like new, my wife could NOT believe she is driving a 2+ tones beast like in a sedan, it is so powerful. unfortunately we quite rusty spots along gutters and other spots. The second we tested was a OZ spec. private 1986 Sahara done 300K with gearbox replaced recently, It was quite sluggish, noisy to be honest although the interior s just like new.
So far I just can NOT wait for my dream car to arrive, however I am organising RACQ to give it a thorough check out and even a Toyota 4X4 specialist to check out it's engine. Did you have someone else look at your car before buy it?

Keep in touch

chenj3
Sorry, in hindsight my info was a bit misleading I guess. The black box I referred to was a converter so my hookup would be as your mates suggest.

Mine's got plenty of grunt and I'm an avowed devotee of automatic 4WD's now. I was sceptical before but now having one and comparing it all over the Cape with other 4WD's in all sorts of situations, I'm sold. The ability to put power down smoothly and as you want it is just terrific. Even real steep descents are not what I had read about. It absolutely crawls in low/low. The only downside, and it can be a bit of a worry, is the towing problem.

I had a mate have a quick look and listen to the engine before I bought it but the whole car was so schmick that it was pretty well unnecessary and that's been proven with my experience since. It's been serviced twice now and both times the "what you need to attend to" section of the report has been blank except for a bit that cost me $15.00 If your vehicle is still on its way here, you might be surprised at the good condition it's in when it hits the yard.

As I said, unless you're unlucky enough to get a "bad" one, all should be ok. Spares aren't a problem so the local Toyota dealer tells me. Electrical after-market stuff and accessories are a bit difficult to find with the 24V system but the extra 12V system gets me around most of those little problems.

Reading the 4WD magazines and such, I was a bit sceptical about buying an import but I'm more than happy.

All the best with yours.

Paul,
I am glad for you that you own such a beauty. as a newbie for 4X$, Can you please help with following questions.
1. Should I have RACQ to inspect this car befoer purchase.
2. Did you have someone to check the speedo, some odimeters were tampered in Japan befoer shipped.
3. Is there any warranty comes with this car.
4. Should I request the vendor to replace the timing belt (mine is 112K), it may cost $$$ for us but much cheaper by vendor.
5. Any comment on the roof rack, mine comes with a factory roof rack and spot lights. Does that mean that vehicle has been fully stressed/abused previously.

Re 24V accessories, It may not too hard to get 24V accessory as we have so many truck and marine vessel around.

Cheers!

chenj
1. An RACQ check is always a good idea.
2. No, although that wouldn't surprise.
3. 3 month dealer warranty came with the vehicle and I bought a 12 month warranty on top.
4. You could, but I can imagine the dealer's response.
5. I'm not sure of the connection here between the factory roof rack and stressed/abused. Mine carried an awesome amount on the Cape trip with no problems.

And yep, truck accessories solved most of the problems.

Cheers.