Inspecting Buttercup

Buttercup got dropped off at Woody's for an inspection.  The slow clutch-fluid leak needed to be checked out and they also did a "used vehicle check."  Here's what I had them do:

• Missouri State Inspection
• Replaced a headlight (the low beam was out and required to pass inspection)
• Replaced clutch master cylinder (this is what I suspected was causing the leak)
• Oil change (now I'm on a schedule)
• Brake system fluid exchange
• Induction service (I'm not sure this was necessary but I liked the idea of burning out everything and starting with something I can monitor)

They also noted a small engine oil leak (what FJ60 doesn't so I declined the recommended dye test), the dome light was burned out, the windshield wiper reservoir was cracked, and the drivers window crank was stripped.  Not a bad punch list for a 30 year old vehicle.

She's now legal and titled in Missouri!  

Easy and fast upgrades

After the long drive home and some rain, there isn't much more irritating than bad windshield wipers.  They would be the first thing replaced and required before inspection anyway.  For some reason the wipers had a metal bracket attached to the wiper arm--my guess to fit the heavy duty blades that were installed.  The brackets were easily removed and new Rain-X Latitude wipers were a direct fit.

I also bought and installed a Broadway Mirror.  If you haven't seen or used these, they are fantastic.  You lose the built-in night time driving/glare reduction but after the 2 seconds it took to install, I could see a WIDE, crystal clear sight of view.  Night time glare does not seem to be an issue.

"Getting Through" Toyota 4WD Instructional Videos

These are pretty cool classics.  Toyota gives instructions on how to rock crawl, snow wheel, ford rivers, drive in the sand, and use a spare tire as a winch point.  See part 1 and 2 below.

"Buttercup"

After finalizing the deal it was time to get home with the new vehicle, recently named "Buttercup" by my wife.  Jumping into an almost 30 year old vehicle, not having driven it before, took some getting use to.  Within the first 5 minutes of ownership, Buttercup gave me a nice gash on the knuckle--just a small love nip to show me who was boss.  We now have a healthy respect for each other and things improved from there.  At the very first gas stop, a man pulled up and started asking questions with admiration.  Yeh, she's mine....

So I Bought a Car on eBay

After following many blogs and forums and watching eBay, AutoTrader and Craigslist for weeks, I finally took the leap and bought a Toyota Land Cruiser.  The FJ60/62 series has the boxy look that I like, all are 4-wheel drive and they are notoriously reliable.  If you are looking for a bad ass vehicle--look no further.  The off road and camping options are endless.  It's not hard to fall in love.

A winning eBay auction is where the story begins.

eBay auto auctions are a little scary.  When you are buying a vehicle site unseen, trusting the seller, and traveling to pick it up, there is a lot of faith involved.  To ease my mind (maybe) I found that eBay auctions are not legal binding contracts.  My experience ended well and I feel like I got a deal but I was cautious until the end.  It is nice to know there are still honest people in this world.

Here is what I was buying and the pictures provided by the previous owner:

Up for your consideration is this beautiful rust free 1986 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60. The truck has 105k original miles. It spent most of its life in the California desert. I bought the truck while living in Colorado in 2008. That being said, the truck has zero rust… It was repainted to desert tan from the original bronze color which can be seen in the engine bay which was the only spot not repainted. The truck runs like a top and the transmission shifts smoothly. The AC still blows ice cold. The truck is all original except for the wheels which can be easily replaced. There are two small issues with the truck; 1. The windshield washer fluid reservoir is cracked. 2. Recently the clutch fluid has developed a very slow leak which I have not had checked out yet. Cosmetically speaking, the truck is in very good condition as well. The two issues here are; 1. The dash has multiple cracks in it. 2. The rear carpet in the cargo area is dry rotted due to sun damage.
I recently moved to Illinois where the truck is currently located. I recommend viewing the truck in person for yourself. I am happy to accommodate a car transport pickup. A $500 deposit is due immediately upon the conclusion of the auction. The balance of the payment will be due within 2 days of the auction's end. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Good Luck and Happy Bidding!