West Coast FJ62: 1988 Toyota Land Cruiser – Sold?

January 2, 2023, Update – We confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found, we’re assuming this ride is “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

December 17, 2022 Update – The seller lowered their asking price apparently after three weeks without a sale.  The seller decided to lower their expectation from the original; $36,500 ask to $32,500.

If you live in the Northeast, you likely have become resigned to the fact that almost every vehicle over a certain age may have a few rust issues. This is especially true for automobiles like four-wheel-drives and sports utility vehicles typically used all year round, including the brutal winter season when local roads and highways are coated in corrosive road salt.  That’s a big reason why classic rigs like the Toyota Land Cruiser have been commanding strong prices as of late, as square bodies were already hot and especially so in places where they went extinct long ago – which is why an example like this FJ62 from California is likely to find a new home in New England without much effort. We first spotted this Toyota in November 2022 on Craigslist on the Brookline, Mass. page but actually residing in California for $32,500 (the original ask was $36,500). Comparing that price against the Classic.com model guide shows that the seller is not that far off, with an average selling price of $30,711.

The Mercedes-Benz W123 is the European car to buy if you want a classic German sedan that won’t be exceedingly difficult to maintain. In the same vein, the Toyota Land Cruiser fills a similar niche. It is a classic truck you can get into without having to possess archival levels of mechanical knowledge to keep it running. There’s a reason certain neighborhoods around college and university campuses will have a variety of Land Cruisers still parked in the student lot; it’s because they’re cool as heck, and your average student who’s not super concerned with maintenance can drive one without killing it. It’s also because they’re still occasionally used as hand-me-downs for a student to take to college, which works out well for families that are already overwhelmed with tuition bills and didn’t want to send junior off the school with a brand-new ride. I secretly suspect it’s also because the parents didn’t want to part with old faithful, the dependable people-carrier known as the Land Cruiser.

The WBSC LandCruiser YouTube Channel features this walk-around video of a virtually identical 1988 FJ62 that has us wondering whether it could be the same SUV we’re featuring:

One thing we’ve been seeing lately is craigslist sellers posting in one region while the car is for sale in another. Now, this may seem disingenuous, but I also understand why they do it: if you’re scanning craigslist in Boston, with legions of rusty cars up for grabs, spotting a California survivor is a major sight for sore eyes. You might even be desperate enough at that point to ship it across the country! This truck is located in Santa Barbara, and the seller reports that it has been very well maintained during its time there. Recent upgrades include a new air filter, an ignition wire set, a thermostat time switch, and an EGR transducer. There’s also a new cap and rotor, and speedometer cable. The listing notes the seller checked the timing and replaced the fuel filter, so there’s seemingly very little left to do other than plan your first camping excursion. Mileage is listed as just under 180,000, with the true mileage unknown, and the condition indeed points to a truck that has been loved while living out its retirement on the California coast. Do you think the seller will get $36K for this truck?

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1988 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ62 in excellent condition and rust-free California cruiser. Finished in blue over grey cloth, and powered by the original engine, a 4.0-liter fuel-injected inline-six with automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Recent major service and it just passed smog.
Major Service November 16/17/18, 2022

Replaced spark plugs and ignition cables.
Installed new cap and rotor. Checked timing and replaced fuel filter.
Replaced:
Speedometer cable
Air filter
Ignition wire set
Thermo time switch
Installed new transducer
EGR transducer
Changed oil and filter. Lubed suspension and steering, check all fluid levels,
Land Cruiser shop checked the following: battery, brakes, lights, belts, exhaust system,
Inspect wipers. Set tire psi. Test cold start system. Drained and refilled transfer case fluid.

All the power windows work, and it drives and idles smoothly. Private sale located in Santa Barbara, California. Mileage states 179,500 TMU Call or text for more detailed information. Original window sticker included..”

Not cheap: do you think someone will pony up close to $40K for this FJ62?