Fj60: fix or pass?

[argv]

My friend's parents are trying to sell their family fj60: original owner, under 100K miles, been in storage 10+ years. My main concerns are:
1. It's never registered in CO. Looks like it was de-smogged (and all the original parts were gone). Unfortunately I live in Boulder. I'm not sure how much time/$ it'd cost to get it pass emission test, if possible at all.


2. Overall it has little rust, but there's quite some around the spare tire area.










If I will have to spend close to $10K and lots of time to get it past emission test and have the rust taken care of, then I'd rather use the time/$ to look for one in better shape to begin with. There's also other issues like AC not working, cracked windshield, and front knuckle leaking what looked like gear oil.

I have a 05 LC100 for daily drive family car - completely solid, just regular maintenance. I'd love to have a fj60 for fun drives, e.g. shuttling MTBs to trailheads, carrying my canoe to fishing, so on. But I don't want to walk into a quagmire - I'd rather be fishing. What do folks think?

 

[satchel]

That rust doesn't seem bad but needs addressing to keep it solid, assuming there are no crusty parts you can punch through with a screw driver. The emissions question could cost a lot if you are hiring it out and buying lots of parts, but I wouldn't think 10k. Much less if you do the work yourself.

It's more likely than not there are other unknowns that will need time and/or $. If 10k is an overall budget or you don't want to spend the time looking it over yourself it could be a problem. If 10k is just for this issue and you want to learn it and wrench as stuff pops up then it could be a good start.

 

[Pz10420]

It'd be helpful to see the rest of the truck as well. I am pretty sure it is well worth saving but rust repair is not cheap if your paying someone to do it right.

 

[HDavis]

From what I see I would fix it and enjoy it. If you pass, myself and I'm sure others would like to have an opportunity to buy it and get it to pass.

 

[CardinalFJ60]

Hey man! Welcome!

 

[MDH33]

That rust on the frame doesn't look like anything to be concerned with. Just surface. Powerwash and treat with your choice of rust inhibitor.

I would totally try getting it running and go smog test before buying parts. Sounds like some folks have recently passed with tailpipe sniffer and no under hood inspection.

Post more pics!

 

[RDub]

No under hood inspection or cat inspection anymore. But it’s hard to pass without a good cat and a working EGR system. It’s possible but requires tuning so it barely runs. If the engine is healthy it can pass with some messing around. @Capriblue45 has experience with his 45, as do I with my 60.

 

[argv]

Thanks all for the great feedback!

My budget is easier but my time is very tight, so I think it'd make sense for me to pay more for a cleaner one, and spend more time fishing with my boys

Plus the Avalanche just broke my heart I don't want to buy anything right now. I'll pass. Those interested please just message me your phone number I'll pass it to the owner.

 

[HDavis]

Pm sent. I still think you should buy it! Your 100 needs a friend.