What do you guys think about that BJ70 JT Outfitters has? I called and spoke to Joe about it and he seemed like a straight-up guy (I dunno their rep, I have a mini truck and don't deal with JTO). He said it has some rust on the rear quarters but other wise is in good shape and runs very strong.

It seems like a very cool truck that is capable as is, not sure about price. Has anyone seen it? Any thoughts on the BJ70 in general?

I want to trade him my mini for it, straight up.:smokin::rasta::D he could sell the mini much faster than that thing. Failing that, I may still be interested in it.

As with most Canadian sold BJ70's, Joe Turpin's has rust issues. Canadians only pay up to $10,000 CDN when buying locally (right now about $6,250 US) for a mint BJ70.

JT's is a 1985 w/ 12v electrics, but lacks rear seat and other parts. You must remember, that 90%+ of the trucks parts are not stocked in the US Toyota system. Used body trim parts are a bear. try finding a windshield for one.

And, for $30,000 US you could buy a 2002 FZJ70 in south America with no body rot, all new interior, and powerful engine with a lot of US parts support.

IMO alot depends on what you intend to do with the truck. If you are looking to build a wheeling rig then the $6,500-$7,500 might not be so bad for a BJ70 with a clean U.S. title even if it does have some rust issues (depending on how bad they are). You can cut the rust areas out, POR15 it or whatever, lift-it, lock it, put on some meats and you are good to go. If you wheel the truck it will get rusty,

What BJ70's or other non-U.S. models are going for in Canada, Australia or Zimbabwe for that matter is beside the point since you would have to go through the hassle and expense to have one imported. A clean U.S. title on a BJ70 is worth a little extra $$$.

If you are looking to have a pristine restoration then look out for some big bucks sourcing all the parts and it might not be worth getting a vehicle that isn't already in near mint condition.

I haven't seen the truck so I can't say if this specific one is worth what he's asking, but generally I don't see his price as way out of line IF the vehicle is in good condition. You will pay premium prices for any parts you need throughout the life of the vehicle though, and you generally have to wait awhile to get them.

"Clean title"...an area murkier than the lowland swamps of the Brazilian Pantanal...From personal experience, 95% of non-US Land Cruisers, including most Canadian BJ70's, are gray market vehicles. As long as you're comfortable with that, things are cool...

Personally, I think a wheeling BJ70 in the US is a BAD idea. Paying $7,000 for an exotic Land Cruiser that you're going to beat up on the trail is risky; bang up that truck against a tree, and try finding a window, a body part: all unobtanium. For that kind of money, you're solidly into a wheeling FJ40.

Besides, aftermarket 70 series parts are hard to find in the US, even things like an OME suspension is a special-order, no discount item, and be prepared to be intimate with your local fabricator or do everything yourself.

I used to daily drive an FJ70 so I speak from personal experience; if you want a nice runabout Land Cruiser that sees mild wheeling, then a BJ70 might be a good option, provided you do something about the gearing (and or add a turbo to the 3B). If you want a Land Cruiser to really get it on, then I would advise against it, the few hard-core wheeling 70 series I've seen are REALLY beat up, and in the US, forget about finding replacement parts that they don't share with the 60 series...

DOH! I take back my vote for the wheeling BJ70, 60seriesguy convinced me.

I've always dreamed of wheeling my BJ70 but it's way too nice to beat up, so when I heard of one that was already a little rusty and beat up my deisre to wheel got the best of me.

From a practical standpoint 60seriesguy hit the nail on the head. The few things I've replaced like glow plugs, exhaust, winshield, shock mounts, etc.. have been pricey and usually take 2-4 weeks to arrive.

Sounds more and more like a money pit.

Cruiserhaven-

Apart from the passengers side air bag, A 2002 70 series should come smogged, can convert the drivers side to air bag easily, etc. much more of a walk in than many previous years. Plus, if you want gray market and have the dough, a new 70 can be yours. No Canada new models, Australia would be RHD, a big bummer, not sure about Zimbabwe.

If you want it, it will come.

....or use a RI and get one legally.

.....and one more gripe about Canadian BJ70's (only available 1985-1987).

NONE were delivered with a/c. A fixed top hard top lacking that in 80% of the US stinks. But if you were to add a/c to a 3B powered wonder, you'd wonder what happens to mileage and driving.

little joe,
I would skip any canada+BJ+70 equation.

Originally posted by rick d
Cruiserhaven-

Apart from the passengers side air bag, A 2002 70 series should come smogged, can convert the drivers side to air bag easily, etc. much more of a walk in than many previous years. Plus, if you want gray market and have the dough, a new 70 can be yours. No Canada new models, Australia would be RHD, a big bummer, not sure about Zimbabwe.

If you want it, it will come.

....or use a RI and get one legally.

I already have one that I'm pretty happy with :p

http://www.wagonstop.org/cruiserhaven/bj70_3qtr2.jpg

Thank you guys very much for the very informed and balanced advice. When I spoke with Joe, he alluded to the difficulty in getting any parts for the truck, which would drive me insane.

I guess the cool factor, coupled with the winter doldrums, temporarily overwhelmed the practicality of this. I'll stick with my mini!

Thank you again!

Around here they are going for $13,000 - $15,000CDN and that is usually high mileage and some rust if you can find one. (damn rare)
Occasionally there are better deals but they are usually picked up long before you can close on them.

I wouldn't buy anything from JT Outfitters, I heard a rumor that he made a lot of money selling Toyota Parts to the Taliban Government.

I'll see if I can dig it up but a buddy sent me an email with a pic of several well armed Taliban soldiers in a Toy truck with a JTOutfitters sticker on it. :eek:

I'd say that borders on treason ! :mad: :mad3: :nuke:

Hmmm...this wouldn't have to do instead with the fact that they sell a copy of your t-case saver?

I'm not involved with JT Outfitters in any way or form, but I seriously doubt the story about supplying the Taliban. And in these days of doctored digital images, it wouldn't be too hard to come up with a picture of *any* sticker on almost any vehicle. Besides, before Sept. 11th it wasn't illegal for US citizens to do business with the Taliban government of Afghanistan, although it was clearly not well viewed upon by the State dept. Can you say for sure that these dealings (if they occurred at all, which I highly doubt) occurred *after* Sept. 11th? I highly doubt the Taliban was buying anything after that, they were too busy scampering like rats.

lighten up dude, I believe it was a joke.
although I dont think to highly of JTs business practices either.

now on to create a picture of a jt sticker on a taliban vehicle
mhaaaaa ha ha ha ha :D

Originally posted by 60seriesguy
Hmmm...this wouldn't have to do instead with the fact that they sell a copy of your t-case saver?


I agree that the Taliban pic may have been a hoax, however I thought it was funny, therefore worth repeating. Especially in the case of JT Outfitters.

As long as there is a forum to speak my mind I will continue to voice my opinion of Joe Turpin. The guy is a rip-off and a liar.

He never knew what a T-Case Saver was until he saw one of mine on Ebay, then he not only copied the part but he also used my advertisement , word for word. Then he claimed to be an expert.
The guy is not a wheeler, he wouldn't know a trail if it hit him in the ass. He's a fawkin, slimy kind of an used car dealer. A suck-ass leach, taking advantage of everyone he can.

The big bummer is, he gets away with it, unchallenged. So I will continue to speak my mind because I hate fawking ripp-offs !

.

Originally posted by Reddog

He's a fawkin, slimy kind of an used car dealer. A suck-ass leach, taking advantage of everyone he can.


Hey Don
Why don't you tell us how you really feel! :flipoff2: :flipoff2:
Ross

Originally posted by rick d
Plus, if you want gray market and have the dough, a new 70 can be yours. No Canada new models, Australia would be RHD, a big bummer, not sure about Zimbabwe.


I am pretty sure that Zim only has the 79 Series (no shorties). You would have a hard time getting one of those, due to the current political situation clusterfawk. But if someone was serious about getting a new J7*, right now South Africa has a few great deals. The South African currency, the Rand, has dropped about a third of its value in the last two months. The result is that a brand new 2002 FJZ or HZJ79, which retailed at about a converted $31,000, is now selling for about $19,000. Only problem is shipping here to the US would probabably add back a few $$. (and that whole left hand drive thingie)

Ross

damnit wheres the pic???????????????

I just bought a FJ 40 Cruiser at Wimberly Four Wheel Drive in Wimberly Texas and they have a BJ 70 they picked up from a Military officer that just came in from Turkey. Its smog certified and looks great.
Call Donald at512-847-1638 if you want more info.

See Ya