Red FJ60 Dreams: Megan's eBay Land Cruiser Gamble
About this episode
Megan shares her journey with Jeeps and her dream car, a vintage Land Cruiser FJ60, which she bought on eBay. The episode dives into her family's Jeep culture, learning to drive stick shift, and the nostalgia tied to these vehicles. The hosts also discuss the importance of respecting and listening to the elderly, highlighting Megan's work with Talbot Hospice and their upcoming Festival of Trees event. With humor and heartfelt stories, this episode captures the essence of automotive passion and personal connections.
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Megan grew up in a Buffalo-area Jeep family—her dad's CJ-7 plowed snow and pulled stumps before becoming the siblings' shared ride. Learning stick shift on that family Wrangler sparked a lifelong love affair with manual transmissions and 4x4s.
After heading West with a Chevy Blazer, then a base-model Ford Explorer (the only way to get stick shift), Megan discovered her dream vehicle in Colorado: the 1985 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60. Friends drove them. One got her safely where she needed to go in rough conditions. She was sold.
Twelve years ago, Megan did what any rational person does when they find their dream car—bought it sight unseen on eBay. Red, six-speed manual, with tons of photos and honest descriptions from the seller. The gamble paid off spectacularly.
That FJ60 became her daily driver around Easton, Maryland, earning thumbs-up and parking lot compliments constantly. With a rebuilt engine and recent tune-up from James McRae's shop, it still runs beautifully. Megan can't bring herself to sell it—even with a Maserati now on her dream list.
Currently? She's the volunteer coordinator at Talbot Hospice, where her love of "old things and old people" finds perfect expression.
Megan's favorite is "Rust to Riches – James’s Restoration Secrets and Craftsmanship Journey" https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/48f07efddc0bf7859f40c85efc58d654
Her story is an empowering one for anyone who’s eyed a classic 4x4 and wondered, “Could I really use that every day?” Megan’s answer is a resounding yes – with passion, a bit of mechanical empathy, and the desire for an adventurous, emotionally fulfilling driving experience, you absolutely can.
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Volkswagen Rabbit
"...I got my my rabbit GTI, one of my favorite cars there. But I didn't think of that car as a hand me down..."
The Volkswagen Rabbit GTI is a small car that is fun to drive and has a sporty design. It's known for being quick and enjoyable, making it a favorite among car lovers.
The Volkswagen Rabbit GTI is a sporty hatchback known for its performance and fun driving experience. It was part of the Rabbit lineup, which is popular among enthusiasts for its nimble handling and turbocharged engine options.
DeLorean
"...if you see his car, very distinctive, distinctive DeLorean, just walk up to him..."
The DeLorean is a unique car famous for its shiny metal body and doors that open upwards. It's well-known because it was featured in a popular movie about time travel.
The DeLorean is a sports car manufactured by the DeLorean Motor Company, known for its distinctive stainless steel body and gull-wing doors. It gained iconic status due to its appearance in the 'Back to the Future' film series.
Jeep CJ7
"...It was a CJ. It was a CJ seven. That's right. That's right. Yeah, I remember the one with the American flag on the side, the Olympic version."
The Jeep CJ7 is a tough, off-road vehicle that people often use for adventures. It was made from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s and is popular for its ability to handle rough terrains.
The Jeep CJ7 is a classic off-road vehicle known for its rugged design and versatility. Produced from 1976 to 1986, it is part of the CJ series, which stands for 'Civilian Jeep'.
Jeep Wrangler
"And by the time I came along at 16, we had a Jeep Wrangler. The CJ seven had been sold, but then we had a Jeep Wrangler."
The Jeep Wrangler is a popular off-road vehicle that you can take the roof and doors off of. It's great for driving in nature and has a lot of fans because it's fun to drive.
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road vehicle known for its ruggedness and versatility. It has a strong following among off-road enthusiasts and is recognized for its removable top and doors, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.
stick shift
"And I loved it because that's how I learned to drive on that car. I learned to drive stick shift, which was the reason why I wanted stick shift cars, stick shift cars in the future."
Stick shift means a car that you drive with a manual transmission. You have to change the gears yourself using a stick, which can be more fun and gives you more control over how the car drives.
Stick shift refers to a manual transmission system in vehicles where the driver must manually change gears using a gear stick. Learning to drive stick shift can provide more control over the vehicle's performance and is often preferred by driving enthusiasts.
Jeep Cherokee
"...my mom then had a Cherokee, both my brothers in there as adults have purchased Wranglers."
The Jeep Cherokee is a family-friendly SUV that is good for both city driving and off-road adventures. It offers more space than the Wrangler and is often used for daily activities.
The Jeep Cherokee is a mid-size SUV that combines off-road capability with everyday usability. It has been a popular choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike, known for its spacious interior and advanced technology features.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"...I had a Grand Cherokee recently."
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a larger SUV that provides more comfort and luxury features compared to the Wrangler. It's great for families and can handle off-road conditions as well.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size SUV that offers a blend of luxury and off-road capability. It is known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and advanced technology options, making it suitable for both everyday use and adventurous outings.
Jeep
"The Jeep, the original Jeep, yes, was a military vehicle, right? And it spawned what became the Jeep that we know and love today, right?"
The Jeep started as a military vehicle in the 1940s and has become a well-known brand for tough, off-road cars. It's famous for its rugged design and capability.
The Jeep originated as a military vehicle during World War II, designed for utility and versatility. It has since evolved into a popular brand known for its off-road vehicles.
Chrysler
"...made by actually multiple companies. Ford, I think Chrysler, maybe."
Chrysler is another American car company that makes different kinds of cars, including family vehicles. They are known for their minivans and sedans.
Chrysler is an American automobile manufacturer that produces a variety of vehicles, including sedans and minivans. It is part of Stellantis, a multinational automotive group formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group.
Willys
"I think Willys maybe came up with the successful"
Willys was a car company that made the original Jeep during the war. They are important in the history of off-road vehicles and helped shape the Jeep brand we know now.
Willys was an American automobile manufacturer best known for producing the Jeep during World War II. The company played a significant role in the history of off-road vehicles and has a legacy that continues to influence the Jeep brand today.
just enough essential parts
"And this is one of my favorite ones that they came up with. And who knows if this is real or apocryphal or what? Jeep stands for just enough essential parts, which I like."
'Just enough essential parts' is a funny way some people say what Jeep stands for. It means that Jeep cars are made with only the important parts to make them work well, especially for off-roading.
The phrase 'just enough essential parts' is a humorous backronym that some people attribute to the name 'Jeep'. It reflects the brand's focus on simplicity and functionality in its vehicles, particularly in off-road capabilities.
Ford Explorer
"So then I ended up buying a a, oh, my gosh, I'm forgetting, a Ford Explorer that was that was standard."
The Ford Explorer is another SUV made by Ford. It's larger and has more space inside, making it a good option for families or people who need to carry a lot of stuff.
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that has been a staple in Ford's lineup since the early 1990s. It is known for its spacious interior, family-friendly features, and off-road capability, making it a popular choice among consumers.
automatic transmission
"...my everyday car is certainly automatic..."
An automatic transmission is a system in a car that changes gears for you, so you don't have to do it yourself. This makes driving easier, especially in heavy traffic.
An automatic transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that automatically changes the gear ratios as the vehicle moves, allowing the driver to focus on driving without needing to manually shift gears. It's often seen as more convenient for everyday driving.
Chevrolet Blazer
"that also are kind of verbs, right? So the Chevy Blazer, she's blazing a trail out West, you know, not un..."
The Chevrolet Blazer is a sporty SUV that looks good and is fun to drive. It's designed for people who want a vehicle that can be used for everyday errands as well as weekend adventures.
The Chevrolet Blazer is a mid-size SUV that has been produced in various forms since 1969, with the most recent iteration debuting in 2019. Known for its stylish design and versatile performance, the Blazer is popular for both urban driving and outdoor activities.
Ford
"...then she's exploring in the Ford and then she's going to go cruising..."
Ford is a car company that makes many different types of vehicles, but the specific model isn't named here. They are known for their trucks and SUVs.
Ford is a well-known American automobile manufacturer that produces a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and cars. The specific model is not mentioned, but Ford has a reputation for producing reliable vehicles.
Toyota Cruiser Fj
"...d. And my dream car at that point was an old Land Cruiser FJ 60. My time in Colorado is when I was introduced ..."
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a tough-looking SUV that can handle rough terrains and off-road adventures. It has a unique design that many people love, and it's great for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a retro-styled SUV that was produced from 2006 to 2014, inspired by the classic Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40. It is known for its rugged design, off-road capabilities, and distinctive features like its round headlights and wide stance, making it a favorite among adventure enthusiasts.
Toyota Land Cruiser
"...h dead. And my dream car at that point was an old Land Cruiser FJ 60. My time in Colorado is when I was introduc..."
six shift
"But I wanted to get it was an absolute necessity that it was going to be a six shift again. I had to have I had to have standard, just more interesting, more fun to drive."
A 'six shift' means the car has a six-speed manual transmission. This lets you change gears yourself, which many people find more fun than automatic transmissions.
A 'six shift' typically refers to a six-speed manual transmission, which allows the driver to manually change gears. This type of transmission is often preferred by driving enthusiasts for the control and engagement it offers.
Toyota Highlander
"And I do have another car right now. I do Toyota Highlander, but that's been in the shop."
The Toyota Highlander is a type of SUV that is great for families. It has a lot of space inside and is known for being reliable and safe.
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior, reliability, and family-friendly features. It offers a comfortable ride and is often equipped with modern technology and safety features.
Suzuki Samurai
"...1980 the FJ 60 Toyota Land Cruiser was called the Samurai, I believe, in Japan. Really automotive knowledge..."
The Suzuki Samurai is a small SUV that was really good at driving off-road. It became popular because it was simple and tough, making it a favorite for people who like to explore nature.
The Suzuki Samurai is a compact SUV that gained popularity in the 1980s and is known for its lightweight design and impressive off-road capabilities. Although it was discontinued in the U.S. in 1995, it remains a beloved choice among off-road enthusiasts for its simplicity and ruggedness.
inline six
"...curious, if you know, has a four liter inline six. Is that correct?"
An inline six engine has six cylinders lined up in a row. This setup helps the engine run smoothly and is often used in larger vehicles like SUVs.
An inline six engine is a type of engine configuration where six cylinders are arranged in a straight line. This design is known for its smooth operation and balance, making it a popular choice in many vehicles, including the Toyota Land Cruiser.
Maserati Ghibli
"...it was gray and it was the Ghibli. And and I wanted to go drive it..."
The Maserati Ghibli is a fancy car that looks great and drives fast. It's made by Maserati, a brand known for luxury sports cars.
The Maserati Ghibli is a luxury sports sedan known for its stylish design and performance. It combines Italian craftsmanship with powerful engine options, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
daily driver
"...because I want to make it a daily driver. And then, you know, the oxygen sensor..."
A daily driver is a car you use every day to go places like work or school. It should be dependable and easy to drive.
A daily driver refers to a vehicle that is used regularly for everyday transportation. It typically needs to be reliable and practical for commuting and errands.
oxygen sensor
"...the oxygen sensor is probably three thousand dollars to switch out on this stupid thing."
An oxygen sensor is a part of the car that checks how much oxygen is in the exhaust. It helps the car run better and produce fewer harmful gases.
An oxygen sensor is a critical component in a vehicle's exhaust system that measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases. This information helps the engine control unit adjust the air-fuel mixture for optimal performance and emissions.
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