Did the 60 ever come with an auto and are they realiable?
Technically the 60 never came with an auto, it was the 62 (still a 60 "series" but technically not a 60). IMO the 60 looks better with the round headlights whereas the 62 looks like a lifted Volvo 760 wagon, but some people like that kinda thing - "boxy but safe".
Are certain years better?
All FJ60's had 4 speed manual transmissions, but 86 & 87 are a "tad" better with the split case that an H55 5 speed transmission can bolt up to on the FJ60. The H55 is an immensly popular conversion. All of the FJ62's had automatic transmissions and the same good split case, and can accept the H55 trans swap as well.
The H55 will do wonderful things that cannot be expressed adequately in words to the FJ62, combining the EFI with the direct drive makes it a very pleasant vehicle to own, we sold our first cruiser (a rust free 90 FJ62) before finding this out and now regret selling it. At the time we couldnt get rid of it fast enough because it was slow. I'm talking slower than SAR Skipper could even begin to express. A Suzuki Samurai running on 2 cylinders & full of sumo wrestlers going uphill into a headwind will still be faster than a 62 with an auto. Early 60's can get the H55 swap as well, but then require a late model t-case added to the cost of the conversion.
How many miles can I expect out of the engine?
Maintained, 300K+
Is it possible to fit a third row?
Yes, not easily, and then only suitable for vertically challenged contortionists
What should I look out for as far as "stay away from this one"?
Rust - the spots outlined in above posts, and also in the rear inner framerail area, there is a double walled section that gets moisture between them and rust begins, sometimes lots, and the frame can begin to delaminate. If its rusty, but not thin & compromised, you can remove the rivets holding the second layer in that small area and take out the second piece, then wire wheel and treat the area with a product like
Extend rust treatment, and finish with several coats of your favorite rust preventative paint. If the frame can be poked through with as screwdriver in this area run away now. While this is typically a rust belt issue, remember that those vehicles can be driven to non rust belt areas and sold there as dolled up rigs that many people never look under as long as they are shiny up top. We have customer this recently happened to because the bright red paint somehow indicated everything must be great, and after the frame swap it wasnt such a great deal!
