96 with 205K and oil leak. Buy or not buy??

undertow · 07-02-08, 06:29 PM

Hello all. I am new to this forum. I ended up here in hopes of some advice. I am looking at a 96 LC with 205K, a couple of ugly belts(second and third back from fan) and an oil leak. I am new to the Lc but have always wanted one. However, I have no idea what to look for or what I may be getting in to. I would love some advice. The vehicle has virtually no rust. It runs well and was maintained. It was used for towing a horse trailer pretty regularly. I know the trans was flushed several times over the past couple of years. The AC comp and AC clutch was replaced in the year. It is not cold so prob. needs a charge. The price is $4250. The paint has spots where bird poop sat and ate the clear coat. Any and all help is appreciated. Should I hold out or is this deal to good to pass. I am more worried about the vehicle being mechanically sound rather than how it looks. Also, is this re: to a FZJ80? Thanks!

little_joe · 07-02-08, 07:26 PM

This may be a case where a review by a trusted mechanic is in order if you are not comfortable with diagnosing the various issues yourself.

Also, where are you located? Here in NC (and likely other areas) you can find rust-free 80's with less mileage for nominally few more dollars - and chances are they haven't been beaten on. With today's gas prices, 80 values are dropping fast.

205k is not of concern: the towing, oil leaks, and possibly sub-optimal maintenance are concerns. There are other items you need to address, such as the cooling system and front axle - again, a mechanic may be worth the coin to get a review.

undertow · 07-02-08, 07:42 PM

I appreciate the input. I live in on the Eastern Shore of VA. I am trying to get a mechanic to look it over but feel that he may not know enough about this particular vehicle to give a thorough inspection. I may try and hold out for one with better service records that wasn't towing. Any trouble spots or things the mechanic should look at would be helpful. Thanks again!

jfz80 · 07-02-08, 07:55 PM

check the classifieds for poindexters rig....might be more than your budget or build ideas but its nice and a smoking deal.

CID 96 · 07-02-08, 08:21 PM

check Slee's web site for newbie buyers guide. sleeoffroad.com Or the FAQs here on this board has a link to what I am talking about.

Sid

cruiserdan · 07-02-08, 09:07 PM

I recently bought a 95 with ~148,000 on it for 4,000 bucks.

I think it's too much coin. But, I'm a cheap bastard.

sprocket3 · 07-02-08, 09:53 PM

I would spend more money for one that is clean and doesn't need anything. You purchase mods, PM, repairs and improvements at pennies of what it will cost to do them when you let a prior owner pay. Prices are way down on these rigs, parts and labor are not.

It is a buyers market. I would spend more to get a real nice truck and save a ton in the long run. Cheap cars end up being the most expensive ones to own.

I would pass on anything other than near perfect. Check the for sale section of this site for some deals on clean rigs.

Brian Macgyver · 07-03-08, 03:18 AM

Three years ago, I paid $3500 for a rollover with a badly crushed left side and roof.
The secret was that it has factory lockers. Does yours have them?
I rebuilt the truck completely, (as is my habit). As soon as it was painted, I had an offer of $10,000 for it. At the time, it was stock, with OE factory lockers. I declined the offer. I do not rebuild trucks for other people to drive!
My avatar shows it off. It is John Deere green,(not my favorite color) has a 3" lift and 35" Nitto tires. The custom bumpers and tire carrier are my own design.
Not too bad for a rolled over wreck! The body is clean and the sunroof works fine!
Toyo only ever imported 20,000 trucks with locking axles. They are rare. Most sellers are not aware of the value of them. If the locker switch is there, pay any reasonable amount. If it is not there, please buy it as cheap as you can, so that you can put lockers in. You will want at least a rear locker, which will cost about $600-$1000.

sseaman · 07-03-08, 07:03 AM

where is the oil leak?

98 SNAKE EATER · 07-03-08, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sseaman

where is the oil leak?

Good question...

If it's sumthin minor like the valve cover, it will be an easy fix...

If it's sumthin major like a rear main, definitely factor that into the price and use it to negotiate....

BTW, does it have lockers?

JML403 · 07-03-08, 08:03 AM

Hey I'm new to the Land Cruiser's also and I was in the same position you are. I knew I wanted an 80 so I look around for a few months and waited for the one I didnt have doubts abouts. I paid 7k for mine but it was a 97 100k miles spotless and had every maintenance receipt from a Toyota dealership for its whole exhistence (axle services, fluid flushes, rear main, tune ups, needless to say the owner got ripped off due there to lack of skills). But the deals are out there and you should be able to come up with one that rubs you the right way with no mechanical issues....

JO MAOMA · 07-03-08, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruiserdan

I recently bought a 95 with ~148,000 on it for 4,000 bucks.

I think it's too much coin. But, I'm a cheap bastard.

i just bought a second 80 for $2800, i'm KING OF THE CHEAP BASTARDS...

Brentbba · 07-03-08, 08:51 AM

Keep looking. Someone here at work was recently at a Carmax just looking and was told that Carmax isn't even taking SUV's in on trades anymore! In addition was told that the value of SUV's was dropping $500 per week! That may be a stretch, but not far from it.

There's bound to be a better deal out there for you.

98 SNAKE EATER · 07-03-08, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brentbba

Keep looking. Someone here at work was recently at a Carmax just looking and was told that Carmax isn't even taking SUV's in on trades anymore! In addition was told that the value of SUV's was dropping $500 per week! That may be a stretch, but not far from it.

There's bound to be a better deal out there for you.

Yep

Got mine from CarMax

81k, Lockers, complete PM, ultra clean with over $5k in brand new accessories and the standard Carmax warranty for $7500 over a year ago

I had a hookup on the inside, but the deals are definitely out there if you look...

MToker · 07-03-08, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfz80

check the classifieds for poindexters rig....might be more than your budget or build ideas but its nice and a smoking deal.

It was a smoking deal. It's now sitting in my driveway begging for more mods.....

undertow · 07-03-08, 07:21 PM

Thanks to all for the advice. I am going to hold out for something with better service records and maybe less miles. I vow to return once I get the LC I've always wanted. I'm grateful for this site and the information within it.

07-02-08, 06:29 PM	#1
undertow IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 3	96 with 205K and oil leak. Buy or not buy?? Hello all. I am new to this forum. I ended up here in hopes of some advice. I am looking at a 96 LC with 205K, a couple of ugly belts(second and third back from fan) and an oil leak. I am new to the Lc but have always wanted one. However, I have no idea what to look for or what I may be getting in to. I would love some advice. The vehicle has virtually no rust. It runs well and was maintained. It was used for towing a horse trailer pretty regularly. I know the trans was flushed several times over the past couple of years. The AC comp and AC clutch was replaced in the year. It is not cold so prob. needs a charge. The price is $4250. The paint has spots where bird poop sat and ate the clear coat. Any and all help is appreciated. Should I hold out or is this deal to good to pass. I am more worried about the vehicle being mechanically sound rather than how it looks. Also, is this re: to a FZJ80? Thanks!

07-02-08, 07:26 PM	#2
little_joe IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: RTP NC TLCA# 10568 Posts: 536	This may be a case where a review by a trusted mechanic is in order if you are not comfortable with diagnosing the various issues yourself. Also, where are you located? Here in NC (and likely other areas) you can find rust-free 80's with less mileage for nominally few more dollars - and chances are they haven't been beaten on. With today's gas prices, 80 values are dropping fast. 205k is not of concern: the towing, oil leaks, and possibly sub-optimal maintenance are concerns. There are other items you need to address, such as the cooling system and front axle - again, a mechanic may be worth the coin to get a review. __________________ Joe 1995 FZJ80, locked, 210K and counting Olde North State Cruisers of NC

07-02-08, 07:42 PM	#3
undertow IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 3	Thanks! I appreciate the input. I live in on the Eastern Shore of VA. I am trying to get a mechanic to look it over but feel that he may not know enough about this particular vehicle to give a thorough inspection. I may try and hold out for one with better service records that wasn't towing. Any trouble spots or things the mechanic should look at would be helpful. Thanks again!

07-02-08, 07:55 PM	#4
jfz80 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: la punta alto TLCA# 16634 Posts: 1,652	check the classifieds for poindexters rig....might be more than your budget or build ideas but its nice and a smoking deal. __________________ 95 FZJ-80 Lifted, Locked, armored,37'd, blown and bigelow enhanced ; single digit MPG wondermobile 72 FJ-55 IPOR bumpers/sliders, SOA, 3'' BL, 8274, and a big ole F'n engine, 35' (for sale) 92 P/U stock, lil lady owned, gas miser/DD/worker aka tiny tim

07-02-08, 08:21 PM	#5
CID 96 IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Covington, GA TLCA# 16123 Posts: 173	check Slee's web site for newbie buyers guide. sleeoffroad.com Or the FAQs here on this board has a link to what I am talking about. Sid __________________ 1994 FZJ-80 arb & aussie lockers, metaltech sliders, part-time 4wd 1978 FJ-40 (sold) 1971 FJ-40 (sold) 2007 Tacoma TRD S/C 4x4

07-02-08, 09:07 PM	#6
cruiserdan Parts Shaman (per Romer) Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Physical inventory prep. I'm edgy TLCA# 11332 Posts: 13,897	I recently bought a 95 with ~148,000 on it for 4,000 bucks. I think it's too much coin. But, I'm a cheap bastard. __________________ Original owner 93 FZJ80,locked,blown,water/methanol injected(like a WWII fighter aircraft),lifted,winched,snorkeled,slidered,Sleeed ,moneypit. Balanced on a pin head. 95 FZJ80 trail truck (hers), 94 FZJ80 320K with a knock and a lumpy old Dodge car.

07-02-08, 09:53 PM	#7
sprocket3 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 321	I would spend more money for one that is clean and doesn't need anything. You purchase mods, PM, repairs and improvements at pennies of what it will cost to do them when you let a prior owner pay. Prices are way down on these rigs, parts and labor are not. It is a buyers market. I would spend more to get a real nice truck and save a ton in the long run. Cheap cars end up being the most expensive ones to own. I would pass on anything other than near perfect. Check the for sale section of this site for some deals on clean rigs. __________________ -2000 UZJ100 -1997 LX450

07-03-08, 03:18 AM	#8
Brian Macgyver IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Prescott Valley, AZ Posts: 773	Three years ago, I paid $3500 for a rollover with a badly crushed left side and roof. The secret was that it has factory lockers. Does yours have them? I rebuilt the truck completely, (as is my habit). As soon as it was painted, I had an offer of $10,000 for it. At the time, it was stock, with OE factory lockers. I declined the offer. I do not rebuild trucks for other people to drive! My avatar shows it off. It is John Deere green,(not my favorite color) has a 3" lift and 35" Nitto tires. The custom bumpers and tire carrier are my own design. Not too bad for a rolled over wreck! The body is clean and the sunroof works fine! Toyo only ever imported 20,000 trucks with locking axles. They are rare. Most sellers are not aware of the value of them. If the locker switch is there, pay any reasonable amount. If it is not there, please buy it as cheap as you can, so that you can put lockers in. You will want at least a rear locker, which will cost about $600-$1000.

07-03-08, 07:03 AM	#9
sseaman IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,355	where is the oil leak? __________________ 91 FJ80 318k, spare tire mod, custom roof rack----SOLD 98 4runner 136k 98 Avalon 138k

07-03-08, 08:03 AM	#11
JML403 IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 23	Keep looking Hey I'm new to the Land Cruiser's also and I was in the same position you are. I knew I wanted an 80 so I look around for a few months and waited for the one I didnt have doubts abouts. I paid 7k for mine but it was a 97 100k miles spotless and had every maintenance receipt from a Toyota dealership for its whole exhistence (axle services, fluid flushes, rear main, tune ups, needless to say the owner got ripped off due there to lack of skills). But the deals are out there and you should be able to come up with one that rubs you the right way with no mechanical issues....

07-03-08, 08:51 AM	#13
Brentbba On the Golf Course! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA TLCA# 13420 Posts: 4,815	Keep looking. Someone here at work was recently at a Carmax just looking and was told that Carmax isn't even taking SUV's in on trades anymore! In addition was told that the value of SUV's was dropping $500 per week! That may be a stretch, but not far from it. There's bound to be a better deal out there for you. __________________ Brent '94 White LC; Kaymar Rear Bumper w/tire carrier; Hanna Sliders; ARB winch ready Front Bumper; Slee Transfer Case Skid Plate; Revo 285's, OME 850/863 Heavy 2" lift, INTI Rack; Warn M12000 Winch, Snorkel; Sputnik! TLCA Member #13420; KI6SGO

07-03-08, 07:21 PM	#16
undertow IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 3	Thanks for the feedback Thanks to all for the advice. I am going to hold out for something with better service records and maybe less miles. I vow to return once I get the LC I've always wanted. I'm grateful for this site and the information within it.

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