1997 LandCruiser 40th Locked Would u buy it?

RepoDevil · 10-06-08, 06:41 PM

I have the chance to buy a 1997 Landcruiser 40th Locked. Carfax looks good no accidents or damage BUT the mileage on the odometer is 100478 and the Car fax says it is 179200. Owner says the cluster was changed before he got it. No Rust Lockers now work he had sensors put in only thing it needs is Tires. I can get it for $6,000 cash out the door. Would u buy it? THanks for helping a Newbie out.

-Spike- · 10-06-08, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RepoDevil

No Rust Lockers now work...

Huh?

-Spike

RepoDevil · 10-06-08, 07:23 PM

any help would be great the owner claims he replaced a sensor and the lockers now work. I will see tomorrow.

d0ubledown · 10-06-08, 07:33 PM

test the lockers. new sensors wont make it lock...sensors just change the bulb status from blinking to solid in the dash when the diff is in fact locked. you can have a diff locked, but still blinking indicators which points to faulty sensors. carfax is sometimes inconsistent with actual mileage...but the fact that he claims the cluster was changed makes it suspect. ask to see his registration if it indicates the mileage when he registered/renewed it.

Beowulf · 10-06-08, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RepoDevil

I can get it for $6,000 cash out the door. Would u buy it?

Yes, I would buy it unless I thought the condition was so bad it would be a money pit. Plan on $1,000 to baseline everything.

-B-

hawkeye · 10-06-08, 10:13 PM

Yes, I think that is a good deal providing everything works well.

LUV24BY · 10-06-08, 10:19 PM

*MY* question would be ~ WHY WAS THE GAUGE CLUSTER CHANGED?!

Ask them to show you the title. On there is a milage statement. What does that state? Can you go to the state the LX is registered in and ask the DMV about the milage differences.

Just food for thought! I think Electrical problems, water damage, something just doesn't add up!

How many of you vet member have heard of the gauge clusters being a weak point?

John

ranma21 · 10-06-08, 10:26 PM

Not a bad deal if everything is in good shape. Check closely on the body line and paint to make sure it has not been in any accident. Sometimes accident might not shows on carfax as well.

-Spike- · 10-07-08, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d0ubledown

new sensors wont make it lock...sensors just change the bulb status from blinking to solid in the dash when the diff is in fact locked.

If the CDL sensor is bad, the axle lockers won't engage.

-Spike

Firedog · 10-07-08, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUV24BY

*MY* question would be ~ WHY WAS THE GAUGE CLUSTER CHANGED?!

Just food for thought! I think Electrical problems, water damage, something just doesn't add up!

How many of you vet member have heard of the gauge clusters being a weak point?

John

I would REALLY check out the electrical side, make sure there is no corrosion in the connectors, look behind the glove box for indications of water damage (it should be dusty, but no piles of dirt, and no water tracks)
It sounds like a nice truck as long as everything adds up.
Look on the Carfax and see where it has been...

RepoDevil · 10-07-08, 09:44 AM

thanks i will check the electrical today

RepoDevil · 10-07-08, 09:48 AM

Did anyone hear of the gauge cluster going bad? Thanks to everyone ..

Beowulf · 10-07-08, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RepoDevil

Did anyone hear of the gauge cluster going bad?

I did an advanced SEARCH for posts in the 80-Section using keywords=bad gauge cluster, and got ~20 results including your above post that I quoted.

There are a few reports of failing trip odometers. Most DIY guys tried and succeeded in a fix for the trip meter. There were a couple of reports of failed oil pressure guages and discussions of the Raven coolant temp gauge mod.

I didn't see any reports of complete failure of the gauge cluster and I wouldn't expect to see any unless the failure was a result of physical damage; accident, flood, fire, etc.

-B-

bpassmore · 10-07-08, 10:36 AM

Maybe the PO had a temper and put his fist through it after paying a C note to fill the sucker up.

i'm just sayin..

FZJ80Fireman · 10-07-08, 11:04 AM

I'd look for a Toyota specialist in your neighborhood that has a lot of experience with Land Cruisers. Most shops will charge around $100 for this but it is worth every penny. Needed repairs, ie Head Gasket can cost $1500-$2000, but can be a bargining point. Perhaps you can a bit off the price to cover this. Also tires are going to cost $600+ depending on what you want.

Check out the the forum for what to look for and Slee Off Road (Sleeoffroad.com - Toyota SUV Off-Road Outfitters) also has a nice write up. I spent about 10 hours reading before buying mine. Then I looked at 10+ LC's before buying mine.

Good luck,

RepoDevil · 10-07-08, 11:51 AM

This site really is the best thanks if it goes well i will buy it today.

CreeperSleeper · 10-07-08, 04:10 PM

I wouldn't buy it, but then again I already have one!

Actually, it sounds like a pretty good deal to me...

RepoDevil · 10-08-08, 10:43 AM

I now own the cruiser thanks to everybody... And i love it.

CreeperSleeper · 10-08-08, 10:43 AM

Pics!!!

RepoDevil · 10-08-08, 10:59 AM

here they r

bpassmore · 10-08-08, 11:09 AM

Good looking truck. I love that color.
Congratulations buddy.

CreeperSleeper · 10-08-08, 11:12 AM

Nice! I wish mine was Sage...

RepoDevil · 10-08-08, 11:12 AM

Thanks it is like having another child

Firedog · 10-08-08, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RepoDevil

Thanks it is like having another child

Once you start down the slippery slope of mods, you will think you are sending that child to college! $$$$$

Congratulations, its a nice rig!

sprocket3 · 10-08-08, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CreeperSleeper

Nice! I wish mine was Sage...

Since when have you cared about looks! I don't think Sage will hide all the dents any better than Midnight Green.

Congrats on the Cruiser, that is a great color.

10-06-08, 06:41 PM	#1
RepoDevil IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Laureldale PA Posts: 33	1997 LandCruiser 40th Locked Would u buy it? I have the chance to buy a 1997 Landcruiser 40th Locked. Carfax looks good no accidents or damage BUT the mileage on the odometer is 100478 and the Car fax says it is 179200. Owner says the cluster was changed before he got it. No Rust Lockers now work he had sensors put in only thing it needs is Tires. I can get it for $6,000 cash out the door. Would u buy it? THanks for helping a Newbie out.

10-06-08, 07:33 PM	#4
d0ubledown IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: vansterdam, BC Posts: 350	test the lockers. new sensors wont make it lock...sensors just change the bulb status from blinking to solid in the dash when the diff is in fact locked. you can have a diff locked, but still blinking indicators which points to faulty sensors. carfax is sometimes inconsistent with actual mileage...but the fact that he claims the cluster was changed makes it suspect. ask to see his registration if it indicates the mileage when he registered/renewed it. __________________ sonny 1998 4RunnerBUILT. WHEELED. SOLD new ride: 1997 FZJ80

10-06-08, 10:13 PM	#6
hawkeye IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Socal/ I.E. Posts: 241	Yes, I think that is a good deal providing everything works well. __________________ 97 fzj 40th Locked and loaded, 3" OME lift.

10-06-08, 10:19 PM	#7
LUV24BY IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Phoenix, Arizona TLCA# I dunno!?! Posts: 237	MY question would be ~ WHY WAS THE GAUGE CLUSTER CHANGED?! Ask them to show you the title. On there is a milage statement. What does that state? Can you go to the state the LX is registered in and ask the DMV about the milage differences. Just food for thought! I think Electrical problems, water damage, something just doesn't add up! How many of you vet member have heard of the gauge clusters being a weak point? John __________________ We tigers prefer to inflict excitement on others - Hobbes 1993 Toyota FZJ80 - Locked "ROCKN80" For Photos: http://www.cardomain.com/id/LUV24BY

10-06-08, 10:26 PM	#8
ranma21 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 516	Not a bad deal if everything is in good shape. Check closely on the body line and paint to make sure it has not been in any accident. Sometimes accident might not shows on carfax as well. __________________ 1997 LX450. ARB bumper, Warn 9.5XP, Rear bumper with tire/fuel carrier, SLEE slider, LightForce 170, 295/75/16 Nitto, OME lift, Slee brakeline, my GOLDEN RETRIEVER HID KIT for sale H4, 9006 Rear Bumper Tire/Fuel Carrier for sale

10-06-08, 07:23 PM	#3
RepoDevil IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Laureldale PA Posts: 33	any help would be great the owner claims he replaced a sensor and the lockers now work. I will see tomorrow.

10-07-08, 09:44 AM	#11
RepoDevil IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Laureldale PA Posts: 33	thanks i will check the electrical today

10-07-08, 09:48 AM	#12
RepoDevil IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Laureldale PA Posts: 33	Did anyone hear of the gauge cluster going bad? Thanks to everyone ..

10-07-08, 11:04 AM	#15
FZJ80Fireman IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Castle Rock, Colorado Posts: 20	I'd look for a Toyota specialist in your neighborhood that has a lot of experience with Land Cruisers. Most shops will charge around $100 for this but it is worth every penny. Needed repairs, ie Head Gasket can cost $1500-$2000, but can be a bargining point. Perhaps you can a bit off the price to cover this. Also tires are going to cost $600+ depending on what you want. Check out the the forum for what to look for and Slee Off Road (Sleeoffroad.com - Toyota SUV Off-Road Outfitters) also has a nice write up. I spent about 10 hours reading before buying mine. Then I looked at 10+ LC's before buying mine. Good luck,

10-07-08, 11:51 AM	#16
RepoDevil IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Laureldale PA Posts: 33	This site really is the best thanks if it goes well i will buy it today.

10-08-08, 10:43 AM	#18
RepoDevil IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Laureldale PA Posts: 33	I now own the cruiser thanks to everybody... And i love it.

10-08-08, 10:59 AM	#20
RepoDevil IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Laureldale PA Posts: 33	Pics here they r Attached Images

10-08-08, 11:12 AM	#23
RepoDevil IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Laureldale PA Posts: 33	Thanks it is like having another child

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode