Would this be a good deal?

[will76]

Hi all,

We just joined this forum as we are planning to buy a landcruiser in Australia where we are planning to live for a few years.

One of the cars we found is this:

80 series, 1993 4.2 man diesel, 274.000 km's for 10K aus$, originally government owned for the first 70K's, after that well serviced. What do you think of this? Any thing to look for specifically while viewing this car?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Will

 

[BooKilla]

That is an absolutely awesome vehicle. 10k is ok aus, you can find them for cheaper. However, if it was taken care of because it was government vehicle then it may be worth the surplus price. I am jealous...a factory manual diesel...

 

[Thermodyn]

Yeah, no kidding. That is a great configuration. It's hard for me to have any perspective on whether or not it's a good deal, as I have no frame of reference. All the 80's in the U.S. are petrol/auto with luxury appointments. Man, if it exhibits the signs of being taken care of, then it's a good deal.

The best, single resource for things to look for is our own FAQ (stickied at top of page), and Slee's newbie guide:

80 Series Land Cruiser - Front Bumper

Ok, not sure why the link is saying "front bumper" , but it's the newbie guide, I assure you.

Welcome to MUD!

 

[IronYuppy]

Sounds good.

I know some of our Aussie friends will have some input on this.

I suspect if it's gov't surplus it will be basic, basic config. IE manual windows, no tint, rubber floor mat in lieu of carpeting, etc. Not a big deal for some. I wonder if a base fleet model will have rear disc brakes/full-floating rear axle.

I have read of problems with the "ambulance doors" on the 80s, such as squeaking hinges and door sag, but I don't know how common an issue it is.

Seems all the guys who import turbo diesel 80/81 Series here change the big end bearings right away as PM . I would spend some time reading the Diesel/JDM section on the board for more info on this.

Ultimately, however, you can't go wrong. Just educate yourself on what to expect.

 

[will76]

Hi guys, thanks for the replies again!

Well, the car I mentioned did not look as good as hoped, there was grease everwhere under the engine and on top on the right side (I think the powersteering hydrolics are there).

So we went and viewed another one of which the engine was in much better condition (even though it is a bit more expensive) and that did not have any gear problems. Mileage is 245K, price 11.000, from 1996. Same story on the government (all maintenance done), receipts for oil and filter change every 5K km's.

Some pics (especially on the rust):







What do you guys think?

 

[riberware]

I recently bought a 1998 full extras HDJ-80 with the turbo engine and a A442f auto tranny, with 288000 kms in $10,500...

 

[roscoFJ73]

Thats in the ballpark Will,but I would try and haggle on the price a little.
Most of the problems in these are the gearbox when they have done those kind of klms.
I think they have the H50 box.
I would give the out put flanges some up/down pressure and watch for movement.

How was the coolant system,aircon,brakes,steering ect?



The aussie govt bought these by the 1000s. Everywhere from the Dept of Agriculture to the Dept of Defence was using them.
It would not have been in govt ownership for a long time,they usually sell at 50000klms

 

[will76]

Guys, thanks for all the help. We bought the 80-series eventually, up in exmouth, WA now. drove about 2000K's and it did great so far!

will