10k budget... is it enough?

[applesauce86]

Hello Everyone I'm new here and looking at 100 series cruisers.

I'm coming from a 3rd gen Tacoma which was totaled early this month in a hard rear end collision. I loved the truck and it was great for the very mild adventuring we did, but we were looking to do more before the wreck happened. Specifically adding a rack and a RTT (this will be relevant latter)

The other side of the equation was gas millage, the 20-22mpg on the 3rd gen Tacoma was not ideal for my 100+ mile daily commute.

So I've convinced the wife that we should buy two vehicles, a small car for my commute, and a dedicated adventure vehicle.

Thus the idea of a land cruiser.

My budget is around 10k-12k on the adventure vehicle. What I would like to do is buy a 100 series, in good condition,good service history (I'm looking through the awesome Slee Offroad pre-purchase list and learning all I can)

--Id like to do a complete fluid change out just to be on a new baseline
--New tires if needed, probably KO2's or General grabbers? open to suggestions?
--roof rack
--smitybuilt rtt
--delete running boards

My biggest concern is reliability, I grew up in Tacoma's and have always loved Toyota's for the reliability and the LC is legendary for it, but I just want to set my expectations appropriately.

Most of what is around my area that fits my budget is around 200-250k, everything I've read so far says that with basic maintenance they should be more than reliable for what we need. 2-3 hr highway drives to forest service roads in the mountains.

Am I missing anything major that I should be considering? I'm pretty comfortable with doing most work myself.

 

[Comet]

Very reasonable given the budget you have stated as long as you do as much of the work yourself. I commute a 2003 Camry 5 speed, wife drives the 1999 100 series, and my 80 sits in the backyard appreciating in value (broken down awaiting a new wiring loom). There are deals to be had if you look and are not afraid of traveling. We purchased our 100 series with 224K on the odometer and haven't looked back. It's not a solid axle cruiser but that's a conversation for another thread......

The timing belt was our only issue. Got the parts as part of the purchase and have yet to change it out.

I am assuming that no one was seriously hurt in the accident.

 

[customcruiser]

I bought my 100 with 225k - it's a Toyota

 

[applesauce86]

Very reasonable given the budget you have stated as long as you do as much of the work yourself. I commute a 2003 Camry 5 speed, wife drives the 1999 100 series, and my 80 sits in the backyard appreciating in value (broken down awaiting a new wiring loom). There are deals to be had if you look and are not afraid of traveling. We purchased our 100 series with 224K on the odometer and haven't looked back. It's not a solid axle cruiser but that's a conversation for another thread......

The timing belt was our only issue. Got the parts as part of the purchase and have yet to change it out.

I am assuming that no one was seriously hurt in the accident.

I'm looking at a corolla for the commuter.

I'm seeing prices anywhere from $5000-$10,000 for 100 series with between 190-300k miles. My thought is to go with what ever looks to be the best condition with the best service history under 250k miles.

I was sore, she was driving so she was a bit shaken up but thankfully we are alright.

 

[applesauce86]

I bought my 100 with 225k - it's a Toyota

Do you mind me asking what you paid? and the condition?

I had 116k on my 3rd gen Tacoma, my dad has 250k+ on his 1st gen. Just bought a rav4 for the wife... "Its a Toyota" might be my favorite phrase haha.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Buy the best one you can afford. Keep about a couple of grand for repairs and refresh.
Some parts are Toyota cheap (brake rotors and pads, shocks etc) some parts have Land Cruiser tax (control arms, aftermarket upgrades) and some parts are stupid expensive (brake booster etc)

With a decent set of wheels (KO2 for example) they are very capable off and on road. Beware of the upgrade bug - you can literally triple the cost of your truck with aftermarket parts.

 

[Leandro]

My biggest concern is reliability, I grew up in Tacoma's and have always loved Toyota's for the reliability and the LC is legendary for it, but I just want to set my expectations appropriately.

When you buy a Land Cruiser (or LX) that is not concern anymore.

 

[applesauce86]

Buy the best one you can afford. Keep about a couple of grand for repairs and refresh.
Some parts are Toyota cheap (brake rotors and pads, shocks etc) some parts have Land Cruiser tax (control arms, aftermarket upgrades) and some parts are stupid expensive (brake booster etc)

With a decent set of wheels (KO2 for example) they are very capable off and on road. Beware of the upgrade bug - you can literally triple the cost of your truck with aftermarket parts.

I could easily see that happening down the road. The plan is to just make it reliable and,to take more trips with less hassle and packing, and an easier set up when we get where ever we are going.

 

[Chewbacca]

I just purchased a 2002 with 214k for $9,000. It is in great shape, timing belt was just done a month ago by the seller. I think your budget is right for this kind of truck. Just keep an eye out for one that has been well maintained with records.

Took it on its first trail with me over the weekend. Sadly, the passes around here aren't open yet. We were only able to get halfway up before being turned around.

 

[J1000]

Hell yeah that's what I do; have my LX and a 30mpg Honda for tarmac driving.

$10k can easily get you a 100 series, but I would completely avoid looking in your area. Look out west for one. Every 100 I've seen east of Kansas is a rusty wreck. If you pick a Lexus you can easily run the VIN through lexusdrivers.com and see the complete service history. $10k will get you a better LX than LC from my experience.

 

[suprarx7nut]

$10k is enough for a great 100, but your mods will eat up a few k and bring your initial purchase into danger territory, IMO. Buy the nicest one you can and keep in mind a nice, stock 100 is better than a modded basket case.

The expensive pitfall fixes are:

1. ABS module
2. steering rack
3. Engine (very rare, but seems to pop up more and more on the boards as of 2019)
4. Axles (if you go OEM, which you should)

Short of the above issues and major rust, interior or body damage I think you're pretty safe. The 100 is incredibly reliable with only a few pricey problems.

 

[CBeckFJ]

$10K is a good budget. I picked my '05 LX up for that price, 290K and zero rust

 

[TXLX100]

You can buy a really nice 100 for $10-12k.

I'd recommend to buy one that's as close to built as you like, and as much maintenance and repair as possible. Good luck!

 

[843LX]

I found a steal a few hours away from me. 2001 white Lexus with 145k for 8,000$. They are out there, just be checking on a daily basis and the right one will pop up.

 

[jsigone]

12k is plenty to get started down the rabbit hole. Got my 2 owner 01 LX w/ 187k one it for $8k, clean rust free copy in Orange County, CA. He owned it since 03 and was likely lease trade in, it was a good virgin to the dirt. I went to 4wheelparts and ordered up 5 methods rims and 5 33" KO2, 50k mile tires plus extra warranty for another 2500 or so.