1997 in the Triangle

[Battleship]

There is a 97 at a small used car dealer nearby.

JT3HJ85J1V0159475

cars.com: 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser

I have been reading the FAQ and such, I was just wondering if anyone knew of this vehicle. Anyone seen it going endo down a hill or floating in a storm surge? Carfax is clean, it spent its life in FL and NC, looks decent for 175k, getting it inspected by a local Toyota guy, he's asking about 8900 for it. Does anyone have any big red flags?

There is a switchplate to the left of the steering column, empty with a small hole in it, not sure what that was.

 

[uzj100]

There is a switchplate to the left of the steering column, empty with a small hole in it, not sure what that was. - They use to drill a hole and put in a small red flashing light for the alarm.

 

[S4Cruiser]

I'd be interested in how they changed the timing belt...as the 80 utilizes a timing chain instead (which doesn't need changing unless there are prblems). The switch you are referring to is for the front and rear Diff Lock. It was an option on the 80s and ones that have them are sought after. It sounds like the truck you are looking at does not have that option installed if there is no switch. You can do a search on here and read the 80 series FAQ to find a lot of good info about these trucks.

Good luck with the search, I love my 97!!

Jon

 

[southerncruiser62]

Be careful with this dealer, I have not first hand dealt with him but have heard some say bad things, and a while back he said (unless it's another owner now) he would never sell landcruisers cause they were to expensive for him to repair, I would also caution the fact that he mentions the timing belt when like others have said it's a chain. However he may be referring to the accessory belts. maybe see what records you can find on the truck.

 

[worldcruiser]

Land cruisers do not have serpentine belts either.
only accesory belts.

 

[little_joe]

That's the best color Cruiser there is. Guess that's what mine would look like if it wasn't ragged.

I took a quick peek at that one and it does appear to be in very good condition. I too am a bit skeptical at their mention of the timing belt - makes me wonder as far as the other maintenance goes, did they cut corners, use crap parts, or what?

If it checks out and they provide a complete, current Carfax, that's not a bad deal.

 

[Battleship]

I too am a bit skeptical at their mention of the timing belt - makes me wonder as far as the other maintenance goes, did they cut corners, use crap parts, or what?

Mixed results. Talking to the mechanic, he corrected the timing belt statement, acknowledged that it had a chain that didn't need changing. Had Phil's down the street look at it, found nasty goo in the diffs and transfer case, thought the transmission changed gears not-so-smoothly.

We'll see.