1999 Land Cruiser - purchase or Pass?

[Cruisn]

I am about 6-8 weeks into my search for a Hundy. I've come across one that I think is worth posting here for the community's opinion.

1999 Land Cruiser. 184k miles. Was asking 9900 OBO. Has since come down to 8900 firm. It was listed for 2 weeks at 9900, then dropped for 2 weeks to 8900, taken down for about 4 weeks and has been re-listed today at 8900 again. Owner said he paid 10,500 last year. I looked at it when he had 9900 on it and I offered 8300.

Areas of concern -
1. Windshield is cracked. No replacement needed as of now, but most likely within the year.
2. Sunroof motor makes noise but does not open. According to owner, there is no leak.
3. Driver side door speaker does not produce sound.
4. Drivers seat has noticeable, but not terrible, wear.
5. Owner has stated that power steering leaks about 1 drop per weak.

Outside of those areas, after my own examination and test drive, I think it's in great condition. Didn't notice rust or too many exterior blemishes. Timing belt changed in past 15k miles. I plan on asking him to have an independent mechanic put it on a rack and give it an inspection.

Does anyone see any red flags here? Anyone care to throw a ballpark figure on price?

 

[ChihuahuaTN]

1999 Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4

 

[SALTY METHODS]

IMO, the only thing that makes it a consideration is the LRD (+1). The gold center hubs are killing me though (-1).

 

[DJCloz]

Looks pretty good in my opinion The repairs seem to be minor. Try to get him to split the difference Or get the $8,300 cash and just put in his hands. Nothing talks like cash money!

 

[Cruisn]

To be honest, I posted here because I'm lukewarm on it and was hoping for reinforcement one way or the other. I've also been eyeing this one:

Toyota Land Cruiser V8 4WD

Outside of what's in the ad - the only thing non-functional is the CD player. Bilstein shocks have been installed. No Rust. 2 owners.

 

[camino70]

Lukewarm=pass

There are some well priced trucks in muds classifieds right now.

 

[Joe Tucker]

I've also been in the market for a 100 series and all I've been able to find in my area have been trucks that are either way overpriced or not in good condition. I talked to the (now previous) owner of this truck yesterday afternoon. Went to look at it this morning and was very impressed with the condition - save the items that Cruisn mentioned. It also has brand new tires, which is a plus.

Anyway - I offered $8,500 and we ended up agreeing to $8,600. I bought it on the spot.

Most pressing item is to change out the center caps on the wheels - you guys are right, the gold is hideous. Ha.

Only big downside was a lack of records for the maintenance items that the seller said have been completed. Now trying to decide how much I should do/re-do to create a baseline for the truck. May post another thread on that topic.

Sorry for hijacking the thread, Cruisn and best of luck on your search.

 

[camino70]

A little paint will make a huge difference on those center caps.

 

[White wings]

That's a healthy price tag, how was the frame?

 

[Joe Tucker]

That's a healthy price tag, how was the frame?

Excellent - only thing I could find was the most minor surface rust. I'm really happy with what I got for the money.

 

[Knox_Overland]

I bought a 99' LC (river rock green) w/ $150k miles, 2 owner, last owner had it for 15yrs, it also has the rear diff locker & timing belt done at 127k for $6,000. They are out there!! That sounds like a good buy as well!!

 

[STIGPIG]

I bought a 99' LC (river rock green) w/ $150k miles, 2 owner, last owner had it for 15yrs, it also has the rear diff locker & timing belt done at 127k for $6,000. They are out there!! That sounds like a good buy as well!!

View attachment 1295128

That's steal. I paid $6,500 for mine earlier this year and it was in poor shape with 240k miles.

 

[JACA]

To the OP, I say pass on this one. With those issues, this one is worth in the $6,000-$7,000 range tops, especially from a private seller. Certainly not in the $8-9K range. For comparison, I bought my 2000 LX470 about 6 months ago, with 207K miles, one owner, all records, and no issues at all, for $7,000, from a dealer in the Atlanta area. The good deals are out there, but this is not one of them.

 

[thatcabledude]

Lol. Another member already posted that he bought it.

 

[Cruisn]

Thanks for the reassurance, haha.

 

[JACA]

Sorry, Joe Tucker. Didn't see your post. Don't look back. In the long run, it's not about how much you paid, but how much YOU enjoy it. Just baseline it, make it your own, and drive on.

 

[Joe Tucker]

Sorry, Joe Tucker. Didn't see your post. Don't look back. In the long run, it's not about how much you paid, but how much YOU enjoy it. Just baseline it, make it your own, and drive on.

No worries. Like I said - I'm really happy with it and based on what I've been able to find locally, this represents a fair price and it has clearly been well cared for and properly maintained.

I just didn't want to buy something sight unseen or have to travel to go pick something up - I just don't have time to do that sort of thing.

Baselining is underway - looking forward to lots of fun. Only problem is looking at all the awesome trucks on this forum are likely to cost me quite a bit of cash - ha! Initially thought I wouldn't be doing any 'building' - now, that is seriously in doubt.

 

[JACA]

Joe Tucker, I'm in the same boat. When I found my LX, I said to myself, "l'll just keep it stock for now, and build it slowly over time." One week later, I already spent $1,000 on new bigger tires, a few hundred $ on miscellaneous stuff, and now I'm about to drop $2,000 on a front bumper and roof rack. The most fun I've had is just generally puttering around and wrenching on it with routine maintenance. I'm about to replace front/rear brakes and rotors soon. Got the parts - just waiting to get the time to do it.

 

[STIGPIG]

Joe Tucker, I'm in the same boat. When I found my LX, I said to myself, "l'll just keep it stock for now, and build it slowly over time." One week later, I already spent $1,000 on new bigger tires, a few hundred $ on miscellaneous stuff, and now I'm about to drop $2,000 on a front bumper and roof rack. The most fun I've had is just generally puttering around and wrenching on it with routine maintenance. I'm about to replace front/rear brakes and rotors soon. Got the parts - just waiting to get the time to do it.

$2k for a front bumper AND rack? That's a great deal.