- Location
- United States
Here's the thing. I live in the Middle East and I visit my boys in Virginia as often as I can. I've been looking for a Model 100 for some time--I own a 2001 model 100 with a straight 6 in Dubai which I love as my daily driver. I thought I had found the perfect truck on Ebay that I could build over time. From the very detailed listing it looked like a 'hanger queen', but read on if you dare!
Here's the original Ebay listing for as long as it lasts:
2000 Toyota Land Cruiser | eBay
And here's the seller's original description, verbatim:
I had some general correspondence with the seller prior to bidding, but the photo that sold me on this truck was this one:
Clean as a whistle, don't you think? Ok, it was a NJ truck but it sure looked good....
So I bid. And I won. And a couple of weeks later it was delivered down to Arlington VA the day before I arrived from the Middle East to attend my younger boy's high school graduation.
I walked up to the truck and saw the windshield crack (that had been disclosed). What had not been disclosed was the bubble up of rust at the top center of the windshield and the fact that this was obviously a replacement windshield--badly, badly done. The side trim strips were loose, and I am sure hid a plethora of sins.
So, Ok, I got a good price on a truck that runs wells, shifts, good interior, everything is there as in the photos. And it passed emissions inspection. So I said to myself I will take it down to the local (good) bodyshop and spend a few bucks and get it done right and tell myself--lesson learned about buying a truck without seeing it first. I also noticed suspicious grapefruit rind paint around the front driver's side wheelwell and tapping along in similar places suggested liberal bondo application. Oh and the liftgate latch was completely rusted away to two metal strips--something I've never seen. But what is strange is the rest of the truck is so very nice.
Richard, the owner of the bodyshop did an initial estimate at 3.2K to sort out issues around the wheelwells and do a proper repair of the windshield and replace same. After further inspection and looking under trim he estimates an -additional- 4 to 5K to sort everything. I have pictures from Richard which I will post once I figure out how to do that.
Given the condition of the rest of the truck I would be tempted to take the time and do the metal replacement myself and make sure it is completely proper and have fun doing it and involve my boys in the project. The rest of the truck really is pretty nice. But because I live in the Middle East and only visit VA, it just is not a practical solution.
I appealed to the seller's decency to take the truck back given the very substantial difference between his description and the extensive body rust issue. I received a nice message in reply but no substantive progress.
So here I am offering up this interesting challenge to someone who has the time and interest to tackle it. The price listed above is exactly what I have into it, less title transfer.
I hope this potentially very nice early model 100 finds a good home and gets the treatment it deserves.
ALTERNATIVELY, if any of you are able to suggest a shop within reach of Arlington Virginia suitable for taking this on--with experience with LC, I'd be very greatful. Time is not an issue. Money not a huge issue--as long as it is a completely proper and complete repair. As I mentioned, this is a pretty nice truck--aside from the serious, mostly hidden, body rust issues. Way beyond what the local body shop is suitable for.
Here is a link to all the original ebay photos
Here is a link to the photos from the local body shop illustrating the problem
Here's the original Ebay listing for as long as it lasts:
2000 Toyota Land Cruiser | eBay
And here's the seller's original description, verbatim:
2000 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 100 SERIES– ONE OWNER/MINT - RARE FACTORY IMPERIAL JADE MICA COLOR/OAK INTERIOR
NO RESERVE AUCTION – FULLY LOADED & MINT CONDITION
For those asking what the buy it now price is to end the auction now, the price is $12,000. I challenge you to find a cleaner example.
This truck was purchased new in 2000 for $57,499 and original window sticker will be included with the sale. It’s fully loaded and has been hailed as the most reliable vehicle ever made with the bulletproof 4.7L V8 motor.
All options including ActiveTrac full time AWD, center locking differential, tow package, transmission oil cooler, power moonroof, leather interior, power everything, third row seats w/rear climate controls, power third row vented windows, convenience package (rear wind deflector, roof rack, running boards, drop hitch, auto-dimming mirrors, sunroof wind deflector), wood dash,
Overall Condition
As you can see from the pics, the truck is one of the nicest 100-series trucks still in existence. One owner, clean title, no accidents, original paint with showroom shine, mint interior with no stains/smells, no pets/kids/smokers, dealer maintained with documentation, no stories, no issues.
The suspension, transmission, ac compressor, and timing belt have all been replaced. All 4 tires have been replaced recently (only a few hundred miles on them) with a matching set of Cooper Discoverers. The brakes and rotors were also recently done…all work done at Fred Beans Toyota. That being said, the truck could be driven across the country today with absolutely no issues. A more complete list of recent repairs is shown below. There are no check engine or dash lights lit. All power windows/locks, tach, speedometer, lights, work fine. I invite you to drive this after others with half the mileage (if any exist still) and feel the difference. The truck feels and drives like it has 20K miles. No squeaks, rattles, or funny noises. Truck has cold a/c and warm heat and climate control in all 3 rows. Power seats, windows, and locks.
Exterior
There are no dents or body damage on the exterior. No accidents and straight as an arrow on every panel. The VIN numbers match everywhere. The original paint on the body has a rich shine to it. I would be more than happy to provide additional pics of wheel wells, undercarriage etc upon request to show the condition (ebay only allows 24 pics). One defect worth noting is a crack in the windshield glass.
Interior
The interior is original and looks mint with no tears in the leather. The carpet is original and the mats are OEM with no stains anywhere. The dash is perfect with no cracks and the trunk area is also. The interior is all original, including the OEM head unit still installed. The third row seats and rear seats show almost zero wear and were hardly ever sat in…no pets and not used as a family vehicle with kids.
This truck comes with everything it came with day one.... a full size spare with tire, lift jack, owner's manual, two keys (one is a remote key), and records.
Mechanical
As mentioned, the truck has been always maintained at Fred Beans Toyota. The truck currently has 175K miles (under 10K miles/year). The motor runs as strong as ever and you will be hard pressed to find one that feels as smooth as this through the entire power range.
Recent work done with very little mileage (records for everything from dealer):
Four new matching tires with only a few hundred miles (Cooper Discoverer H/T)
New battery and alternator $518 8/1/15
Front drive axles and tie rods $520 7/7/15
Front and rear brakes/rotors & parking brake $710 7/7/15
ABS sensor $383 4/30/15
Radiator & thermostat $650 4/14/15
Door lock actuator $200 4/14/15
Sepentine belt $170 2/5/15
Air filter $33 2/5/15
Brake lines along frame rail all replaced $857 2/5/15
Other notable repairs completed at >100K miles:
New struts (all four corners)
New timing belt
Transmission replaced
New front wheel bearings
New AC compressor and AC belt
All fluids and general tune-up items done at recommended intervals always.
DETAILS & TERMS:
This Land Cruiser is in my garage in Royersford, PA (30 miles outside Philadelphia, PA and South Jersey). Inspections are encouraged and welcomed PRIOR to the close of the auction/sale. All sales are final after the auction though.
It has a clear & clean NJ title. The registration is current.
$800 deposit due via Paypal at the close of the auction.
Balance due via cash in person, cashiers check or bank wire transfer within 3 days (72 hours) of auction close.
Buyer responsible for shipping, although I’m happy to assist (check uship.com). If you are in one of the bordering states to PA I can include shipping the truck for a $300 fee, possibly less.
Please email me with any questions prior to bidding.
NO RESERVE AUCTION – FULLY LOADED & MINT CONDITION
For those asking what the buy it now price is to end the auction now, the price is $12,000. I challenge you to find a cleaner example.
This truck was purchased new in 2000 for $57,499 and original window sticker will be included with the sale. It’s fully loaded and has been hailed as the most reliable vehicle ever made with the bulletproof 4.7L V8 motor.
All options including ActiveTrac full time AWD, center locking differential, tow package, transmission oil cooler, power moonroof, leather interior, power everything, third row seats w/rear climate controls, power third row vented windows, convenience package (rear wind deflector, roof rack, running boards, drop hitch, auto-dimming mirrors, sunroof wind deflector), wood dash,
Overall Condition
As you can see from the pics, the truck is one of the nicest 100-series trucks still in existence. One owner, clean title, no accidents, original paint with showroom shine, mint interior with no stains/smells, no pets/kids/smokers, dealer maintained with documentation, no stories, no issues.
The suspension, transmission, ac compressor, and timing belt have all been replaced. All 4 tires have been replaced recently (only a few hundred miles on them) with a matching set of Cooper Discoverers. The brakes and rotors were also recently done…all work done at Fred Beans Toyota. That being said, the truck could be driven across the country today with absolutely no issues. A more complete list of recent repairs is shown below. There are no check engine or dash lights lit. All power windows/locks, tach, speedometer, lights, work fine. I invite you to drive this after others with half the mileage (if any exist still) and feel the difference. The truck feels and drives like it has 20K miles. No squeaks, rattles, or funny noises. Truck has cold a/c and warm heat and climate control in all 3 rows. Power seats, windows, and locks.
Exterior
There are no dents or body damage on the exterior. No accidents and straight as an arrow on every panel. The VIN numbers match everywhere. The original paint on the body has a rich shine to it. I would be more than happy to provide additional pics of wheel wells, undercarriage etc upon request to show the condition (ebay only allows 24 pics). One defect worth noting is a crack in the windshield glass.
Interior
The interior is original and looks mint with no tears in the leather. The carpet is original and the mats are OEM with no stains anywhere. The dash is perfect with no cracks and the trunk area is also. The interior is all original, including the OEM head unit still installed. The third row seats and rear seats show almost zero wear and were hardly ever sat in…no pets and not used as a family vehicle with kids.
This truck comes with everything it came with day one.... a full size spare with tire, lift jack, owner's manual, two keys (one is a remote key), and records.
Mechanical
As mentioned, the truck has been always maintained at Fred Beans Toyota. The truck currently has 175K miles (under 10K miles/year). The motor runs as strong as ever and you will be hard pressed to find one that feels as smooth as this through the entire power range.
Recent work done with very little mileage (records for everything from dealer):
Four new matching tires with only a few hundred miles (Cooper Discoverer H/T)
New battery and alternator $518 8/1/15
Front drive axles and tie rods $520 7/7/15
Front and rear brakes/rotors & parking brake $710 7/7/15
ABS sensor $383 4/30/15
Radiator & thermostat $650 4/14/15
Door lock actuator $200 4/14/15
Sepentine belt $170 2/5/15
Air filter $33 2/5/15
Brake lines along frame rail all replaced $857 2/5/15
Other notable repairs completed at >100K miles:
New struts (all four corners)
New timing belt
Transmission replaced
New front wheel bearings
New AC compressor and AC belt
All fluids and general tune-up items done at recommended intervals always.
DETAILS & TERMS:
This Land Cruiser is in my garage in Royersford, PA (30 miles outside Philadelphia, PA and South Jersey). Inspections are encouraged and welcomed PRIOR to the close of the auction/sale. All sales are final after the auction though.
It has a clear & clean NJ title. The registration is current.
$800 deposit due via Paypal at the close of the auction.
Balance due via cash in person, cashiers check or bank wire transfer within 3 days (72 hours) of auction close.
Buyer responsible for shipping, although I’m happy to assist (check uship.com). If you are in one of the bordering states to PA I can include shipping the truck for a $300 fee, possibly less.
Please email me with any questions prior to bidding.
I had some general correspondence with the seller prior to bidding, but the photo that sold me on this truck was this one:
Clean as a whistle, don't you think? Ok, it was a NJ truck but it sure looked good....
So I bid. And I won. And a couple of weeks later it was delivered down to Arlington VA the day before I arrived from the Middle East to attend my younger boy's high school graduation.
I walked up to the truck and saw the windshield crack (that had been disclosed). What had not been disclosed was the bubble up of rust at the top center of the windshield and the fact that this was obviously a replacement windshield--badly, badly done. The side trim strips were loose, and I am sure hid a plethora of sins.
So, Ok, I got a good price on a truck that runs wells, shifts, good interior, everything is there as in the photos. And it passed emissions inspection. So I said to myself I will take it down to the local (good) bodyshop and spend a few bucks and get it done right and tell myself--lesson learned about buying a truck without seeing it first. I also noticed suspicious grapefruit rind paint around the front driver's side wheelwell and tapping along in similar places suggested liberal bondo application. Oh and the liftgate latch was completely rusted away to two metal strips--something I've never seen. But what is strange is the rest of the truck is so very nice.
Richard, the owner of the bodyshop did an initial estimate at 3.2K to sort out issues around the wheelwells and do a proper repair of the windshield and replace same. After further inspection and looking under trim he estimates an -additional- 4 to 5K to sort everything. I have pictures from Richard which I will post once I figure out how to do that.
Given the condition of the rest of the truck I would be tempted to take the time and do the metal replacement myself and make sure it is completely proper and have fun doing it and involve my boys in the project. The rest of the truck really is pretty nice. But because I live in the Middle East and only visit VA, it just is not a practical solution.
I appealed to the seller's decency to take the truck back given the very substantial difference between his description and the extensive body rust issue. I received a nice message in reply but no substantive progress.
So here I am offering up this interesting challenge to someone who has the time and interest to tackle it. The price listed above is exactly what I have into it, less title transfer.
I hope this potentially very nice early model 100 finds a good home and gets the treatment it deserves.
ALTERNATIVELY, if any of you are able to suggest a shop within reach of Arlington Virginia suitable for taking this on--with experience with LC, I'd be very greatful. Time is not an issue. Money not a huge issue--as long as it is a completely proper and complete repair. As I mentioned, this is a pretty nice truck--aside from the serious, mostly hidden, body rust issues. Way beyond what the local body shop is suitable for.
Here is a link to all the original ebay photos
Here is a link to the photos from the local body shop illustrating the problem
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