2000 Toyota Land Cruiser - Sage Advice

[Weezy Jefferson]

Hi Everyone:

I am interested in purchasing a 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser. I have found one with 85,000 miles and they are asking $18,500.00 in the Los Angeles area.

A) Wondering if this vehicle has too many miles? I want this car to last.
B) If $18,500.00 is a reasonable price for this year and mileage? Or should I continue to look?
C) I have gone back and forth between the Land Cruiser and Sequoia. My head is going to explode. Any input between the 2 cars is much appreciated.

My primary purpose for this vehicle is to use this as a daily driver. I usually put on 15-20,000 city miles per year. Though gas prices are high, I am not too concerned. More concerned about the life span of these vehicles, reliability and dependability.

Any and all input is much appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Lee
leedavidlee@yahoo.com

 

[BMWSTOY]

No problem on the choice if there is no concern for gas mileage - cruiser all the way. What made up my mind is to take one for a few hours - every dealer will let you if you ask and provide insurance and a drivers license. Reliability, I have read that the Sequoia is not as reliable as a cruiser, but I would not bet on that, they are both Toyota's and I would select other criteria as to which one to choose. I was wondering why they still made the cruiser when the Sequoia first came out, then I drove both on the same day and now personally, IMHO only - I wonder why they made the Sequoia.

As for miles - that is low for a 2000 in my opinion. Price: Sure I paid less than that but I found mine with 117K on her - I expect these to go to 200K without any major issues. Price could be justified it if is very clean, all service - the 90K is the big one and either it needs it and you can use it as negotiation for another $1000 off or it has it and you might have troubles haggling. Check for Starter, timing belt, water pump service - those are the major price issues, along with very expensive tires.

Best of Luck.

 

[skeddy]

to buy or not to buy?

Weezy,

I agree. for a 2000 thats pretty low mileage. last year i picked up my 2000 for 21,000 with 65k on the odo. Things i considered. before i handed over the dough.

What was the maintenance like? does the owner have records or can you go to their dealership and get them?

what was it used for? wheeling or daily hwy driving? mine was used on weekends for getting the family around.

and finally what was the overall condition of the vehicle as compared to other cruisers of the same year? inside and out.

Just completed the change out of my suspension to OME mediums with revo 295/70/16's. what a difference in handling. WOW.

I did however drop about 4 mpg with suspension upgrade..

good luck---victor

 

[Wellcraft19]

Buy the LC! Far nicer ride IMO.
When I picked mine up (99' with now some 86K) I was concerned about it fitting in the garage (low ceiling). Was offered to take car home overnight and "try it out". So I did. Probably spent 6 hours that night looking at EVERYTHING inside, underneath, under the hood, etc (looking for visible signs of trouble and/or wear).

Over 5 years later, a decision I have not regretted.

 

[agomez]

landcruiser wayyyyyy over the tahoe looking thing ....you will never look back ....that is a good deal for the mileage....but there will always be some smartass that will say they got a better deal than you... never fails....

 

[Ronulus]

im in the car business and i see all kinds of vehicles at all kinds of mileage and the land cruise is by far the way to go...if you know of someone you can take the LC to check it out that wouldn't be a bad idea...i drive mine to work to hunt and fish and to haul my dog and its the best....pulled a trailer about 300 miles last weekend with no problem....trust us the land cruiser is an awesome vehicle

 

[calamaridog]

I would have the vehicle checked out by a reputable Toyota mechanic.

Is this a private party sale or dealer?

 

[Weezy Jefferson]

This is from a "mom & pop" dealership. Unfortunately there are no service records for this vehicle.

The other option is a 2000 lc with 92,000 miles for $17,500. This is from a Toyota dealership and supposedly has had its 90k routine maintenance. The reason why I walked away from the vehicle was a) it has a superficial dent above the rear drivers side tail light b) I did a BBB search on the dealership and they received an "F" grade.

Any ideas where I can purchase a low mileage, 100 series Land Cruiser in the So Cali area?

Any and all input is much appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

Lee

 

[89s rule]

autotrader.com cars.com craigslist need I list more?

#1 thing for you to do is research here read some and then read more. You will find out more than you want to. Depending on when you want (or need) to buy a 100 price can vary alot. I plan to wait until spring as I think and nhave heard from several others prices drop then, and with the 200 series out I hope the prices really drop.

Know your budget and dont worry about miles as much as how much someone has taken care of the truck. There are some 150K mile 100's that are better than 75K mile trucks. So take that into consideration. No reason a well cared for 100 wont make it to 300K without any major issues.

I hope this helps and feel free to post up details for advice. The guys (and girls) on this board are a great asset.

Try and find a board as helpful as this one for a Sequoia. Also, research it. They are american made, Cruisers up until '04?? were still made in Japan. I dont think it is an option as to which one to get, the cruiser holds value better, more dependable, has a history, etc. Only down side could be upkeep cost, but I dont knwo if this would even be that much diff.