2004 Landcruiser with 220,000 miles

[2004LC]

I have a 2004 Landcruiser with 220,000 miles. The oil changes have always been done on time - last 5 years Mobil 1. Other than tires and brakes no other real maintenance done. I'm trying to decide if I should put some money into this vehicle or trade it in. Right now it's in the shop to replace a pulley by the fan clutch and replace leaking heater hoses - about $1,000.00. They're recommending timing chain, water pump and valve cover gaskets be replaced - $1,800.00.
How long do these engines and transmissions go before needing rebuild or replacement?
And how expensive - worst case scenario? Any advise based on experience would be appreciated. Can I damage the engine if I wait until the timing chain fails before I replace it?

 

[mmbirtcher]

Do the work. Run it for another 300k.

 

[Ohthetrees]

That seems like a lot for those services. If it were me, I’d fix. If you are on a budget, you can DIY timing belt in 2 days, even without much experience. Also, many leaky valve cover gaskets have been “fixed” just by tightening the bolts.

 

[bucfl]

So aside from tires, brakes and oil changes your out $2800 in 220k miles? You’ll get 5-10k less then what it’s worth and you’ll probably spend that much if not more on the new one...

Not making much sense to me.

 

[nissanh]

For the fan clutch, STAY with OEM ($142 at Camelback) or AISIN (other brands pretty much stays locked and is too noisy all the time). Heater hoses shold be less than $100 for all if you go via OEM so $1000 seems too much. Did you check with the dealer? Find a local mechanic who can do it for less. If the mileage is right, get the timing belt kit done (again stay with OEM or AISIN). The AISIN timing belt kit is about $250 or less. Replacing the cam seals can cost more because you got VVTi engine. If those are not leaking, just leave those alone. Again, use OEM oil seals.
For the valve cover gaskets stay with OEM. I used an aftermarket valve covers in my 4runner and in less than 6000 miles I replaced all that again with OEM.
Mileage on a toyota is really nothing if it has been maintained properly.
Camelbacktoyota in AZ got good deals on parts and shipping is free when the total hits $150 or more.
2004 Toyota Land Cruiser Parts - Camelback Toyota Parts - Genuine OEM Parts - Free Shipping

 

[joseywales]

Since you’re in SoCal, you should be able to find someone who knows Land Cruisers a little better. There is no timing CHAIN in a 100 series. There are quite a few specialty shops around. Some in the Simi Valley area, one in Sonoma, and there will be lots of other Toyota shops around. Your ‘04 will go another 200-300,000 miles with routine maintenance. I would NOT trade it in.

 

[2004LC]

Thank everyone for your sound advice. With the knowledge I gained here I went back to the dealer this morning and spoke with the service manager. I told him that we were a long time, multi-vehicle customer and that the repairs were an awful lot of money. He agreed and after some negotiating we got the price down from $3,000 to $2500. Then we found that the original quote was charging me labor twice in two different areas where different parts replacements utilized the same disassemble and reassemble. That got me down to $2,070 and he then rounded that down to $2,000. It was a good day. Thanks again!

 

[bucfl]

Cool!

 

[hickuptruck]

I've give ya $6k for your Cruiser

 

[Live to Ski]

Wow, a postie dealer experience. Quite rare (at least in my rarified world). Good job!