'98 with 200k miles, what to do?

[Yoseff]

I can't decide if I should keep or sell my 98 with 200k miles. I've listed it a few times on here, a few people asked, but I just don't know... (lots of interest from people 600+ miles away or in another country but I'm more of a as is, where is type of guy)

In a nut shell, my problem is, I need a 4wd vehicle that's reliable, but a tacoma or 4runner would actually suite my needs better. The truck really just sits as I have two other daily drivers. It is due a timing belt + service which I've been putting off due to all this...

My fear is that the LC will start nickel and diming me after the timing belt service. What I'd be looking to replace it with would be a 2005ish 4wd 4runner or tacoma which would probably have 100k miles. I really have no experience with these and if I didn't deal with bad weather and like camping I'd just drive a car (don't hate).

Anyone been in this situation, how have your 100's been after 200k? My service plan if I keep it is to do 90k service + water pump, brakes, and replace bushing and inspect other stuff. My fear is steering racks, suspension, ball joints, etc that would push repairs over half the value of the car (I can't wrench)...

 

[FXR UPR]

Mine turned 210k. It's the most reliable and solid vehicle I've ever owned. I recently replaced a noisy alternator and did the rear brake pads. I plan on driving the vehicle for a long time. Keep your maintenance up and the vehicle won't nickle and dime. I'm also a tech so I have no fear of doing repairs as they arise

sent with smoke signals

 

[04UZJ100]

Why would things fall apart after a TB and WP service? You're good for 400k with proper maintenance....AT LEAST.

 

[Michael Hanson]

How much maintainance has the cruiser had? Have you kept records,? Mike

 

[Yoseff]

All service is up to date, minus the now due 90k, truck was purchased from another mud member so it has a solid history, never given me any trouble (he did tb at 110k, thus now at 202k it's due). But it has been parked outside for the last few years and has been used as family car/camping/fishing/trail rig so it doesn't look the greatest inside or out.

Not that I expect it "to fall apart" just that more things will need to be serviced/replaced in the next 50k miles (which would take me 10 years to put on it at the rate I drive it). If I keep it I'd be looking at putting, I'd guess around $3k in service and repairs (wet sand, wheels painted, seat covers, floor mats, etc) to make it "nicer".

I almost traded it in on a newer x5 4.4 last month but didn't. Thats the REAL problem, I have car buying fever and want something more "fun" on a daily basis. So I can trade it in on a SAV thats fast and fun to drive, or keep it, fix it up some, and get something like a new mustang 5.0 or the like. Or, trade it on something like a 2005ish tacoma and get the mustang (using the repair $ as trade boot), either way financial I come out about the same.

 

[gtfour43]

Keep it and get the 5.0

 

[re_guderian]

Have you priced Tacomas lately? keep the Cruiser, unless money is no object, in which case you wouldn't be sweating "nickel and dime" "maybe" costs... Btw, you're fine on the 90k for another 10-15k, imho... My 2000 is at about 190k I will keep it for years. I will have to put "some"money in it, but relatively little compared to replacement vehicles...

 

[mikeacs]

My cruiser is at 232K,, since it past 200K, Ive done Radiator, alternator, ABS Pump,Fan Bracket, front rotors, and O2 sensors, and just completed the timing belt/waterpump maintenance. The only repair that aggravated me and was significant in my view was the ABS Pump failure...that can cost some serious money if the dealer does the repair, yours may never fail though.. I've considered replacing my Cruiser with a 4wd Tundra, but figured that unless I'm buying a brand new one, I could still be looking a repair costs.

The fact that my Cruiser has been so rock solid reliable is why I didn't hesitate to go ahead with its now 3rd timing belt (this one was was late) We just took it on a family vacation of over 2000 miles, with no problems...I wouldn't have dreamed of taking anything else with 200K+ miles on a long trip. As far as nickle and diming you to death, I sold my wifes BWM X5 4.4 for the very same reason..wjth barely 80k on it, one problem after another, especially the power window regulators. I had to replace every one at least once. The CV boots went at 50K, way too soon to me......Have to say, it was a blast to drive though.

i've driven a few new vehicles lately, but the problem i've had is that nothing else impresses me after owning my Landcruiser for so many years, and the prices of new vehicles is crazy...I priced a Tundra this week with 4wd, leather and nav....wow!