Advice on 2000 LC 250k miles...

[travisimo]

I'm reaching out to the experts in higher mileage FJ100's... I'm very close to pulling the trigger on a 2000 LC with 256,000 miles on it. Two owner, Local vehicle, Mechanically flawless from everything I could tell. Owner has amazing records and receipts of all service since his ownership at 190k. 1st owner (Older woman) owned it new from the dealership and had it serviced at the dealership every time.

New Valve Gaskets, New Belts, New Shocks all around, New Ignition, New Timing Belt, New Water Pump, New Hood Shocks, Tires have 50% Tread left, All motors work flawlessly, no noise, no leaks, no smoke, 9/10 interior. Hail Damage on the exterior though. But other than visual dings it's immaculate. Engine bay was very clean but showed no immediate signs on cleaning. Apparently the trans failed very early on during the first owners term, it was replaced and has since had 0 issues.

I took it for a spin around the neighborhoods and back roads, tested 4wd, tested all electronics and checked the whole truck for rust (none).

So what did i forget? What do i need to be worried about? Thanks all in advance. I love this forum!

 

[super90]

Price?

 

[travisimo]

6500-7000 perhaps less depending on how sharp my negotiation skills are.

 

[TXLX100]

If it's a nice truck, $6k would be a fine deal.

 

[travisimo]

I'm more interested in what experience others have with mechanical issues they run into around that many miles. Are there definite things that are notorious for failing or is 250k mean there is still some life to this truck. Thanks guys

 

[Lowbudgetlc100]

starter maybe a problem. check the axle seals. mounts other then that these guys are pretty solid.

 

[Spanktron9]

I bought a 99 TLC with just under 250K on this summer. Similar deal. Highway cruiser, all dealer maintenance. I paid $7K for mine. It has the rear locker, and new tires. Also had a new starter. The only problem I had was the alternator died a few months ago. Otherwise its been perfect. I plan on running it til it dies, stripping my mods (over 10K worth) and slapping them on my next 100. Before I bought it, I spoke to a veteran toyota tech. He said he had NEVER seen a dead 4.7 V8. Timing belts, water pumps, leaking head gaskets, etc. But never a bottom end problem or seizure. Someone posted a link to some geeks who analyze motors and oil that claim the UZJ engine is 500K engine. I'll be happy to get another 100k.

 

[travisimo]

Thanks for sharing. I've read a lot of similar things about the UZJ. Bulletproof, Most Dependable engine you can buy. I've aso read a lot of things about the trans failing. That's kind of my concern honestly. The owner has kept this truck in just amazing shape mechanically. Seems to know quite a bit and doesn't seem to mind paying to fix things when they fail.

The list of things he's replaced is 2 pages long. It was really inspiring to me as a future owner to start doing that with all my vehicles. I realized then how much it would help resale.

Having said that, the trans may be the one thing, no matter how meticulous he is, that could be failing without him even knowing. I read to take it up to 60-70 with OD ON and check for noise and vibration, if it goes away with OD OFF then thats a tell the trans is failing. Rear Pinion, U Joints at least.

I may meet with him to drive it again today before i ink the deal. Thanks again guys.

 

[travisimo]

Well here she is fellas. I pulled the trigger on her today.

 

[aljollano]

Congrats...good looking rig.
A.J