Alas, I think it is time to sell my 80. Looking for a bit of advice. (1 Viewer)

[srfdntchk]

Hi All,

A combination of a number of various circumstances has made it necessary to part ways with my 1995 LC. I know you guys like details, so here's what I have off the top of my head. Apologies for the incompleteness.

1995 Forest Green w/ 201,680 miles.
Always serviced by Land Cruiser Specialists in Austin, TX. Work done includes front and rear brakes, new radiator, front axle work (birfs etc. I believe), AC fixed up nice, and probably some other odds and ends.

I've driven it to Big Bend and back, to Corpus Christi and a bunch of places in between, and never had any issues. It's been a pretty darn solid truck. All electronics work, no interior leaks, AC blows cold, and shifts and drives smooth. However, in the last year it developed a coolant leak somewhere that seems up high, as it hisses and steams from center high on the engine and rains down below. Here's a link to the thread with images and a video.

How bad is this coolant leak and where might it be coming from?

Hi all, I've got a nasty coolant leak but I'm not exactly sure of the cause or where it's coming from. It sounds (loud hissing) like it's coming from inside the area circled in the image below. Below that is a YouTube video of what's happening down below. Any thoughts on what might be the...

forum.ih8mud.com

I never got around to fixing it, then COVID kicked off, so it's been sitting idle since March. I don't have the time or skills to fix it and my wife has decided that it's time to reduce the number of toys (LC, 2 x motorcycles and a 1971 Chevy Nova) so we can get a more modern SUV for the family. Unfortunately, as much as I love this truck, I just can't part ways with the Nova, so the LC and motos have to go.

Aside from what I've mentioned above, the LC has some cosmetic issues as would be expected. Here's a link to some pics of outside and inside. I still have the jump seats in storage.

LC

15 new items added to shared album

photos.app.goo.gl

I'd like to get your thoughts on what a fair price might be for selling as-is?

Thanks!

D

 

[Heckraiser]

 

[TheRealDeal124]

Well, considering the market for these trucks and the fact that you have service records your Land Cruiser will only go up. What you sell it for now will look like a deal 6 months from now. In a few years the mileage will be considered low (I think it already is) and you will lose money on it. Not sure on the market for Novas but 80s and 90s 4x4s are the hot thing in the market and have been for some time. It is barely affecting our beloved 80 series until now. I bought mine with 188k miles for $13,000 OTD tax title etc. 80 series with that mileage now are being sold for 14-16 depending on condition. These vehicles are only appreciating month by month.

 

[TheRealDeal124]

Plus 95-97 trucks are more desired for the ODB2 and I believe (I could be wrong) they added additional ladder bars and rigidity to the frame for 95-97.

 

[Tedward]

As is folks will tell you the headgasket is blown and will need a rebuilt motor or whatever.
Get it fixed then sell it. It's very likely a coolant hose under the throttle body as mentioned in the other thread.
I'd pay way more for a truck that doesn't blow steam and rain coolant.

 

[Paul_L]

That looks like the hose that warms up the throttle body, there's 2 of them. It's the same thing that side lined my '93 a few years ago. I just ordered a bunch of new hoses for mine.

 

[baldilocks]

Plus 95-97 trucks are more desired for the ODB2 and I believe (I could be wrong) they added additional ladder bars and rigidity to the frame for 95-97.

The frames of all 80’s are the same structurally. In 1995 they added a crappy looking dash, a smaller transmission, airbags that wheelers don’t want (I said wheelers) , a silly emblem on the grill and obd2 which is also inconsequential to many people.

Price it for what you want and play the waiting game.

 

[newbtrayback]

I had a leak near throttle body and should have done the hoses and heater valve when I addressed it....waited and then a hose from firewall to heater valve puked coolant while on a trip.... all that to say yes values seem to be edging steadily up. Friend owns a shop in Austin and he is seeing 80’s go north of 15 that are clean and mildly built

 

[Desert Dino]

Anybody that drives 80 with 25 years old original coolant pipes from the assembly line, dose non deserve an 80

I wouldn't pay for a rig that I can't test the engine like the engine is OK, I will assume that the engine needs rebuilding, especially if there is major coolant leakage that made engine overheat before the driver noticed the leak firs time

 

[AverageTanner]

I'd buy it for $1,000. Needing a possible engine rebuild and/or head gasket, that's all I'd feel comfortable spending on it. Like has already been said, if you want top dollar for it, sell it in good running condition.

 

[MaK92 4RnR]

I'd say it's a pretty huge paper weight right now if it's got a potentially blown head gasket.

That's the thing with these trucks. They retain their value if they're in decent mechanical condition but they're part-out worthy if not.

 

[Joe Link]

As others have said, you're probably going to get more if you have it fixed and then sell it. At the very least I'd pay your shop for a proper diagnosis, otherwise people are going to assume the worst and value the vehicle accordingly. If the vehicle is otherwise fairly clean, straight, and well maintained I'd guess $4k-$5k assuming it needs a head gasket.

 

[srfdntchk]

Thanks all for the advice. As suggested by some, I think I'll take it to the shop to get a diagnosis on what's what with the coolant leak and any other potential issues, then make a decision once I have more info.

 

[Joe Link]

Thanks all for the advice. As suggested by some, I think I'll take it to the shop to get a diagnosis on what's what with the coolant leak and any other potential issues, then make a decision once I have more info.

Good call. Considering people will assume the worst, it can only help. Hopefully it's something simple like a throttle body coolant line and you can get a decent price.

 

[lumbee1]

Thanks all for the advice. As suggested by some, I think I'll take it to the shop to get a diagnosis on what's what with the coolant leak and any other potential issues, then make a decision once I have more info.

What looks like big problems can usually be the smallest issues.

I tell everyone this that posts their Land Cruiser for sale, you will regret it. It might be two weeks or 6 years but eventually you will know you had a classic that was worth so much more emotionally and financially.

 

[Joe Link]

I tell everyone this that posts their Land Cruiser for sale, you will regret it. It might be two weeks or 6 years but eventually you will know you had a classic that was worth so much more emotionally and financially.

I can't agree more. I've thought about selling mine many times over the years, even wrote up the ad a couple times. Friends and family talked me out of it and I'm so happy they did.

 

[vegasfj40]

What looks like big problems can usually be the smallest issues.

I tell everyone this that posts their Land Cruiser for sale, you will regret it. It might be two weeks or 6 years but eventually you will know you had a classic that was worth so much more emotionally and financially.

I completely agree with this. I have big sellers remorse after selling my 79 FJ40 a few years ago. I did ok on it financially but I really miss it. I dont think I'll ever sell my 80. It's the perfect blend of off road ability and luxury.