Any advice for a young man??

[bj70bc]

i passed someone the other day...
i almost had to put a notch in the dash to commemorate the occasion

 

[OGBeno]

 

[Rigster]

Hello,

I am late to the party but I think I can share my thoughts with you.

Land Cruiser ownership requires steady income. Some models need just oil changes and grease, older models require a lot of work, which can be expensive. I understand money is not an issue for you, which meets the steady income requirement.

Land Cruiser ownership is a great chance to do most of the work by yourself. All their systems are designed to be disassembled, repaired and reassembled, most of the time with the FSM and basic tools. It is possible to work on one system at a time.

Last but not least, Land Cruiser ownership is living life on the slow lane. This is especially true when driving on US highways.

A 70 Series or a Prado can make good daily drivers. Ask me how I know.

Most old Land Cruisers have lived hard lives. While they are built to withstand serious abuse, the effects show as the truck ages. As a general rule -please do not quote me on this- systems start to fail after 20 years, and some repairs are expensive.

As mentioned above, BJ70s have a cool factor of their own. However, riding can be harsh for some and creature comforts such as AC are missing; the list of discontinued parts for the 3B engine keeps growing.

Prados have a softer ride. Their turbos and electronics have shown issues -to state it politely- over the years.

Are they reliable? Yes, they are, provided you keep up with maintenance and repairs.

Regardless of the truck choice, I would baseline it: fluids, suspension, filters, belts... Then I would check/replace axle bearings, seals, brakes, clutch cylinders and exhaust.

If you have the chance to get yourself a 70 Series or a Prado, which are fun to own and fun to drive, take the chance and do not look back.






Juan

Hey @JuanJ

I just have one question:

How do you know?

 

[JuanJ]

Hey @JuanJ

I just have one question:

How do you know?

Hello,

Because the 70 Series I own are my daily drivers.

When I bought my 71 Series, I was offered a Prado. Back then, Prados and 70 Series were sold along at the dealer in my neck of the woods. The sellers touted the Prado's round lines and creature comforts, while stressing the point that a 70 Series was a rather basic workhorse. Needless to say, Prados were more expensive.

So, there I was with a salesman telling me how refined a Prado is, and what a workhorse a 70 Series is. After a test drive and a credit application, I told a surprised seller I chose the 71 Series. A week later, and after waiting all day, I got the truck. It was early in the evening when I drove off the dealer's lot.

I have daily, or almost daily, driven Purebred ever since.

It took me a while to find 'MUD after I got Purebred, but that is another story.





Juan

 

[Rigster]

Hello,

Because the 70 Series I own are my daily drivers.

When I bought my 71 Series, I was offered a Prado. Back then, Prados and 70 Series were sold along at the dealer in my neck of the woods. The sellers touted the Prado's round lines and creature comforts, while stressing the point that a 70 Series was a rather basic workhorse. Needless to say, Prados were more expensive.

So, there I was with a salesman telling me how refined a Prado is, and what a workhorse a 70 Series is. After a test drive and a credit application, I told a surprised seller I chose the 71 Series. A week later, and after waiting all day, I got the truck. It was early in the evening when I drove off the dealer's lot.

I have daily, or almost daily, driven Purebred ever since.

It took me a while to find 'MUD after I got Purebred, but that is another story.





Juan

Now you are just showing off!!

Most of us on these forums would LOVE to be able to go to the local dealer and pick up a 70 series from the lot and drive it home... sigh. And thanks for sharing!

PS - pictures, or it DIDN'T happen... lol

 

[JuanJ]

Now you are just showing off!!

Most of us on these forums would LOVE to be able to go to the local dealer and pick up a 70 series from the lot and drive it home... sigh. And thanks for sharing!

PS - pictures, or it DIDN'T happen... lol

Hello,

Not showing off.

I was lucky to pick mine up from the dealer and take it home. The dealer ceased selling 70 Series within a year of my purchase.

Sadly, I do not have pictures of that day. I do have a poser shot from a few months ago at hand.

Juan

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Hello,

Not showing off.

I was lucky to pick mine up from the dealer and take it home. The dealer ceased selling 70 Series within a year of my purchase.

Sadly, I do not have pictures of that day. I do have a poser shot from a few months ago at hand.

View attachment 3304036






Juan

What engine Juan?

 

[JuanJ]

What engine Juan?

Hello,

1FZ-FE.






Juan

 

[Felde]

OK, I guess we hooked @SundanceKid now .

Back to the matter for some serious advice for @SundanceKid if he wants to go for it:
- Experience what it means riding different models / engines/ suspensions. Folks offered you to check out their rigs. Utilize this. Makeup and confirm your preferences.
- Check on MUD here on what to pay attention to when looking at a candidate vehicle.
- Get a buddy with some basic automotive knowledge. Take him with you when looking at the candidate of desire. Hear him.
- Don't buy out of an emotion.
- Don't buy unseen and without testdrive.
- Buying an LC starts with laying under the truck and hanging under the bonnet.
- Take close pictures of anything suspicious.
A ligit seller would allow some time to make a decision. Put up the pics here for discussion.
Good Luck Ralf

 

[Beehanger]

Hey dude,
I was in your position not too long ago, and am still learning everyday. It can be a tough pill to swallow owning one of these (especially an older one), but it sparked a massive journey self discovery and personal growth I wouldn't trade for anything. You might want to check out my thread:

Advice on whether I should buy a Land Cruiser

Hi Everyone, Total noob here looking for advice on whether I should buy a land cruiser. It’s Obviously my decision, but I just wanted to hear what input people have especially regarding my background and limited experience with cars. and if there’s any general information place on the internet...

forum.ih8mud.com

My first glance advice to you is have your bull**** detector on, be willing to make mistakes and fail, and never give up.
Above all, don't be afraid to FOLLOW YOUR GUT!


If you find the thread resonates with you feel free to PM me,

Dan