Buying a 2003 100 Series - Need cHelp

[90JDM]

I am considering the purchase of a 2003 100 Series.

Vehicle shows 205K miles.

I am taking it to our local Toyota dealer tomorrow for a PPI.

The selling dealership (an Acura dealer) allowed me to take the truck home tonite.

I have noticed the following troubling signs:

1) Oil Pressure appears low, although within the lower range (both idle and normal driving) as indicated in the Owners Manual. Oil level is OK.

2) ABS light stays on, VSC Trac and VSC lights stay on.

Selling price is $10K.

Body/paint very good (9 of 10), interior 6 of 10. Clean Carfax.

Any advice ??

 

[Brent Trudo]

I have a 200 LC100 that just hit 300k. I have owned my rig for 3 years and love it. I had the same worry with the oil pressure guage. The low pressure on the guage is normal. As for the ABS lights and VSC light being on? I would have Toyota take a look at that. Enjoy your 100

 

[SocalLCruiser]

I don't have much to base my response on...But, I have a 2003 LC. I've had it for 14 years. It is probably the best vehicle I have ever owned. 190k+/- and ticking.

Mine also has the ABS/VSC lights on the dash. I'm told that the problem is the Wheel Speed Sensors and expect to drop about $1000 or more to replace them. I'm sure someone on here probably knows if the price I was quoted sounds accurate.

My oil pressure looks low at idle but comes up midway with normal driving.

Good luck,
Mike

 

[saucebox]

My oil pressure stays low in a 2003 as well. Slightly higher if I use conventional oil over synthetic (weird, I know), and registers as much higher when its 20º out. Once warmed, it goes to the normal mark (low). Doesn't burn a drop, so it's normal. PO said it was the same for him.

ABS and VSC could be something as simple as dirty battery contacts, and could be worse. Toyota will sort you out, and give you a little better bargaining position.

I had a similar problem as @SocalLCruiser — a local shop sorted me out. Something about resetting some of the computer(s?). I didn't have to replace any parts, but the tech time was a couple of hundred bucks.

Good luck!

 

[jlm43]

Low oil pressure is normal and is not a bad thing, as long as it is still within its range. Oil flow is more important than pressure. You can put your thumb over the end of a garden hose creating a higher pressure but you'll have a lot less water, or oil, getting to where you need it.

Otherwise price isn't bad but I would want to find out what the cost to fix the lights would be.

 

[gatormark91]

Here's the basic rule about Land Cruiser Toyota 4.7s. If it has oil, and it's right on the dipstick, oil pressure is not low. Pay no attention to the level indicated on the gauge. Motor only makes about 1psi per 100 rpm, and I've never heard of a Toyota 4.7 with an oil pressure problem.

 

[RND1]

What everyone else said - oil pressure gauge is normal. Regarding the ABS/VSC/Trac light, make sure the center differential is not engaged. If you're not familiar it's the button right below the hazard indicator and above the antenna button left of the radio. If the center diff is not engaged, then you have to troubleshoot the ABS. Could be wheel sensors, yaw sensor, or ABS pump. PPI should reveal what it is and cost to fix. Use that in your negotations. I love my '03 - best vehicle I've ever owned and the last one I will sell.