Buying a high mileage 09, what to watch out for? (1 Viewer)

[Mutant]

I'm close to buying an 09 Land Cruiser with 190,000 miles. What should I be looking for as warning signs... what items may need to be replaced soon? Is it a risky investment with such high mileage?

How has the 200 series faired as far as longevity and mechanical failures around the 200,000 miles mark?

Anyone with experience or words of wisdom for a potential buyer?

(I would be using this for an international overlanding trip and reliability is the highest priority!)

Thanks!

 

[Sandroad]

If you’ve not already done it, check out the the FAQ threads on buying. If you scroll down a bit there are several that may be of help in the Thinking of Buying section. Other than those, just good basic pre-purchase inspection as you would do for any vehicle, including full review of the use history and care history. And, as noted in other threads, be especially alert to flooded vehicles right now; there were many, many vehicles underwater this year that will hit the markets.
200-series FAQ

 

[Reckless]

My 09 has 165k miles, no issues since I've owned it from 110k miles. Recently another mudder drove it and guessed it had 30k miles.

Rust is the only thing I strongly recommend looking out for.

 

[Mutant]

Dealer is asking $28,900 for an 09 with 190k miles.
Do you guys think that's a fair price?

 

[TexAZ]

price seems a little high, unless there is Zero rust and 100% maintenance records.
if the following items have been replaced maybe worth asking price: water pump, radiator, starter, check for cam tower leak.
if it is not a southern rust free truck, check the KDSS valves for rust. if they get rusted shut you could be in for a world of hurt if trying to install a lift.
just for reference: 3 yrs ago, I paid 28K for an 08 with 140K, awesome maintenance records, but with cosmetic bumps and scrapes on bumpers and spoiler.

 

[Mutant]

You found a great deal!

This one I'm looking at is a one owner from Texas. Carfax is clean. Shows drive belts were recently replaced and regular oil changes but no other information. Dealer is worthless for other info. They just want to sell. Some minor dents.

 

[Chocolate]

You found a great deal!

This one I'm looking at is a one owner from Texas. Carfax is clean. Shows drive belts were recently replaced and regular oil changes but no other information. Dealer is worthless for other info. They just want to sell. Some minor dents.

You'll want to put the VIN into the Toyota Owner's page to see any dealer maintenance.

www.toyota.com/owners/login

 

[foeix]

I'd want the starter to have been replaced as well as cooling system. Suspension is due too. Check for cam tower leaks.

I just brought home a 2008 w/ 170K for about $20K - details Added a 2008 200 to the stable.. aka sometimes you get lucky on eBay. I would feel confident driving it to Alaska tomorrow.

 

[mpho]

the price is high...you should be in the 100-120k range for mileage for that price...

 

[TonyP]

If you're planning on building/modding the rig semi-extensively, just buy this thing

https://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/3933984#

Aside from the whole accident history thing, the polarizing color combo, and unpainted bumpers... it looks lovely.

 

[HDJdreams]

It’s been there for about 2 months, think they would start coming down on price.

 

[Chocolate]

If you're planning on building/modding the rig semi-extensively, just buy this thing

https://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/3933984#

Aside from the whole accident history thing, the polarizing color combo, and unpainted bumpers... it looks lovely.

Based on the wheels, I'm guessing it crashed through a Pep Boys.

 

[Mutant]

Yeah those wheels need swapped out. Otherwise would be an affordable base for a build.

 

[HDJdreams]

Been heavily smoked in too.

 

[Mutant]

Did I mention the 09 for sale (190k $28,900) has ARB bumpers and an aftermarket roof rack installed already?

Do you guys think that price is reasonable (assuming no leaks or obvious issues)?

I know those ARB bumpers aren't cheap.

I'm just hesitant to buy something with such high mileage at that price with no warranty.

 

[Yossarian]

I'm just hesitant to buy something with such high mileage at that price with no warranty.

Ding ding! That is always the issue with the LC's. IMHO, it should be closer to 100k miles for close to $30k, but that does not take into account the bumpers and roof rack (assuming you wanted them).

Thoughts:

1. Buy a lower mile, verified service history LC for the same money (as already stated by others).
2. If able, spend more for a vehicle with a warranty, like a CPO.
3. Or, buy the one that has caught your eye, see how low they will go on price, are you a gabling man?

Some will say it's a LC, no warranty needed. Search and see the amount of issues with the 200 series. Add to that the expense of repairs and parts, a warranty might be worth it (though not all warranties are created equal).

 

[TonyP]

Or, instead of stretching your budget to only afford a lower condition 200. Why not just buy a very nice 100 and have mod, gas, and travel money?

 

[Malleus]

I bought my '08 LX with 45k on it. It now has 112k on it. I'd replaced the starter at 80k. PITA. I have a 4LO shifting gremlin that appears when it's cold out, but other than that I have only spent money on gas and soapy water.

I haven't heard of the cam tower leak on 08-09 models. I get the feeling it's confined to a couple of months in the later years. Apparently an assembly line problem with some dirty fingers.

 

[JohnJB]

Cars for Sale: Used 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser for sale in Odessa, TX 79761: Sport Utility Details - 471531684 - Autotrader

Whoever thinks the filter on the photos is okay should be fired. Thanks to the high contrast nonsense, the pictures are so noisy/grainy it's extremely difficult to distinguish actual flaws versus filter effects (maybe that's the point?).

Is it lifted as well? It's at that height that I can't tell if it's just photo angle versus tire size.

 

[Mutant]

It's a dealership...they should probably all be fired. They don't hire geniuses.

Thanks for posting the ad for the truck I was considering buying. I intentionally did not post it here to avoid another Land Cruiser enthusiast buying it out from under me.

Land Cruisers usually sell very slowly in this area. Now, with the most popular land cruiser forum on the internet eyeballing it I'm sure it will sell faster.