Buying Abused '98 LC

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M

marshcat

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May 28, 2016
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Location
Somerville, MA
Just went this morning to look at a white '98 Cruiser on the other side of town. The truck runs well but needs a lot of work. The muffler is rusted out, lots of surface rust underneath, and some rust spots around the front windshield.

Looks like it needs brakes, and hasn't been driven for at least a year. But the interior is in good shape and nothing seems seriously wrong with it. 223k miles

The seller seems very willing to negotiate, and I'm considering picking it up as a project truck. Anything else I should look out for? For something like $3000 would it be worth saving?
 
If you plan on just driving it into the ground, I'd say yes, but if your goal is to restore it and make it pretty again, I would vote to just pay more up front for a clean example which will save you lots of time and money down the line.

Any pics? Everybody's opinion on surface rust is different. How bad is it?
 
I'd probably fix it up to look presentable and try to get a few reliable years out of it. Carfax shows it it was dealer maintained up to ~180k, and I doubt it has had much maintenance since then.

I didn't take any photos unfortunately, but the rust is on a similar level to this truck:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/attachments/img_6194-jpg.1085594/
 
marshcat said:
I'd probably fix it up to look presentable and try to get a few reliable years out of it. Carfax shows it it was dealer maintained up to ~180k, and I doubt it has had much maintenance since then.

I didn't take any photos unfortunately, but the rust is on a similar level to this truck:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/attachments/img_6194-jpg.1085594/
Click to expand...
I'm not an expert but if the rust on the truck you want to purchase looks like the rust on this attached picture then it just seems like surface rust and nothing serious, I'd be more concerned about the body rust.
 
I would inspect the frame extensively for rust or weak spots especially were those rear trailing arms mount as shown in your picture. It is rare to have a rust hole on these but I have seen a few reports of it. For $3000 I personally would run it into the ground especially with that mileage. It might last longer than you think.
 
I would buy it at $3K in a heart beat for a project truck. Even if you put another $3K for baselining, you are in for $6K. The rust under the car isnt that bad imo for the price. Its a give and take - yes it isnt a perfect truck, but no perfect truck will be priced at $3K.

I have been semi-serious looking for another one for a cheap project truck - trying to close on a house so my budget is pretty limited. In the past few months, anything that I saw for sale around me at $5K or so has about 300K miles and looked pretty beat up, including the interior.
 
Do it. You can barely get a Civic for $3K...let alone a running LC 100 Series.

I rolled the dice on a clapped out 98, 242k miles and glad I did. It was cheap. Just working through the bugs one at a time.
 
It depends on how much you expect to put into it when it's all done? If you can DIY bodywork, then this might make sense. If you can't, then removing the windshield, grinding out rust, welding in new material (if necessary), prime, paint, finish, and install new windshield could be upwards of $2K right there. If you don't care about the rust around the windshield cosmetically, just know that water is getting in there and can lead to, worse case, various electronic bits that will eventually fry or best case, having wet floors which will ultimately lead to the floors rusting.

If it hasn't had it's 2nd timing belt service (including water pump), it's due which is $1500 at the dealer or ~$500 DIY. Front brake job is a bigger job because you have to remove the hubs to get the rotors off and with all that lovely rust, it will have you cursing plenty when the bolts start snapping.

If your budget permits, I would much rather start with something like this:

For Sale: - 1998 LX470, CA/No Rust, Never Off-Road, 215K Miles, OME, Slee Diff Drop, Toyo Tires $8,500
 
Be realistic with yourself and rate yourself on the banana level mechanic you are. If you are willing to put the wrench time into a truck that needs TLC, I say $3k is a great buy.

If you want something turnkey then this truck is not for you and you should look into something that is nicer. Obviously you'll spend more money.
 
The only thing that really worries me is the rust spots above the windshield. Anything mechanical I should be able to handle.
 
Made the guy an offer, and will be meeting back up with him tomorrow to work out a deal. Hopefully a build/budget restoration thread coming soon!
 
I had a ton of rust on mine, way more than the pic. It runs great and I am fixing issues as they come up. To me it's a learning experience that I personally can't put a price on. I don't plan to lift or really pretty mine up just drive it until she dies and save for a better one down the road.
 
I feel the same as you AZ.....going to tackle the things that need tackling and learn each step of the way; when it's time is up I'll be a lot more versed in this model and I'll go out and make another purchase :beer:
 
marshcat said:
Made the guy an offer, and will be meeting back up with him tomorrow to work out a deal. Hopefully a build/budget restoration thread coming soon!
Click to expand...
I know the one you're talking about. PM me if you need anything or have questions.
 
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