Buying an 80. Need help deciding if this is the right one.

[OptimusPrime]

Hi All,

This is my first post and I hope I'm in the right place. Since moving to Utah a few months ago, I've been planning on buying an FZJ80 as a second vehicle for weekend mountain trips, and I've located a 97 LX450 in the exact config I'm looking for for sale by an independent dealer in Texas and need some help deciding if its a good buy or not. I've attached a few of the pictures of the undercarriage that he's shared with me.

Basic Stats:
-1997 LX450
-290,000 miles
-Bone stock
-Carfax shows consistent basic maintenance
-Texas grocery-getter its whole life - no rust
-Factory lockers*
-Looks very, very clean in pictures, inside and out. I trust that this is the case.
-Interior is at least a 9/10 - recently replaced seat leather and headliner, everything looks new & perfect

Potential Upfront Issues:
-290,000 on original head gasket
-Lockers don't engage - previous owners likely never used them let alone knew they were there
-Check Engine Light on due to EGR code - confirmed by Toyota dealership diagnostic

This morning I had the seller take it to a local Toyota dealer in TX for an inspection and here's what Toyota Service Department told me over the phone:
- "Everything is leaking" - Rear main seal, oil pan gasket, power steering return hose, T-case
- Engine bay has recently been cleaned so they couldn't tell anything about head gasket condition (Carfax shows full detail in 10/2015, prior to independent dealer taking possession)
- Wheel bearings have too much play and need to be redone

When I talked about these issues with the seller, who seems to be very knowledgable about Land Cruisers and is adamant that this one runs and drives very well with no noticeable issues, he makes the point that the Toyota service dept's feedback isn't representative of what a normal owner would require in a 19 year old vehicle. He brought up that there is no coolant mixed in when he checks the oil (evidence of a currently sound head gasket). He says the vehicle hasn't leaked a drop onto the pavement since he's had it. He says the wheel bearings, while playful, give no issues when the vehicle is driven with the wheel turned to full lock. Prior to the inspection he agreed to lower the price from $8,000 to $7,000, and is willing to negotiate further and/or have the wheel bearings replaced.

So this is what brought me here. I trust that you all know these vehicles and can tell me what you would do. The private dealer has sent me pictures of whatever I've asked and has been extremely communicative, professional, and seems to be an educated, good intentioned young entrepreneur and has good reviews online.

See Pictures Attached!

What would this LX be worth to you all and what would you do in this situation?


Thanks - wish I could buy you all a beer in advance,

Chris

 

[dogfishlake]

I don't think it's a terrible deal, especially if it's the color you want most. You have the cost of getting it to you from Texas too. I do think for that price, you could pass if you have doubts and be able to find an equivalent deal elsewhere. With eastern Washington so close, keep an eye on the Spokane CL. Hard to beat trucks from that area. I'm sure it's rust free, just be wary of cooked clearcoat and lots of PM work. It's kind of on the fence if it were me, so I'd cautiously follow my gut. Good luck!

 

[DARKNESS]

The leaks are all normal as is the EGR code. All relatively easy fixes if you're good with a wrench and have the time.

Having said that 290k is alot of miles. If the axles have never been touched there could be some expensive stuff lurking (bad birfs, spindles, axle shafts).

What do you plan to do with it? Leave it stock and drive it til it dies? Fix it up perfect? Add a monster lift and make it a rock crawler? What's your budget?

 

[Andrew Bluemel]

I'm 15 and just bought my cruiser so take my advice with a grain of salt. I recently just bought my 1996 cruiser for 7k in Colorado that was a Texas truck in bone stock condition with no rust. It is black with a little damage to the clear coat but other then that the exterior of the truck is flawless. Interior is a 8/10 with a couple of tears in the two front seats but not bad. It also had a brand new head gasket and has 190k. Mine does not however have lockers. It has no mechanical issues though too. So my opinion is if you are looking for a little bit of a project and are not afraid of getting your hands dirty do it. However I think you should get the price a little lower. But also know I was checking craigslist everyday for a little over a year before I found mine and I am still upset it does not have lockers as adding them is 1k just in parts.

 

[Heckraiser]

You should plan on doing a full knuckle job with any used cruiser, so IMO wheel bearings is a non-issue, just a bargaining chip. If it runs good and passes the NAPA "Block tester" then I also would not be concerned about HG. The risk is overblown on MUD, IMO. The owner should let you run the block tester, it only takes a few minutes. If it really is as pristine as described, I would think $7k is acceptable, $6k would be "good."

Word of warning, those Falkens will need to be replaced as soon as they hit 50% tread (at least if they are to be used in the winter).

 

[nukegoat]

Pass. Mileage is too high.

 

[slow95z]

4k tops with those miles. Lockers are way overrated IMO. Give me a clean unlocked truck any day over one with that many miles. Lockers are cheaper and quicker then doing major engine work.

 

[ralphy1997]

Seems high for the mileage.

 

[Ozpall]

Agreed, the leaks are no big deal,
but the price and mileage don't match up.

 

[OptimusPrime]

Thanks for the responses everyone. This has been a huge help. I think at most I'll make a much lower offer, but I'm relieved to hear that many of you think 290k is a lot of miles. I'm not in the position to do much of the work myself, so I was worried that this may be a risky purchase. Still, I might throw out a significantly lower offer, just to see.

The leaks are all normal as is the EGR code. All relatively easy fixes if you're good with a wrench and have the time.

Having said that 290k is alot of miles. If the axles have never been touched there could be some expensive stuff lurking (bad birfs, spindles, axle shafts).

What do you plan to do with it? Leave it stock and drive it til it dies? Fix it up perfect? Add a monster lift and make it a rock crawler? What's your budget?

Darkness - I'd plan to install something along the lines of a mild lift and 33" All Terrains. Maybe more, but only if I see a real benefit. The goal is to have something that I can use to haul mountain bikes and camping supplies, comfortably drive to a National Park four hours away, and take on some medium-level trails down in Moab. I also want it to look cool - I've kind of had this 'vision' of what I want for a while now.

 

[Road Apple]

Have you looked at the classified section here on MUD? If not, look through the postings of previously sold trucks to get an idea what kind of price verses condition FZJ80's are going for.

I agree that the price for the mileage is too high. I see trucks go for $7000 with half the mileage. Keep looking or offer a low bid.

Good luck

 

[DARKNESS]

Thanks for the responses everyone. This has been a huge help. I think at most I'll make a much lower offer, but I'm relieved to hear that many of you think 290k is a lot of miles. I'm not in the position to do much of the work myself, so I was worried that this may be a risky purchase. Still, I might throw out a significantly lower offer, just to see.



Darkness - I'd plan to install something along the lines of a mild lift and 33" All Terrains. Maybe more, but only if I see a real benefit. The goal is to have something that I can use to haul mountain bikes and camping supplies, comfortably drive to a National Park four hours away, and take on some medium-level trails down in Moab. I also want it to look cool - I've kind of had this 'vision' of what I want for a while now.

I'd try to find something with less miles, hopefully better maintenance, and a little worse interior or body. Also, look for something with a lift/bumpers already. Aftermarket acessories add almost no value.

 

[sbman]

Hi All,

This is my first post and I hope I'm in the right place. Since moving to Utah a few months ago, I've been planning on buying an FZJ80 as a second vehicle for weekend mountain trips, and I've located a 97 LX450 in the exact config I'm looking for for sale by an independent dealer in Texas and need some help deciding if its a good buy or not. I've attached a few of the pictures of the undercarriage that he's shared with me.

Basic Stats:
-1997 LX450
-290,000 miles
-Bone stock
-Carfax shows consistent basic maintenance
-Texas grocery-getter its whole life - no rust
-Factory lockers*
-Looks very, very clean in pictures, inside and out. I trust that this is the case.
-Interior is at least a 9/10 - recently replaced seat leather and headliner, everything looks new & perfect

Potential Upfront Issues:
-290,000 on original head gasket
-Lockers don't engage - previous owners likely never used them let alone knew they were there
-Check Engine Light on due to EGR code - confirmed by Toyota dealership diagnostic

This morning I had the seller take it to a local Toyota dealer in TX for an inspection and here's what Toyota Service Department told me over the phone:
- "Everything is leaking" - Rear main seal, oil pan gasket, power steering return hose, T-case
- Engine bay has recently been cleaned so they couldn't tell anything about head gasket condition (Carfax shows full detail in 10/2015, prior to independent dealer taking possession)
- Wheel bearings have too much play and need to be redone

When I talked about these issues with the seller, who seems to be very knowledgable about Land Cruisers and is adamant that this one runs and drives very well with no noticeable issues, he makes the point that the Toyota service dept's feedback isn't representative of what a normal owner would require in a 19 year old vehicle. He brought up that there is no coolant mixed in when he checks the oil (evidence of a currently sound head gasket). He says the vehicle hasn't leaked a drop onto the pavement since he's had it. He says the wheel bearings, while playful, give no issues when the vehicle is driven with the wheel turned to full lock. Prior to the inspection he agreed to lower the price from $8,000 to $7,000, and is willing to negotiate further and/or have the wheel bearings replaced.

So this is what brought me here. I trust that you all know these vehicles and can tell me what you would do. The private dealer has sent me pictures of whatever I've asked and has been extremely communicative, professional, and seems to be an educated, good intentioned young entrepreneur and has good reviews online.

See Pictures Attached!

What would this LX be worth to you all and what would you do in this situation?


Thanks - wish I could buy you all a beer in advance,

Chris

With that many miles, it is going to need work, no doubt about it. The PO had a 'whatever' approach to PM, note the aftermarket radiator cap, missing air clean hold down nut, original radiator hoses ( or were they dealer replaced), crappy PCV hose and clamps, aftermarket brake booster the mechanic didn't take time to paint.

It has a lot of positives, but it's going to be leaky and the rubber bits will be failing with that mileage, suspension bushes, seals, hoses, etc... it takes quite a bit of time and money to sort all of that out if you plan to daily drive it. Wheel bearings can end up being an expensive job as mentioned because you will probably find other stuff that needs replaced, can run anywhere from $500 to $1500 depending on how much you decide to do.

 

[120mm]

Second what Sbman says.

When I see the missing air cleaner nut, it tells me lots about the so-called "maintenance" this rig has seen.

Or maybe it's a mod. All vehicles should have an "air filter bypass".

When the seller throws out the "19 year old truck" card, play it right back at him. He wants 10 year old, 100,000 mile money for a 19 year old, 290,000 mile s***tily maintained truck.

 

[bigCatdiesel]

Whether you pass on this one or not, just think about your budget vs. dream truck ahead of time. I think a lot of new owners are surprised at how much money is needed to bring a high mileage 80 back to baseline condition, before you start adding tires, bumpers, and other fun stuff. You'll also find these things are addictive. You won't be satisfied with the as-is a and your list of fixes and add-ons keeps growing. Whatever you get, know that you have the power of this forum to help you through it all.
John

 

[CruiserDave]

For what you're wanting I would look at a 100 series instead. I have both and the 80 is a rough ride (though I do have ome lift) compared to the 100. The 100 also has more leg room, easier to remove third row seats and other conveniences . The 80 feels (to me) like it could take a lot more abuse offroad though. If you're not gonna be wheeling it a lot, get the 100. It is a better, more comfortable vehicle for long road trips and light offroading. You can find them for around the same price $8k, I know because I bought mine for that.

 

[samiam09]

before you buy checK craigslist for los Angelas calif theres a place in Glendale that has lots of lcs and lx450's with less mileage on them for around the same price.These would be ca trucks so should have no rust.