Buying an 80 series in SoCal (1 Viewer)

[nashqadri]

Hi all,

I am new here. Just got rid of my Wrangler and now excited to find the right 80 series. Not sure if there is a dedicated thread for buying and selling so posting a new thread. The prices are quite spread out between 8k to 30k depending on the owner and what he thinks his car is worth. No idea how much i should be paying. Hoping for some guidance. Thank you.

 

[Fj80oregon]

FJ80 | FZJ80 | LX450 | HDJ81

Classifieds : Toyota FJ80 / FZJ80 / HDJ80 Land Cruiser / Lexus LX-450

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Fj80oregon]

For Sale - Most Recent 80 Series Prices

There is a similar thread in both the 100 and 200 Classifieds Sections, makes sense here too. These trucks are changing hands at a rapid rate these days, having consolidated live market data is a nice thing for both buyers and sellers. If you have recently bought or sold an 80 series and are...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[gsdog2]

Hi all,

I am new here. Just got rid of my Wrangler and now excited to find the right 80 series. Not sure if there is a dedicated thread for buying and selling so posting a new thread. The prices are quite spread out between 8k to 30k depending on the owner and what he thinks his car is worth. No idea how much i should be paying. Hoping for some guidance. Thank you.

What part of SoCal are you in? I'm in the IE and thinking of selling my 95 80 series. Send me a pm of what you are interested in.

 

[nashqadri]

What part of SoCal are you in? I'm in the IE and thinking of selling my 95 80 series. Send me a pm of what you are interested in.

I am in Foothill Ranch in OC. I will pm you.

 

[nashqadri]

Hi All, question for all 80 owners. If engine, transmission, and rear diff are leaking in a 97 LX for sale with 240k miles, does it simply mean it hasn’t been maintained well or does it indicate something else? Wondering what’s the worst case scenario in terms of expected cost of repairs. Please advise.

 

[mudgudgeon]

Hi All, question for all 80 owners. If engine, transmission, and rear diff are leaking in a 97 LX for sale with 240k miles, does it simply mean it hasn’t been maintained well or does it indicate something else? Wondering what’s the worst case scenario in terms of expected cost of repairs. Please advise.

It indicates that the vehicle is 27 years old, and driven 240k miles, and it's a 100% certainty it WILL need repairs. and maintenance.
Stuff gets old and wears. Rubber and silastic hardens. O-rings harden and wear out.

Worst case scenario? How long is a piece of string?
worst case, you buy it, pay a mechanic to fix it, rinse repost.
They tear stuff down at $100/hr plus shop time, plus parts.
If they aren't familiar with this vehicle, stuff can often go sideways, so be sure you have s competent mechanic available in your area that's familiar with the trucks. Or expect to spend many weekends and nights getting your own hands dirty.

What is the source of the oil leaks? There's many typical leaks. Many that can be taken care of along with other maintenance items, such as knuckle rebuild, fix diff leak at the same time.

Search and read threads on "baselining".

Every system in that vehicle is likely to need at least some maintenance. Many systems will need significant repairs.
Brakes
Suspension
Steering
Cooling
Fuel system
Driveline - drive shafts, knuckles, bearings, transmission
AC
Electrical

 

[nashqadri]

Hi All,
This forum has been very helpful in my acquisition process throughout. I finally found what I liked although many wouldn't, at least my kids hate it.

I bought a 1997 Lexus LX450 with 278k miles. I paid $4500 for it. It does not look good at all but what motivated me was that i can build it to my taste i.e. get it back to stock as much as possible. The buying process was difficult as the owner was in fact living out of this vehicle (with a dog). But anyway, the frame is solid, no rust and no bends. A California vehicle through out. Couple of fender benders and two missing flares. Engine light is on and the inspection report said its either the spark plugs or the coil. I have ordered them from Longo and will drive up to pick them up. Will be replacing the cord set as well.
The first prority is to get the smog passed since DMV declined to transfer the title without it. Inspection report was quite comforting given the compression in all 6 cylinders was at par. The shop said its around 180 in all of them. Brake light is on but they work ok. Inspection report also threw a code for the exhaust recirculation so no idea so far how I will fix that. Will be reading up. Just like many of the 80 series out there, the front seats are totally ripped. Dash is cracked in a couple of spots. Center storage console has holes in it, wonder how it happened and the vehicle stinks like anything.. of pot. Thats all good. As soon as i get the smog cleared I will know its a definite keeper. Will rip out the interior and install new carpets with no dog pee or human reproductive fluids. The rear was completely flat with both 2nd row seats taken out to fit in a mattress. Its a pretty yucky situation back there in the rig. Best part is i drove it safely from Oceanside to Lake Forest with no problem whatsoever. Will keep posting updates here. I have a buddy who has been initimately involved in this whole process and he has committed himself to help restore the car. Thank you all.

 

[CharlieS]

If you really want an 80, it seems like you either get super lucky; buy one for a more reasonable price understanding that you'll have to do a lot of work; or pay a ton for a mint one. Leaks can mean nothing or everything. If you don't have the skills to inspect it thoroughly yourself, pay the money to get a pre purchase inspection from a qualified land cruiser specialty shop. It will be money well spent in the long run.

 

[tug123]

Congrats! Looks identical to mine, even the same Geolanders mine came with. I just spent many months fixing mine up to driving shape and, while my issues seem to have been very different from yours, I spent easily $3-4k baselining it and I'm sure there's more to come - I was pretty lucky, it didn't need that much. Running a compression test (and leak down test if needed) really gave me peace of mind to know my engine is solid and no HG issues. Lots to learn on these cars, feels like there's always more.

 

[mudgudgeon]

Not sure why your kids don't like it, you paint such a glowing picture of it!

 

[voorland80]

i see a diamond in the rough
congrats & welcome !

 

[nashqadri]

If you really want an 80, it seems like you either get super lucky; buy one for a more reasonable price understanding that you'll have to do a lot of work; or pay a ton for a mint one. Leaks can mean nothing or everything. If you don't have the skills to inspect it thoroughly yourself, pay the money to get a pre purchase inspection from a qualified land cruiser specialty shop. It will be money well spent in the long run.

Totally agree on inspections. I used Lemon Squad and some local shop wherever i went to see trucks for sale

 

[doc_random]

The brake dash light will come on if the brake fluid is low. There is a float switch under the brake fluid cap. Also check the wires around it.

 

[Kabanstva]

Do not buy an 80 series unless you’re handy and can do your own work. Trust me…

 

[nashqadri]

Do not buy an 80 series unless you’re handy and can do your own work. Trust me…

I learned that today. I was quoted $250 to replace plugs, wires and the coil. Best part..in Santa Ana!!!...
Got my buddy to help but did all that myself and got rid of the scan code of misfiring.

 

[Broski]

I learned that today. I was quoted $250 to replace plugs, wires and the coil. Best part..in Santa Ana!!!...
Got my buddy to help but did all that myself and got rid of the scan code of misfiring.

Just get your wallet ready

On the bright side no new car payments

And you should do the cap and roder when doing plugs and wires