Buying/Selling - what year, how much, etc. - ask for opinions here (14 Viewers)

[2garfields]

Just bought a Y2K LC100 not that long ago, depends on your location and mileage on the LC, price range could top end at $15k for a low mileage 2000 LC100.

I would also budget for 90k service (If it is not done), which included timing belt, water pump, and other misc items (Which I recently did for over $1G), plus my had cracked exhaust manifolds (Which costed close to $2G for parts and labor)

Not sure your current ride is worth, and if you would have to finance it, make sure you find out what you can afford on the monthly payment, tax and insurance, plus your future student loan payment will be.

 

[TheFuzz]

Welcome, Braves. The justification is simple - you would be getting a vehicle that will outlast pretty much everything else on the road. A well maintained 100 series will last upwards of 300k without breaking a sweat. Quite honestly, nobody on here has worn one out yet. That being said, they require maintenance to keep that level of reliability - and that can be expensive if you let it creep up on you all at once.

I would not hesistate to buy a clean, well maintained 98-02 with 150k on it (100 series started in 98). I bought my '00 with ~134k, and paid a little over 15k out the door after taxes and fees and everything else the dealership threw at me. In hindsight, I could have haggled a bit more but I came out ok.

The most expensive thing to do initially is what we call "baselining" the vehicle, which is performing any deferred maintenance, swapping out all of the fluids, etc. It's essentially a clean slate for you as the owner, so you know exactly how many miles are on your fluids and other wear items. It's also a nice bonding experience for you and your new car. Don't be afraid to turn a few wrenches on your rig - I've found that the 100 series is surprisingly forgiving to work on (and lots of fun too!).

We used to own an 03 Eddie Bauer...great vehicle for what it was, but it wasn't a land cruiser, that's for sure! Sell it and find yourself a hundy, you'll be glad you did!

 

[Braves]

Fuzz,

Thanks a lot for the input. It seems like a worthwhile decision. Is there a guide anywhere here or elsewhere I can find a basic guide to the baseline procedure that you refer to as I am fairly mechanically inclined, however, have not put my skills to the test with a car to any substantial degree. Additionally, I would like to avoid running into any significant "sleeper" costs upon buying a 100 series, and I assume having a mechanic perform a pre-buy inspection is the best form of insurance against such an occurrence. Would you suggest finding someone who does specific work on Land Cruisers or Toyotas in general? Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[petrotk40]

There really are no sleeper costs that I can think of. I bought a 2000 with 134k on the clock for $14k out the door. Known high mileage issues items are timing belt (90k/180k service), cracked exhaust manifold, leaking cv boots, cracked ball joint boots/bad ball joints, worn bushings. Most services are very inexpensive if you can do them yourself. This forum has a how to on pretty much everything. I have not had one issue with my cruiser since I got it. I sold an 05 Volvo S40 with 90k and feel the cruiser is much more sturdy and reliable with significantly more miles. I do not doubt you would have a similar experience.

 

[watchknut]

Two answers. My 98 was fully built with 88k on the clock and a lot of Toyota records and I paid $16k out the door.

Go for the older Cruiser! I came from a newer Range Rover HSE and the LC is a far superior truck and handles great, even with all of my mods.

Like anything, take your time and find the right truck that is in your price range and had records with it. Baseline fluids, major maintenance interval is key as well as good tires and brakes. Do not be afraid of traveling for a good truck. I would look on searchtempest.com within 500 miles of your current location and try to buy from a private seller.

Most people that have cruisers as a grocery getter see 100k+ on the clock and think it is time to go. This forum is a great place to learn about everything, I find working on the cruiser to be very satisfying and I am not a mechanical person at all! Best of luck

 

[broper10]

Is $6-8K unreasonable for a 100?

Hi all. I am in the market for a cruiser and I have been going back and forth on what I want to get. I have $6-8K to spend and an 100 would be my best case scenario. What do you all think? Is my budget too low to be able to find a good 100? Should I wait and save my pennies? Or, should I come out of the clouds and look for an 80 or 60?

Thanks!

 

[G-Cat]

Hi all. I am in the market for a cruiser and I have been going back and forth on what I want to get. I have $6-8K to spend and an 100 would be my best case scenario. What do you all think? Is my budget too low to be able to find a good 100? Should I wait and save my pennies? Or, should I come out of the clouds and look for an 80 or 60?

Thanks!

I don't think you can find a 100 for 8K...much less a good one. Sure, they show up once in a while for $8Kish, but they are usually high mileage (over 250K) and well-worn.

For a good rig at $8 K, you'll have to be tenacious in you search and extremely patient.

I'd say you have the budget for a nice 80 Series.

 

[marshotel]

Hi all. I am in the market for a cruiser and I have been going back and forth on what I want to get. I have $6-8K to spend and an 100 would be my best case scenario. What do you all think? Is my budget too low to be able to find a good 100? Should I wait and save my pennies? Or, should I come out of the clouds and look for an 80 or 60?

Thanks!

You could get one like this for $8k:
1999 Black Toyota Land Cruiser with tan interior. Almost all options included. 110,000 miles. Dog chewed up the inside babysitters banged up the outside. Runs perfectly. Oil changes every 3000 miles and all maintenance services done with Toyota dealer. All records kept and dealer has copy. New tires. Studded snow tires included. Just replaced this Land Cruiser with a new one. $8000

 

[jemsec]

Description means it's rough as a cob! Chewed interior $1,500. Body repair and paint $2,000. There you have it. An $8,000 Land cruiser that will cost you $11,500+.

I bet you can find one with a destroyed front for maybe, $5,000.00.

 

[hoser]

These were good deals for $8500 and less. So, it's possible, you'll just have to dig deep in your local ads.

Toyota : Land Cruiser Leather in Toyota | eBay Motors

Lexus : LX in Lexus | eBay Motors

 

[michaelshin]

2000LC with 140K

Looking at 2000 with one owner, 140k, 90K already done.
Good service record. Its white with beige. Mall cruiser.
I think I can get it for 12k + fees.
I am trying really hard not to have a second LC, but the magnetic force of another LC is just too strong

I haven't even told the wife yet, but I figure I can start baselining it before my older daughter can drive......that's another 10 years

 

[amg2y]

Picked up my '01 LX470 on Thursday.
So glad I did.
Rides so smooth and quiet.
Mark Levinson stereo is pretty good too.

 

[TXBeachCruiser612]

I'm looking for a 100 to be used as a DD along with some mild off-road driving, primarily at the beach. I've come across two cruisers in the area that meet my budget but would like some feed back on the two options.

Option 1: 2003 with 133,000 miles, asking price $15,900

Option 2: 1999 with 120,000 miles and rear locker, asking price $13,900

I like the idea of the rear locker but the little amount of time that I will be off the pavement I'm thinking the 5 speed transmission would be more beneficial.

 

[G-Cat]

2003...

 

[Romer]

The 5 speed is very beneficial off payment as well. There are other positive features besides the 5 speed.

Is that the gray 2003? seemed like a good deal on in the internet. I would have it checked out

 

[TXBeachCruiser612]

Romer, not sure if we're looking at the same one but the 03 is a gray one in Austin.

 

[Romer]

Romer, not sure if we're looking at the same one but the 03 is a gray one in Austin.

Thats the one I saw. Good luck on it. I'd definitly get a 2003 over a 99

 

[broper10]

Looking at a '92 fj80. 195,000 miles, no major work done on it. New brakes recently. The lockers mentioned in the ad, according to seller from a brief phone conversation, are not optional lockers, but the center diff lock. Asking $5200. $5k is my budget so this could be the one. Any thoughts on price?

1992 Toyota Landcruiser

I am going to look at it later today.

 

[Racehoss]

I just bought a new 4runner trail edt from champion Toyota. I'd email Jesse Jimenez, at the dealership he's a good guy and will work the deal over emails. I'd offer them 13,500 and see what happens. I'd say they have about 12,500 in it.
JIMENEZJ5@autonation.com

 

[broper10]

Checked out the 92 fj80 and it was super clean inside and out. Drove really well, tight. Paying $5k I'm the morning so I will be cruising once again!