Wanted Clean 1997 F/R lockers, 40th

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Hi Folks,

So glad I was pointed to this forum by a friend a few months ago-- since then I've been reading and learning from everyone's very helpful posts, and now I'm *finally* in a position to jump in and get my own Land Cruiser.

I'm hoping to find a clean 1997 40th in Antique Sage Pearl with Factory Diff lockers (F&R). Well cared for interior (leather) and little rust, is high on the list. I plan to use as daily driver and for camping here in the Carolinas.

I recognize the 40th isn't as common, so I will definitely consider a regular '97 Desert Dune or Black, if you have one.

If anyone has one or knows someone who might consider selling, I'd certainly appreciate any leads you could send my way. Please contact me privately (dmd717@yahoo.com), as I travel a bit and email is always with me (whereas I may not be able to check this forum as often). I'm willing to travel to make the purchase.

Thanks so much, and I look forward to joining all the fun!

Cheers!
 
Click to expand...
Hey everyone, has anyone looked at this 40th in the DC area? It sounds like it might be what I'm trying to find, but it's been listed since the end of December. In the ad, he says "last year for the electric locking differentials" (plural) and based on the price ($12,500), I would think he's saying it has Front & Rear (not just center only), but I'll be sure to confirm when I speak to him later today. The picture from the driver's side door shows the steering wheel, but that's it; if the camera was over just a bit more you could tell if it had the Diff Lock knob or not, but I can't see.

Anyway, if anyone has looked at this and has any thoughts to share, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/cto/5339259377.html
 
The Craigslist link that you posted has expired..
 
UPDATE:
The gentleman contacted me and said it is still for sale, and shared the following details:

* Has an odometer issue -- when he purchased it 5 yrs ago, the odometer in it read "125k", but online reporting at that time showed 192k, so he had to register the vehicle as "EXEMPT" on his title. He has put around 20k on it since, so the actual mileage is likely somewhere around 230k+.
* Owner says there's a hole in one of the shocks, and suggests it's time to get new coils and shocks all the way around
* Has not had the 4WD serviced as long as he's had it, and says it's probably time, but has had no issues -- used 4L during the snowstorm last week with no issues.
* He has not used the electric front & rear lockers, and says he's not sure if they engage, but is going to check them for me.
* A nagging Check Engine light, with P0401 Insufficient EGR flow message -- has tried to clean out a few things, but CE light keeps coming back on.
* Showing surface rust on the undercarriage
* Says paint is very good overall, except there is rust above the windshield near the sunroof that should be addressed
* Sunroof leaks intermittently, says he has cleaned out drains, but still leaks and thinks sunroof just needs a new seal
* Interior is in fairly good condition, tear along seam on drivers seat, back seats look better
* Says all interior buttons, knobs, lights, etc work.
* Had to drop the transmission in order to be able to replace an emission related part
* Has new exhaust
* Will be needing new tires in the not far-off future
* Again, he said he's asking $12,500, but is willing to negotiate.

Since I'm new and many of you have a lot of experience, would anyone care to share their thoughts from an "if I were you" perspective to guide me towards making a thoughtful decision? I have heard "no matter how great a Land Cruiser is, you can plan on spending $1500-$2500 on repairs not long after your purchase", and that's fine with me, but just keeping that in mind considering the purchase price. I'm probably most concerned with the odometer issue, since doesn't that effect the resale value? (and particularly since it's a 40th?)

So, all these things considered, any wisdom you are willing to pass along to me is appreciated.

Thanks everyone!
 
Id say go look at it, see what the person is willing to negotiate down to. Obviously he's had it for sale for a while, so maybe he's ready to sell. I think you can do a lot better than 12.5 on that, but not being able to see pics it's hard to judge. any 20+ year old car is going to need some upkeep.
 
excessive said:
Id say go look at it, see what the person is willing to negotiate down to. Obviously he's had it for sale for a while, so maybe he's ready to sell. I think you can do a lot better than 12.5 on that, but not being able to see pics it's hard to judge. any 20+ year old car is going to need some upkeep.
Click to expand...

Thanks - he's a real nice guy, and did send me a few pics of the undercarriage, but it does have a bit more rust than I'd like to see (hard to avoid when you live up north). When I compare it to 2 others (not 40th's) I'm considering that are in amazing condition, but don't have F/R lockers, for roughly the same price, I have to say it's tempting to give up on my search for one with the F/R lockers.
 
For me.................rust means run! But having not seen the rust it may be a fine vehicle. Just know it is something you will need to correct with a POR15 type product...........easy to do............but factors into the cost equation. As to lockers.............my experience has been if they aren't used they don't work. I've never been unable to get them to work with some fiddling but fiddling will be required.

In your posts you haven't mentioned anything about knuckles. This is a very expensive maintenance item and top on the list of any land cruiser I look at. I believe shops charge $1200-1500 to re-do the front axle so again factor that into the equation. Its a total DIY item if you have space to get real dirty and can dedicate a day to getting it done.

Don't be too concerned with interior leather bits..........they are all old and tired..........so chances are sooner rather than later reskinning seats will be something you might need to do. Lots of options for that so I wouldn't consider the interior a deal breaker.

Good mechanicals, and little or no rust and you will have a winner.
 
Woodman said:
For me.................rust means run! But having not seen the rust it may be a fine vehicle. Just know it is something you will need to correct with a POR15 type product...........easy to do............but factors into the cost equation. As to lockers.............my experience has been if they aren't used they don't work. I've never been unable to get them to work with some fiddling but fiddling will be required.

In your posts you haven't mentioned anything about knuckles. This is a very expensive maintenance item and top on the list of any land cruiser I look at. I believe shops charge $1200-1500 to re-do the front axle so again factor that into the equation. Its a total DIY item if you have space to get real dirty and can dedicate a day to getting it done.

Don't be too concerned with interior leather bits..........they are all old and tired..........so chances are sooner rather than later reskinning seats will be something you might need to do. Lots of options for that so I wouldn't consider the interior a deal breaker.

Good mechanicals, and little or no rust and you will have a winner.
Click to expand...

Agreed! Make sure you expect to spend money on the front axle and make sure all the heater hoses and clamps have been replaced also. You at over 15 years old all of the major cooling lines needs to be replaced just because rubber degrades. It gets hard and breaks and if it breaks on these and you are driving you are more than likely are going to blow the head gasket if you don't watch the temperature gauge as you drive. And stay away from trucks from the snow areas. Stick with the south as far as getting a rig. More than likely it will have no rust.
 
Woodman said:
For me.................rust means run! But having not seen the rust it may be a fine vehicle. Just know it is something you will need to correct with a POR15 type product...........easy to do............but factors into the cost equation. As to lockers.............my experience has been if they aren't used they don't work. I've never been unable to get them to work with some fiddling but fiddling will be required.

In your posts you haven't mentioned anything about knuckles. This is a very expensive maintenance item and top on the list of any land cruiser I look at. I believe shops charge $1200-1500 to re-do the front axle so again factor that into the equation. Its a total DIY item if you have space to get real dirty and can dedicate a day to getting it done.

Don't be too concerned with interior leather bits..........they are all old and tired..........so chances are sooner rather than later reskinning seats will be something you might need to do. Lots of options for that so I wouldn't consider the interior a deal breaker.

Good mechanicals, and little or no rust and you will have a winner.
Click to expand...

Woodman,
Thanks so much for that reply - I'm still getting familiar with the "mechanicals" so I appreciate you bringing up the knuckles and providing insight to that. Very helpful!
 
galandcruiser97 said:
Agreed! Make sure you expect to spend money on the front axle and make sure all the heater hoses and clamps have been replaced also. You at over 15 years old all of the major cooling lines needs to be replaced just because rubber degrades. It gets hard and breaks and if it breaks on these and you are driving you are more than likely are going to blow the head gasket if you don't watch the temperature gauge as you drive. And stay away from trucks from the snow areas. Stick with the south as far as getting a rig. More than likely it will have no rust.
Click to expand...

Galandcruiser, this is also very helpful. I really do appreciate all the advice you all are providing. :cheers:
 
Amen on the coolant/bypass/heater hoses. They are all ready to be replaced. If you want to get picky you can hope they were replaced with OEM hoses and fittings...........but generally only a Mud vehicle will be so loved so expect napa hoses and banjo clips. And remember these petrified hoses are also underneath the truck and often neglected. They can blow as you barrel down the road and when it happens under the vehicle you won't see steam until it is too late.

Not creating a horror story for you.........cruisers are great I have 4 and love each of them.............just have to know the lay of the land to make an informed and reasonable decision when buying a used one. But you have found Mud so you are off to a good start. Between this forum and its members there aren't many stones that haven't already been turned.

Read, read, read..........and ask ask ask questions............soon you'll be able to take off your newbie diaper.
 
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