Common repairs for 180k miles

[MTW2]

Hi all,
I am considering buying a LC though I am split between the 80 (interested in 95-97) and the 100 (98-01). For the 100: how reliable is this car at say 180k miles? What are the most common repairs/ trouble areas and what are the cost to repair those approximately?
Thank you in advance
Martin

 

[hedydd]

The front diff is a bit weak on early 100 series but this is not mileage related.

Most potential problems depend on the use to which the Cruiser has been put and on the driver and maintenance.
My 98 100 series diesel has been largely trouble free apart from minor things like roll-bar [sway-bar] drop link bushes, one rear wheel bearing some years ago, a silencer hole that needed patching last year, a couple of bolts that sheared holding the auxiliary viscous heater unit, steering motors [which I've not bothered repairing] and a couple of brake light globes.

One front fog lamp has internal water damage and the driver's seat belt is slow to retract.

That's about it as far as I can remember. No major repairs at all.

The harder and more intensively it has been used on washboard roads, off-road, towing and carrying, the more suspension bushes, wear and tear on everything you will find. Also unsympathetic drivers can wreck the best of vehicles in a very short time, while better drivers will make the same vehicle driven in the same general conditions last almost indefinitely.

Rust can be an issue on these vehicles. Especially if driven on beaches or dipped in the sea and, to a lesser extent, where road salt is spread. The body is usually fine but check the chassis and fuel filler pipe and so on.

 

[Kigiin]

I am at 166k miles as original owner and the most recent problem was broken ignition. Other than that I would look at CVs and ensure the 90k service has been done. Agree on the rust thing too. Oh, and starter contacts may be due.

 

[coveboy]

I'm at 180k now on mine, and I would suggest to check the CV's for sure, 90k service should be done (again) before 200k miles, all your fluids, and if the alternator is original, I know mine personally just went out, so I'd look into upgrading that also. Suspension will be worn out also.
Here's what I've been quoted (this includes labor):
CV's-$400-500
90k (timing belt, WP, and fluids changed)-$800-900
Alternator-$500
Suspension-$400-600

Although this may seem like a lot, these are all just worst case scenario type things. Honestly, if 90k service has been done at least once, you should be good for 250k miles easy. And CV's may be just fine, along with alternator or starter contacts. Suspension will probably be worn out, but it will last a bit if you don't do much towing or washboard style roads. Oh, and if looking at those year 100 series, I'd definitely try to get one with the rear locker

 

[MTW2]

Thanks - it is actual impressive that nothing else really goes wrong commonly - not bad at all. Yes a rear diff lock would be my preference but they seem much more rare than the diff locks in the LC 80 - soo traction control might need to suffice.

 

[corleykj]

My sister had a 98 and bought it from our next door neighbor (they bought it new). It went to 240K miles with only the apps or tps sensor issue. The cruiser was bulletproof. I just bought a 99 yesterday because of her experience. Mine has 170K miles and I know it had a front diff replaced, had the bearings repacked in the front, new CV boots, and timing belt, 90K mile service, 30K mile service (at 120K and 150K respectively). The cruiser is...WAS a one owner and is in GREAT shape.
I think you will be very happy! My antenna motor is broken, so I need to mess with that.