craigslist FS: 2006 Land Cruiser, 198k, factory AHC delete - $9,500

No affiliation with this seller, but I checked out this rig a few weeks back and saw the price has dropped further:

Facebook Marketplace post (at $9.5k as of 7/27/18): 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser - Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles - Belmont, California - Marketplace | Facebook

It looks like the Craigslist post has expired, but it’s also posted on OfferUp. Owner has been trying to sell it for *months* and originally priced it at $13k, from what I can find. I checked it out and it has its share of issues: dirty interior, one missing third-row seat, odd coolant sludge in the engine bay, unclear timing belt history. I didn’t inspect it too closely as I just didn’t get a good vibe buying for my needs (it’s more of a project than I’m looking for), but happy to answer any questions I can. For $9.5k, I’m sure someone is willing to take a gamble.

*EDIT* Turns out the Craigslist post is still live at the old price: https://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/d/land-cruiser-2006-v8/6627676934.html. For reference, I checked it out when it was priced at $11k on 6/30.

 

[2001LC]

When you say "odd coolant sludge" what do you mean? And where exactly was it? Color of sludge?
Any rust?
Any accident in history?

 

[GTS550]

When you say "odd coolant sludge" what do you mean? And where exactly was it? Color of sludge?
Any rust?
Any accident in history?

There was an odd pool of coolant/sludge (green? orange? I don't remember the exact color) in the little valley underneath where the upper radiator hose connects to the engine (to the thermostat?). Much of it looked like it had been there a while, but it was still somewhat "wet" on top, so I'm not sure how recently it had accumulated. When I pointed it out to the owner, he mentioned there had been a coolant leak some time back, but that it was addressed by a local service station. If the sludge was a result of that old leak, it seems weird to me that a shop wouldn't clean that up with a rag.

No rust that I noticed, but then again I'm used to Upper Midwest-level rust and nothing stood out to me. From what I saw on the AutoCheck report, this has been an Arizona and California rig, so I wouldn't expect any rust.

I don't recall asking the owner about accident history since he's owned it such a short period of time -- he bought it from a Sacramento-area dealership in early 2016 at 136k -- and AutoCheck/Carfax reports don't indicate any accidents.

Also, since I've already done the research, VIN is JTEHT05J562090332.

 

[GTS550]

Posting more research I did so someone else buys it and prevents me from getting tempted to just pick it up.

Port- or factory-installed equipment:

• FE 50 State Emissions
  Factory
• GY Curtain and Side Airbags (1st and 2nd Row Curtain Shield Airbags) with Roll Sensor and Drive and Front Passenger Side Airbags
  Factory
• NV Navigation System Includes
  Factory
• RR Roof Rack & Running Board Package
  Factory

Also attaching the Carfax report I ran.

 

[GTS550]

Indulging my curiosity: Did anyone else go check out or buy this truck? What did you think?

*EDIT* Coincidentally, looks like price is now dropped to $8,500: Land cruiser 2006 V8

 

[sacmaster]

That thing should've sold quick. Must be something wrong with it.

 

[ranma21]

Yea something is up for sure. I texted the owner while back too and he said all maintenance is up to date yet major maintenance such as water and timing belt has not been done. History does not reflects that from Toyota as well. I think the owner just drive it up to this point then sell it so next owner can eat up the maintenance bills. Clearly not a well maintained cruiser to my standard.

 

[GXO]

Coolant in the valley is a failing water pump. Likely not had the timing belt done either. Just tack $1500 onto whatever you pay for it to catch that up unless you can turn a wrench.

 

[minikabab]

I am the unfortunate guy who bought it!

Long story short, I saw the add and went to buy. As I was I reached there and was about to check the car, another potential buyer showed up. He was trying to get into bidding, hence I had to made a decision without detailed inspection. I thought body is straight and no rust, shall be fine!

Oh boy, I was wrong. After buying, got he oil changed and went to Vegas with family. On our way back when after pumping gas, when I fired the engine it sounded like a tractor and then sounded normal. In next 2 miles engine over heated and had to flat bed to my home.

Since 2018, truck is sitting with bad engine on my driveway. I am assuming that it will need a new engine or a rebuild.

 

[patrickhrco]

That’s terrible. Sorry that happened.

 

[vipergrhd]

I could be wrong but it sounds like it was a set up for the other person to show up while you were there didn't sound like a coincidence. What are your plans for the vehicle?
When I go inspect a vehicle that I'm potentially buying I make sure that I'm the only one there during the deal and asking questions. Having too many hands in the cookie jar at the same time is not good when you are making decisions.

I am the unfortunate guy who bought it!

Long story short, I saw the add and went to buy. As I was I reached there and was about to check the car, another potential buyer showed up. He was trying to get into bidding, hence I had to made a decision without detailed inspection. I thought body is straight and no rust, shall be fine!

Oh boy, I was wrong. After buying, got he oil changed and went to Vegas with family. On our way back when after pumping gas, when I fired the engine it sounded like a tractor and then sounded normal. In next 2 miles engine over heated and had to flat bed to my home.

Since 2018, truck is sitting with bad engine on my driveway. I am assuming that it will need a new engine or a rebuild.