Help with evaluating a 91 3-door VX (1 Viewer)

[MarkC]

Hi,

I've noticed this 91 3-door 70 series for sale near me, and it has captured my interest.

1991 Toyota Landcruiser VX Turbo For Sale By Auction

Rare 3-door passenger VX model with chrome wheels and flared wheel archesHighly original throughoutNCT valid until May 2025The AppealThe...

www.carandclassic.com

But I've never owned a Land Cruiser before, never mind a 70 series. This one has the 2.4-Litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine with a manual transmission.

Is there anything notable about this model/engine combo that I should be wary of? I would be using this as my primary car. However, I don't drive to work, so really, it would just be a weekend/run-about car with the kids and dog.

140k miles is low enough, but given its age am I likely to have reliability issues? Are parts still easy enough to find for these?

All basic questions I know, but thank for any adive.

 

[coldtaco]

Read up on the 2LT-E engine. JDM models generally will have head issues due to the egr system.

 

[OGBeno]

**Never** make a gray market, non-US, 30 year old truck your primary vehicle.

Buy a Prius or a Corolla.

 

[Eurasiaoverland]

Read up on the 2LT-E engine. JDM models generally will have head issues due to the egr system.

This is not a JDM model and does not have an EGR system.

Nice simple Landcruiser with the later SOHC 2L-T. Not a powerful engine but good enough. Cooling system needs to be in top condition as these engines are prone to cracking cylinder heads when overheated, but genuine and aftermarket cylinder heads are still available, so not the end of the world if it does.

It has spent years in the UK and Ireland which are cool and damp with salted roads in winter so corrosion is likely to be an issue, though it looks fairly clean.

 

[jmylie]

Nice looking vehicle.

As stated, search 2LT on this forum. There are reports of engine cooling issues, I've not had an issue with my LJ77 but a friend with the same engine has had cooling issues.

Mine was origianlly from Spain and now has over 350,000 km or 217,000 miles and no issues with cooling.

It is driven almost every other day, so not quite a daily driver. I did drive from TN back to CT about 850 miles, stopping just for fuel and food breaks, running the speed limit, 65 to 70 mph and sometimes a bit more. It was a 14 hr trip.

Check it over and good luck should you purchase it.

 

[grubscrew]

Looks good to me….just have a creeper trolley and have a look underneath.

 

[JuanJ]

Hello,

The hazard light switch gives it away as a European spec truck. That red button, is it for an aftermarket air conditioning system?

The engine seems to have emissions control equipment.

It is supposed to be a 12V truck. However, there are two batteries. What is the second battery setup?

In old age, sunroofs develop leaks. It is important to check.

It is very important to check the underside, frame and drive train for corrosion.





Juan

 

[Eurasiaoverland]

The hazard light switch gives it away as a European spec truck. That red button, is it for an aftermarket air conditioning system?

And the rear fog light, mandatory in Europe. The page says the red button is for spotlights.

The engine seems to have emissions control equipment.

I don't see it, and a 1991 LJ70 should not have an EGR system

It is supposed to be a 12V truck. However, there are two batteries. What is the second battery setup?

They are wired in parallel, part of the 'cold spec, package along with a fuel heater in the filter head and super glow system.

In old age, sunroofs develop leaks. It is important to check.

It is very important to check the underside, frame and drive train for corrosion.

Great tips

 

[Fishbulb]

I lived in IRL for 4 years and have imported Irish vehicles….. they do not like to perform maintenance on the island and corrosion is in fact a major issue. There’s usually a reason the vehicles are exported…

 

[MarkC]

Wow folks, thank you for all the really insightful tips and recommendations. I’ve learned loads from just this thread. Thanks again

Regarding the level of recent maintenance this comment worries me that little has been done recently

“In recent years, the car has been dry stored, and only taken out for the odd sunny drive.”

I believe this car is local to me, so even though this is an online auction I do hope to go see it