Hi, potential Land Cruiser owner

[acf]

Hi,

I'm in the market for a '95-98 Land Cruiser. First, to display now much of an LC noob I am, I don'et even know what series it is.

Right now I'm negotiating on a '97 locallly and have a very low bid into another on eBay

Can anyone give me any advice or warnings about that generation of Cruisers? It would be much appreciated.

Also, would love your opinions on the one I bid on...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...&rd=1&item=2481909030&sspagename=STRK:MEBI:IT

Thanks!

p.s. If I'm not in the right series forum, please let me know. ;p

 

[tucker74]

You're in the right place - the FZJ80 model was from '93-'97 though, '98 is a UZJ100 (newer body style, IFS, V8). Check out this link - it should answer most of your questions.

Good luck!

Tucker

 

[MoJ]

acf -

welcome! Good looking cruiser you're bidding on. I just out bid you. Just kidding. Read up on front and rear locking differentials which was a factory option on the FZJ80.

-Jason

 

[Beowulf]

acf,

What are the plans for the cruiser over the next couple of years after you get it?

-B-

 

[cruiserman]

You might do a little research before you start throwing money around . Investigate the health of the cooling system.

 

[e9999]

welcome!
and yes, as everybody knows, 97 and 03 are the best years for LCs...!
E

 

[semlin]

what do you intend to do with your landcruiser?

 

[acf]

Thanks for the replies.

I plan on using it as a family vehicle first. Then who knows but I don't anticipate much off-roading. I acutally have done a good bit of research but not being much of a DIYer, much of the mechanical stuff is a little foreign to me. I do know that the one I'm looking into locally has had some seals replaced. Apparently a common problem as these get up in miles...? Luckily it has been locally serviced so I got the entire maint./repair history from the dealer.

 

[Beowulf]

acf,

Since this board is oriented toward the off-road enthusiasts we generally point prospective owners toward the vehicles with the factory diff lock option. If "then who knows" means you have some plans to get the truck dirty in a couple of years then you will be kicking yourself in a few years for not looking around until you find one with diff locks.

If "then who knows" means you'll be rigging it with a tubo charger, HP street tyres, powder coated 18" alloy rims, DVD video, rear curtains, and high end sound systems then PM Tyler for tricks and tips on turning a perfectly capable expedition rig into a pimpmobile.



-B-

 

[acf]

acf,

Since this board is oriented toward the off-road enthusiasts we generally point prospective owners toward the vehicles with the factory diff lock option. "Then who knows" generally means you have some plans to get the truck dirty in a couple of years. If so, then you will be kicking yourself in a few years for not looking around until you find one with diff locks. If "then who knows" means you'll be rigging it with a tubo charger, HP street tyres, powder coated 18" alloy rims, DVD video, rear curtains, and high end sound systems then PM Tyler for tricks and tips on turning a perfectly capable expedition rig into a pimpmobile.



-B-

LOL!

"Then who knows" is definitely more the former than the latter. I can't see the diff locks being a big factor compared to safety , reliability, and interior space.

You guys have been great so far but do you think I'd be better served to find a more "recreational" LC forum.

 

[Beowulf]

>> safety , reliability, and interior space <<

These are standard on the 95 to 97 80s (air bags and ABS), all 100s, and all LX's.

However, the diff locks were only available on a few vehicles.

-B-

 

[e9999]

as far as finding a more recreational forum, there might be something to that. I am sometimes wondering if we don't end up just getting each other senselessly paranoid about the potential problems that could happen to the rigs, not to mention distraught by the seemingly endless river of weird failures happening to the other guys. Of course, I am sticking around cuz this is a good crowd and most helpful but I thing the image we may be painting of the cruzahs may be a bit distorted...
E

 

[thorvald]

might want to check out www.mallpimpcruisers.com

other cruiser forums? this is the only one worth spending time at, in my opinion.
making a good choice in getting a cruiser. Far as lockers go its an expensive upgrade later but at time of purchase wont cost you any more than a fzj80 without them.

 

[acf]

might want to check out www.mallpimpcruisers.com

other cruiser forums? this is the only one worth spending time at, in my opinion.
making a good choice in getting a cruiser. Far as lockers go its an expensive upgrade later but at time of purchase wont cost you any more than a fzj80 without them.

Thx, but link doesn't seem to work.

 

[e9999]

site only works from a computer with a chromed keyboard...!

E

 

[acf]

Ok, getting close to closing the deal on one locally. It has 100K miles, 1 owner, serviced at a local dealer, never off-road, and garaged all its life. He had it on eBay for $17,500, then decided to sell it locally for $14,500. I made an offer of $13,500 and he said we could "work something out". My guess is I get it for $14k. Would really appreciate some expert opinions. Here are a few pics. (sorry 56kers!)

Thanks!

 

[Beowulf]

In my expert opinion, that is a nearly stock, white, 97 Toyota Land Cruiser. It has a POS port installed rack and an aftermarket towing platform.

Send Christo a blank check and he'll get that thing outfitted properly.
-B-

 

[e9999]

97 with 100K and all service records (if show good service), looks OK, 14K sounds OK to me, good platform to work with or leave as is
E

 

[acf]

In my expert opinion, that is a nearly stock, white, 97 Toyota Land Cruiser. It has a POS port installed rack and an aftermarket towing platform.

Send Christo a blank check and he'll get that thing outfitted properly.
-B-

Try to look at it through the eyes of a guy who's most rugged car to date is a Lexus LS400.

Oh and what's a "POS port installed rack"?

And is an aftermarket towing platform necessarily bad?

 

[Big_Moose]

acf

It looks like a great value for a 97 w/100K and fully dealer maintained.

-> And of course - White Cruisers Rule / Green Cruisers Drool

If you like the cruiser ............. get it

"POS port installed rack", Mr. B is just stating that the "piece of ***" roof rack (due to its affinity with rust / moisture collection underneath mounting points) was installed on-shore here in the states, at the port of call, rather then at the Araco factory.

Joe