I want to buy a 2014 Land Cruiser

[cgseanp]

Good Morning everyone!
My wife and I are considering a Land Cruiser as our next vehicle. We need to upgrade to a larger capacity vehicle and tow a trailer so the LC seemed like a good choice, plus we found one locally for sale. It’s priced at $45k, it has 70k miles and seems to be in excellent shape.

- Is 45k a fair price for this year and mileage, assuming it’s in as good of shape as claimed?

- I’ve been doing research on mechanical issues with these, and everything says they are extremely reliable. Is there anything we should check out that is know to cause problems? Electrical or mechanical?
My wife is slightly concerned on the “higher” mileage and “higher” price for not having any type of warranty. I’m not as concerned, but some of the high tech features worry me as a potential $$$ should they go bad.

We currently have a 2017 Tundra which we’re keeping, so this would fit right in. I was considering the new Highlander but the towing capacity isn’t close to the LC, and it’s obviously not anywhere as “cool”.

We aren’t big off-roaders, but I value that ability to be able to go off road. Anyways, thanks for reading. And sorry if this is the wrong forum or been asked a million times..

Sean

 

[tominboise]

In November of 2017 I bought a 2008 with 69K miles on it for $35k. I paid a premium for the low miles. I don't believe 70k miles is high mileage on these vehicles. As far as any issues, you'd have to search the forum for the common problems. There aren't many, but there are a few. Of course, most enthusiast forums tend to highlight the good and the bad of any particular model vehicle, so take what you read with a grain of salt. Mine has been fine and now has 95k miles on it. All I've done maintenance wise is to gradually change all the fluids.

Probably the thing to look at closely is the radiator, to see if the top tank is cracked. Other issues like failing starter or intake valley pan leaks would manifest themselves at higher mileage. This assumes normal care and maintenance has been performed by the original owner, and they haven't beaten the hell out of it.

 

[TLC2013]

I picked up my 2013 for $41k with 80,000 miles 6 months ago. It was a one owner CA car with service records. The radiator Is a common trouble spot and I replaced mine after only a few months once it started developing the typical crack. Wasn’t leaking but chose to replace it as my wife drives it. I noticed that price comparison to a LX570 is around $5k more for land cruiser with similar miles. I was set on the land cruiser so kept looking for the newest one with the best service history. Drove 3 before finding the right one. 2013+added some newer more modern tech features and upgraded crawl control. The ventilated seats are a nice addition.
We also looked at the highlander, lx460 and sequoia. The land cruiser is in a whole another class, no comparison after driving testing them all. Only gripe is the MPGs and smallish fuel tank.

 

[odinskind]

I'd suggest looking at the KDSS pump. Just make sure the valves aren't horrendously rusted (even with lots of rust people have been able to bring their pump valves back from the dead with patience). In short, KDSS is a hydraulic system that controls sway bar disconnection. At some point, you will have suspension work done, and if the pump valves are crazy rusted then it could result in some pricey repairs. Its definitely something to check on if you plan on doing any aftermarket suspension upgrades as well. KDSS is all over this forum so just search for it and you'll find a ton of information. if you do pull the trigger on a LC then I suggest one of the first things you do is grease those valves to prevent costly problems.

Also the SAIP system has given some people problems (same on tundras too). There is a kit sold by Hewitt that will eliminate this problem. I had the problem and bought the kit but never installed it. My system just started working again...

 

[RET2]

I'd suggest looking at the KDSS pump. Just make sure the valves aren't horrendously rusted (even with lots of rust people have been able to bring their pump valves back from the dead with patience). In short, KDSS is a hydraulic system that controls sway bar disconnection. At some point, you will have suspension work done, and if the pump valves are crazy rusted then it could result in some pricey repairs. Its definitely something to check on if you plan on doing any aftermarket suspension upgrades as well. KDSS is all over this forum so just search for it and you'll find a ton of information. if you do pull the trigger on a LC then I suggest one of the first things you do is grease those valves to prevent costly problems.

Also the SAIP system has given some people problems (same on tundras too). There is a kit sold by Hewitt that will eliminate this problem. I had the problem and bought the kit but never installed it. My system just started working again...

Sorry, there is NO KDSS pump and they are just screws not valves.

 

[grinchy]

For Sale - Most recent 200 Series purchase prices

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[odinskind]

Regardless what you want to call it, the "NO KDSS pump" looks like this.. well this is what you don't want it to look like. and the two valves... screws, twisty-thingy-mabobers are pictured as well.

 

[Sandroad]

I assume there is a family involved because otherwise you'd be towing with the Tundra. The 200 is a great towing/family/reliable/comfortable/go-anywhere vehicle and you won't regret going from a Tundra to a LC for family towing trips (assuming your trailer is within a reasonable weight). There is, however, more to pricing a vehicle than "shape". You need to make sure it's not a "lipstick on a pig" vehicle and check for accident/flood history as well as service and repair records. Due diligence and test drive......then check back here with what you have questions about.