In the hunt for an 80/LX450

[AndrewTK]

Well after spending several weeks absorbing information from this forum, I have decided that I need an 80 series Cruiser in my life. I am currently driving an 03 S-10 ZR-2 (I surely will catch heat for that one, but it did serve its purpose), but it is going on the market and a Cruiser will take it's place. I have been looking locally (I live in West Virginia) and I have seen several for sale, particularly from John in Elkins, WV. I browsed through the posts that I found here about his business dealins as well as his Cruiser selection, but I have not seen/heard anything posted lately about transactions from his dealership. His shop is only 1.5 hours drive, so I plan on heading that way and checking out his selection in the next week or so, I will shoot some pics of what he has and maybe solicit some feedback from the great minds here on what he has to offer. At the moment I have narrowed my search to 95-97 80's or LX450's ( I know, the 450 is only 96-97). Hoping to get something south of 150,000 miles, and the deal will have to dictate whether or not I get one with lockers. Most of the time it seems as though factory locked rigs go for less than an open diff rig with some aftermarket ARB's, so I will see what I can find. The buyer's guides are very informative, and I have made a list of things to inspect on any Cruisers that I check out. I am also setting aside ~ 2,000 for some PM up front, seems as though that number should cover a lot of the "essential" PM jobs right up front. Look forward to hearing any new feedback on John at Autocraft. From what I read, communication after the sale is pretty lax, but my proximity to his shop might be an advantage. Not sold on buying from him, just know he has some Cruisers.

Oh, and

Thanks for the great forum guys.

 

[Filmpros]

Hi,


I purchased my LX-450 from John at Autocraft. It is one of the cleanest 80 Series vehciles I have seen to date and John madce sure it left teh lot with fresh brales, tires, fluids and even did a few other PM things I wanted taken care of.

John is a great guy and had no issues doing business with him. I have stayed in touch with him and would buy an other cruiser from him in a minute. I am at the top if his list ... or at least I better be ... for a low mileage locked 80 series that is ultra clean.

Well after spending several weeks absorbing information from this forum, I have decided that I need an 80 series Cruiser in my life. I am currently driving an 03 S-10 ZR-2 (I surely will catch heat for that one, but it did serve its purpose), but it is going on the market and a Cruiser will take it's place. I have been looking locally (I live in West Virginia) and I have seen several for sale, particularly from John in Elkins, WV. I browsed through the posts that I found here about his business dealins as well as his Cruiser selection, but I have not seen/heard anything posted lately about transactions from his dealership. His shop is only 1.5 hours drive, so I plan on heading that way and checking out his selection in the next week or so, I will shoot some pics of what he has and maybe solicit some feedback from the great minds here on what he has to offer. At the moment I have narrowed my search to 95-97 80's or LX450's ( I know, the 450 is only 96-97). Hoping to get something south of 150,000 miles, and the deal will have to dictate whether or not I get one with lockers. Most of the time it seems as though factory locked rigs go for less than an open diff rig with some aftermarket ARB's, so I will see what I can find. The buyer's guides are very informative, and I have made a list of things to inspect on any Cruisers that I check out. I am also setting aside ~ 2,000 for some PM up front, seems as though that number should cover a lot of the "essential" PM jobs right up front. Look forward to hearing any new feedback on John at Autocraft. From what I read, communication after the sale is pretty lax, but my proximity to his shop might be an advantage. Not sold on buying from him, just know he has some Cruisers.

Oh, and

Thanks for the great forum guys.

 

[josharre2000]

sent you a PM.

 

[ba450]

Good luck in your search and I am glad you are seeing clearly now! Welcome!

 

[LUV24BY]

Going to an 80 huh? From a Chevy ZR2? Wow, will your perception of things dramatically increase!

Oh, and WELCOME to the ADDICTION!



John

 

[177mph]

Ive got a nice 95 in Jersey for sale.

 

[scottm]

Nice pearl collectors edition I've lusted for. Don't know if it has lockers, but fairly low mileage.
1997 Toyota Land Cruiser Collectors Edition

 

[KurtKuhn]

I dealt with John in April 2007. His communication wasn't stellar before and after the sale, but nothing that persistence on your part can't make up for. He deals in cruisers over many states, and he seems to be networked at the "guy who deals in cruisers" in the wholesale market.

I would deal with John again. He is fairly knowledgeable about cruiser mechanicals, and was very patient with me as a newbie.

But, knowing what I know now about these machines, it would be challenging for us to see eye to eye on price since he tends to be on the high side.

That being said, give him a call. I'm sure he'd be glad to tell you what he has in inventory.

-KK

 

[cspencer175]

I think all collectors editions have lockers.

 

[scottm]

I think all collectors editions have lockers.

I think we've talked about that with 40ths and CEs, there are apparently some without. I nearly called to ask on this one, but don't want to give the seller too much optimism in case one of you wants to call.

 

[bpassmore]

Just ask for a picture of the door jamb sticker.
look for the coveted k294:

 

[nicholas]

I think all collectors editions have lockers.

This is incorrect.

 

[jhanley]

I've got a super clean 95 unlocked w/ 70k original miles. it's posted in the classifieds

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Welcome and good luck on your hunt

I actually passed up hundreds of filthy or unlocked 80's before I finally landed an ultra clean low mile Locked 97 TLC on the cheap

While searching, I found that the majority of the LX's were much cleaner and better maintained than the TLC's, but because of that little "L" on the grille, they demanded a bit more coin

 

[Right Turn Clyde]

West by God Virginia needs more decent 4x4s (I'm from Motown originally--go 'eers!).

I found a '96 LX locked in SLC. I watched quite a few for sale over 3mon. My feeling is you can get a better price from an individual who doesn't know these rigs (ie, not on Mud). Mine was from a resident who just started his MD practice. He bought it from a DDM in NY. All soccer mom and dentist miles, and well maintained. $6k. The gas price issue made dickering easier.

I agree on the LX comment. More glitz and less wheeling from previous owners. Good luck, and in my experience you would be doing well to find one w/ <150k mi, locked, for $6500. $7k is more the low norm.

BUT, I would add the Mud prices are better IF you want to build it and figure in the real dollars, as a pre-built one is a better deal.

 

[raymanrockz]

I am not sure if you are sold on the lx450 not or what, but here is an ad nearby west virginia...


1992 Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 3rd Seat Low Miles


and shop on mud's classifieds they have great deals and good parts.