Land Cruiser Purchase Help

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Viathan

Viathan

10 Year
Joined
Apr 27, 2015
Threads
1
Messages
4
Hi All, I am in the market for a Land Cruiser and need some help deciding what would be best for the local options I found. From all my research (over the past 9 months or so) I would like to steer towards a 2003 or newer so I can have the better engine and some of the updated features.

I want a nice overland rig to travel from AZ to some of the state parks around the country and also the ability to do trails in AZ and UT. That is why I chose a 100 series. I am a big Jeep fan and am also looking at a 2012 MW3 Rubi but from what I hear, there is no comparison between the comfort of the Land Cruiser and a Rubi (similar gas mileage too after a 3" on the Jeep). I decided that if I do get a Cruiser I will put a blueberry or ARB bumper on, 2" heavy lift and 33" tires. I found one in Tucson all done by Slee but it is quite expensive compared to the others I found.

I guess what I need help on is which would be best, getting one all done (is the $28k a good price for what I would get?) or can I get a better bang for my buck by going with the older ones with more miles and do the upgrades to them? The LX470 comes with the height control which would be extra money for me to remove. Stock, the Rubi is the best price because I can get it for $7k under KBB but again, not as comfortable for my family to drive long distances.


2004 Toyota Land Cruiser—$28,999
70k Miles
Slee lift
ARB front bumper
Slee dual battery
Slee sliders
New tires
Nav
Slee roof rack
All mods made in Colorado by Slee
http://www.pretoy.com/used/Toyota/2004-Toyota-Land+Cruiser-b88fb7360a0a0065040020d83b694039.htm

2005 LX470—$18,994
133k Miles
Stock
http://www.coulteroncamelback.com/V..._470-4dr_SUV-Phoenix-AZ/2461074963?cs:o=49279

2000 Land Cruiser—$9,250
172,690K Miles
https://www.libertycarsandtrucks.com/2000-Toyota-Land-Phoenix-AZ-3324

2001 Land Cruiser—$11,995
184,688K Miles
http://www.fourseasonsmotorcompany.com/web/4089/vehicle/20624250/2001-Toyota-Land Cruiser
 
I would certainly take the opportunity to drive the one in Tucson that's built even if it's just to determine if you like the ride with the upgrades it has.

So many guys like the "idea" of all the built cruiser has to offer only to struggle with fine tuning the ride.

Go drive it and compare to one of the other stock rigs. If it fits your needs and budget then start negotiating.
 
Slee'ed rig. My choice.
 
If you want all the armor right off the bat, the newer LC seems like the way to go. If you want to slow build and use off-road occasionally, the 2005 LX seems like one to consider.

The 2000 seems like a budget buy, Might be a good buy if it doesn't need any maint or repairs.
 
If I got the budget way, when I look and ride in the 2000 or 2001, is there anything I should really look for that would need fixing right off the bat?
 
Of the 100's linked to, the 2005 is the one I would seriously consider. While I have no doubt the 2004 is slick, that is awfully spendy for a 2004.
The 2000 model was in multiple accidents with the last reported incident noting extensive damage to the rear end.
The 2001 appears ok. The first approximately 60,000 miles were in Montana so I would want to see frame rail pics.
The 2005 being a 1 owner with extensive records and the entire ownership taking place in Arizona looks quite promising. You also gain a 5sp transmission and Bluetooth.
 
The LX470 was my choice in terms of amenities to the vehicle and price. The big thing for me was the extra I would have to spend taking the air suspension part out to add a 2" lift.

I was told by a few people to go 2000 or newer due to the 4 pinion dif and A-TRAC. Originally I was looking at 98-99 for the factory rear e-locker. Other places, I read that the 99 got a 4 pinion. Would the one on Craigslist have the older 2 pinion? I have heard horror stories of those failing on people...
 
BudgetLC said:
The 2004 has been in a recent accident which I would want more info on before I spent that kind of money.
Click to expand...

^^^^ I would certainly stay away from the '04 with that information. Especially at that price.

Still a good opportunity to drive one loaded up.
 
Viathan said:
If I got the budget way, when I look and ride in the 2000 or 2001, is there anything I should really look for that would need fixing right off the bat?
Click to expand...

If you are buying over 100k miles. Check for steering rack, CV boots, AHC operation, ignition cylinder (if older), timing belt & water pump. And immediately I'd change the heater hose T's and thermostat for cheap reliability. Those things can add up if not done and can make a low sales price seem high.
 
My understanding is that the 99's have the 2 pinion but depending on what type of off-roading your planning, you might want to put in a front locker no matter what year you get!
 
The LX has a 2" lift - put the "air suspension" in High...;)

If you're not planning on adding a ton of weight, you can keep the AHC in an LX by swapping to LC rear springs and torsion bars.

That 2005 is really, really nice...

Viathan said:
The LX470 was my choice in terms of amenities to the vehicle and price. The big thing for me was the extra I would have to spend taking the air suspension part out to add a 2" lift.

I was told by a few people to go 2000 or newer due to the 4 pinion dif and A-TRAC. Originally I was looking at 98-99 for the factory rear e-locker. Other places, I read that the 99 got a 4 pinion. Would the one on Craigslist have the older 2 pinion? I have heard horror stories of those failing on people...
Click to expand...
 
If I am reading the parts catalog correctly, looks like you can order the complete differential assembly for around $1400-1500 online. I believe that Toyota only sells the 4 pinion design now since these are for the 1998-2002 models. I have debated about doing this upgrade for my 99 but I might see if I can source a used one from a 2000-2002.
 
Viathan said:
The LX470 was my choice in terms of amenities to the vehicle and price. The big thing for me was the extra I would have to spend taking the air suspension part out to add a 2" lift.

I was told by a few people to go 2000 or newer due to the 4 pinion dif and A-TRAC. Originally I was looking at 98-99 for the factory rear e-locker. Other places, I read that the 99 got a 4 pinion. Would the one on Craigslist have the older 2 pinion? I have heard horror stories of those failing on people...
Click to expand...


for the record, it's not an air suspension; it's hydraulic.
 
I am kicking around selling my built '07. 75k (+/-), ARB, Warn 9500, Slee rear with tire carrier, rails, customer roof rack, LED interior lights, driving lights, 33 Nitto TG's, etc. Please PM me if interested
 
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