Looking @ a 2009 200 Series

[oriz]

Hey Folks,

I'm a long time lurker on the 200 series forum. I'm learning a ton and have enjoyed following a number of your build threads. Thanks for making this a great resource to learn more about Land Cruisers.

I'm looking to upgrade from my 06 4-Runner Sport V6 to a 200 series. I have used the 4-runner for towing a center console that's close to 4500lbs as well as driving to and from a marina on the Chesapeake Bay. I need something bigger that will serve as a daily driver, family hauler, and a towing/fishing rig. I realize that 97k miles isn't a lot for a cruiser but I want to ensure its good shape so I can keep it for a long time.

The 09 is located in Richmond, VA (my hometown) with 97k miles on it. They are asking $35k for it.

I'm looking for some advice on what to look for when purchasing. It's a 1 owner local truck that has all of the maintenance records but I'm seeing some minor surface rust on the undercarriage. I did not see any records of the water pump being replaced. Is this something that should have been done for preventive issues down the road? I've added a few pics for you to review.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[oriz]

CV's

 

[LCHardriver_02]

Have you read this thread? KDSS valve rust- WARNING

You may want to look at that area, since you are seeing some surface rust.

 

[TonyP]

I'm also in the market for a 200 when I return from my deployment in the spring. Like @LCHardriver_02 said, the KDSS valve rust is an issue. Also seeping/leaking water pumps are a big one with the 5.7 V8. It would have a little while to go but around 140k miles seems to be the gray area for the starter to start having issues.

Also, you should be able to get a few thousand off that price. There are a few on cars.com for low 30k with fewer miles.

 

[oriz]

Guys - Thanks for the feedback. I'm still in the works of negotiating the price and I'm also looking to get additional close up shots of the KDSS while I'm out of town this week.

How much does the water pump replacement cost?

Any other advice would be appreciated.

Thanks again!

 

[Tripledave]

Water pump: about $600-$700 bucks. Also not a big deal to do yourself.

 

[oriz]

Thanks Tripledave. I'll keep everyone posted as things progress.

I appreciate the help.

 

[Markuson]

CV's View attachment 1186710 View attachment 1186711 View attachment 1186712 View attachment 1186713 View attachment 1186714 View attachment 1186710 View attachment 1186711 View attachment 1186713

Just for comparison:

I bought my perfectly clean, rust-free (heck...even DUST-free) 2008 with with a mere 48k miles on it for $39k in 2015. To me...an extra $5k is worth it for zero rust and half the miles.

The underside of my year-older...half-the-mileage machine makes that one look like a rust-bucket. Not to say that the one you posted looks terrible...but simply that I think you'd be surprised how "new" a vehicle you could find if you ventured into the salt-free regions of the country. Bought mine in southern California. Not kidding...it was literally perfect. People thought it was new.

 

[oriz]

Markuson - sounds like you found a very nice rig.

Do you think this is normal rust for its age and mid-Atlantic location or is this beyond normal?

I'm still trying to get a close-up shot of the KDSS. I'll be back home late Saturday so I'm just trying to as many pictures as possible while I continue to search in some rust free areas of the country as well.

Thanks again for your feedback.

 

[Markuson]

Markuson - sounds like you found a very nice rig.

Do you think this is normal rust for its age and mid-Atlantic location or is this beyond normal?

I'm still trying to get a close-up shot of the KDSS. I'll be back home late Saturday so I'm just trying to as many pictures as possible while I continue to search in some rust free areas of the country as well.

Thanks again for your feedback.

Honestly, I'm not sure for your area. I really just mean to suggest that it might be worth buying from a salt-free area to avoid rust. My 16 year old 100 series was rust free...because the sub-zero snow I drove through was never salted. Just thinking you could avoid it altogether if you are willing to drive...or fly south to a warmer market.

Beyond that...I'd likely be more worried about the rust you cannot see in photos...
Hopefully some guys from your region will chime in here.

 

[Yossarian]

Markuson - sounds like you found a very nice rig.

Do you think this is normal rust for its age and mid-Atlantic location or is this beyond normal?

I'm still trying to get a close-up shot of the KDSS. I'll be back home late Saturday so I'm just trying to as many pictures as possible while I continue to search in some rust free areas of the country as well.

Thanks again for your feedback.

oriz, the surface rust on the undercarriage is a known issue on the 200's. It was suggested a while back that we start a thread dedicated to the problem, but to the best of my knowledge that has not been done. Use search in the 200 section and you might find pictures related to the rust so you can compare to the prospective vehicle your thinking of purchasing.

My opinion is that is surface rust only on very stout heavy steel parts, not bad at all. Mine came from the rocky mountain west and has a fair bit, but the vulnerable body parts do not have a spec of rust, just the undercarriage and associated parts.

With so few 200's made, traveling for a model in a rust free area will make a small selection even smaller. That said, finding one like Markuson did for $5k more and half the miles I would make the trip for. Good luck.

 

[oriz]

Yossarian/Markuson - thanks again for the feedback.

I test drove it in the dark the first day they got it in on a trade and it rode great but I understand that serious rust is a big time problem.

I'm going to go take a serious look at it early next week. They are in the process of detailing it and sending me over pictures while I'm out of town.

The fact that it's the exact color combo that I want (white/tan) and 7 Miles from my house is a racking my brain.

I'll keep everyone posted.

 

[MScruiser]

@oriz , that looks fine to me. I had slightly less rust (only slightly) on my 200 I bought from Colorado. I have had no issues whatsoever. I was even able to get my KDSS open with a bit of heat and patience. I say go for it.

 

[oriz]

@MScruiser - Thanks for the feedback. I have really enjoyed your build over the last few months.

Enclosed are the KDSS valve pics he just sent me. Is this goign to be a problem should I want to add an OME suspension in the future?

 

[RTaylor]

If at a dealer, ask them to open the valve for you (3 turns of an allen wrench). Your pictures don't show the valve bolts, FYI. See here:http://www.ironman4x4.com/system/re...cy5wZGYiXV0/landcruiser_kdss_instructions.pdf

With my money, I would be looking for something further down I-95 or I-85 with less rust.

 

[oriz]

Thanks @RTaylor. I'm asking for pics of the valve open.

 

[steenh]

I agree... there are enough cruisers out there that with a little patience you'll find one with close to zero rust for comparable money. My 100 was a rusty mess underneath and while I didn't have any issues as a result over 6 years of ownership, I still wouldn't do it again. You can avoid it easy enough.

 

[MScruiser]

That does look a bit extra rusty. Maybe the other posters are right; you might want to find something cleaner.

Thanks for the props too!

 

[Markuson]

Question:

If this truck wasn't your preferred color...would you be inclined to start looking for another?

 

[oriz]

@Markuson - honestly I'm not sure.

I'm on my way home and I'm planning on stopping by the shop to look at it since it's been cleaned up on. Long term I don't want to deal with rust issues and I think I may want to upgrade the suspension due to towing my center console boat.

Once again I appreciate everyone's advice and insight.